"What can we do now? We cannot stop the werewolf king from claiming his mate and we also can't change our participant in this Battle of Wars. But my confusion is how this is even possible!" Queen Nakee was still in shock and disbelief, her voice trembling as she cried out.
"That is what we would all like to know. But I do not think that we will be receiving any answers soon. Either way, you have to make a decision, Queen Nakee. You either switch your participant or stop the werewolf king from taking your participant into the Underworld Palace." Supreme elder Luke firmly declared.
The other three clan leaders nodded in agreement as they curiously examined the Bloodsucking clan's supreme elder. His black hair looked bleak in the dull red of the Nar realm sky, with his pale blue eyes turning darker than a night hunter's as he fiercely glared at the two entwined figures.
However, what they were curious about was the reason behind his sudden interest in the Wolf King and the serpentine girl's mating.
Every leader in the Nar realm was aware of the fact that the supreme elder of the Bloodsucking clan considered himself too above and beyond the unremarkable matters of the Nar realm.
Too high to involve himself in their petty conflicts.
However now, he was showing interest beyond ordinary in the matter of the werewolf king and the serpentine's mate-bond. The matter did not only feel strange to them, they also found it confusing and perplexing that the supreme elder lowered himself to the point where he even gave an ultimatum to the Snake Queen.
If he said with his own mouth that he didn't have any hidden agenda, then they wouldn't believe it!
In fact, they were certain that the supreme elder knew something about the mating between a werewolf and serpentine that he was purposely hiding from them.
Otherwise, why would he be so concerned about the Snake clan's participation in the Battle of Wars that would have no impact on the Bloodsucking clan, whether or not the snake clan won or lost?
Secretly exchanging meaningful glances, the three clans decided to investigate the matter the instant they reached their abodes.
Queen Nakee was beyond overwhelmed with the turn of events. She could not believe that she had to face the werewolf king to prevent him from taking Versailles into the Underworld Palace.
If she did not stop him, she would have to search for another participant which was completely out of the question.
Inadvertently, she recalled the matter from 18 years ago.
18 years ago, the Snake clan was hit by a sudden disaster that she did not dare to make public. In that incident, half of the capable serpentines were buried forever, where the other half fell into a deep slumber, their life auras and strength weakening with every passing ice night.
On the day before Versailles' returned, she had gathered all the old and experienced serpentines that were out of the abode together to disclose the truth of their declining clan.
The Battle of Wars was drawing near and there were no participants under a quarter-century that were experienced enough to take the lead.
She wanted to let the clan be prepared for the possible replacement of their clan from the Six Supreme Clans' rank.
However, this move would have completely shaken the faith and belief of the serpentines. It would have placed their clan in a turmoil that would have had no sign of ending.
Because getting replaced from the six supreme clans ranking would not have only replaced their position in the Nar realm, it would have also snatched their snake abode from them.
Because every race that lost in the Battle of Wars was not only reduced to slaves, servants, and food, they also lost the rights to occupy their abode.
They would've become homeless, exposed to the elements of the realm without shelter or shade, preyed upon by all the powerful races, and violated without regard.
It would have set off the beginning of the Snake clan's end.
However, it was as if the ancestral serpentines and lord Tarke itself were protecting the snake clan from the beckoning jaws of the abyss and provided a solution to her dilemma in the form of Versailles.
Versailles, the serpentine that was presumed to be dead and gone, suddenly returned alive and well.
She appeared at the moment when she was going to announce to the Snake clan elder councilors of their impending doom.
And her appearance not only prevented the snake clan from falling apart but also gave her hope of maintaining their status while boosting the morale of the clan with the belief of lord Tarke watching over them.
It made her believe that no matter how difficult, hard, and dark the road ahead became, their Snake clan would always be under the protection and shelter of lord Tarke and their ancestors. They would shield them from all storms, no matter how fierce they were.
And now, everything was spiraling out of control again!
Just like 18 years ago.
Because no one had the right or the ability to prevent a werewolf, which was now the Werewolf King, from taking his mate home.
Trembling, Queen Nakee took a step back, her back covered in sweat when she thought of the Werewolf King's dark, bottomless eyes.
Of all the clan leaders, the Werewolf King was the only one she feared because from him she could perceive the vibe of a dangerous, coiled beast. A beast that was only waiting for provocation to unleash his wrath.
However, as the Snake Queen, she had a duty towards the Snake clan. A duty to protect and place their best interest above her own fears.
And this time, it was not only a question of their interest but a question of their existence and faith.
A question of their very survival.
If the ancestors and lord Tarke had truly sent Versailles for the Snake clan's protection, survival, and salvation as she believed, then she couldn't step back no matter the cost.
Taking a deep breath, Queen Nakee retracted her step and moved towards the two entangled figures encircled by the pack of excited werewolves.