Page 19 of The Silent Mountain (Under the Werewolf Crown #2)

nineteen

Loss

*ALANA*

T he shock of having lost Maggie sits deep. For the dragons, it’s the first death they face since the years of war. Maggie might have been an elderly lady and ill, but it doesn’t lessen the sadness the clan feels.

Favian has made sure to set up a beautiful send-off for her so that every single clan member can attend. Just like the wolves, the dragons burn the bodies of their deceased, but not outdoors. There is a majestic hall attached to the castle, with an open roof where the dust and fumes can leave. Everything the dragons do is fascinating and otherworldly to me. They are truly majestic.

Elio looks devastated through it all, but he keeps it together in front of the crowd. He is quiet, but his eyes are filled with tears as he watches Maggie’s body being engulfed by the flames. Favian has gone beyond himself to be there for the clan, for his brother, for me, for our guests, and even tried to attend our meetings. I am starting to worry that he is overdoing it again. He has played all the roles he needed to play, but I am relieved to see him putting his hand on Elio’s shoulder now and just being a brother.

The clan starts humming a song I don’t know, but it sounds magical, making the air around me vibrate. And with their humming, the fumes slowly disappear, leaving nothing behind.

Maggie is gone.

The clan members remain, though, the air brimming with stories they share about Maggie. It’s interesting to see the mood shift slightly, and more positivity coming through. Traditionally, the dragons eat salad and freshly baked bread during their wakes, so most of them are currently eating something and standing together in small groups.

I use this moment to check on our guests. They have been paying their respects without intervening too much.

“I am sorry that you had to deal with so much during your short visit,” I say to Aza. “First that bird attack, now the wake.”

“Don’t worry,” Aza reassures me. “I am glad we are allowed to stay and help. It shows how close we have become and how much the dragons and werewolves have opened up to each other.”

“My queen is right,” Shayan says. “It’s a great honor.”

“I hope these lands will finally experience true peace,” Ty says quietly.

“I will make sure they will, though it might take a while.”

“I have heard from one of our warriors through a messenger. Erin will be coming in the next couple of days,” Aza tells me. “I believe she will be a great voice of reason and advice for you and Favian, and be a mentor to Cassie. I can say for certain that she helped me a lot, and our own pack witch has studied under her.”

“I am sure she will be able to help,” I say. “Your visit was very beneficial to us. Cù Sìth shed light onto things as only someone involved with the deities can.”

“I wish we could have done more,” Aza says. “But we know so little.”

“I would advise looking into the cult once more,” Shayan says.

“But didn’t we destroy it last year?” I ask.

“Yes, the main base,” Shayan mutters. “But I don’t know… I was there, and it was incredibly well organized. There is a possibility that they had a plan in case things went astray. Maybe members escaped, or they have another branch somewhere else.”

“It’s a possibility,” Aza says. “Though I’d hate it if it's true.”

“I am with Shay on this,” Ty says, surprisingly earnest. “It’s too much of a coincidence for me that suddenly the dragons get targeted, right after the wolves did. I have heard bothersome information from other realms to boot.”

“It might have only started with the wolves,” Shayan adds. “Fact is, we don’t know their exact motivations. Maybe they truly just followed their leader back then, and that was it. Maybe the nameless threat you are currently facing is something completely different. But let’s make sure of that first, and digging deeper into the cult is much easier done than following new traces.”

I take his advice more than seriously. Shayan used to be the general and advisor of the human realm and was even trained to be a spy. He is one of the most capable men I know. It’s definitely smart to listen to him.

“We will do our own research in the kingdom,” Aza reassures me.

“Thank you,” I say. “It means a lot to me.”

“You are my sister-in-law,” Aza says. “It goes without saying that we will help. Besides, the dragons and Favian, personally, helped us so much last year. Without Favian, we would not have won against the cult. We will not leave them hanging now.”

I hug her. “Thank you,” I whisper.

“Endellion will be very happy when I tell him how well you are doing,” she says. “He is always worried about his siblings.”

“Can’t shake off being a big brother,” I chuckle. “Tell him I am fine and that although I miss him and everyone, I really am happy here.”

Azadeh shows me her radiant smile and nods.

“Are you staying for a while longer?” I ask hopefully.

“I have decided to stay until Erin arrives. I know her personally, and I guess her arrival might go smoother if I am around,” Aza says.

I let out a sigh of relief. “Yes, I strongly believe that too.”

“Five minutes break, finally,” Favian sighs when he joins me late afternoon. The clan has just wrapped up their wake, and everyone went home, with only a very few dragon shifters still around. I helped with the clean-up and also spent time with our guests to make sure they were well attended to. It will be a while until I see Ty and Azadeh again, so I want to make the best of this situation.

Now, I am taking a break in one of the private royal chambers. Most rooms here have a balcony attached to them, something I love. It’s just so humbling and fascinating to stand outside. The thick walls of the high castle are behind me, and the mountains and gorges right in front. It makes me feel small, but not in a bad way. More like my fate is just one small part of the whole world, and that my problems are solvable. They seem small, eye to eye, with such a majestic view.

