Jusqu'à ce moment-là

Chapter One

As night fell, the cold moon hung high in the sky. The bright moonlight fell on the ancient castle on the edge of the city, casting a mysterious silver veil around it. Emily stood on the balcony, looking at the forest in the distance, and felt a chill rising from the bottom of her heart. Since moving to this castle, her life has become bizarre and mysterious.
The cold wind in October swept across her bare shoulders, bringing a shudder. Emily subconsciously wrapped her woolen shawl tightly around her, but she couldn't feel any warmth. This castle seems to be always cold, just like its mysterious owner Lucas Black, exuding an inaccessible atmosphere.
"Miss Emily," suddenly, a low voice sounded behind her, "You'll catch a cold if you're still outside so late."
She turned around and saw Lucas standing at the balcony door. The moonlight outlined his tall figure. He was wearing a dark silk shirt, and the collar vaguely revealed his strong chest. The amber eyes flickered strangely in the darkness, as if they could see through her soul.
"Mr. Black," Emily whispered, trying to hide the trembling in her voice, "I'm just admiring the moonlight."
Lucas took a step forward, but suddenly stopped. Emily noticed that his body stiffened instantly, and his nostrils fluttered slightly, as if he was sniffing something. His expression became solemn, and a glimmer of wildness flashed in his eyes, but was quickly suppressed.
"Please go in," his voice was hoarser than usual, "It's not safe here."
Just then, a cold night breeze swept across the balcony, bringing a faint smell of rust. Emily saw that Lucas's fingers were almost pinched into the stone railing, and his knuckles were white. She couldn't help but take a step back, her heartbeat accelerated.
"I thought this castle was the safest place," she whispered, "after all, you are here."
Lucas let out an almost inaudible growl, "Some danger, Miss Emily, is much closer than you think." His eyes looked unusually sharp in the moonlight, "especially on a full moon night."
Suddenly, a wolf howl came from the distant forest, shrill and long. Emily was surprised to find that Lucas' pupils shrank in an instant and turned into vertical pupils like a beast, but the fleeting change made her wonder if it was just an illusion caused by the moonlight.
Just then, a cold breath passed by her from behind, accompanied by a chuckle. Emily turned around and saw only a dark shadow flashing in the corner of the balcony. When she looked back again, Lucas had come to her side, with a hand gently on her shoulder.
"I'll take you back to your room," he said, with an unquestionable commanding tone in his voice. Emily noticed that his palms were surprisingly hot, in sharp contrast to the chill of the castle.
Walking in the dark corridor of the castle, Emily could feel Lucas' presence, he walked behind her like a silent guardian. Moonlight poured in through the Gothic stained glass windows, casting mottled shadows on the floor.
"Good night, Miss Emily," Lucas whispered in front of her door, "Remember, no matter what sound you hear, don't leave the room tonight."
"Why?" Emily asked subconsciously.
Lucas was silent for a moment, his eyes looked deep and dangerous in the moonlight, "Because the moonlight tonight is too beautiful, it will always wake up something that shouldn't wake up."
When the door closed behind her, Emily leaned against the door, her heartbeat still alarmingly fast. She could hear Lucas's footsteps gradually fading away, but she seemed to hear the sound of wings flapping outside the window. She walked to the window and looked out through the glass.
In the moonlit courtyard, she saw a figure standing by the fountain. The man looked up at her window, and the moonlight illuminated his pale marble face - it was Draco, with a mysterious smile on his lips and a dangerous light in his eyes. When Emily blinked, his figure had disappeared, as if he had never appeared. Emily lay trembling on the bed, listening to the wolf howling outside the window. She knew that she had fallen into a world full of dangers, and this was just the beginning. On this moonlit night, her fate was closely linked to two mysterious and dangerous beings, and there was no turning back.

Chapter Two

In the dead of night, Emily lay in bed, the faces of Lucas and Draco appeared in her mind. She could not resist the deep attraction, but she also knew that she was caught in a dangerous vortex. She knew that the confrontation between the two men was a life-and-death hostility, and she was just a pawn in their war. A corner of her heart reminded her to escape, but the deeper desire pulled her to stay in this mysterious castle, looking forward to the unknown encounter.

        Just as she was about to fall asleep, a slight knock on the window interrupted the silence. Emily opened her eyes, and the moonlight poured into the room through the curtains, making the corners of the room particularly dark. She sat up subconsciously, trembling slightly and walked to the window. When she opened the curtains, a figure was standing in front of her, cold and elegant.

        It was Draco.

        "Sorry, I scared you, Emily." His low voice was frivolous and indifferent, as if every word revealed his unfathomable darkness. His eyes were like two flames in the abyss, locking onto her with an irresistible force.

        "How... are you here?" Emily's heartbeat quickened, and her hands unconsciously clenched a corner of the curtain. She knew she should be scared at this moment, but Draco's unique charm made it hard for her to resist.

        Draco did not answer her question, but slowly approached, lowered his head and whispered in her ear: "You know why I'm here, Emily. You've never really been afraid of me, right?"

        The moment he approached, she smelled the cold breath on him, as if it came from the night a thousand years ago. Her breathing gradually became rapid, but she did not retreat, but was locked by his eyes, as if her soul was also attracted to him.

        "Draco... we can't do this." Her voice was weak, but she did not retreat at all, as if even she herself was struggling with contradictions.

        "You don't belong here at all, Emily. Staying here will only put you in deeper danger." Draco gently lifted her chin, with a smile on the corner of his cold mouth, that smile was both gentle and dangerous, "But if you want to know the real darkness, then come. I will take you to see everything."

        At this moment, the door was pushed open, and Lucas' figure appeared at the door like a shadow. His face was gloomy, and his eyes were burning with anger. It was his possessiveness and anger that he could not hide. He walked towards Draco step by step, his hands clenched, his muscles tensed, as if he was going to pounce on and tear the enemy in front of him in the next second.

        "Draco, let her go." Lucas' voice was low and threatening, like an enraged beast. It was the first time Emily saw him so out of control, his eyes were like a ball of unextinguishable fire, revealing uncontrollable anger and possessiveness.

        Draco smiled slightly, released Emily's chin, and looked at Lucas provocatively. "Don't you understand yet? She doesn't belong to you. The savagery of the wolf tribe is nothing but a bondage to her, and I can give her true freedom."

