The Matchmaker - The Arrax Saga Book 1 Chapter 237

The morning broke clear and cool, the sky streaked with pale gold as the Arrax pack gathered to see their leaders depart. Saphira adjusted the strap of her bag, her gaze sweeping over the familiar faces.

Nikolas stepped forward, his voice carrying across the gathering. “Mistwood are expecting us first, they are a mixed pack, like us, and they will be the first to hear the truth. Stand strong while we are gone and continue all the good work you have begun. Every step we take now is for the future we are building together.”

A murmur of agreement rose from the crowd, and Jasper, Talia, Finn, Asher, and Zafira moved to join him, their expressions resolute. A small group of warriors followed, their loyalty evident in the way they fell into formation.

The convoy of cars waited at the edge of the settlement, engines rumbling softly. Saphira glanced at Nikolas as they climbed into the lead vehicle, her hand brushing his. “Travelling by car feels strange after so many journeys on foot or in the air,” she said with a faint smile.

Nikolas’s lips curved, though his eyes remained serious. “It’s faster than foot. And Mistwood is ready for us. Plus, we can’t just fly ahead without the others.”

Saphira smiled and leant into him, settling for the journey.

The journey was swift and smooth, the road winding through forests and valleys, sunlight breaking through the canopy in golden shafts.

By midday, the sprawling territory of Mistwood came into view. Cottages nestled among towering pines, smoke curling from chimneys, and the hum of life rising from the valley. It was a place that felt alive, rooted in tradition yet open to change.

At the gates, warriors stood watch, their eyes sharp but cautious. Their posture eased as the Alpha of Mistwood stepped forward, a tall man with streaks of silver in his hair, his gaze sharp but welcoming. He raised a hand in greeting. “Nikolas. Saphira. You honour us with your presence. Come, the hall is ready.”

Inside, the great hall was warm, filled with the scent of woodsmoke and herbs. Pack members lined the benches, curiosity flickering in their eyes, the air thick with expectation. The Alpha gestured for them to speak.

Nikolas stood tall, his voice resonant, carrying the authority of his bloodline. “We come with news and changes. The Matchmaker is no longer a prison. It is ours now, and it stands for freedom. If any among you wish to seek their mate, they are welcome to join. No chains, no cruelty, only choice.”

Saphira’s voice followed, softer but no less firm. “And more than that, the Elders and the Matchmaker owners are gone. Their rot has been burned away. But the world cannot remain leaderless. We are building a new order. A council to guide, protect, and unite. And we will lead it.”

A murmur rippled through the hall. One of Mistwood’s elderly members rose, his brow furrowed, his voice edged with doubt. “And why should the world accept your rule? What gives you the right to claim it?”

Nikolas’s jaw tightened, his gaze unwavering. “Because we are royal blooded. It is our place to rule. Not with tyranny, but with strength and wisdom. We will not allow the world to fall back into chaos.”

Mistwood’s Alpha studied him for a long moment, then turned to Saphira. “And if we stand with you, if we support this new order, what protection do we have? What promise do you give us?”

Saphira stepped forward, her voice steady, her eyes meeting his without hesitation. “You will always have our protection. We will ensure peace and work as one rather than individuals going forward.”

Silence held for a heartbeat, heavy with decision. Then the Alpha inclined his head, his voice carrying the weight of commitment. “Then Mistwood stands with you. We will support you, and we will join this new order. With your protection, we will walk this path together.”

Relief rippled through the hall, voices rising in agreement. Jasper’s shoulders eased, Talia’s sharp gaze softened, and Zafira’s lips curved into a faint smile.

Nikolas’s voice carried above the swell, firm and proud. “Then it begins. The first bond of alliance. Mistwood and Arrax, united.”

As the hall erupted in cheers, Saphira felt it deep in her heart, the world was beginning to change.

The great hall of Mistwood glowed with firelight, the long tables laden with roasted meats, fresh bread, and bowls of herbs and berries gathered from the forest. The scent of woodsmoke mingled with laughter as the Arrax delegation joined the Mistwood pack for their evening meal.

Saphira sat beside Nikolas at the head table, her gaze sweeping over the room. Warriors and pack members mingled freely, children darted between benches, and the Alpha’s voice carried above the din as he welcomed them. “Tonight, we celebrate not only your arrival, but the bond of alliance. Mistwood and Arrax, united.”

Jasper raised his cup in quiet acknowledgment, though his eyes remained watchful. Talia leaned forward, sharp as ever, listening to every word exchanged between Mistwood’s elders. Finn, Asher and Zafira laughed with a group of pack members.

Saphira felt the weight of it all, the mingling of hope and hesitation. Some faces shone with genuine joy, others carried shadows of doubt. She leaned toward Nikolas, her voice low. “They want to believe. But some are still afraid.”

Nikolas’s jaw eased. “Then we give them time. Tonight is about trust building. Tomorrow, we move on.”

The feast carried on late into the night, songs rising from the hearth, the rhythm of drums echoing against the stone walls. For a moment, it felt as though the world was already healing.

When dawn broke, pale light spilling across the valley, the Arrax group gathered at the gates. The Alpha of Mistwood stood waiting, his silver-streaked hair catching the morning sun. He clasped Nikolas’s forearm firmly. “You have our support. Go with strength. And know Mistwood will stand beside you.”

Saphira stepped forward, her voice warm. “And you will always have our protection. This bond will hold.”

The Alpha inclined his head. “Then may the next pack see what we have seen.”

With farewells spoken, they all got back into the cars and started their journey to the next pack. The valley of Mistwood fell into the distance behind them, its cottages and pines fading into the distance. Ahead lay the next territory, the next test, the next step toward reshaping the world.

Saphira’s heart thudded with both anticipation and resolve. *One alliance forged. Many more to come.*