The Dark Sire Issue 6 (Winter 2020) - PREVIEW | Page 25

The woman visible in the mirror on the table rolled her eyes . The mirror ’ s edge was encrusted with moonstones that flickered in the moonlight streaming in through the window . The woman was pale-skinned and black-haired like him , but had sharper eyes . She was sitting outside , with a fire beside her and a cooking pot bubbling above it . She folded her arms .
“ He wants me to challenge Clandestra and the entire Artemian nobility wants to marry me . Nothing changes .” She shrugged and leaned over to stir the pot . “ And now he wants you to kill this wolf . You ’ re not going to do it , are you ?”
“ Of course I am .” At a look from her , Maximus continued , “ But I am going to take the best wolves with me . And witches .”
“ You ’ ll either die or succeed . I don ’ t know which would be worse .” “ Meaning ?” “ If you succeed , he ’ ll appoint you as the archwolf . If he didn ’ t want to do that , he ’ d just send younger and more inexperienced wolves until this White Wolf died of either blood loss or old age .”
Maximus put a slice of apple into his mouth . She watched him chew for a moment before pouring the contents of her pot into a bowl .
“ I said that I will take the best wolves and witches with me ,” he said after swallowing . “ Take solace from that .” “ I ’ m trying to . Perhaps I should come too .” “ No , Imp . Stay where you are . The moment that you return , he ’ ll have you challenge Clandestra .” She pursed her lips but relented with a nod . After a little while of silence broken only by their chewing , she asked : “ When will you depart ?” “ Tomorrow .” “ Will you travel far ?”
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