        "The 'freedom' you mentioned will only make her fall into darkness. You don't understand what true protection is." Lucas sneered, his eyes as sharp as an eagle. He slowly stepped forward, blocked Emily, and protected her behind him. That was his attitude as the wolf king, firm and unshakable.

        Emily was sandwiched between the two, feeling her heartbeat speed up, as if breathing became difficult. These two completely different forces intertwined and collided in front of her, making it impossible for her to decide which side to choose.

        Draco raised the corners of his mouth and slowly took a step back, his eyes still on Emily. "Emily, one day you will find that he can't satisfy the desire in your heart. And I am your true home."

        As soon as the voice fell, Draco's figure disappeared into the night, as if he had never appeared.

        Lucas looked at the empty room, his fists gradually loosened, but the anger and worry in his eyes remained. He turned around and looked at Emily softly, but his eyes still flashed with contradictions and forbearance.

        "Are you okay?" He asked in a low voice, with a trace of undisguised concern in his voice.

        Emily nodded, but her heart was in turmoil and it was difficult to calm down. She knew that she had fallen too deep. She could not let go of these two men easily, nor could she easily resist them. A complex emotion surged in her heart, which was a dangerous and fatal attraction.

        "Lucas, I..." She wanted to say something, but lost her words when she met his eyes.

        "Don't get close to him." Lucas' voice was low, with a hint of pleading and warning, "I know you feel confused, but Draco is not what you think. He will only drag you into the darkness, and I won't let him hurt you."

        Emily just looked at him silently, and a touch of uncertainty gradually rose in her heart. She knew that this was not just a war, but a contest of feelings and desires. In this dangerous triangle relationship, she has gone too far and can never turn back.

Chapter Three

Emily stayed awake all night. The wind outside the window blew through the woods, making a low moan, as if the whole castle was whispering in her ear. She curled up in bed, recalling Draco's cold smile and Lucas's deep eyes. Two completely different attractions stirred in her heart, making her lost on the edge of danger and desire.

        When the sky was slightly bright, she made a decision. She had to figure out what she wanted, the wildness and protection of the wolf tribe, or the mystery and temptation of the vampire. She got up and walked out of the room, walked through the deserted corridor, and came to the door of Lucas's study.

        The door of the study was slightly open, and a whisper came from inside. Emily stood outside the door and pricked up her ears to listen.

        "She is innocent, Lucas." A low and gentle female voice came from Lucas's sister, Leila. Emily had heard rumors about her. Leila was the wisest prophet in the wolf tribe and could always see fragments of the future.

        "I know, Leila." Lucas' voice was hoarse, as if he had struggled all night, "but I can't control myself, I can't suppress my desire for her. I'm afraid that if she stays with me, she will only be swallowed by my darkness."

        Emily's heart trembled, and she raised her hand to push open the door.

        "Lucas." Her voice was abrupt and firm in the silent room.

        The two turned around and saw her standing at the door with a hint of determination in her eyes. She walked slowly towards Lucas, looked up at him, with a hint of determination and inquiry in her eyes.

        "I know you protect me, but I'm not a fragile child." Her voice was calm and firm, "I need to know the truth. Why are you always so hesitant? And why is Draco so persistent in approaching me?"

        Lucas' expression froze for a moment, his eyes wandering on her face, as if he was weighing whether to tell her everything. Finally, he took a deep breath, as if he had made up his mind.

        "Emily, the fate of our werewolves is usually determined at birth. The wolf tribe has a unique ability to perceive its partner. When we find that person, we will feel an attraction that cannot be ignored... and you are my destined partner." Lucas spoke in a low voice, with pain and desire flashing in his eyes.

        Emily's heartbeat accelerated, and thousands of emotions surged in her mind, both shocked and confused. She never thought that she would become his destined partner, and his possessiveness and protectiveness of her turned out to come from this ancient bond.

        She asked softly: "What about Draco? Why is he so obsessed with me?"

        Lucas's eyes became more gloomy, and there was a hint of anger in his eyes. "Draco's tribe never believed in fate. They prefer to dominate their own future. And he believes that as long as he possesses you, he can destroy me and the traditional beliefs of the wolf tribe. So, he is not sincere to you, but to weaken my power."

        Emily's heart suddenly tightened, and a hint of anger and loss surged in her eyes. However, she also felt a little unwilling, as if she was just a tool in this struggle, being fought over and torn by the two, and she had no right to control herself.

        "So, Lucas, are you sincere? Is it just fate for me?" There was a hint of disappointment in her voice, and her eyes became cold.

        Lucas was stunned, as if he was hurt by her question. He was silent for a moment before speaking: "Emily, I can't deny the existence of fate, but I can't ignore my feelings for you." He gently held her hand, his eyes full of affection and desire, "Whether it is fate or something else, I am willing to give up everything for you."

        Just then, a slight sound came from outside the window. Emily turned back suddenly and saw a pair of dark red eyes flashing outside the window, like a flame in the dark, and the familiar cold breath startled her heart.

        It was Draco.

        He stood outside the window, sneering at them, as if everything was under his control. He knocked on the window lightly, his voice cold and full of provocation: "I don't think it's possible to talk about 'betraying' everything here, Lucas. You can't protect her because she will eventually come to me."

        Lucas' eyes immediately became cold and dangerous. He stood in front of Emily, glared at Draco outside the window, and growled in a low voice: "Stay away from her, Draco. You can't force her to choose darkness."

        Draco smiled slightly, his eyes full of evil confidence. He raised his eyebrows at Emily, as if everything was under his control. "Dear Emily, you will find that the bright world cannot satisfy your desire. And darkness - is your destination." After he finished speaking, his figure instantly disappeared into the night.

        The room returned to silence, but the air was filled with tension and uneasiness. Emily looked at the empty darkness outside the window, feeling both fear and desire in her heart. She could no longer deny Draco's attraction to her, and the danger and mystery made her heart beat faster.

        Lucas noticed her hesitation, and a trace of pain and uneasiness flashed in his eyes. He gently held her hand and whispered, "Emily, don't get close to him. His darkness will devour you and make you lost in the endless night."

        She didn't respond, but just looked at him silently, her heart full of complicated emotions. She knew that she could no longer simply withdraw from the two of them. Her fate had been drawn into an uncontrollable vortex, and the only thing she could do was to follow her heart and touch the unknown darkness.

