Invasion

Charlotte

It was a busy morning. Logan left early with the soldiers for a new, larger, and better-equipped training camp. They would learn to fight in both human and wolf forms. Fenrir hadn't started his training yet, so he couldn't join the soldiers. Logan would take him to a specific training camp in the forest when he turned ten. It would be just the two of them, and it was an initiation for the young wolf. Lia told me about it during my lessons as Luna. When a young wolf comes of age, his father takes him into the forest to bond with his wolf and live like the wolves in isolated wolf packs. They sleep in caves, drink water, and only hunt like wolves. The last time Fenrir went with Logan, he stayed in human form, as he wasn't used to his wolf form yet. Next time, he will join his father as a wolf.

Fenrir wanted to take part in the training, but he wasn't old enough yet, so he had to watch from afar. So Lia and I changed our clothes to get around the forest of Reims better, and we all went to the training camp. The new camp was twice the size of the old one, which was inside the castle walls. We noticed a significant increase in soldiers after the war against the rebels. Young wolves from many different packs, and even older wolves, came out to join the army of the powerful Alpha King who defeated the rebels and conquered several territories on his journey. They didn't know the details of these victories, but we allowed the stories to continue, as long as they didn't encourage further acts of rebellion.

We got there and the soldiers were fighting in pairs, one in human form and the other in wolf form. Logan and his commander were observing the fights, giving advice and teaching them better ways to attack. Fenrir was very excited, his big blue eyes shining as he followed the training. When Logan took over and demonstrated some techniques, Fenrir tried to copy him. I was mesmerized by Logan's precise and perfect movements, as his muscles tensed and stretched during the attacks. He was furious when one of the soldiers didn't follow his instructions and threw the poor wolf to the ground. Logan shouted insults at him before releasing him and ordering him to repeat the movements. I laughed quietly to myself so that Fenrir wouldn't hear. He had puffed out his chest and shaken out his shoulders, trying to look bigger than he already was.

"He's growing up very well," Lia said smiling and I nodded in agreement.

"All I wish is for him to be a good Alpha King. That he treats the people fairly and finds a mate worthy of being by his side." I said dreamily, already imagining Fenrir as an adult, much like Logan.

Logan saw us and turned his attention to me, making my heart beat faster and my face flush. Lia and I bowed our heads politely, as a form of respect. The commander noticed Logan's interest and bowed too, drawing everyone's attention to us. Observing secretly was our main goal, we didn't want to disturb the training. But, being discreet was impossible. After that, everyone got nervous and made mistakes more often, causing Logan to lose patience more quickly than usual. But, to my surprise, Logan didn't hurt anyone. He simply instructed them to tidy up, as the day's training was over. I felt guilty for getting in the way, but I was also happy to see Fenrir in the corner trying to imitate Logan's movements.

I thought about everything we had been through and the battles we had faced. Seeing my son grow up healthy and full of energy brought me great joy. Despite all these years, I couldn't reconnect with my ancestral she-wolf or the Goddess. Fortunately, Logan's curse had been broken, and I did not know of how or when it happened, but I was grateful that he was safe. I got up and Lia followed me. We were ready to return to the castle since there would be no more training.

The drums began to sound at a rapid pace, putting everyone on alert. "Get ready!" the commander shouted and immediately the soldiers began to move.

Something was wrong. I ran to where Fenrir was and scooped him up in my arms, running back to the castle. Lia was right behind, looking everywhere while my focus was solely on reaching the gates as quickly as possible. We were under heavy attack, the sounds of battle growing louder as we approached the castle walls. As soon as we crossed the large gate, the soldiers closed it.

"Mom, what's going on?" Fenrir asked in my arms. There was no trace of fear in the situation, only curiosity.

"We're under attack, my darling, but King Alpha will deal with everything. Let's just stay safe and wait." I explained, then looked at Lia who walked away to the servants' wing.

Everyone had to be prepared in case the gates were breached and the castle invaded. My job was to keep Fenrir under control and safe. A group of soldiers joined me on my run to the east wing of the castle, where Logan's old room was, used to contain him when the curse got out of control. Few people knew about this room, which would make it difficult for whoever was attacking us to find Fenrir.

"I'm going to fight too!" Fenrir struggled in my arms as I walked down the corridor to the bedroom. "I'm going to help my father defeat anyone who puts our kingdom in danger." I entered the room and locked the heavy door.

I turned to Fenrir and held his shoulders, making him look at me. "I know you want to be out there, fighting alongside your father, but you haven't been trained yet, you're still too young. You're the future Alpha King, you have to think about preserving yourself now so that you can fight the next day. Do you understand me, Fenrir?" he nods and I hug him tightly.

The noise of the battle came through the bedroom windows, they were close, and if they found us it would be the end. I took Fenrir to the bed and pushed him under it. "Stay there, don't come out, no matter what." Fenrir held my hand, in his eyes, I could see that he was fighting his instincts to obey me. "It'll be all right." I throw a blanket on the bed and get ready.

Loud knocks on the door surprised me, shouts and sounds of battle, but all was silent. I waited for a few minutes before opening the door and seeing the sight that filled my heart with despair.