Cursed Lycan's Scarred Mate
Chapter 92: Council gathering [2]

Chapter 92: Council gathering [2]

Lady Morgana wasn’t fond of the exchange between the two Coven Masters. As rivals of many years, it was difficult to reason with them. Orion was much too arrogant and confident in his approaches and Eldric was too staunch in the old ways.

It would be a miracle if the two were able to meet halfway in the middle on neutral grounds.

"A wisk you’re willing to undergo with your life at stake?" Lord Eldric retorted, slamming his hands on the table as he stood up. It was uncharacteristic to watch him lose his composure and Orion gained satisfaction from watching him crack under pressure. "You are reckless to a ridiculous degree, Fellspire."

Orion shrugged indifferently.

And deciding that she’d listened to far too much of their banter, Lady Morgana interjected.

"We will not gamble with Vivian’s life," she argued. "This is not a matter of pride or proving who is the strongest among us. The Triune Circle distributes the burden across all three of us, minimising the risk to both the casters and the subject."

"Assuming we can maintain perfect harmony throughout the ritual," Orion muttered with a snort, but he did not press the point further to agitate Lady Morgana.

Eldric sighed heavily, his posture relaxing slightly as he seated himself again. "If we go forward with the Triune Circle, we’ll need to prepare thoroughly. The ritual must be conducted on sacred ground, away from any interference. And Vivian, she must be ready. Does she understand what’s at stake?"

Lady Morgana stilled from drumming her fingers on the table. Although she’d clearly stated the risks and possible consequences to Vivian before, there wasn’t anything she could truly do that would effectively prepare the she-wolf for the worst possible outcome.

There was no guarantee that the binding ritual would be successful.

There was no guarantee that the three Coven Masters would succeed at stabilising the Umbrafyre curse.

And for reasons unknown, none of them wanted to cross Alaric’s path

Lady Morgana’s expression softened a moment later, just slightly, which was an unusual thing to witness from her. "She understands enough. But this is not just about her. This curse is a remnant of a dark time, and it must not be allowed to spread. If we fail, it’s not just Vivian who will suffer."

Orion raised an eyebrow, leaning forward. "Speaking of preparations, do we have the necessary components? The bloodstone crystal, phoenix ash, and wyrm’s breath are not exactly easy to come by."

"The bloodstone is already in my possession," Morgana said, leaning back in her chair with her arms folded under her bosom. "The Phoenix ash will be delivered by nightfall by one of my Wickans. As for the wyrm’s breath... Eldric?" She looked in the Ashenhold Coven Master’s direction expectantly.

Lord Eldric nodded. "I have it secured. But gathering these components is only the beginning. The synchronisation of our magic will be the true challenge. We cannot afford even the smallest mistake." He cast a warning glare in Orion’s direction and the youngster rolled his eyes.

Orion leaned forward again, his expression unusually serious. "If we’re doing this, we’ll need to establish clear roles. Who anchors the circle? Who channels the seal? And who stabilises the energy flow?"

And for once, Lord Eldric saw reason to commend Orion for what little sensibility he possessed. It was important for them to establish their roles according to their capabilities. Otherwise, the Triune circle binding ritual could backfire in a horribly wrong way.

"I will anchor," Morgana volunteered without hesitation. "My connection to Vivian isn’t as strong as we need but I have more of an establishment with her than the two of you. Eldric, you will stabilise. Your magic is the most consistent. Orion, you’ll channel the seal."

Orion smirked faintly, rubbing his chin with his forefingers. "Of course, you’d put me in the most dangerous position."

"You’re the most adaptable," Morgana countered, glowering at him. "And the most skilled at handling volatile magic. Are you saying you can’t do it?" She mocked, striking his pride at the point it irked him most.

Orion was infamous for his modernised spellcraft, thus very well sought out by those in high ranking.

It would be a low blow to his pride if he didn’t live up to his expectations.

