Chapter 24: Havvaris Snowfang’s Desperate Search

The grand halls of the Imperial Palace of Nyxaris were filled with a tense atmosphere as Havvaris Snowfang stepped into the war chamber. The opulent chamber, with its high ceilings adorned with golden filigree, was dimly lit by the flickering glow of enchanted lanterns. At the center of the room, seated in regal authority, was Empress Nyssara, her silver-black hair cascading in elegant waves over her shoulders. Standing beside her was Emperor Valtheron, his piercing gaze sharp as steel, and Chancellor Eldric, his expression unreadable. At the opposite end of the table, Nyxpanther Draeven stood with his arms crossed, his golden-blue eyes filled with quiet intensity.

Havvaris took his seat, his icy-blue eyes scanning the gathered individuals. The conversation began with Chancellor Eldric laying out the latest intelligence on the illegal slave merchants. "The reach of this organization is far greater than we anticipated," he stated grimly. "Count Blackthorne and Viscount Ironfang are only two of the many leaders. Their backing extends beyond this empire—there are whispers of alliances spanning multiple continents."

Nyxpanther clenched his fists. "That means we're dealing with something far more sinister. If they've infiltrated even the nobility, taking them down won't be easy."

Havvaris nodded. "Their operations run deep. In my own lands within Fenrath, I've uncovered evidence of their presence. It seems they have safe houses scattered across all major cities, with corrupt officials protecting them."

Empress Nyssara tapped her fingers against the table, deep in thought. "If that is the case, we must act swiftly before they gain more power. We cannot afford to let this cancer spread."

Just as the discussion grew more intense, a sudden knock on the chamber doors interrupted them. A royal messenger, panting and disheveled, stepped forward. He knelt before the Empress and presented a sealed letter. "Your Majesty, an urgent message."

Empress Nyssara took the parchment and swiftly broke the seal. As her golden eyes scanned the contents, her expression darkened. The room fell into a heavy silence as she lifted her gaze. "Melinoe… has vanished."

A sharp, cold silence gripped the chamber.

"What?!" Nyxpanther's voice was a dangerous growl, his golden-blue eyes widening in disbelief.

Havvaris felt his blood turn to ice. "How?!" he demanded, standing abruptly. His claws slightly extended from his fingers, his wolf instincts flaring up in a primal need to protect.

Empress Nyssara exhaled sharply. "A black witch infiltrated the mansion and used dark magic to take her. Your knights reported that despite being surrounded, she disappeared in an instant."

Nyxpanther wasted no time. "We need to go. Now." Without waiting for permission, he turned on his heel, already heading for the exit. Havvaris was right behind him, his mind racing with possibilities, with fears.

They arrived at Nyxpanther's mansion in record time, the guards snapping to attention as the two beastmen stormed inside. Nyxpanther's right-hand man stood at attention, his face pale. Havvaris' own right-hand man was already waiting with a full report.

"It happened too fast," Nyxpanther's second-in-command admitted, his voice laced with frustration. "The black witch appeared out of nowhere, and before we could react, she was gone."

Havvaris' gut twisted. "You were supposed to protect her," he snarled, his normally composed demeanor cracking under the weight of his worry.

Nyxpanther pinched the bridge of his nose, inhaling sharply. "She's more than a week pregnant," he muttered, his voice hoarse. "With twin cubs."

Havvaris' eyes darkened. The weight of that truth hit him like a mountain collapsing onto his chest. Melinoe was carrying their cubs. His jaw clenched as a deep, protective rage swelled inside him. "We will find her," he vowed. "Even if I have to tear apart every corner of this world to do so."

Nyxpanther's golden-blue eyes met his, equally fierce. "Then let's begin."

Without another word, the two beastmen launched into action, determined to track down Melinoe before it was too late.