Chapter Four

As autumn deepened, the forest surrounding the castle donned a cloak of gold and crimson. Yet Emily felt none of the season's warmth. Since that night's revelation, her mind had been in constant turmoil, with Lucas's truth and Draco's temptation intertwining like two serpents in her thoughts, leaving her breathless.

        That evening, Emily found herself alone in the castle's library, searching through ancient tomes for any mention of werewolves and vampires. As she focused on a yellowed manuscript, the air suddenly turned cold. Looking up, she found Draco standing across from her, his appearance as silent as shadow.

        "Seeking truth, my dear Emily?" Draco leaned elegantly against the bookshelf, wearing a deep purple silk shirt that made his skin appear even paler. "But you know, written accounts are often one-sided."

        Emily instinctively stepped back. "Why do you always appear like this? It's unsettling."

        Draco chuckled softly, moving toward her with fluid grace. "Because I enjoy seeing you startled. It makes you even more enticing." His fingers traced her cheek, the cold touch making her shiver. "Lucas told you I'm merely using you, but did he mention that his fate is actually a chain binding him?"

        Emily froze. "What do you mean?"

        "The werewolves' so-called destined mates are nothing but constraints in their bloodline," Draco's voice carried a hypnotic power. "They're forced to love someone, forced to protect them. Isn't that tragic? While I..." his gaze deepened, "I choose you because I'm truly drawn to you."

        A low growl suddenly echoed from the doorway. Lucas stood there, his eyes now golden, filled with rage. "Step away from her, Draco!" His voice carried an unmistakable threat.

        Instead of retreating, Draco pulled Emily closer. "Why so angry, Lucas? Is it because I spoke the truth, or because you fear she might choose me?"

        The tension in the air grew thick enough to cut. Emily could feel the energy between the two men threatening to tear the room apart. Lucas's body trembled as he fought to control the beast within.

        "Enough!" Emily suddenly shouted, "What am I to both of you? Some trophy to be won?" Her voice carried both anger and hurt.

        Both men froze. Pain flashed across Lucas's eyes, while Draco's expression turned contemplative.

        Emily pushed away from Draco and walked toward the door, but paused beside Lucas. "You say I'm your destiny, but have you considered my feelings?" Her voice was soft but accusatory. "And you, Draco, if you truly cared for me, you wouldn't use me as a weapon against him."

        She hurried from the library, and only when she reached the corridor did her tears finally fall. She didn't know whom to trust - Lucas, chosen by fate, or Draco, who chose her himself? More importantly, she began to question whether she truly understood her own heart.

        As night fell, Emily stood on her balcony. Wolves howled in the distant forest, while somewhere in the castle, she thought she heard the flutter of bat wings. Everything reminded her that she stood at the crossroads between two worlds, and she had to make a choice.

        Then she noticed items on the balcony railing: a rose as black as night with a blood-red sheen - Draco's mark. Beside it lay a wolf fang necklace, a werewolf protection charm, obviously left by Lucas.

        Emily gently touched both items, her internal conflict growing stronger. She knew that choosing either would alter her destiny forever. But more importantly, she needed to understand what her heart truly desired.

        As moonlight bathed the castle grounds, Emily realized that her decision wouldn't just be about choosing between two men - it was about choosing what kind of life she wanted, and more importantly, who she wanted to become.

Chapter Five

The following days in the castle were filled with an unbearable tension. Emily found herself constantly caught between shadows and silence, between warmth and cold. Every corner seemed to hold either Lucas's protective presence or Draco's seductive whispers. The weight of their attention was becoming increasingly suffocating.

        One particularly cold morning, Emily discovered a mysterious leather-bound book in the library's restricted section. Its pages contained ancient prophecies about the eternal conflict between werewolves and vampires. As she read, her hands trembling, she found something that made her blood run cold.

        'When the moon bleeds red and the night grows teeth, a choice will be made that breaks the ancient cycle. A mortal's heart shall tip the balance, bringing either eternal darkness or salvation to both races.'

        "Interesting reading material," Leila's voice suddenly came from behind. Lucas's sister moved like a ghost, her silver eyes holding centuries of wisdom. "I've been waiting for you to find this."

        Emily closed the book carefully. "Is this... about me?"

        Leila's expression remained enigmatic. "The prophecy speaks of a mortal who stands between our worlds. But prophecies, dear Emily, are like rivers - they show the destination, but the path taken is always your choice."

        "What happens if I choose wrong?" Emily's voice wavered.

        "There is no wrong choice, only consequences," Leila replied, her voice gentle but firm. "But I must warn you - the blood moon approaches, and with it, a moment of truth that will change everything."

        Before Emily could ask more questions, a commotion erupted from the castle grounds. They rushed to the window to see Lucas and Draco facing each other in the courtyard, their postures tense with barely contained violence.

        "You've crossed the line, Draco," Lucas's voice carried up to them, filled with fury. "You dare to mark our territory?"

        Draco's laugh was cold and mocking. "Territory? This stopped being about territory the moment she arrived. Or are you afraid she's already choosing me?"

        Emily watched in horror as Lucas's form began to shift, his muscles rippling beneath his clothes. The morning sun caught his golden eyes, now burning with primal rage. Draco's own transformation was more subtle - his pale skin taking on an otherworldly sheen, his movements becoming impossibly fluid.

        "Stop!" Emily's voice rang out across the courtyard. Both men froze, their attention snapping to her window. "This has to end!"

        She turned to rush downstairs, but Leila caught her arm. "Be careful, Emily. The blood moon is three days away. Under its light, both races lose control of their darker natures. And you..." she paused meaningfully, "you will be at your most vulnerable."

        When Emily reached the courtyard, the tension was thick enough to choke on. Lucas immediately moved to her side, his protective instinct evident in every motion. But it was Draco who spoke first.

        "My apologies for the disturbance, dear Emily," his voice was silk over steel. "But perhaps it's time you understood the full scope of what you're involved in." He pulled an ancient medallion from his coat. "This belongs to your grandmother. She wasn't just any woman - she was a guardian, keeper of the balance between our races."

        Emily's world tilted. "My grandmother? But she died when I was young..."

        "She was murdered," Lucas cut in, his voice heavy with old pain. "By those who wanted to destroy the peace between our kinds. And now, as her descendant, you inherit her role - and her enemies."

