Butler Charleston’s face appeared when Mirian opened the door.
Reana’s shoulders sagged lightly, feeling a bit disappointed. She’d subconsciously hoped it was Ryder.
"Yes, Master Charleston?" Mirian asked, her voice neutral, but her eyes betraying a hint of curiosity.
The old man smiled warmly, "You can call Butler Charleston, Miss." He didn’t want to share a title as Master Sharp Fangs or the village head, "After all, I’m just a servant."
Mirian bobbed her head gently, "As you wish, Butler Charleston." She continued, "How may we help you?"
"Village head seeks audience with Luna Reana," he replied, his gaze drifting past Mirian into the room and locking on Reana who was staring back at him.
Seems Ryder already spoke to the village head. Reana thought. She rose from the table as she made her way to the door. She didn’t finish her food, but had no appetite to continue.
The human servants, who’d been standing there like statues, bowed their heads in unison as Reana passed by, their eyes cast downward in a show of respect. They didn’t know who age was, but the butler had told them to pay her utmost respect.
Mirian followed closely behind, her senses on high alert as they stepped out into the unknown.
Reana was led to the roof terrace, where she could see most of the city spread out before her. It was nearing the late evening, when the sky was shedding all its light, yet the small city was lit with lanterns, shaped in delicate crescent moons and stars, their soft glow casting a whimsical, dreamlike quality over the rooftops and streets.
Reana didn’t notice earlier that evening, but she could feel a festive atmosphere settling over the city, like a gentle blanket of excitent and anticipation. The lanterns, the music drifting up from the streets, and the chatter of the villagers all combined to create a sense of joy and celebration.
"Luna Reana," Orion smiled amicably as she approached him, rising from his seat to personally pull the chair for her. His eyes, warm and genuine, t hers as he gestured for her to sit.
Reana’s gaze lingered on his for a mont, sensing a hint of nervousness beneath his polished deanor. She took her seat, her movents fluid and deliberate. Glancing around, Ryder was nowhere to be found. "Where is he...Sharp Fangs...?"
Mirian snickered. The way Reana called it with hesitation sounded almost comical.
Orion’s smile faltered for a fraction of a second before he regained his composure and took his seat, "Ah, my good friend’s son? He’s, uh, attending to so matters. He’ll join us shortly, I’m sure."
Reana gazed toward the city once more, "Is sothing happening tonight?"
Orion’s smile returned, wider and more genuine this ti. "Ah, yes. Tomorrow is the coming of age ceremony for our girls, so tonight is won’s eve." He paused, his eyes shining with warmth. "It’s a night of feasting, music, and dance. And, of course, a ti for family and friends to co together and celebrate the young won who are about to embark on this new Chapter in their lives."
As if on cue, a burst of music and laughter drifted up from the streets below, accompanied by the soft glow of lanterns and fireworks. Reana’s eyes sparkled with curiosity, and she leaned forward, her gaze drawn to the vibrant scene unfolding below.
It reminded her of the werewolves’ mating ceremony, where those who’d turned eighteen could participate in the sacred ritual, bonding with their chosen mate under the light of the full moon. Reana’s thoughts drifted to Ryder, wondering if he too had participated in such a ceremony, and if so, who his destined mate had been. A pang of curiosity, mixed with a hint of possessiveness, stirred within her.
Then, rembering that he said once that he didn’t have a mate, made Reana wonder if he’d not found his mate, or if he’d rejected his destined mate. If not, what would he do if his destined mate suddenly showed up?
Reana snapped out of her thoughts, pushing the thought aside, as she finally focused on Orion. "You wanted to have a discussion...?"
"Ah, yes," the man replied as he gently pushed a refined golden goblet that had just been filled with wine towards her. "Your companion, Master Fangs told about the reason for your visit."
Picking up his own goblet that had just been filled, he waved the servant away. The young woman bowed slightly and retreated a few steps back.
"Naturally, we don’t do business with packs in the Mainland. Our only interactions are with the islands, and even those are limited to once in six months." Orion’s gaze never wavered from Reana’s, his expression asured.
"However, with Fangs vouching for you, we’re willing to make an exception." He paused. "Our farrs are proficient in cultivating all types of crops, animals, rare herbs, so of which have dicinal properties that could be of great value to your...kind."
Orion’s eyes seed to gleam with a hint of excitent, his voice taking on a more enthusiastic tone. "In return, we would require access to certain...resources that are unique to the Mainland."
Reana listened attentively, "What resources do you need?"
Orion leaned forward, his eyes locked onto hers. "We’re in need of so minerals, particularly, crystals, one that’s said to only be found in the mountains of the Mainland. It’s a crucial component in our glasswork, and we’re willing to offer a substantial trade agreent in exchange for a steady supply."
Reana frowned slightly, she didn’t know what that was.
Orion’s expression turned patient, as if he had expected her to be unfamiliar with the term. "Crystals," he explained, "are highly prized for their beautiful products. They’re extrely rare, and our artisans have been searching for a reliable source for years."
He leaned back in his chair, his eyes never leaving Reana’s face. "I believe that with your position in the Mainland’s werewolf community, we might be able to get access to the crystal mountain."
"Did Sharp Fangs tell you about this...crystal mountain?" Reana asked, her frown deepening. Whatever crystal mountain was, Reana wasn’t aware of it, which could only an that it wasn’t in her pack’s territory.
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