Jake sat tall in the high-backed chair, his golden eyes sweeping over the Five Heads of the Underground. Tradition dictated that whoever called the Talfenis Gathering would lead the discussion, and one of the Heads themselves almost always took that role. But tonight, it was not a head—it was an heir.
Jake Lockvry, son of Adam Lockvry, was presiding.
His gaze, sharp and cold as forged gold, lingered on two figures in particular—Aries Malnor and Malia Kanmis.
Aries, the lycanthrope black panther, reclined lazily in his seat, his long dark hair flowing to the middle of his back. Panther's ears twitched at every sound, and his sleek black tail curled and uncurled around his chair with restless irritation.
Malia Kanmis sat opposite him, her posture regal and severe. She was human; her raven hair, streaked with white, framed a face that carried both wisdom and warning. Even the air seemed to be still around her.
"I had to go to the king's throne room today," Jake said suddenly.
The room went silent. Every gaze turned toward him. The words hung heavy in the air—improbable, reckless, yet no one in that chamber doubted their truth.
He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table, fingers steepled before his mouth.
"I personally went to the throne room," he continued, voice low but deliberate, "and enacted the peace clause from the Pact Between One and Five."
Even Adam Lockvry—Jake's father, a man whose name alone inspired fear—shifted uneasily. His blue eyes flicked toward his son, uncertain whether to be impressed or concerned.
Aries broke the silence with a sharp, humorless chuckle. "So… you enacted a clause from that old pact? Has no one used that clause in a hundred years?"
Jake's golden eyes fixed on him. Behind that calm, unreadable mask burned fury—a fury barely contained. He knew what Aries had done. Knew his hand was likely behind Henry Falmil's death. Behind Elena's grief.
If not for the oaths that bound this Gathering to peace, Jake would have already torn him apart where he sat.
But tonight, vengeance would wait. Tonight, he would speak—and make the Underground listen.
"Yes, Aries," he said coldly, the fury slightly dripping from his mouth, "I personally had to make sure that the underground city would not be invaded." His voice was bitter and a warning to all. The smirk on Aries fell off as everyone stared at him. Even the reserved Gregory Stone, head of the oldest and longest ruling family eyes had grown weary at what he just said.
"Son, what happened?" Adam asked, his voice faltering a bit.
"Henry Falmil is dead, as most of you know. The nephew of Robert Falmil. At the current moment, the Falmils are 3rd in power among the seven," he said, leaning back in the seat. His golden eyes watched the people at the table.
"He had dealings with the Fanmis Family," His eyes glanced at the old woman, "I am guessing you all knew that?" He asked, seeing that no one reacted to his statement. "He was killed, and I cleared my family's name from the nobles' lips. I turned the king's eyes onto his own court, giving him personally a list of names of those who could have wanted to have Henry Falmil dead." He continued.
All eyes were wide as they listened to Jake.
Arie's eyes, he noticed, were filled with seething anger. As he waited for one of them to speak.
"So why did you call this meeting then?" Valmor Vorris finally spoke. He was a lycanthrope: cat, his hair was a light brown and speckled with black spots. One of his ears was missing from an old wound. A flat obsidian mask hid his face.
"Because even though I made the king not invade the underground city, we don't know how the nobles will respond." He answered his question.
"But didn't you make the king start to investigate his own court?" Malia pointed out.
Jake nodded, "Yes, but that will take time, time that the nobles are gonna use to get back at us. It's the Blood Ball all over again." Everyone's eyes glanced at Adam, and he snorted.
Jake's eyes went back to the table. Gregory Stone stroked his white beard. Gregory was the oldest Head because of the lifespan of dwarves, which Gregory was. He finally spoke, his voice like stone, "I can clearly remember that time, we were all scared of what your father did. But luckily enough, your mother was there to stop things from boiling over. I don't know how she did it, though, damn woman always had secrets," he said in admiration of Jake's late mother.
Jake's face became a little softer at the few memories he had of his mother. Adam was chuckling, also remembering his late wife.
"Thank you, Mr. Stone," Jake said, nodding in respect at the old dwarf.
"I suggest we all lie low and watch our backs," Jake said, his eyes hardening once more, "The Falmil family especially would want blood to be paid in blood."
Aries scoffed, as Gregory nodded in agreement, Malia looked towards Aries, an exchange happening between them, Valmor closed his eyes, then soon nodded.
Jake stood. "I invoke a vote: suspend major operations for a minimum of one month, a maximum of three. Increase security in all districts. No unnecessary moves until the nobles' storm passes."
Gregory nodded first. "Aye."
Valmor raised his hand. "Agreed."
Adam's deep voice followed. "I support it."
Only Malia and Aries remained still — unreadable, calculating. Two predators watching another stake his claim.
The decision was made: three to two.
A golden thread shimmered to life above the table, splitting into six and latching to each heart in the room. The vow was sealed — the families of the Underground bound to the vote by old, binding magic.
Gregory cleared his throat. "Since we're here and the next Gathering was due next week, let's discuss ongoing matters."
Jake exhaled and nodded, stepping aside as Gregory assumed his place. Dan, Audrey, and Shawn — Jake's silent trio of enforcers — shifted positions with Gregory's guards. As the old dwarf passed, he gave Jake a small, knowing nod — a quiet respect from one schemer to another.
The Gathering dragged on for three hours: trade routes, shipments, whispers of rebellion, and the uneasy balance that held the Underground together.
Through it all, Jake could feel Aries' gaze — a quiet, seething promise of retribution.
The game between them had begun long ago, but tonight, beneath the stone halls of the city's heart, both predators finally saw each other clearly.
And they both knew: only one would still be standing when their plans came to fruition.