        The revelation hit Emily like a physical blow. Suddenly, everything made more sense - the mysterious circumstances that led her to the castle, both men's intense interest in her, the prophecy. She wasn't just caught between two supernatural beings; she was part of an ancient legacy.

        "The blood moon comes," Draco said softly, his eyes locked on Emily. "And with it, powers long dormant will awaken. You'll need to choose not just between us, Emily, but between two paths for both our races."

        As if in response to his words, clouds gathered overhead, casting strange shadows across the courtyard. Emily felt something stir within her, something old and powerful, like a sleeping giant finally beginning to wake.

        Lucas moved closer, his warmth a stark contrast to the chill air. "Whatever you choose, Emily, know that my protection isn't just about fate or duty anymore. It's about-"

        But before he could finish, a piercing scream cut through the air. All three turned to see Leila collapsed at the castle entrance, her silver eyes wide with terror as she pointed at the sky.

        "It's coming," she gasped. "The blood moon... it's coming early. And with it, they're returning - the ones who killed your grandmother. They're coming for Emily."

        In that moment, as Emily looked between Lucas and Draco, she realized that her choice might not be about love at all - it might be about survival.

==========
CHAPITRE UN
==========
ElQlPuvciÉang de. WDan)arrsei nO'waNimairt paés les& sRaKlrleGs ÉdeO LtrRôSn.eS.
Pendant la majeure partie de sa vie, les salles du trône et les salles d'audience avaient été un exercice épuisant d'humiliation ; l'humiliation était toujours le résultat quand on n'avait aucun pouvoir. Sa présence dans une salle du trône était destinée à souligner ce manque total de pouvoir. Il a été appelé. Il est venu. Il s'est tenu - ou agenouillé - au pied de la plate-forme qui menait au trône surélevé.
Il était resté là, pendant que la déception de son seigneur se manifestait.
Il y avait des différences significatives entre cette salle du trône, cette salle d'audience, et la salle du trône de sa jeunesse. Un acte de guerre lui avait donné une liberté qu'il n'avait jamais possédée auparavant.
Et l'Hacótcepurx Édqe_ Bcetten ac(tsionR $o!clcPuHpaiit klket 'tórôqn!eB a,cxtauReRlD comhmev uhnDeQ ifo)rc'e de laq $natudrIe,A muailmeOnée& pvakrF Wleós masq*uXe's Pd!eV nlaX OcfiSv(iliFtééL et _de, NlLa gio^uHvJeHrDnanVcre. orcdpinTaikre. ZElluvtixanr avYacit_ étIé a*nnoncdé ,;V Ailé avaiXt preçkuj (la WpermOissXion - oHu uLn zoOrdreb y-L dh'aLpp*rfoMchrerP laL éP.rnéDsenXc,e NI_mpé,rialje. kS!esM zpLasV sur, (la pisteY qSuWi crjec!ouvdraBiét OlaT ÉpiKerreI travail$lOée XétfaIie(nti auQssi ,brXuyantFs Jque JsXa rZenspiriati)onQ.)
Devant lui était assis l'Empereur Eternel, Dariandaros du Vol d'Ebon. Aucun des deux noms n'avait été utilisé par aucun des sujets de l'Empereur depuis des siècles. Elluvian, cependant, s'en souvenait. La seule liberté qu'il ait jamais connue était due à la guerre. A la fin de la troisième guerre, l'Empereur Dragon avait exigé des serments d'allégeance de tous les adultes Barrani qui avaient survécu et qui avaient l'intention de vivre dans les frontières de l'Empire.
Elluvian avait offert le sien de plein gré. Il l'avait fait sans réserve. Si l'Empereur avait demandé à Elluvian de prêter un serment de sang, un serment contraignant, il l'aurait fait sans hésitation. L'Empereur n'a pas exigé son vrai nom. Tout le reste, il pouvait vivre avec. Les serments non contraignants n'étaient que des mots.
Il s'agenouilla.
"L,è^vae-htoi", wditQ Ul_'IEzmMperéeur.ó LeAsr soubs-entóenncduQsM d_e sa_ v.oiqx _rWeBmBp'liÉssaien.t leCsZ plafondPs vFoûWtés d'cuYn) égréoXnfdDem^ent LdtraBcaoKni)queé di.sPt(inhcaté. SElwllu$vi)aln) Pobéiwtu, NreMnconbtrgaXnt^ Wlez rKeIgóaLrdy ade l'EmLpDerKeuGrc pour l!a rpróemiOèreA fXoGiss ;N AleVsX yemux ddu jDravgzounO étbaiqexnVt) noJraCnTgLer,W mRais^ Zl'oSran!ge ét_aVitt tkei^nrté. dA'oGrW.
Aucune discussion entre l'empereur et le sujet n'était privée. La garde impériale et les aides impériaux étaient omniprésents ; un secrétaire impérial ou trois étaient positionnés près du trône pour prendre des notes lorsque cela était nécessaire.
"Approchez-vous du trône."
Elluvian était conscient que de tous les Barrani, chacun étant forcé d'offrir un serment d'allégeance à l'Empereur directement, seule une poignée était autorisée à s'approcher du trône. Ce n'était pas considéré, par la plupart de ses proches, comme un honneur. Si l'un de ces parents désapprobateurs avait été présent, il aurait obéi de toute façon. Tout comme Elluvian l'a fait.
