Armina's expression grew grave as she heard her son's words. "Unfortunately, this is not enough to bring the matter before the king," the queen told the prince solemnly. The luna pursed her lips as she pondered what they should do next. "Are you certain that was all the beta knew?" The queen asked of the true blood.

"Ae," Jae replied respectfully. "She was not lying, nor was she hiding anything."

"That is good," the queen nodded. "However, Fachan will only listen if we have definitive proof."

Jae nodded his head in understanding. The information received from Hesha did not confirm Black Moon had ill intentions toward Crimson Night.

"I will see if I can come up with something. You should get some rest," Armina said as she patted her son on the shoulder affectionately. "I'll see you in the morning." The luna gave Jae a small smile before walking past the prince and disappearing around the corner.

Jae released a breath before turning to look at the alpha standing behind him. Yejin walked forward a few steps, so he stood beside the prince. "You get some sleep, Jae," the alpha suggested as he observed the true blood's tired expression. Jae had been working hard for several days, and the fight with Ganz had only added to the prince's exhaustion.

Jae nodded in agreement before turning and making his way to his personal chambers. The alpha and true blood parted ways at the end of the hallway, the alpha going to the left, and the true blood toward the right.

Yejin sighed as he lied down on his bed. The alpha turned his head to look at the empty spot next to him and immediately opened his link with his mate.

Hey, Babe. Yejin smiled as he heard Estan's voice in his head.

Hey, Love. The alpha's voice was low as he responded to his mate. How are you?

I'm fine. Yejin's entire relaxed as Estan's sweet voice filled his mind. How are you?

I'm okay. Yejin closed his eyes as he answered and rolled his head back to its upright position. Things are getting pretty intense, though.

How so?

Black Moon sent a delegation team to White Fang and had an audience with White Fang's alpha before Callon could even see him. Oh, and Jae nearly killed the alpha from the five we captured.

Oh, wow. How is the wolf?

Alive, barely.

Does the king know?

Yejin let out a breath before answering. No, but I am sure he will soon.

Was it worth it at least?

Yeah, sort of. We got the beta to talk but couldn't get anything definitive.

Oh...that's a shame. Well, at least Jae didn't kill him.

Yeah, at least there's that. A small pause took place before Yejin continued. That alpha, though...Something is definitely loose. He had this crazed look in his eye, but he wasn't unstable. Turns out his weak appearance was a front. Luckily, Jae saw through it from the beginning.

That's good. Imagine if he hadn't.

Yeah, we would have been played as fools.

Most definitely.

Yejin felt sleep taking over his body, but he did not want to end the link. The alpha wanted to spend as much time with Estan as he could, so he continued the conversation even though he was exhausted. How are things over there?

It's been pretty peaceful. Syri has been a great help at the clinic and is enjoying his riding lessons. It's getting pretty hot here, though. I guess summer is reaching its peak. The nights are pretty warm, too. There have been reports of fires in the surrounding areas, but Alia seems to be okay right now.

That's good. I'll be sure to keep an eye out. If I hear of any fires headed your way, I'll link you.

Okay. Thanks, Babe.

Of course, Love. If that does happen, I want you and Syri to go to Gern until things die down.

Okay. We will. You stay safe, too. I don't like the idea of you being so close to a crazed alpha.

Yejin smiled to himself at his mate's protectiveness. Heyyy, I can take him. Plus, Jae is here. There's no way an alpha can beat a true blood.

But he can still hurt you. Both of you. Estan's voice became stern as he reminded Yejin that neither he nor Jae were invincible.

You're right. We'll be careful.

Good. I love you Yej, but you sound exhausted. You need to go to sleep.

But I miss you. A small whine accompanied the alpha's response to Estan's order to sleep.

I miss you, too, but you need to be at your best, so you can end things quickly, so that I can come back home.

Very well, Love. Yejin smiled at Estan's response as he agreed to his mate's request.

Good. Now, get some sleep. I love you.

I love you, too.

Talk to you tomorrow. Estan cut the link after bidding Yejin farewell and left the alpha to his dreams. Yejin let out a long breath before turning on his side and closing his eyes. It was not long before the alpha was sound asleep.

>>>>>>

What is the update, Ramona? Fachan rested his hands on the table in front of him as he addressed the leader of Team 2.

