Forged In The Flames By Karima Sa’ad Usman
Chapter 82 Deceit Uncovered (Nikolas POV)
I prepared myself for what was written in the letter I held in my hand. I was scared that I would discover something terrible and would have to take action against my mother.
The letter began with a formal greeting to someone named Cerf Dirk. It expressed the hope that the recipient was in good health and peace. The writer mentioned a troubling situation involving a person named Aa Smith, who had become intrusive and suspicious of their actions. They requested a temporary halt to their plans until the situation calmed down. “Dear Cerf Dirk, 2
I sincerely hope this correspondence finds you in a state of well-being and tranquillity. It is with a heavy heart that I address the current situation that has unfolded involving Aa Smith, a person who has become increasingly intrusive and suspicious of our endeavours. In light of these circumstances, I beseech you to temporarily suspend your plans until this turbulent storm settles.
Regrettably, Aa Smith’s disapproval extends not only to our associate, Asci Cauls but also to our collective actions. Just yesterday, they uttered words that conveyed their desire to sever all ties. I fervently hope that their stance will change in the near future, bringing forth reconciliation and understanding. The spectre of conflict looming over this region weighs heavily upon me, and I implore you to respect our heartfelt plea for respite.
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Please be aware that this will be the final message you receive from our hand. Aa Smith, having emerged from their period of solitude, will henceforth wield full authority and control. I humbly entreat you to withdraw your
involvement, guided by the knowledge that Aa Smith will never compromise the well-being of their constituents. At this juncture, I gracefully withdraw from this endeavour, acknowledging that while I have done my utmost, I refuse to sacrifice that which is most precious to me to further the cause.
May you find solace and prosperity in your future endeavours.
With utmost sincerity,
Abel Isle,”
It seemed that Aa Smith’s disapproval extended not only to their associate, Asci Cauls, but also to their collective actions. The writer expressed a desire for reconciliation and understanding in the future, hoping that Aa Smith’s stance would change. They mentioned the heavy burden of conflict in their region and asked for respect and respite.
The writer informed the recipient that this would be their final letter. Aa Smith, having finished their period of mourning, would now have full authority and control. They requested the recipient to withdraw their involvement, trusting that Aa Smith would prioritise the well-being of their constituents. The writer gracefully withdrew from their endeavor, acknowledging that they wouldn’t sacrifice what was most precious to them for their cause.
The letter was signed with utmost sincerity by Abel Isle.
Although the writer ensured they avoided using specific pronounce to avoid giving away gender, I understood its contents.
I looked at Gabriel, seeking clarification.
He decoded the names mentioned in the letter, explaining that Aa Smith referred to Mathias, Abel Isle referred to Isabelle, and Asci Cauls referred to Isaac Lucas.
I stared at the letter, wishing I could confront my mother with its contents. However, I knew it was impossible to approach her using the anagram as evidence. She would find a way to escape it, and there was no guarantee she would tell the truth. It was her nature to avoid accountability.
“I can’t believe she would do this,” I said, placing the letter down.
“It’s true, Alpha. Your mother knew what Fredrick was planning and pleaded with him to stop, knowing it could lead to a fight. I suspect those three individuals were involved in the past events. Your mother intercepted Gabriel’s letters and ensured none reached the king.
Gabriel couldn’t see the king because he was in mourning. The damage they caused in just six months was immeasurable,” Abraham explained, handing me another letter.
“What your mother didn’t know was that her brother had no intention of playing fair. While she believed that all Fredrick wanted was for Mathias to agree to the slave trade, he had bigger, undisclosed plans. Only he and Isaac Lucas knew of these plans, and they didn’t involve her or her well-being.
The second letter is a correspondence between Asci Claus and Cerf Dirk,” he pointed out, referring to the letter he had given me. I saw the pain on Gabriel’s face, realising the extent of the damage that had been caused.
I read the letter in my hand, fearing what it would reveal. Once something is known, it cannot be unknown.
The letter began with a greeting to Cerf Dirk and conveyed gratifying news about their plans yielding the desired outcome.
“Dear Cerf Dirk,
I am pleased to convey the gratifying news that our plans have yielded the desired outcome. The population of interest has undergone a significant reduction, attributable to the scarcity of funds and resources that have exerted a profound impact on their numbers and overall resilience. Consequently, the conditions are now ripe for an imminent Navinsio.
However, I find it imperative to bring to your attention the hesitations exhibited by Abel
Isles, which have unfortunately impeded the progress of my work. Although the exact cause of their apprehension remains ambiguous, it is undeniably interfering with the seamless execution of our objectives. Regrettably, it appears necessary to take measures to silence both Abel Isles and Aa Smith, thereby removing any potential obstacles that might impede the advancement of our plans.
I eagerly anticipate your prompt response, as it is crucial for me to receive your guidance and approval to proceed expeditiously.
Yours Faithfully,
Asci Cauls”
After reading the letter I figured Navinsio meant Invasion.
However, the writer felt it was necessary to address the hesitations expressed by Abel Isles, which had hindered the progress of their work. Although the exact cause of Abel Isles’ apprehension remained unclear, it undeniably interfered with the seamless execution of their objectives. Regrettably, it seemed essential to silence both Abel Isles and Aa Smith to eliminate potential obstacles that could impede their plans.
The contents of the letter shocked me.
Isaac Luis had planned to kill my mother.
Fredrick had never been interested in the Unity law; he had only wanted to manipulate my father and Gabriel and seize control of Forest.
