đValtoria.
~REID
Sitting at the head of the table with my eyes scanning the room like a hawk surveying its prey. The morning sunlight streamed through the windows casting a pale glow on the faces of my men and I could sense the feeling of uneasiness emanating from them. The scent of freshly brewed coffee and warm bread wafted through the air but it did nothing to ease the tension in the room as the subtle clinking of cutlery against plates was the only sound that underscored the weight of our discussion.
Enzo sat to my right, sipping his coffee with a calm demeanor as his eyes locked onto mine, a hint of understanding and a spark of mutual respect shone in them.
"Boys, we've been planning this for months." I started, my voice low and dominating. "The Alvarians are still yet to pay for what they had taken away from us."
Marco, a young soldier spoke up, his voice trembling as he asked his question. "B-but, Boss... are we really ready for war? The Alvarians have a strong military..."
I fixed him with a cold stare as a frown made it's way to my face. The room fell silent and the only sound that was being heard was the heavy breathing of my men. Marco's eyes darted to the side of the table, his face paled as I watched his Adam's apple bob in his throat with fear, sweat coating the side of his temples with his trembling hand which he tried to hide from my view but failed.
'I haven't even done anything yet.' I thought to myself with an audible scoff leaving my mouth.
"You question my plan, Marco?" I growled with a raised eyebrow. "You really have zero expectations from us?"
Marco shook his head frantically with his eyes widening with fear. "N-no, sir. I just-"
I cut him off, my voice dripping with command as my words sliced through the air like a knife. "We have the element of surprise." I spoke, the grip on my spoon tightening as little flashes of the memory I didn't want to have invaded my thoughts, the memory of my deceased older brother, Alastair, the memory of how I had found him murdered in cold blood. I wanted to forget everything and pretended like the memory doesn't exist but I couldn't. I couldn't because I was still yet to settle the score with the Alvarians for taking the life of the ex Don of the Valtorians. "I would leave their city in ruins and by the time I am finished with them, their pathetic existence would seize to exist." I seethed with every word, a promise I was going to make come true for I had sworn on my dead brother's blood. His death would be avenged.
Enzo placed a hand on my arm, a calming gesture which I shrugged off immediately. I don't need pity from anyone, I don't want sympathetic gestures neither do I want people's comfort.
"Boss, there's something we need to consider. Intel confirmed that the words of the man Enzo had tortured three nights ago was legit, the Alvarians are truly planning on joining forces with the Eldradorian mafias." Victor, one of my front men said in a cautious tone.
"I know." I simply replied.
The room fell silent again, the only sound were the hushed murmurs of my men who repeatedly exchanged nervous glances amongst themselves. I leaned back in my chair, my eyes narrowing as I contemplated the implications, my mind racing with all sort of possibilities.
"An alliance hm?" I chuckled humorlessly. "They really think they can take us down with the weak ass Eldradorians? Those pussies?"
Victor nodded slowly, his eyes locked onto mine. "It's a possibility boss. But it's not just that because the Eldradorians have been looking to expand their territory for years, and the Alvarians are offering them a chance to take a slice of our pie."
I snorted in disbelief. "They're fools to think a joint alliance would do much damage to us."
Enzo leaned forward as he whispered with a persuasive tone. "Reid, I think we should consider the alliance the Keltonians had offered to us months ago, this would make us have the upper hand and a higher chance of victory in this upcoming war. They've had issues with the Alvarians in the past and they're looking for a way to take them down. If we made an alliance with them, we would both benefit from it with zero to little damage done to both group." He finished making me hum.
"You think I should meet with the Keltonians?" I asked.
Enzo nodded as his gaze held mine. "I do. I'm aware there are risks affiliated to this but it's one worth taking. We can't take on the Alvarians and the Eldoradorians alone and we both know that."
I sighed, my fingers steepled together as I contemplated the possibility. The room fell into a tensed silence with all eyes transfixed on me as they awaited my decision.
Finally, I nodded in agreement. Even though my paranoid self couldn't help but come up with scenarios of what ifs, This should be a risk worth taking for Alastair, for Valtorians. "Arrange a meeting w-"
My words were cut off as the door to the breakfast room got swung opened and a vision in white who looked like she doesn't belong to this world walked in.
Athena.