Black Moon has heard us in an audience and is willing to begin negotiations. They admit to sending a delegation team to White Fang but state that the team was never supposed to cross over our territory. They were supposed to ask Eternal Dawn permission to cross their territory up into White Fang.

The king knit his brows at the beta's answer. Did Black Moon give a reason as to why their wolves trespassed onto our land without proper dues?

They answered that their team must have gotten lost and accidentally wandered onto Crimson Night's territory.

Fachan leaned back in his chair as he processed Ramona's response. What of White Fang, Callon?

A moment of silence passed during which the council members grew anxious. The response from White Fang would determine how this whole matter ended. If White Fang denied that Black Moon had sent a delegation team that was destined for their pack, it could suggest Black Moon was not being truthful.

White Fang has verified Black Moon's delegation party's story. Callon relayed after a few seconds. The delta's voice was solemn as he added to his answer. They have been expecting them.

Hushed whispers floated throughout the hall in response to the delta's words. The alpha raised his brows as he eyed his son whose brows were furrowed in deep thought. Have they, now? Fachan's retort was snarky as if to taunt the prince. That is good news indeed.

White Fang has requested we release the five from Black Moon, so they can complete their delegation. Callon was respectful as he added to his response to the king.

Alpha, I believe we should delay the release. I would like time to investigate. Jae's voice was firm spoke as he up through the link. The prince was not so keen to wholeheartedly believe White Fang's response. He had lost trust in White Fang the moment a delegation party from Black Moon showed up and immediately obtained an audience with White Fang's alpha.

And what would you investigate? White Fang has verified the five's identity as a delegation party meant for their pack. We are done here. Fachan stood to his feet as he withdrew from the link. "Prepare for the transport of the wolves from Black Moon."

Armina shook her head as Jae stood to his feet. He cannot be reasoned with. The luna's voice in Jae's mind stopped the true blood from chasing after his father. Jae clenched his fists as he watched the alpha walk out of the hall.

"Have the five moved to guest rooms while preparations are being made," Armina commanded as she stood from her chair. Do not do anything rash. The alpha has made his decision. The luna warned Jae as she walked passed her son.

Jae clenched his jaw as he exited the hall and made his way to his office. Yejin followed the prince out of the hall and through the castle until they came upon Haikon and Xander walking toward them down the corridor that served as a connecting point between the several sectors of the palace. Jae and Yejin slowed to a stop as they approached the couple.

"Oh! Yejin, Jae," Xander greeted the two. The delta was walking just fine and was carrying two bags full of clothes and supplies; Haikon carried the other three.

"Where are you two headed?" Yejin inquired as he observed the luggage.

"Xander is fully healed now, so we are heading to his home outside the palace," Haikon answered the alpha. The theta's eyes trailed to the true blood who was still emitting a scary aura. "Is everything...okay?" The theta inquired cautiously.

Yejin paused before answering, "The five are being sent to White Fang. Negations came through today."

"What???" Xander voiced in disbelief. "But something wasn't right. They trespassed illegally!"

"We know. Something is still not right, but both White Fang and Black Moon verified them, so there's nothing we can do," Yejin responded to cool the delta. "Preparations are being made for their departure. It's done."

"I can't believe this," Xander said under his breath as he looked at the brooding true blood. "Well, at least we stopped them from completing whatever shady business they were doing," Xander said in an attempt to lighten Jae's aura.

Jae realized Xander's efforts and tried on a small smile before nodding at the delta softly.

"Well, we better let you be on your way," Yejin said after a small pause. "Have a safe trip."

"It's just on that hill over there. You don't have to be so dramatic, Yej. It's not like we're going all the way across the pack," Haikon returned with an exasperated breath.

"Well, stay safe either way," Yejin replied as he gave a quick tap on the theta's back.

"Safe travels." Jae bid the couple as they bowed respectfully before continuing on their way.

Yejin watched the perfectly healed delta walk down the corridor and commented, "I can't believe we've been back for that long."

Jae remained silent as he turned and continued down the corridor. Yejin realized the true blood had left him and continued on his way when he turned to look at the now-empty spot where the prince had stood. The alpha sighed under his breath before hurrying after his prince.