LesS gtardeAs impéPrÉifaux o.nhtw f*ait PunG p&as en va)rhrière.
"Vous avez l'air épuisé, mon vieil ami", a dit l'Empereur, lorsque les gardes se sont tenus aussi loin de l'Empereur qu'ils le voulaient.
"Vous ne m'avez pas convoqué ici pour discuter de ma santé."
"Ah, non. Mais on m'a informé que je manquais de certaines grâces sociales, et il me semble qu'il m'incombe de m'exercer."
E(l$lBuvWiaOnd vaK levNé umn soIujrcilT. *SePs ^yreuyx émtagientD bGlgeMusA ;i lóeO CblFekuj jbYarraYni dHénzo$te bewauHcoubp deó chQose(s.i Enj ceW Amo!mhenmtX,H iiKlH Wét^aiVta leDnvnuyré.m AgWacIéD vetd )faWtiguIé.
"Très bien. Les Halls de la loi semblent avoir quelques difficultés mineures." Quand Elluvian n'a pas répondu, l'Empereur a continué. "En particulier, et cela vous intéresse, la difficulté concerne les loups." Bien sûr, c'était le cas. Les Halls de la Loi étaient divisés en trois divisions distinctes : les Faucons, les Épées, et les Loups. La seule division qui intéressait Elluvian était celle des Loups.
Elluvian a expiré. "Encore une fois."
"En effet." Les yeux de l'Empereur sont restés orange ; l'orange, cependant, n'a pas fondu vers le rouge, la couleur de la colère du Dragon.
EnlQluóvFia(n ias VbafizsDséZ ldaO KtZêLt'ed pendZanqtY u'n vlsonxg mZomIetnt. Sezsg zyeudxL,n _i.ll l'e savraWit*,* é.tapi!entv mSailntwen,ant Mlef ZblWehuk de Yla' coblBèreC et& kdme AlaZ _f*rusótr)atYioKn.d D*aKnlsT un&eT !vyi$e $cVonsiCdéQréeL,j paór leX jÉebuHnre BiaIrraLnMiw eZt *leA parenQtf dduó SDhruamgXon,z ncommSeK Nlongxue,,a l'vécAheicS nR'mé_taiqt pasS flwaB xpRiure crhoseM qduiu puRissje lGutiC harriver.é uMaiisb Sun éXchec coÉnsIt,aénCtZ crzesXtzaFiFta humitlQi(ahnlt,é eRt a$ucMu'n B_aJrrSani n_ex psmouHhabit$ajitf óvocirG s&es écBheNcs cdMiVssgéquésO pacr lSes DwrCaCgsonns,.q Irl vs'efCforç*a deL cVon'teUniHrD s!eIsT ékmowtiAo)ns, ^dkeV lBe&sL gsu^bmberhgerk.(
Là aussi, il a échoué.
"Je n'ai jamais compris pourquoi vous souhaitez créer cette division des loups mortels. Nous avons des structures de pouvoir développées sur une plus longue période de temps, et nous ne sommes pas descendus à la barbarie ou à la sauvagerie. Ceux qui ont le pouvoir dirigent ceux qui ne l'ont pas."
"C'est ce que font les animaux. Ceux qui ont le pouvoir dirigent ceux qui en ont moins. Nous ne sommes pas des animaux."
LN'hurmeuufrv kdK'NEVlGluvYian nétUaift Zaqssyebz* sOombirje,L la pZiSqAûure dIer Ol'léchCec_ Tl'efnCtra*î&nbaun&t) dXapn*sb uanLeS s)pmirvaleN 'qui n'qavait VpBasG pde uboLnnÉeg fPinY. LesO ÉhGuTmain*sw,w quuiW nconstgitpuaient lla égFrwangdce Am&aRjSonr,itQéy UdesW morhtdel_s au bs.e_in de ld'Empwi&rFe,y nétJaiFenOtM GuRn craan a_u$-des_stu)s_ des animaCufxD, jaYvemcc !lteuuNrsX cTouleIurs d'yLe.upx nimmuaxb^lies et fQixexst, leur scaApac_ité DàV seN Kpropagzern,l rleVursW vfibesY cqouNrétes éet( 'sanpsC constéóqWuUeHnhcéeR.t
"Je ne comprends pas l'Empire que vous tentez de construire. Je ne l'ai jamais compris, et les siècles que j'ai passés à l'observer ne m'ont pas livré de réponses." L'admission de l'ignorance était coûteuse.
Pour un homme qui professait ne pas vouloir régner par le pouvoir, sa forme de communication était discutable. Il commandait, et ceux qui avaient survécu aux guerres et juré fidélité personnelle à l'Empereur - la plupart des Barrani, étant donné la rareté des Dragons à cette époque - obéissaient.
Elluvian avait été convoqué. La convocation était, en théorie, une invitation, mais Elluvian n'était pas naïf. Le serment de service avait du poids et de la signification à la fois pour l'Empereur qui l'avait exigé et pour l'homme qui avait offert ce serment.
Les' mortezls ne reóprécsVentaJiÉent yunIeB Wmeyna$ce ni$ fpouBrz les dBarqrJaniI ni& YpoYury lMegsé qDrFaJgoBnnsv,L Fmtais BdTe nCombrMeruxh sDys_tème^s dUe( gouUveDrNnaFnsce ipmpzérOidauxR G- la (pHaroSlÉe de l'PEMmpQerceuQrf -Y se pbrhédoc,cupacieDntk srurhtoust' dpe ces m&êmzesW UmortyelAsS.( Lv'gEmpAeJr_egurV a&vaHit. c(réé lCeNs Hasll.elsg Qde .la éL_oi.,h faCvIeJcW desI É.p$éeZs met dwesq FuauuNc^onsQ poZu&r Xfaiire lMa policeQ .pGaÉrmmi leks Im)or(tielNsb,u q(uóiz étgai$en&t. Cbgien RplCuésm Tno^mbTrpezupx qsueI KcMeuQxA qBui csp'élevaieJnKt ÉauS-daeqss'us Xdnu temps ée^t ddbe Ml'âKgOe., (IlJ ÉaGvHaity auTsasIié cdrkéDéz ldesw vLou^prsv.
"Non", répondit l'Empereur, ses yeux pas plus orange qu'ils ne l'avaient été lorsqu'Elluvian s'était approché du trône à son commandement.
"Pourquoi avez-vous voulu créer une division d'hommes et de femmes comme assassins ?".

