Chapter 385
48 – Ben
“If we decide to join forces, what exactly does that mean for you?” I asked cautiously. “No offense, High Priestess, but I’m not about to hand over the little pack territory we have to someone we haven’t properly vetted.”
Elara’s gaze was steady as Briana replied, “We have no intention of taking what doesn’t belong to us or settling here permanently. Regarding accommodations, we have the resources to invest in building properties, which you could use later for new pack members. Think of it as a kind of down payment. Until then, we are perfectly willing to camp temporarily in the forest.”
I raised an eyebrow. “How many coven members will you be bringing with you?”
“There are thirty of us remaining,” Briana answered calmly. “And given the current circumstances, we are not looking to increase that number.”
Elara’s expression tightened slightly when Briana mentioned, “We believe there may be wards or spells placed within the pack that are being used against us. Can you help remove them?”
Briana’s reply was measured. “That’s a complicated question.” I felt Elara stiffen in my arms as Briana continued. “I won’t pretend that my magic can undo every other form of magic. It doesn’t work that way, and anyone who believes otherwise is bound to be deceived. Magic has its checks and balances; no single type of caster is all-powerful. What we can do is detect these spells, understand their purpose, and in many cases, help you counteract them if complete removal isn’t possible.”
Elara looked at me, her eyes searching. I realized this was the first time she’d asked for my opinion, apart from Jax and Dev.
“I don’t see any other viable option,” I said thoughtfully. “If she’s willing to invest in building property and then leave it for you to use as you see fit, that’s a start. Plus, having someone experienced in teaching magic could speed up our understanding, rather than waiting for Tommy to relay information. I know you’re cautious about forming an alliance.”
“Where would you suggest placing her coven if they join us?” Elara asked.
Briana considered the question before answering. “One possibility is the forest between Black Claw and Red Fang. That way, they’d be surrounded by our known allies. However, that area is where much of the magic activity is happening, so it could be easier for them to conceal anything they might be doing against you. It’s not a bad location—they’d be between us, Blue Moon, and White Diamond, which offers some strategic advantage. But it’s not close to the packhouse, so if they’re in danger and need help, response time would be longer. Another option is the forest just north of the packhouse. That would keep them close for assistance and allow easier access, enabling us to learn more. The trade-off is losing some of the natural buffer provided by the forest and ally packs.”
Jax’s voice cut in through our link. “I vote to keep them close.” Since I had opened the link to include them in the conversation, their input was valuable. They knew Elara and this pack better than I did. “We can observe and learn more effectively without spreading ourselves too thin.”
Dev nodded in agreement. “I concur. Keeping them near the pack means we can better support everyone in town as well. She might even help calm the nerves of pack members while they’re here.”
Elara shot a playful glare at Dev. “I’m not about to let her put a spell on pack members, you idiot!”
Dev grinned. “You know what I mean. She brings a calm to the forest. Even you haven’t tried to rip anyone’s head off since she arrived. Maybe we could make use of her unique presence, that’s all.”


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