Chapter 118:
Her smile didn’t reach her eyes.
“Silas’s ambition is hard to ignore. He may not have targeted Cedar Hollow directly, but his intentions are clear. If he succeeds in taking Talon and Ashfire, it won’t be long before he sets his sights on us.”
I nodded, understanding her reasoning but still wary.
“So you’re proposing an alliance? Cedar Hollow joining forces with Talon and Ashfire?”
“Yes,” Mara replied, her gaze steady.
“I offer warriors, supplies, and knowledge of the territory between our lands. But in return, I expect a measure of cooperation. My pack is loyal, and they are fighters, but they will not serve under anyone else’s command.”
Her words hung in the air, and I felt the weight of the conditions she was laying down. This wasn’t an alliance of submission; Mara wanted to be equal, her pack retaining its independence even as we fought together. It was a fair demand, but it was also one that would require delicate handling.
“I respect your conditions,” I said slowly.
“We fight as equals, with each pack retaining its autonomy. But when it comes to strategy, there needs to be unity. We can’t afford to move without complete coordination.”
Mara considered this, her gaze unwavering.
“Agreed. But if there’s any decision that would compromise Cedar Hollow, I reserve the right to pull my wolves back.”
A faint tension settled over us as we weighed each other’s words. This alliance was a tentative one, an arrangement forged out of necessity, and I knew Mara’s loyalty would be conditional, dictated by her pack’s safety above all else. But if she was willing to stand with us, even temporarily, it could be enough to shift the balance against Silas.
“Then we have an agreement,” I said, extending my hand. Mara clasped it, her grip firm, and for a moment, I saw a glint of respect in her eyes.
“May this alliance hold, Elara. For all our sakes.”
When we returned to the compound, I called a council meeting, sharing the details of the alliance. Osric, Celia, and the others listened carefully, their expressions a mix of relief and concern. The addition of Cedar Hollow’s warriors was a welcome reinforcement, but the terms of Mara’s loyalty hung heavy over us.
“She’s committed to the cause—for now,” I said, looking around at my council.
“But we need to be prepared for her to withdraw. Mara will act in her pack’s best interest, and we can’t afford to depend on her loyalty completely.”
Osric nodded, his gaze thoughtful.
“We’ll treat this alliance as an asset but not a guarantee. Cedar Hollow’s support is valuable, but Talon Pack must remain self-sufficient.”
The council murmured in agreement, and I saw Dante’s expression shift, a flicker of worry crossing his face. He waited until the others had dispersed before he approached me, his tone quiet but insistent.
“Are you sure about this, Elara?” he asked.
“Mara’s loyalty is… conditional. She’s here out of fear, not allegiance, and if she sees an advantage in retreating, she will. It could leave us exposed.”
I nodded, understanding his hesitation.
“I know. But I also know that we need every advantage we can get. Cedar Hollow’s strength is a temporary alliance, one that we can use to bolster our defenses and hold Silas back. If she chooses to leave, Talon will be ready to stand alone.”
He sighed, his gaze softening as he looked at me.
“I trust your judgment. But be careful with her. Mara is as calculating as Silas, and she won’t hesitate to save herself.” I gave him a faint smile, touched by his concern.
