Third Person’s POV
Helia was the first to break the heavy silence.
Her voice carried the unmistakable aura of a Lycan’smand.
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+5 Fr
“Your nation unterally tore up the pact to protect civilians and spare prisoners of war. It was an atrocity that angered the Moon Goddess. However, our ughter of the Frostfang Pack was equally a bloody transgression.”
Her eyes burned like torches as she continued, “If <i>these </i>negotiations are to proceed, both sides must acknowledge these blood–stained facts. Only on this foundation can true discussions begin.”
The trantors quickly ryed her words.
Lance and Elias exchanged a look and nodded in agreement.
With that, the high–stakes negotiation that would decide the fate of two kingdoms officiallymenced.
The Western Tribe didn’t waste time on pleasantries; theyid out five non–negotiable conditions.
First, a formal apology from the Northern Kingdom to the ughtered civilians of <i>the </i>Western Tribe.
Second, repayment of 10,000 pounds of gold as war reparations.
Third, 300,000 bags of dried meat for winter rations, to be personally escorted <i>by </i>the Northern army to the border.
Fourth, the total nullification of the territorial treaty signed under duress at Snowdeer Town. Both nations‘ borders must return unconditionally to their pre–war status.
Fifth, the extradition of Ulrik, Velda, and Alpha ander to the Western Tribe to face the death penalty.
Even though Lance’s team had prepared for <i>harsh </i>demands, these terms still hit like a physical blow.
Lance responded in a deep, steady voice.
“We can ept the first and second conditions. However, the delivery of 300,000 bags of
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meat and a full border retreat are impossible. We admit our fault at Snowdeer Town, bu Frostfang massacre is inextricably linked to that conflict. These are mutual transgression will not provide unteralpensation!”
Lance narrowed his eyes, appearing to suppress a surge of rage.
“As for the fifth point: we will hand Velda over to you. However, Alpha Zander is not on th extradition list! He was critically wounded and nowhere near the site when the massacre urred. His only failure was ack of oversight regarding a lunatic like Velda. Therefore Alpha Zander will remain in the capital to face judgment under our ownws!”
Across the table, Royal Advisor Raymond mmed his hand down, shouting back, “The Frostfang tragedy was a direct result of your army breaking the pact! Even if we made a mistake, you started this fire–you bear the full responsibility!”
“By saying that, you are discarding the facts we just agreed upon,” Elias <i>cut </i>in coldly.
“Princess Helia stated that all negotiation must be based on truth. The Frostfang Pack was wiped out by assassins from your kingdom. Regardless of the motive, that is an unpardonable sin in any packw!”
Helia raised her hand, signaling Raymond to be quiet.
She fixed her gaze on Lance.
“We respect the facts. Therefore, regarding the Frostfang tragedy, we are also willing to follow the first and second conditions: a public apology to the survivors and 10,000 pounds of pure gold.”
“Since both sides are apologizing and paying gold, those two conditions effectively cancel each other out. Do not dodge the core issue: you betrayed the pact first. You must <i>bear </i><i>the </i>primary burden for starting the war, and you must pay ording to our terms.”
Cancel each other out? This meant the Frostfangs would no longer serve as a bargaining chip for the North.
Lance saw through the tactic instantly; he could never agree to it.
He had brought up the Frostfangs specifically to clear Zander’s name.
“If you respect the facts, then respect Alpha Zander’s actual role in the Snowdeer incident.” Lance pushed back, refusing to yield an inch.
“His only crime is negligence. He never gave an order to kill a single civilian.”
In truth, Helia knew Zander wasn’t the triggerman. They were only demanding his head <i>to </i>build leverage, hoping to force the North into a border retreat. They wouldn’t let <i>go </i>easily.
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+5 Free!
Furthermore, they demanded Ulrik, insisting that as the general on the ground, his death <i>1 </i>non–negotiable.
On this first day, Lance couldn’t afford to give up Ulrik.
To do so would signal total weakness and cause their defensive line <i>to </i>crumble for the rest c the talks.
Thus, Lance held firm: only Velda would be surrendered.
The first day devolved into a relentless verbal brawl between noble wolves and career politicians.
By the time the session adjourned, the only consensus reached was the mutual apology and the gold.
Before leaving the hall, Helia left them with a chilling final word.
“If you intend to use the Frostfang tragedy topletely erase the debt of the lives taken at Snowdeer Town, we will never agree!”
Lance stood up, his response just as sharp.
“Every life lost is a heavy weight. No blood can be simply ‘canceled out. To suggest otherwise is a profound insult <i>to </i>the souls of the dead.”
The first day of negotiations ende gunpowder and unresolved hatred.
in a stalemate, with the air thick with the scent of
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<strong>Olivia Harris</strong> is an emerging author celebrated for her captivating romantic and steamy novels. With a talent for crafting deep emotional connections and fiery chemistry between her characters, Olivia’s stories offer readers an escape into worlds filled with passion, intrigue, and heart-stopping drama.