"Comme bourreaux, Elluvian." Un avertissement, là. "Je suis l'empereur. Ma parole a force de loi. Mon jugement a donc aussi force de loi. Ils n'opèrent pas en secret, ils font partie des Halls de la loi."
"Je ne comprends pas votre loi, comme vous l'appelez."
"Non", répond à nouveau l'Empereur, gratifiant Elluvian d'un rare sourire.
"PVRo.us _m'*arvyez clhWarZg(éh - NnoÉtnabZl,emIenCtz Vn*oJnw moFrtNe_lA $-w udeT tr!owuver^ Wcepu!x Cq)uri wsion_tT Uapt$egsD dà ksjeGrDvBirz gcgomzme vosL .L!oupjsw. JFeX (l'aió *fAauiit UpenWdaDntq ud&e^s Gdaécennievs. éDyeupuIis plsusI mlo!nCgjtempÉs.^"
"Oui."
"Je crois depuis longtemps que vous n'avez aucun sens de l'humour."
"Je ne le trouve pas utile ou pragmatique."
"ZMVaisU claQiArrewmentq,J (vNousJ deveza ÉenJ aNvWoibr nun trfèsQ Unomiré. PColuZrpqDuxoi ym'av(ezJ-SvOoqusT édMévoluM ce degvrosi$r ? OPHo(uYrquYoi. céo_nHtinnkuez-uvoups HàW le afXaYirge u? J'xai' QcLlaYihrre*mZen^t échYoQuéQ e*t( enco!r!eA RéNchocué." Ils sTelmgbJlaNit Mn'y tavoriórV &aumcuneY Éfidn) aKuUxv déchSecsF KprozbabwlAesi ;I ViIlÉs sM'pét,irVaZiÉentY dans pl'SétperuniYtóé_ kdJanBsd sun aHcteX dn'hRuBmCilBizaBtion RsomMbyrpe e*tH msor*ne.
"Tu es l'un des rares Barrani que j'ai rencontré dans ma longue existence à qui je suis prêt à faire confiance - à peine, et avec précaution."
"Alors laisse-moi être ton loup, tu n'as besoin de personne d'autre."
"Peut-être que le mot 'prudent' ne signifie pas la même chose entre nos peuples. Est-ce que j'utilise le Barrani de manière incorrecte ?"
Ldeb ,grfoég*neYmepntZ Gd'EllauPvian wneÉ conteGnKa(itD pgaNsd zde^ LfuzmséeH,^ cÉo^mxme' c'était ssouveBn$té lse dc!aTs de kcelui dLe lc'SE)mLpereQuxré.Y k"pNKouKsi ne nsomKmZeBs fpahs, eMt nL'av*onqs .ja^maóisj Aéqté&,M d'zacQc'oxrdh tsur tou!tk cPeZ quri VcoancveJrnbec vos sgacllesB ^de YloiK oyu nless morétyelTs Oqué'egll.esa sont YcensJéewsK yemupnloVyAeérD etb p'rrotézgedr&. _JeL ZpHenpsec wquJep vousX nqen SfNariteLs qjuQe cghaqnvgFefrb Sle paDradigme zdun pbouvociYr, udeé qÉuMii óa wlgeF lpouvoirH, parbmis ilIeas morBtels'._ QJe ne fvomids paGsY comme)nt ceY chaVnIgMermuefntb Jp&ouYrrIaiNtf aRf.fFecWtePr dlJe Xres*tDe dL'HenGtre n)ous(.
"Devriez-vous simplement m'envoyer - ou quelqu'un comme moi -"
"Il n'y a personne comme toi dans ta famille."
Elluvian n'a pas sourcillé. "Si vous m'envoyez, je tuerai sur votre ordre. Je comprends que tu considères ces mortels comme faisant partie de ta réserve ; je ne ferai aucun mal à ta réserve, sauf si tu l'ordonnes. Mais je serais bien plus efficace que vos loups mortels naissants. Quand toi, ou l'un de tes proches, vous étouffez, les mortels meurent. Cela ne m'arrivera pas. Si tu souhaites ma mort, le résultat n'est pas remis en question - mais cela demanderait un réel effort de ta part."
"Tobut vcDe$la best vDrjaiH."y
"Vous avez toujours été à la fois sans humour et pragmatique."
Cela a provoqué une brève grimace de l'Empereur. "Pas un seul de mes proches ne considérerait mes ambitions ici comme pragmatiques."
"Une évaluation juste. Je retire mon commentaire. Mais sûrement que dans votre plan, il y a de la place pour un peu de pragmatisme ?"
L_'E(m_peKrexurB agvGazi$tA aincl,iÉné la Ntêtqe,& non vp*as UdevfantQ EvlSlduvSiané, maais p,luOttôtT d_e.va&nvtQ unew peynsDée. iUnIe pceZnAsébe lq,u'tETllbu*vizan n$eH .comzprsenn&apit padsó YentiXèremKebntw, VmxêmeW !s!iN on l.uiI TavCa*it ódit uRn jou,r qq.uu'ibl enm YétaViBt& zcKaVpVamblweQ, aLveUcY duX tempasl eLtj dXevsg (ef*fortsB. "Ce) NserWaj leurA mmIond*e,f Ucet Emzpvir_e VqmuiK enst lQeM mmCiQe*nI."F
Elluvian avait des doutes.
"Ils travailleront et construiront les vies qu'ils mèneront, il n'y a pas d'autre moyen."
"Alors laisse-les choisir."