"I didn’t say that," Orion replied smoothly with a forced smile. "Just making sure you know what you’re asking of me."

Eldric cleared his throat and spoke firmly, "Then it’s settled. We proceed with the Triune Circle. But we must be cautious. One misstep, and we risk everything."

Everything was at stake.

The three Coven Masters were not just bargaining with Vivian’s life, but their own as well.

To fail in this attempt would herald the start of a great calamity.

One that neither Wickans nor shifters or any other creatures were prepared to face.

Knowing the burdens that would follow through, Lady Morgana’s magenta eyes burnt with determination. "We have no choice but to succeed. Vivian’s life depends on it... and so does the balance of magic itself."

The three Coven Masters exchanged solemn glances, accepting the weight of whatever would come next.

There was no room for failure.

***

Giving the brief rundown of the discussion of the Council meeting between herself and her two allies, Lady Morgana regarded Vivian with concern.

The she-wolf was awfully silent the entire time. She didn’t even utter a word to query about the ritual that was decided upon. Her gaze was distant and forlorn and noticing her state, the Lycan wrapped his arm around her from behind as a way of comfort.

"I understand that it is much to digest and process, Vivian," Lady Morgana expressed with understanding, releasing a heavy sigh. "And as much as I wish not to rush you to make a decision, we cannot delay the ritual any further if you choose it. It needs to be conducted before Umbrafyre spirals out of control."

When she’d first arrived, Lady Morgana had laid out the future quite clearly before her. Vivian was given ample time to consider her fate and whether she wanted to proceed with binding the curse to her body or not.

She couldn’t delay her decision any further.

If there was even the slightest chance that Lady Morgana’s procedure would be successful, Vivian was willing to undergo the risks.

In that way, she would not be compelled to be obedient to Alaric.

She would no longer be collared under his influence.

In fact, if the binding ritual was successful, Vivian reckoned that she’d be able to confess to Ronan about her niece’s situation.

Undoubtedly, the Lycan Alpha would be powerful enough to confront Alaric and rescue her niece on her behalf.

Ronan would do that much for her, wouldn’t he?

"What are you thinking so deeply about, princess?" The Lycan whispered in her ear, his voice low and soothing as she leaned back against the bars. "Are you afraid of the outcome? Whatever you decide, Ronan and I will not pressure you to do otherwise."

His words were enough to console Vivian, but she could not control her fears.

She could not control the myriad of doubts and worries that weighed heavily on her shoulders.

"I would like...one more day to think it through," Vivian requested, inhaling a deep breath to calm her racing nerves. "Forgive me for being so selfish. I...am not yet prepared for this."

Understanding her perspective, Lady Morgana would dare not force Vivian into making a decision hastily. One, she very well knew Vivian was hesitant and afraid and two, the Lycan Alpha would tear her to shreds if she instigated a rushed decision from his mate.

"I will give you one more day as you wish." Lady Morgana convened, nodding. "Tomorrow this time, I will need your answer. For now, it is better to rest and gather your thoughts. Later in the evening, I will come to explain the binding ritual to guide your decision better."

Vivian nodded gratefully.

"Lady Morgana, one more thing," Vivian called after the Coven Leader,, who turned around to take her leave. "Release my...mate, please."

They Lycan Alpha’s gaze widened with unexpectancy.

It was the first time Vivian had addressed him as her mate.

Normally, Lady Morgana would be adamant and refuse but she’d come to learn that Vivian was fairly stubborn.

If she didn’t know any better, she assumed the she-wolf might even fight her if she didn’t release Ronan.

With a deep sigh, Lady Morgana signalled for one of the Wickan Guards on duty to unlock the dungeon cell.

The Lycan Alpha emerged from his confinement, immediately gathering Vivian’s petite body into his arms. He’d missed the warm feeling of her body against his too much, the scent of her hair, and the sweet rise and fall of her chest as her heart had beaten steadily or rapidly at times.

It wasn’t long before he embraced his human skin, shifting back into a man.