Favian wraps his arms around me from behind, making me melt into his embrace.

“You are like a fresh breath of air,” he says. “You just emit so much life and energy. It’s like you can pull everyone along.”

His words mean more to me than any shallow compliment. I never cared for someone’s looks or if they sweet-talked me. I just like to click with people, and I do with him.

“Since you are already so open and vulnerable…“ I start.

Favian snorts. “Very curious where this is heading now.”

“… how about you fulfill your promise and tell me why you don’t like Stefan?”

“I was hoping you would forget to ask,” he says dryly.

“What made you think that?” I turn in his arms and chuckle. “I have done very well containing my curiosity for weeks if not months. It’s not just that you don’t seem to like him. The other clan members don’t seem to particularly appreciate him either, except for Frederick and Barbara maybe.”

“Alright, alright, you win,” he says, brushing his thumb over my cheek and putting a strand of my wild hair behind my ear. “Hair like fire,” he mutters, “so beautiful.” He shakes his head as if to remind himself to focus. “So, Stefan and I. Stefan used to be my father’s advisor back then. You knew that, didn’t you?”

“Yes, you told me once.”

“He was very young back then,” Favian says. “But he always had a sense for feeling foreboding threats and danger. He is a very good advisor, probably the best we ever had.”

“And?”

“He survived,” Favian says, and there is a hint of bitterness in his voice. “It’s not like he fought and survived or protected someone, like Maggie and Theodor did. It’s not even like he helped those around him, like Ludwig or Barbara. It’s just… weird.”

“I don’t think I understand,” I admit.

“He just hid and lived a pretty comfortable life,” Favian says. “Maybe it’s stupid to blame him for that, but within the whole clan, he is the only person who had it that easy. That’s why the other clan members are wary of him. As for me, I wish he would have tried to help in any way. It’s personal. I know as a king I should put my personal feelings aside, but I can’t forget the years I spent in captivity. Warriors came and died to help me, and Barbara sent spies here and there. Everyone tried to do what was possible, to protect other clan members. So, why didn’t he?”

“Did you ask him?” I ask.

“No, I never wanted to revisit that time again,” he admits. “Not even through a talk.”

“Maybe you should,” I say. “Maybe he actually had a reason.”

“What kind of reason?” Favian asks.

“I don’t know. Frankly, I don’t get it either. It’s not my style to hide and let my people suffer,” I admit. “So, I get you. I really do. But, from an outsider’s perspective, he looks genuine. He seems to genuinely care for you. Every single suggestion so far was to benefit you and the clan.”

“That’s true,” Favian says. “And it’s the reason I accepted him as my advisor. He truly is the best we’ve ever had.”

“A coward would not have returned to the clan,” I mutter. “Don’t you think? He would have disappeared for real and lived his comfortable life. Why did he return?”

“I don’t know.”

“It’s worth asking,” I say, frowning while I think about Stefan. I don’t know much about him, but I vividly remember the day he approached me to ask how serious I was about Favian, making it clear that he didn’t want him to get hurt. His king and his clan seem to be his priority, which makes Favian’s explanation even weirder. Why did he leave his clan behind and not help, when everyone who was important to him died?

Would he do the same today if history repeats itself?

I can’t say for sure, which isn’t surprising since I don’t know Stefan well. It’s more unsettling that Favian can’t seem to trust him.

“I have to resolve this in one way or another, don’t I?” he asks.

“I think so.”

“It’s a silly thought, but sometimes I wish certain problems would just go away by themselves. At least once.”

“I know what you mean,” I say quietly. “I wish we could have a break. A real break.”

“Maybe I could steal you away for an hour during one of the next couple of days,” he suggests, much to my surprise.

“Are you sure you have time for this? I have barely seen you since the birds attacked us.”

“I will have to make time for it,” Favian says. “Maggie told me to always remember that I am not just a king but also a brother and mate, and I want to make sure not to lean towards one direction too much. And, we all know I tend to overwork.”

“I am very similar,” I admit. “Maybe we could watch out for each other so that we won’t overdo it?”

His lips curl into a smile. “I told you, when you are around, I feel like I can do anything… even stop myself from overworking.”

Before I can answer, I can hear a sharp knock at the door. Both Favian and I exchange a surprised look and step away from the balcony and back into the room. “Come in,” Favian commands, his expression less open and more stoic again, as usual when he deals with something official.

“Your Highness,” Theodor rushes into the room, his expression one of sheer panic.

Favian is on alert immediately. “What happened? Are we under attack?”

“No, my king,” Theodor tries to catch his breath. “It’s the young prince, he’s disappeared.”

“What!?” Favian exclaims.

“I saw him run out of the hall at the end of the wake and followed him. I looked everywhere, but I couldn't find him.” Theodor gets down on his knees, bowing his head. “It was my task to look after him. I accept any punishment.”

“No, it wasn’t your task to watch over him during the wake,” Favian says shortly. “Get up, Theodor. If you want to make amends, help me find him instead.”

Theodor nods and stands up again. “Of course, Your Highness.”