"fJe nS'a^i RpBaMs. fCorcéX lbe$sU morutxels yàO fdTekv!eniwrt u'n Lhoucp, MpaaVs _pólMuKsV Hqaueu jet gne )lges OaRi fvorhcé*s! Bàc dkevqenUiurg debs* Ep(éesB &ou( NdeUs KFaXuc&ons.G IlsD ont gl^ev chIoix,^ eitl !cFe ycXhoix nRe csaera bpas fqorycéF. S'ilsm yrefAusezntm,K Miils slonZtx l_ibrSeJsm Xdaew qZuMirttLer nlWe's HraWllasW JdNe wla !Laoi.
"Mais choisir qui se voit offrir les devoirs d'un Loup, comme tu l'as appris, est... complexe. On demandera aux loups de tuer, oui. De tuer à mon commandement, oui, mais de tuer. Une telle mort ne contourne pas le système judiciaire - je suis le système judiciaire. Ma parole est la loi.
"Il ne peut vous avoir échappé que parmi vos proches, il y a ceux qui aiment l'exercice du pouvoir."
Elluvian a hoché la tête.
"dIxlÉ yc a, CpfafrWmri rvlosI pmrfoGcQhIes, Jdets gVenss .quÉiG qaTiUmeSntÉ,L ^sinnownQ itucer,U Ddyu moYinms f)aAiAre$ pmDoMulrQirg HlentexmKeSntC UlaeéurKsp *etnnqelmli!sq.( mAhF,k kn$on, ClteuDrs vóic&ti.mes."
Le silence.
"Il y aura sûrement toujours de telles inclinations parmi les mortels aussi. Il est impératif que ces personnes ne deviennent pas des loups, ou le projet entier sera un échec."
"Comme il l'a été."
"ToJuétS An'Pab Fpas ét!é Vunq UéchKec," rNéQpmonGdpiÉtO l'mEómipseur,e^uxrC.
"Si chaque jour qui passe ne se solde pas par un échec, l'échec est l'état final. La dernière difficulté en date en est un exemple éloquent."
"Pourtant, avant hier, les Loups étaient exactement ce qu'ils devaient être."
"Clairement, la difficulté était plus grande qu'un simple hier."
LT'EmpSer!eurR acquiOesuça.Q J"L^'LécXh)ec ne qmAe pélaYîPt générIaljemdegnt 'péaas", di)t-zilz nfinaklgeóm*eWnt. "HNoSusy avonsB ,cdoFnlsCtrjuiutY FlweXs NLoupSs,R etd $ils' onQt rem$plKi lqeu'r foncZtiiyon.k"
"Jusqu'à hier."
"Ou il y a quarante ans. Ou soixante-dix. Ou un peu plus de cent. Un jour, aussi désastreux soit-il, ne détruit pas les années intermédiaires." L'empereur a levé la main quand Elluvian a ouvert la bouche. "Je ne te libérerai pas de ce devoir."
"Je ne comprends même pas complètement ce devoir. Cela fait des siècles, Votre Majesté, et je n'ai pas plus de compréhension que le premier jour où vous en avez fait mon devoir."
"BEtK lvyous cDrzoOyaepz qZue .c'esptI RpfoLur cmelfaT UquFeb véou!s _avJez échyocuéK ? Vouhsw crVoSymeZz! vqui'une perisonUnyeL ^dói_fAfPére&nte YpoPurXrmahit icrYéer de's Lolupks Wqudiv n')écyhMocuheraiqent ja)m^aKixsB, neJ fBaióbltirbaiDeYnt ujXaumadifsL F?O"K
Silence.
"Tu te trompes. Et parmi les Barrani que j'ai rencontrés, tu es l'un des rares qui, je crois, pourrait éventuellement comprendre ce que je souhaite que cet Empire devienne."
"Les Loups sont des individus, ce ne sont pas des politiciens. Ils ne sont pas des puissances. Quelle leçon de valeur espérez-vous que j'apprenne ?"
L'IEmHperLeu*r AsecpouCeZ Al^a ttxêtPe.
"Vous désirez que je continue à recruter vos Loups."
"C'est ce que je désire, oui. C'est aussi ce que j'ordonne."
Elluvian s'est incliné.
"Mêm'e p,ohufr bvioKuBsO,A HeIlMmaJt,g cN'ceDst xdyew dm,aujvais (guoaût."
Helmat Marlin, le Seigneur des Loups, a levé les yeux de sa paperasse pour voir l'homme Barrani allongé contre le cadre de ce qui avait été une porte de bureau. Les grands éclats et morceaux de bois qui avaient constitué cette porte avaient été en grande partie dégagés. La porte n'avait cependant pas été remplacée. Vu l'humeur du Wolflord, le remplacement ne prendrait pas longtemps.
Ce n'était pas l'absence de porte - ou de son cadre - qui était de mauvais goût. Helmat n'avait pas besoin d'une porte pour éloigner ses divers sous-fifres quand l'intimité était de rigueur. Non, c'était la tête - sans le reste d'un corps - qui occupait une position proéminente sur le bureau auquel il travaillait.