“So, they instigated the uprising?” I questioned, and Gabriel reluctantly acknowledged that I was correct.
“We fell into their trap, Mathias and I,” he admitted, his voice heavy with the weight of guilt. It was a miracle that he had managed to remain strong all these years. He was undoubtedly a resilient man.
“Do you know who wrote the response sent to the werewolves?” I asked, but Abraham shook his head.
“The Record Keeper was already murdered by then. Considering everything we’ve learned, it’s evident that Asci Cauls sent that response, not Isabelle. At that time, Isabelle was trying to save her marriage and had distanced herself from the plan,” Abraham concluded, reaching a logical conclusion.
“I now understand why the king refused to grant her asylum,” Gabriel added, his tone filled with regret.
“It wasn’t just because she asked for her share of her father’s property; he was angry and disappointed. He must have expected her to remain so that Forest would be vulnerable to invasion.
But how could she, when she was outnumbered?
The werewolves and half-breed Lycans were more. Even the Lycans among us had no choice but to surrender. Isabelle couldn’t rule successfully in her husband’s place. Everyone wanted a piece of her, seeking retribution for their suffering and losses. Many lives were lost during those months. I had to send her away to protect both of you,” Gabriel explained remorsefully.
Now we knew how deeply involved Fredrick was in all of this. The downside was that none of this evidence was admissible, and with the entire committee under his control, it wouldn’t matter.
If I had known all of this earlier, I would have targeted Snow instead of Forest. I would have slowly eroded his kingdom until I took it over. Now, I had to go on the defensive and offensive to achieve my goals because Fredrick still desired Forest.
It seemed his obsession was not solely about resources; he wanted to replicate his ancestor’s conquest of Snow by conquering Forest from the werewolves and half-breeds. Just like his sister, he was a sick man.
“We have our work cut out for us,” I declared, and we all fell silent. It was clear that the path ahead would be challenging. Something that initially seemed simple had led us down a complex rabbit hole.
At that moment, Qusack returned, and Abraham and Israel briefed him on everything we had learned. They handed him the letters, and as he read through them, I could see the rage building in his eyes. I also noticed something different about Qusack, but I kept it to myself—a faint lipstick stain on his collar. Judging by the scent, I could guess whose it was. I decided to remain silent and wait for him to open up about it.
After the meeting, Gabriel and Isreal left to gather the werewolf population and relocate them to a safe place in the Woodlands. We needed to ensure there weren’t many werewolves in Forest when our adversaries arrived. This would buy us time to build our military strength and prepare for what lay ahead. I considered confronting my mother about what I had learned, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it. I didn’t want to lose my temper with her. She had deeply disappointed both my father and me and had aided his enemy in plotting his murder. It was a lot to process. I doubted I would allow her to remain in Forest after all this. She represented everything that was wrong in our world.
The only good thing she had done, albeit unintentionally, was giving birth to me. I knew her sole purpose was to instill hatred in me so I would enact her revenge. She had achieved her goal, to some extent, and I would carry that regret for the rest of my life.
I had directed my anger at the wrong people. I had arrived in Forest consumed by rage and vengeance, when in truth, I should have directed that energy towards Snow, for taking everything from me and destroying my home. It was a regret I would have to live with.
After the meeting, I decided to return upstairs to take Aliana for a walk. It had been a while since we strolled in the garden and the woods. Now that I knew what needed to be done, the spies were locked up, and there was no need to pretend anymore.
I entered my room and, as usual, found Aliana on the couch, engrossed in a book. She always had her nose buried in them. I often wondered what she read, occasionally catching glimpses of crime mysteries and romances on the covers. I was glad she had a way to keep herself occupied. If my mother had been like her, my father would still be alive. Instead, she was busy scheming, keeping secrets, and championing a cause that wasn’t even hers to begin with.
Aliana looked surprised to see me, and a smile formed on her face. She put down her book and came towards me.
“Early,” she said as I wrapped my arms around her, holding her close. I breathed in her scent and then leaned in to k*iss her neck.
“I couldn’t stay away,” I managed to say, and she chuckled.
Breaking the embrace, I glanced around, wondering where Ania and Lisa were.
“What about your friends?” I asked, and Aliana shrugged.
“Lisa went to the kitchen to prepare dinner, while Ania went somewhere. But I think she’s in the kitchen now,” Aliana replied. I smiled.
I did not need to wonder where Ania was, I just hoped whatever she had going with Qusack would blossom and they wouldn’t have to hide anymore.
“How are you feeling today?” I asked, and she nodded, smiling at me.
“I’m feeling great,” she replied. “That’s wonderful to hear. I want us to take a stroll in the garden and hunt in the forest. Do you think you’re up for it?” I asked, and she beamed at me. “Raven will be thrilled!” she exclaimed. Her eyes sparkled with life, and I could see the joy radiating from her.
Aliana had a way of making simple things feel grand. She found joy in everything and made my troubles disappear.
It wasn’t just the mate bond; it was her personality that brought peace and tranquillity to our relationship.
She was perfect for me, and I couldn’t believe that I had once contemplated hurting her. A tinge of shame washed over me, and I didn’t want to relive the memories of tormenting myself and denying the gift of happiness bestowed upon me by the goddess.
She headed to the closet to change, and soon we were ready to go. With our hands intertwined, I led her out of the room, ready to embrace the day and momentarily forget about our troubles.