Forged in the Flames by Karima Sa'ad Usman

Forged In The Flames By Karima Sa’ad Usman

Chapter 81 The Snake In Forest (Nikolas POV)

The morning arrived, signalling the time to put my plans into action. I needed to evacuate the werewolf population in Riverhead and move them to Woodland, where they would be safe and hidden. Only a few individuals would remain behind to continue working on projects.

I had sent for Grant and Ingham to join me, as it was crucial to prepare everyone for the upcoming events. I knew that the meeting with the committee wouldn’t bring any positive outcomes, but I was willing to comply to avoid raising suspicion until I was fully prepared.

When I entered my office, I found Gabriel and Israel waiting for me. Qusack and Abraham were also present, and they all stood up to greet me. I answered their greetings and took my usual seat behind the desk.

I looked at them to examine their mood before proceeding. Gabriel and Abraham did not look like they had enough sleep so I figured they were up working together.

Title of the document

I would have to tell Abraham not to overwork Gabriel because of his health. Although the doctor had given the man a clean bill of health, it wasn’t wise to overwork him again.

Pushing my thoughts aside, I decided to table the matter at hand.

“I want to relocate the majority of the werewolf population to Woodland,” I stated, and Qusack seemed confused while Gabriel wasn’t surprised. He already knew my intentions. I understood why my father had chosen him as his second-in-command; he was quick to reason.

“You want to make it seem like the werewolf population in Forest is smaller. Are we expecting visitors?” Gabriel asked, aware that would be the only reason I would want to create such an illusion. Abraham seemed pleased about something, and I asked him what was going on.

“I told you he was awesome,” Abraham responded, referring to Gabriel’s insights. I sighed and refocused my attention on Gabriel. “Please have a seat. Let me brief you on what’s happening,” I said, and Gabriel complied. His humility was admirable, especially for an Alpha who rarely obeyed orders easily. I didn’t command him; I simply asked, and he obliged. Aliana’s stubbornness must have come from her mother, as Gabriel was quite different.

“The alpha committees have been pressuring me to participate in the slave trade, but I have refused. I’ve been using the excuse that the werewolf population in Forest is small, and I cannot spare any slaves. However, this response hasn’t been well-received by many of them. They recently held a private meeting without inviting me, hosted by King Frederick, where they expressed their displeasure with my refusal and lack of compliance. Fortunately, I was informed about this meeting by a trusted friend. Now they have decided to hold a committee meeting in Forest on the thirteenth, just a few days from now. I don’t want them to sense my rebellion until we’re fully prepared,” I explained, and Gabriel nodded in understanding.

“So, you want to make the werewolf population appear smaller to reinforce your reasons for not participating in the slave trade,” Gabriel summarized, and I agreed with his assessment. “Will the kings be present at the meeting, or only the alphas?” he inquired, but I didn’t have that information.

letter didn’t specify,” I replied, and

cautious. If Fredrick himself or his representative attends, it won’t be for the meeting alone; they’ll likely be here to gather information about our territory. Fredrick has had his eyes on Forest for a

the Snow economy and control other lands, and he won’t let anything hinder him,” Gabriel warned. Intrigued, I leaned forward and asked him

suggest I

per party, considering the current circumstances. There are a total of forty-three individuals expected. Then position your men in the shadows to keep an

might attempt something malicious while in Forest. As long as it’s not his territory, he can’t be held accountable,”

reply,” I instructed my Beta, and he immediately got to work. He brought the necessary materials, including sealing wax and a

“Esteemed Olsen Sadowski,

invitation to each of you in the magnificent setting of the Forest. However, I humbly request that each alpha kindly bring only one guest, if necessary. This

the esteemed committee but serves as evidence of my sincere desire to comply with the present circumstances. I eagerly

for

Yours faithfully,

Prince Nikolas Kowalski”

that I wasn’t deterred by Fredrick’s nonsense. Once the ink had dried, I handed the letter

he meant no harm by it. He grazed his

him to feel that way,

I planned to be a king and succeed while depending heavily on scholars. Ignorance isn’t bliss in matters of leadership, it is foolishness that could effortlessly birth failure,”

many times that it became etched

it was my father’s saying. In fact, she rarely shared any information with me, always choosing

were in the woods,” I mentioned, and Gabriel’s

but I had come to accept it as destiny, considering all the evidence we had uncovered. I couldn’t blame him at all; he was caught in the midst of

I assured him through our

wouldn’t grant her asylum, I wouldn’t have asked her to leave,” he confessed, and I nodded to let him know that it was okay. It had

with my seal to authenticate the letter and ensure its security. Since it was a normal letter without any threats, it was safe

located near the palace. Abraham spoke up once Qusack had