Chapter 15: A Battle for Her Side

The campfire crackled in the chilly night air, casting flickering shadows over the assembled knights who sat in groups, engaged in quiet conversations. But the most heated discussion of the evening took place within the largest tent in the camp—the one belonging to Havvaris Snowfang, the Duke of Fenrath.

"I am her mate. She will sleep in my tent, and that is final," Nyxpanther Draeven declared, arms crossed over his chest as he stood his ground against his longtime rival.

Havvaris raised a brow, leaning lazily against the sturdy wooden post at the entrance of his tent. "Your tent is small, cramped, and reeks of your scent. She needs comfort. My tent has more space. She sleeps here."

"Like hell, she will." Nyxpanther's voice dropped to a dangerous growl. "You just want to take advantage of the situation. I won't allow it."

Melinoe, who had been rubbing her temples, sighed deeply before stepping between them. "Enough," she said firmly, pinching the bridge of her nose. "I have a solution. Since neither of you can compromise, then I will make the decision myself."

Both men immediately straightened, waiting for her verdict.

She exhaled sharply. "I'll sleep in this tent, but both of you will be beside me."

"Absolutely not!" Nyxpanther objected immediately.

"No way," Havvaris added, though his lips curled in amusement.

Melinoe crossed her arms and met their gazes with unwavering determination. "If you two don't agree, then I'll go sleep elsewhere. Maybe with the other knights."

That shut them both up immediately.

Nyxpanther's face twisted in frustration, while Havvaris let out a low chuckle. "That would be a sight to see," the white wolf mused. "Our soldiers would pass out in shock."

"And you would not even last a second outside before I drag you back," Nyxpanther muttered darkly.

Melinoe shrugged. "Then you have no choice but to agree to my terms. I sleep between you two. Nyxpanther on my right, Havvaris on my left. Final decision."

Nyxpanther's jaw clenched, but seeing the determined look in her eyes, he had no choice but to relent. "Fine," he grumbled. "But he keeps his distance."

Havvaris smirked. "Of course."

Satisfied, Melinoe stepped inside the tent, removing her cloak before slipping under the thick furs. Almost immediately, Nyxpanther slid in beside her and pulled her against his chest, wrapping a protective arm around her waist. His body radiated warmth, and she could feel his slow, steady breathing against her back.

Her face burned. "Nyx, don't just—"

"Go to sleep," he murmured against her hair, ignoring the glare Havvaris shot him from the other side of the tent.

Havvaris, despite his irritation, lay down as well, keeping a respectful distance. His ice-cold blue eyes lingered on Melinoe's sleeping form before settling on Nyxpanther, who was already glaring at him with open hostility.

It wasn't until Melinoe's breathing evened out that Havvaris made a subtle gesture towards the tent's entrance.

Nyxpanther's eyes narrowed, but he carefully shifted out of Melinoe's grasp and followed Havvaris outside.

The moment they were a few feet away, Nyxpanther crossed his arms. "What do you want?"

Havvaris leaned against a nearby tree, his expression serious. "I just wanted to tell you something important."

Nyxpanther frowned. "Spit it out."

Havvaris exhaled and met his rival's gaze without hesitation. "I want Melinoe."

A deadly silence followed. The air between them grew tense, crackling with the intensity of unspoken challenges.

Nyxpanther's expression darkened, and in the blink of an eye, he had Havvaris by the collar, yanking him forward. "That is impossible."

Havvaris remained unfazed. "Nothing is impossible. You know that. And you also know you can't keep her all to yourself."

Nyxpanther gritted his teeth but said nothing. He knew Havvaris was right. In their world, no woman had only one mate. The scarcity of females made it a necessity for them to take multiple husbands. Yet, the thought of sharing Melinoe with anyone else made his blood boil.

"Why are you telling me this?" Nyxpanther growled. "You could have just kept quiet and pursued her without saying a word."

Havvaris smirked. "Because I don't intend to sneak around. I fight for what I want."

Nyxpanther's grip tightened before he finally let go, shoving Havvaris back. "Fine. Do what you want. But don't think I'll make it easy for you. If Melinoe ever asks me about you, I won't give my approval unless you prove yourself worthy."

Havvaris straightened his collar, his smirk never wavering. "Fair enough."

Without another word, Nyxpanther turned on his heel and strode back inside the tent. The sight of Melinoe sleeping peacefully softened his anger, and he slid back under the covers, pulling her close. He kissed her forehead, inhaling her scent to calm himself before closing his eyes.

On the other side, Havvaris lay down as well, his back to them but a quiet determination in his heart.

He had declared his intent. Now, all that was left was to win Melinoe's heart.

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Author's Note:

I apologize for the earlier mistake. Upon further reflection, I realized that the Kingdom of Nyxaris and the Kingdom of Fenrath should actually be referred to as the Empire of Nyxaris and the Empire of Fenrath. Thank you for your understanding, and I appreciate your continued support as I make these corrections.