Around the palace, a voice tore across the place announcing the arrival of someone strange and unbelievable. The whole staffs were rigid and the royal siblings except Charles all ran to the entrance in their shifted form to protect the palace. Their gritted fangs do much to threaten whoever comes through the door. The sun was still in its early profile, the wind eased the whole atmosphere but did not make the tension the visitor brought any softer.

"What is he doing here?" Reb asked, her brows furrowing.

"He's obviously here to cause trouble."

George replied, his balanced furry body underlying all the fear and nervousness within.

"Well, I hope he does come looking for trouble because he'll find plenty." Korba joined them and stood in front, her claws digging the ground. 

The gate opened slowly and their tensed body followed its movement. All crouched at attention as to attack whoever came in but what they saw shocked them all to see a lone man wearing a hat that concealed his face and a long arm overcoat. All black.

"Shelbrooke came here alone?" Diana prompted, her voice as young as her age.

"How courageous of him to think he can take us all down, one-handedly," Olivia replied.

Shelbrooke stepped in gently, ignoring the grunts and threatening sound that the royal siblings gave, and just as Zeidan did, he surprised them by blowing slightly.

"Greetings, the royal Princes and Princesses. I have come for the good interest of my loving brother, Styx..."

He started to say but Olivia interrupted him.

"There's no way he is your brother. Just tell us why you are here and get it over with."

"And if you want war, we are very ready for you, Shelbrooke." Reb seconded.

Shelbrooke clicked his tongue as if he pitied them.

"My lovely children, I salute your bravery.  Indeed, Styx has done well to train you. However, your dramatic use of authority will all make sense if I have come to reciprocate with violence. Good news, I have come with virtually the very best of attitude." He exhaled audibly.

"Please, give me a chance to see the Alpha."

Korba moved closer to him and made sure to make eye contact. Reb moved around him and sniffed him out.

"He's clear." She announced and they led him into the palace, some remaining at the rear.

Walking majestically, Shelbrooke made sure to calm down and endure whatever humiliation he faces. It's only going to be for a while. He isn't ready to face the wrath of the wolves and so he must put down his pride to achieve his aim.

Following the eldest Princess, he could see the King with some of his subjects, holding a large paper in hand. As soon as the subjects sighted him, they all stood up tense, some of them placing their hands on their weapon. Styx looked less bothered.

"Looks like it's going to be the end of the universe as I don't understand what's with the visit. First, it was the almighty vam..."

His words were cut off by a heavily built man who looked in his late forties and was fast enough to erase Styx's words with a slight cough. A slight reminder not to breach the confidentiality of their partnership with Vampire city.

Getting the message, Styx nodded.

"Oh, right! What brings you here, Shelbrooke?" He sat up, his eyes fixed on the man before him. A smile played on the corner of his lips as he mentally calculated what could have brought an enemy to his palace. Not like it's now unusual as Zeidan has just left with a signed contract, what could Shelbrooke possibly offer? 

"Greetings, the only Alpha of the Wolf Pack. I have come for good and not of evil." Shelbrooke tilted his hat so his scarred face was visible. 

The whole atmosphere had a tense feeling that enveloped everyone standing in the palace. For a while, silence descended until Styx moved to stand up and he ushered Shelbrooke into the courtroom.

"So, how's the kingdom faring, brother? The whole clans have been peaceful for a while without your shenanigans."

"Has it? Perhaps your ears are now malfunctioning if you don't know of our recent updates. We are looking to take back what belongs to us." A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.

"Ah. Must have been unbearable and really boring not having fought a war for a long time." Styx sat down by the fireplace in the cozy courtroom, placing his feet on the low stool that separates his chair from the one opposite him. He looked like a man in control as he offered Shelbrooke the seat before him. "I used to feel that way too until I realized nothing good comes out of..."

"Let's get down to the deal, Styx." Shelbrooke leaned forward, his eyes narrowing.

"I had no idea you were this desperate." He pressed his lips together as if trying not to grin.

"Oh, I'm not desperate at all, King." He laughed curtly. "I'm only worn out. This issue has proven to be a hazard."

"A hazard?"

"Yes. It's going to be so dangerous everyone will be forced to intervene..."

"What if we don't?" He raised a brow.

The other man shifted uncomfortably on the velvet chair, a flash of rage and intimidation crossing his eyes. 

"What if we don't?" Styx asked again. Amusement was visible in his eyes, and he enjoyed how this tough-looking Werecat King looked uncomfortable under his gaze.

"If you don't," he met his gaze directly, his eyeballs dilating, "our people may suffer due to the injustice that will be meted out on them. I hope you know how this feels, Styx." 

"No, I don't. Our people don't go about claiming what isn't theirs. We fight for the truth. Enough of your games, Shelbrooke, you have no chance against the Vampire city. Back out or you'll regret ever going against them."

"He promised you part of the Onyx, didn't he?" 

The question shocked Styx a bit as he looked up at him. With a smile tugging the corner of his lips, he leaned forward. 

"You remembered the story of how Hail promised us part of their territory, don't you?" 

"No, I don't. And I don't wanna know. Zeidan would know better than to mess with me."

"Does he?" 

They both stared into each other's eyes for a stunning moment, until Styx grinned back and burst into laughter. He leaned back and savored the look on Shelbrooke's face.

"Let me make this clear, Mister. I'm not a two-edged sword. Whatever it is your deal may be, I'm not taking back my word. Take care of your mess yourself. We are done here." He rose and directed Shelbrooke out with his arm, ending their conversation and ignoring his eyes.

He rose and looked into Styx's eyes the last time as if threatening him. He should have known coming here to pacify the Alpha was only going to be like pouring water into a basket. But this isn't the end, he thought as he walked out of the courtroom.

"I'll be back!" He muttered under his breath.