The Alliance of Scars and Secrets

Jack sat outside the Witches' Den beneath the early afternoon sun, legs spread wide, arms crossed confidently, and a stupidly proud grin on his face. Around him, chaos rested in peace, his enemies and friends slumped over the table, bruised and bandaged, looking like survivors of a war. The air was still, save for the gentle creak of the old tavern's wooden sign and the muffled clatter from within as Crystal prepared meals.

One by one, the warriors stirred back to life.

Joshua groaned and blinked, then immediately reached across the table to grab Justin by his collar. Justin, not missing a beat, latched onto Joshua's tunic in kind. Across from them, Lancelot grabbed Luke. Luke returned the gesture without hesitation. Even Raphael, who is usually calm , now sat grumpily across from Zain, both with fists clenched and hands on each other's shirts.

Tension cracked like lightning in the air, ready to explode again...

"C'mon guys, stop fighting," Jack said, his voice casual, even smug.

All six turned toward him, their rage momentarily paused by the sound of his voice and his obnoxiously calm demeanor.

"Why should we?" Raphael growled, his knuckles white. "They tried to kill you."

Jack shook his head slowly. "They didn't. None of them went into their awakened state. Not once. And I saw it, Zain wanted to say something. Just...hear them out."

Reluctantly, everyone eased off, hands dropping, muscles relaxing. All eyes turned to Zain.

Zain took a breath and offered a sheepish, sincere smile. "Thanks, Jack. Yeah, I wanted to say something. I'm sorry for what happened last time. Things...got messy."

A beat passed. Then he leaned forward, voice steady. "I want to form an alliance, with all of you, to overthrow my father."

Joshua narrowed his eyes. "So, you want us to fight your war so you can take his place?"

Zain shook his head firmly. "No. The werewolves would never follow me. But they would follow you, Joshua. I want to make you king. My father's reign is killing our people. Will you help save our kingdom?"

Joshua leaned back, his expression unreadable.

Raphael folded his arms. "That's a noble sentiment and all, but how does this benefit the rest of us? Why should we risk our necks for the werewolves?"

Lancelot and Jack nodded in agreement.

Zain's expression sharpened. "Because I know where James is and how to rescue him."

Raphael scoffed. "You think we'll risk our lives for one pers..."

"Yes," Jack and Lancelot said in perfect unison, eyes full of fire.

"You're really going to risk everything for one person?" Raphael asked, incredulous.

"Yes," they repeated, unwavering.

Raphael rolled his eyes and stood up. "You guys are insane. I'm going home."

He walked off, muttering to himself.

Back at the table, Jack leaned forward. "So, what's the plan to save James?"

Zain responded quickly, "In two days, he'll be transported to the slave house. That's when we strike, on the route. We'll attack the carriage and get him out."

Joshua nodded. "Alright. And overthrowing your father?"

"We'll figure that out after we save James."

"Fine," Joshua, Lancelot, and Jack agreed simultaneously.

Just then, Crystal appeared with a bright smile.

"Hello, young gentlemen. Would you like to order something?"

Jack squinted as he counted his comrades. "Crystal, can we get six plates of pap and wors and six Amarula beers?"

"Coming right up," she said, wheeling away.

Zain began to protest. "You didn't have to..."

Jack cut him off, flashing his signature grin. "It's cool. My treat. Thanks for helping us save James."

The tension lightened as Zain, Justin, and Luke exchanged smiles. Then Zain, noticing the gauze on his own face, blinked. "Wait… who patched us up?"

Jack raised a proud hand. "That'd be me."

Everyone glanced down at their bandaged arms and faces in surprise.

Joshua tilted his head. "Where'd you even get that many bandages?"

Jack smirked. "I always carry bandages. We're in the slums, after all." His gaze drifted briefly, his mind recalling a certain beautiful woman named Jessica.

Soon, Crystal returned with a wooden trolley full of hot food and ice-cold drinks, placing each plate before them with practiced grace.

Jack whistled. "Wow, business must be good. Never seen you use a trolley before."

Crystal grinned. "Yeah, it is."

Jack leaned back, sipping his drink. "What about the thugs? Aren't they still giving trouble now that I left?"

She shook her head. "Nope. I've got new protectors now." She nodded toward Zain, Luke, and Justin. "These three."

Jack and Joshua shared a smile with the trio, then all dug in, laughter and low chatter soon replacing the tension as they began getting to know one another and fleshing out the details of the James rescue.

Meanwhile, at the Noble House of Kaizer…

The room was dim and warm, the heavy scent of lavender lingering in the air. Underneath a tangled sheet, Raphael and Julia lay entwined on his bed, the flush of intimacy still clinging to their skin.

Julia traced a finger across his chest. "Isn't it dangerous doing this here? Jack and Joshua might catch us."

Raphael scowled. "They're too busy eating with our enemies."

Julia's brows arched. "Enemies?"

"The werewolves who attacked us at Lancelot's and Merlin's party," he said bitterly. "Now they're suddenly allies. They promised to help save James in exchange for support to overthrow Siegfried and put Joshua on the throne."

Julia blinked, intrigued. "So... why didn't you help them?"

Raphael turned his face to the side, jaw clenched. "I don't even know James. And I don't trust those wolves."

Julia leaned in closer, gently turning his face back to her. "I understand. You can stop thinking about it now. I can see it's bothering you."

Her lips brushed his. Raphael's irritation melted beneath her touch as she slowly slid on top of him. His breath hitched, his face flushing.

Julia grinned wickedly. "Let's have some more fun... while no one's around."

With a giggle, she pulled the blankets over both their bodies, and the world outside the room faded away once more.