A Wolf's Howl, A Fairy's Wing

Not long after that, Emma, Emily, and Astrid went back on board the ship. Surprisingly, however, they were followed by Seraphina, who did her best to avoid Erik's curious gaze.

It's not that Erik was surprised about the vampire apparently joining them, though. No, because back in the UK, Elora had suggested to Erik that he talk to Katya about taking Seraphina with them to Africa. The idea was that she could act as a liaison between Erik and his growing allies within the Council.

At least, that was the way he phrased it when he messaged Katya about it back in the UK.

The real reason was, of course, a little more devious. The fact was, that Erik wanted more time with Seraphina. Partly to seduce her, but at the very least he wanted her loyalty, so that through her, he could have her father's loyalty.

The surprise came in the quick agreement from both Katya and Seraphina. He expected at least Seraphina to put up a bit more of a fight. 'Obviously there's more going on here,' Erik thought curiously to himself. 'Emily knows a little, but Seraphina did say she'd talk to me later, so I guess I'll find out eventually…'

Regardless, after Erik, Katya, and Dimitri were the only ones left on the harbour, Erik frowned at the third ranked werebear. "By the way, Katya, I've been meaning to ask. How is the situation in the east now? A year ago, I heard rumours about a war with the human-centric faction in Asia."

At first Katya was surprised by his question, but then she nodded solemnly. "It's limited to skirmishes between first rankers for now. They're testing our strength and defences along the border," she began explaining, clearly having no issue sharing what was likely sensitive information with him.

"They'll probably keep testing us for a while longer," she continued seriously. "But assuming they won't be deterred, we're expecting second rankers to get involved within a few months, and full-blown war within the year…"

Erik nodded thoughtfully. He and Elora knew that the upheaval and chaos brought by war would be the perfect time for them to swoop in and take control of the Council, like they've been planning.

But that did mean they had to be ready to do so before it was too late. If either side of this war won before Erik and Elora were ready to take over, that would make matters far more complicated.

Suddenly, Elora appeared on his shoulder and looked curiously at Katya. "What do you think your chances are in this war?" she asked at the same time.

"Eh?" a flabbergasted Dimitri made a strange, startled noise as he flinched backwards a little. Meanwhile, Katya blinked as her gaze panned to the tiny human on his shoulder. "You…. Elora?!" she exclaimed in surprise, recognizing the woman she'd once taken on a helicopter ride.

Erik chuckled at their reactions, "Right, neither of you have met her like this yet. Katya, Dimitri, meet my first wife, Elora. Yes, she's small. I suggest we move past that."

A shocked Dimitri didn't answer. Instead, he continued staring at the tiny, beautiful creature on Erik's shoulder.

Katya, fortunately, had a slightly easier time of it, because she knew Elora existed, she just hadn't seen her again since the fairy disappeared from her helicopter a year ago. The only difference was that she was regular human size back then.

After recovering from the surprise, the powerful werebear frowned, "I see… You really aren't human, are you? But that aside, I've still got a bone to pick with you…"

Elora grinned and giggled with one hand in front of her lips, "You and many others." Then her eyes flashed with the cunning intelligence that Erik loved about her. "Although I admittedly must apologize for essentially calling you stupid back then. You are clearly smarter than I gave you credit for."

Katya narrowed her eyes at the fairy, before scoffing, "I would thank you, if that didn't somehow still sound condescending."

Elora pout-grinned slightly, "Just trying to be nice! Since we'll be family in the future, we should bury the hatchet, don't you think?"

Katya snorted dismissively, "Are you not afraid I'll just use Erik as a foot stool when he becomes my servant-boy in the future?"

But the fairy's grin only widened, "To worry about that, I'd first have to worry about you defeating him when we return."

Katya cocked her head, but then turned to Erik with a grin of her own, "I see now where you get all that undeserved confidence from. Where did you meet her, anyway? I'm not so much surprised she's not any of the three races already existing on Earth, as I'm wondering where you found her."

But before Erik could answer, it was Elora who did in a somewhat cutting tone, and with narrowed eyes, "Underserved confidence? It's a sign of fear when you put others down, rather than lifting yourself up, you know? Besides, you shouldn't get complacent. I'd like you to give my husband a challenge, otherwise he won't enjoy it."

Katya's eyes almost bulged at the fact Elora was talking like Erik wasn't the underdog in this match-up, and she looked at Erik with disbelief.

Erik simply chuckled, and shrugged, "Elora can be a little defensive of me. But she's actually the one doing most of the planning, so do you mind answering her questions?"

Katya grumbled a little under her breath, but then turned to the tiny human on Erik's shoulder with a sigh. "Fine. What was your last question again?"

For the next half an hour or so, the three of them continued talking about the current and possible future state of the Council, while Dimitri began by staring with fascination at Elora, before focusing on the conversation. After having been out of the loop for a few years, he was curious to find out more.Nôv(el)B\\jnn

Finally, they were done, Elora disappeared back into Erik's body, and Erik extended his hand towards Katya with a grin. "Katya… See you next time."

With a matching grin, Katya took his hand and shook it. Painfully. "Best prepare yourself, boy. I've been wanting a servant."

Despite the painful handshake, Erik didn't flinch, instead chuckling lustfully, "You'll make a fine addition to my harem."

They both laughed loudly then, before Erik joined the others on the boat and they sailed off into the distance.

Next stop: Afrika.