Hizuki sat in his private study, the soft glow of candlelight casting flickering shadows across the walls. The air was cool, soothing after his exhausting journey. His body was weary, and his mind clouded with frustration, but the duties of leadership pressed on relentlessly. The responsibilities of the Alpha never ceased, not even in the face of fatigue.
Iori stood by the door, awaiting Hizuki's command, his posture straight and composed. Hizuki didn't need to ask for a report—he could tell by the tension in Iori's stance that there was much to share.
"Report," Hizuki said, his voice low but firm, carrying the weight of command.
Iori straightened, meeting his gaze with unwavering resolve. "Jushin has made significant progress in his training. He's becoming a strong and responsible Beta. His discipline and ability to learn are beyond expectations. As his great-grandfather, I feel proud of him."
Hizuki nodded, a faint trace of approval passing through his eyes. "Good," he murmured. "What else?"
Iori continued, his voice steady. "The school for our kind is progressing well. It's one of the projects funded by Shadowlane Logistics. The construction is almost complete, and it should be ready for students within a few months. The younger generations will have access to more resources, and the new curriculum will focus on both strength and diplomacy."
Hizuki's gaze softened slightly at the mention of the school. It was a necessary step for the future of the pack, and he was pleased to see it taking shape. "It's a good step," he affirmed. "Anything else?"
"Another facility is under construction," Iori replied, his voice quieter now. "It's a medical facility—not just for our kind, but it will cater to humans as well. There will be a dedicated wing for our people, but we'll also provide care for humans in the surrounding areas. It's a joint project that will help foster cooperation between our kind and theirs."
Hizuki raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the dual purpose of the facility. "It's been approved by the humans?" he asked, a slight surprise in his voice. "I thought that old coot in the Mayor's office wouldn't give the green light to the project?"
"The new Mayor is more sensible." Iori's expression remained neutral, but there was a touch of amusement and pride in his tone. "He said it's about building bridges, Alpha. We've seen the tension that exists, but this could be the first step in healing that divide. The humans around here need the resources, and we have the power and knowledge to provide them. This could lead to better understanding between our species."
Iori grinned, adding, "Well, having seen all the high-tech equipment we imported from Europe did most of the convincing." Who wouldn't want to stay at a hospital with the necessary equipment to save lives?
"That's good then." Hizuki nodded slowly, his gaze thoughtful. In Japan, the existence of their kind was not entirely unknown to authorities, at least in his area. It was an unspoken agreement to avoid stepping on each other's toes. These projects were crucial for both humans and their kind.
Although no one mentioned it, this cooperation was also for the sake of their clan members who had completely turned into humans. Year after year, the number of non-shifters was steadily increasing.
Iori shifted, his expression becoming more guarded. "I also wanted to report about my daughter."
At the mention of Izumi, Hizuki's interest piqued. His expression softened. "How is she?"
Iori's eyes flickered with quiet relief. "She seems to be free from the excruciating pain that had been plaguing her. She can stand now, and sleep properly without waking in agony. Her condition has stabilized, and there's noticeable improvement in her overall health."
Hizuki nodded, a subtle smile tugging at his lips. "That's good to hear. She deserves peace."
Iori's face darkened slightly at the next topic. "There's something else you should know, Alpha. The guests... the group led by the Salutary. They've stayed in their allotted areas, but they don't seem inclined to leave, even after curing Izumi."
Hizuki's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean by 'not inclined to leave'?"
Iori sighed, his expression becoming solemn. "They've lingered. The Salutary and her group have stuck to their designated areas, but they've shown no intention of departing anytime soon. I allowed it for now, not wanting to seem ungrateful, considering what they've done for Izumi. But…" Iori hesitated. "I feel that there's a possibility they're up to something. They may be plotting against us."
Hizuki's posture stiffened slightly, his gaze growing colder. "What makes you say that?"
Iori met his Alpha's gaze. "The Wind Pack has a history of schemes. Rina Ookaze coming to our territory with some attendants is fine. But one of those attendants is their Gamma, their Alpha's daughter. Only fools would believe they're not up to tricks."
The Shadow Wolf Pack had long been aware of the Wind Pack's deceptive ways. Even if they acted innocent, Hizuki and Iori saw through the facade. There was also the open secret that the Ookaze family had played a part in the downfall of the Shinrei Mikazuki clan, taking advantage of the war to eliminate their competition.
Hizuki's lips curled into a slight sneer at the mention of the Ookaze family. "I'm not worried about them," Hizuki said, his voice calm but dangerous. "They can plot all they want, but they'll find themselves on the wrong end of a blade if they try to cross me. Don't blame me when their heads roll." His gaze darkened, a flicker of warning in his eyes. "Let them scheme. I'm curious to see how far they'll go. They'll learn quickly enough that crossing me is a dangerous game."
Iori could see the determination in Hizuki's eyes, tempered by a sense of resignation. Hizuki had always been unpredictable, playing his enemies like a game. And Iori, who knew him better than anyone, understood the dangerous allure of letting the Wind Pack think they could outwit him.
Even if they weren't strong in terms of raw power, the Wind Pack was notorious for its cunning, and they had always played games beneath the surface. Iori couldn't shake the feeling that something more was at play—an undercurrent of manipulation that couldn't be ignored. He knew Hizuki would indulge them, but he also hoped that this time, the Wind Pack wouldn't push too far.
Hizuki's gaze hardened, the flicker of warning clear in his eyes. It was the calm before the storm—Hizuki was letting them make their move. He'd allow them to scheme, to test the waters. But the consequences of crossing him would come swiftly, and Iori knew that.