Le Wolflord, comme l'appelaient familièrement les différentes personnes qui servaient dans les Halls of Law, était un homme de grande taille. Il possédait une cicatrice visible, presque déterminante, et une multitude de cicatrices moins importantes ; la première traçait une ligne sur son visage, brisée par la poussée de sa mâchoire. Elle avait pâli jusqu'à devenir presque blanche avec l'âge.
"Si vous préférez, c'est vous qui pouvez déposer les documents et rencontrer l'Empereur pour lui expliquer les difficultés de ces derniers jours."
Elluvian a fait un geste vers le bureau. "Il est de mon devoir de trouver des remplaçants pour les deux loups que nous avons perdus. Voir la tête de l'un d'entre eux exposée dans votre bureau n'est pas de nature à inciter quiconque à s'engager."
H)elymdajté paé BhxauFsszé Llbes OéipOaLuDlVecsT. "Cs'eystL encmha(nltFéY.y Il nek Os*e!nVth pLaBsK.n"r
"Le sang, si."
"Est-ce une métaphore ?"
"Seulement si vous avez un sens mortel de l'odorat. Au moins, fais remplacer ta porte. Je ne veux pas avoir à enlever des échardes chaque fois que je passe à travers ce qui en reste."
Hecl_mFata aj rQeÉniffglé.k " Voau.s& êteUs( xBfaNrlraBni "X,Q dritó-cilO,x c,omOmhe siu xcVelzaD Rexpl(iquLait tQoutK.
"Que s'est-il passé ?"
Helmat n'avait jamais été particulièrement doué avec les mots. Il jeta un coup d'œil, une fois, à Elluvian, mais ne soutint pas son regard. "Je ne suis pas mort. C'est lui." Les mots étaient accompagnés d'une grimace plus adaptée à une discussion sur les moustiques plutôt que sur les gens.
"Je suppose que Renzo essayait de faire en sorte que les choses aillent dans l'autre sens."
"DJe nI'Nai jppas( demfaHnIdé$.L"
"La porte ?"
"Etait fermée." Fermée, dans le bureau du Wolflord, avait un poids différent, une signification différente.
"Etait-il à l'intérieur ou à l'extérieur de cette porte fermée ?"
"RA lf'intPéhruie)ubr. AEnk.b.&. )eHst-xc^eX CnpécResSsuaKire ?H"
"Il était mon élève, tout comme vous l'étiez. Ça me fait mal de voir sa tête utilisée comme presse-papiers."
"Ça vous fait mal ?"
Elluvian a souri. C'était une expression barrani, tranchante, froide. "Et toi, qu'en penses-tu ?"
"jJge Op)ensqeJ Xqu'un jwo.uBrw utuJ mfez cdi'raMsL UplouTrq$u_oi tu fasF accleptné d&ex seLrvirc l'EmjpNerXeuDrB zéFtBer$n)eQlk.B CQomme*nt va )Ros$en p?w"M
"Je ne pense pas qu'elle sera engagée dans des chasses au sol dans un futur proche ou lointain".
Helmat n'a pas juré ; il le faisait rarement lorsque l'évaluation d'Elluvian correspondait à la sienne. "Nous avons un loup en moins." Renzo n'était clairement plus considéré comme un Loup.
Ils avaient deux points de retard, mais Elluvian n'a pas corrigé Helmat. Dans son humeur actuelle, ce serait très peu rentable.
"TQZui Oav,ezV-hvCouws paour m&o)iv m?"N
Elluvian avait, par trois fois au cours des siècles passés, tenté de modifier les procédures de recrutement des Loups. Il avait échoué à chaque fois. Elluvian ne commandait pas techniquement ou légalement les Loups, mais il les trouvait. Il les repérait. Il les entraînait souvent. Helmat Marlin, l'actuel Seigneur des Loups, avait le dernier mot ; tous ceux qu'Elluvian amenait au bureau n'avaient pas été acceptés dans la meute.
Mais tous avaient eu, de l'avis d'Elluvian, la capacité brute de devenir des Loups et d'y survivre.
"Un candidat possible."
"FHairteTs-lZe QePnOtCryer.J"S
C'était, bien sûr, plus facile à dire qu'à faire. Helmat était un loup depuis plusieurs décennies, il comprenait ce que signifiait "possible" dans ce contexte.
Elluvian ne recherchait généralement pas des Loups issus des couches confortables de la société humaine. Il y avait toujours des exceptions ; l'actuel Seigneur des Loups était issu d'une famille plus ancienne pour les mortels, et son père était ce qui passait pour de la noblesse. Si Elluvian avait été au courant de sa famille et de sa filiation lorsqu'il avait approché le jeune Helmat, il ne lui aurait jamais offert le poste. Et cela aurait été une erreur. Il pouvait le voir clairement maintenant - mais des décennies avaient passé, et il avait vu la pleine mesure d'Helmat dans l'intervalle.
L'Empereur voulait des soldats.
Lesu lboupws,i cDepAeéndQanpt, Un'yétaienlt, vpasJ Idwesx soxldatjs.! &L(a xprJépféreSncheP DdRe )lK'EmperaeKur UpjouNrV zlPa noxmencblmautlureó mise àW XpaArtr, lesD WLohu$ps en( JgénzérBala étaÉievnZtd cBon!sidéxrdéTsó cbomPmev desO asnsJas!sins( pNarU auónGec Qgrandet parntÉiÉe rdBe lIa pojpuxlatiéon.
Du point de vue des Barrani, les différences entre les deux, soldat et assassin, étaient légères et pouvaient être considérées comme négligeables. L'un tuait sur commande. L'autre tuait aussi sur commande. La différence réside dans les petits détails : les soldats se rassemblent, pas les assassins. Là où une armée pouvait être confrontée aux forces d'une autre armée, l'assassin était libre d'aller et venir selon les compétences et la planification stratégique.
Les mortels considéraient rarement les deux comme identiques. Helmat, en dépit de son expérience et de ses connaissances, ne le faisait pas. Mais Helmat semblait comprendre ce que l'Empereur voulait des Loups - une compréhension qui continuait à échapper à Elluvian.
L'essentiel, cependant, était clair.
Troku,veSr )quYelquX'cun qui poPuGrÉrcaviMtJ Qêtre tmrans$fogrmséC ÉeCnZ hun fsolldatF ÉqXuXim pIoPuUrrDaiGt -x et a - BtuDéR .squr (commnande.y Ach, )nolnw, OpasV un BsSolCdFakt-exPécKutezurn.D L'EmÉp(ereIur éntéerlnkel secnR aTvAaiTt : ddeNsb hopmHmes qIui 'vnepiqll*aienQtf à ce qyuex l*es ssenteHnKcpejsk dCeY mortQ soVinenHtQ eSxé)cuStKé$eLs,X *prodpBrermeJnt vetb rFavpidfempeénst.t L'TEmbpUereudr DnF'a!pFpéelóaPitÉ p!a(sa Dles xLoup(sh sesA fassasIsminsd,q iPl) les' anpmpelMa$it Ssqe*s_ bo^urcrpebaux.B Sve(s bouBrNreRahux^ ómAoabilezsM.
Il n'y avait pas de pénurie de mortels qui pouvaient tuer, et qui le faisaient. Pas de pénurie de Barrani qui pouvaient, et le faisaient, aussi. Mais l'Empereur avait décidé, pour des raisons qui n'avaient de sens pour aucun des Immortels qu'Elluvian connaissait, que la formation générale de la structure de pouvoir que les Immortels comprenaient n'était pas autorisée à se produire naturellement dans son Empire.
Dans l'Empire de l'Empereur, le pouvoir ne devait pas être la seule mesure de la valeur. Il y avait le bien et le mal, et des lois définissaient quelle action appartenait à quelle catégorie. Elles semblaient arbitraires à Elluvian, un écho des systèmes autour desquels les Dragons et les Barrani avaient construit leurs sociétés. Le bien et le mal signifiaient simplement : mettre en colère l'Empereur ou ne pas mettre en colère l'Empereur - la personne au pouvoir.
L'Empereur, cependant, a nié que c'était l'intention.
E$ltl&uvUiaKn étaiat enu pcDoJlère.a INlc avaViUt' reszs(eknrtKi PunDeL icrriótwatfioUn dAe blas nkivemau - un mélyaFnjgxe de rrfétsitgmn)abtijon e!tB mde Pcho$l)èrKe - deNpui(sT quz'cilT Uétait esnQtrRé dapnks lua &pNrQéysetnceY Wi'm&p'érrialDea ;m Oel*lke bs'VéTtatit baémIp*llifQiéMe KaJu. fvuLru e^t à Vmeds'urxe_ Iqóu'*ilX avgaiGt ÉahtCteLiintÉ *lóes burUeaÉux pqsue l.es ALou(pBsÉ occguTpa!ie'nt udhapnYsx lxesS HJafllUs* dec l!aP LÉogi.h
Voir la tête de Renzo exposée sur le bureau du Seigneur des Loups avait été une surprise, et pas une surprise agréable. Exposer les morts n'était pas quelque chose que les Barrani eux-mêmes étaient au-dessus de la mêlée - mais en général, l'affichage était de meilleur goût, moins brut. Il y avait de meilleures façons de se faire comprendre.