“Where did you already look for him?” I ask.

“Over the whole clan area,” he says.

Favian furrows his brows. To an outsider, he might look upset, but I know he does it when he is worried. “The witch,” he mutters.

“Cassie?”

“Do you think she has something to do with his disappearance?” Theodor asks, alarmed. “Should I have her imprisoned?”

“No,” Favian says sharply. “We don’t imprison someone just because they are a witch.”

Theodor bows his head again, looking flustered.

Meanwhile, I am slightly impressed by how level-headed Favian can act even when he is worried. It makes me feel safe to be in his kingdom. “Cassie,” I repeat. “Oh, she and Elio are friends!”

“Yes, maybe she knows something or saw him,” Favian says. “Go and ask her, and remember she is not a suspect. Treat her with respect.”

“Of course,” Theodor agrees before hurrying away.

Favian’s eyes flash, and his reptilian eyes come forward. He is linking someone, and I wait for him to be finished before asking him about it. “Stefan?”

“Yes, and Ludwig and Barbara.”

I nod. “Anything we can do now?”

“Let’s wait for Theodor first,” he says. “And for what the other three can tell us. Running out now to look for Elio would probably just be silly.”

It only takes a couple of minutes for Stefan to appear and a couple more until Barbara and Ludwig arrive. Barbara looks pale and tired, making me worry instantly. “Are you alright?” I ask her.

“Just a bit tired recently,” she admits. “But the young prince is more important.”

“If you are getting sick, I want you to go home and rest,” Favian says before anyone else can act.

“But the young prince…“

“We will find him,” Favian says. “I need you at your full strength. You are too important for the clan. Go to Frederick and tell him I sent you to him.”

Barbara looks torn, but there is no opposing her king, so she nods and obediently retreats.

“Prince Elio can’t have gone far,” Stefan says, furrowing his brows. “The very last shifters left the wake only half an hour ago, and he was still there then. I saw him.”

“You were at the wake for that long?” Favian asks.

“Yes, when so many different people are in your vicinity, I want to make sure nothing happens,” he explains.

“But… I doubt anyone would have attacked our king,” Ludwig mutters. “I mean, it was just us dragons.”

“You never know,” Stefan says.

I know the others don’t like what he is saying, but I agree with him. We don’t know what kind of threat is lingering over us. The clan members themselves might be good people, but we don’t know if someone was enchanted or even cursed.

“Your Highness!”

Theodor’s voice pulls us out of our thoughts. He is running towards us, this time with Cassie hot on his heels. “Tell them what you told me, Cassie,” he demands.

“Elio ran past me a while ago,” Cassie says, gasping for air and coughing slightly. She is holding her sides. “I called out to him because he looked so sad.”

“And then?” Favian asks, taking a step closer. “What did he do then?”

“A flock of birds passed us,” she says. “The same ones as a couple of days ago. I wanted to inform you about it the moment I saw them. They didn’t attack, though; they circled above the clan and then took off. Elio saw them and got angry.”

“No, he didn’t!” Favian exclaims. “This stupid boy!”

“He really got angry,” Cassie repeats. “I saw him.”

“That’s not what I am talking about,” Favian pinches the bridge of his nose. “He shifted, didn’t he?”

Cassie blinks. “Yes, how did you know?”

“He is following the birds,” Favian exclaims.

“What!?” Ludwig and Stefan both blurt out at the same time.

“How silly!” Stefan says, and for once, Favian doesn’t seem to disagree with him.

“Where did the flock fly off to?” Favian asks sharply. “Cassie, where?”

“Towards the beach,” she answers promptly, her eyes looking at him fearfully. “But he is a dragon, isn’t he? He can fly.”

“He is a young dragon, and the ocean is dangerous for most of us. It stretches our connection to our kingdom and weakens us,” Favian explains, taking a few breaths to calm himself down. Through our bond, I can feel his raging emotions though. “Ludwig, take a couple of warriors and inspect the shore.”

“Yes, Your Highness,” Ludwig answers promptly and takes off immediately.

“Stefan, I need you to stay here and keep an eye on the clan.”

“You can’t possibly fly out there,” Stefan exclaims. “It’s too dangerous, even for you, my king!”

“My little brother is out there,” Favian says with a dangerous timbre in his voice. “This is a risk I am willing to take!”

“I will go with him,” I tell Stefan.

Both men look at me in shock. “Of course I will,” I say. “You don’t know what to expect out there. I am your mate, and the bond between us might be beneficial.”

“I agree with Princess Alana,” Stefan says, completely taking me by surprise. “In the current situation, it sounds like the best option.”

“Ros’ senses are incredibly strong,” I tell Favian. “She will complement your dragon senses well and maybe see and hear things you don’t.”

Favian doesn’t argue with me and takes me by my arm. “Come,” he says. Instead of leading me outside, he leads me to the balcony again. “Hold on to me,” he says.

I cling to him while he jumps off the balustrade. We don’t fall for long, as his body shifts and changes in the air, until I find myself sitting on the back of his majestic dragon, my arms around his neck.