199

199
Valencia’s POV
"We're back by tomorrow afternoon at the latest." Logan added.
Elias walked to the window. "If this fails," he said quietly, "if you don't come back, what should I do?"
Logan and I exchanged a glance. "If we're not back within two days," Logan said, "assume the mission failed. Immediately begin evacuating all non-combatants south. Women, children, elderly. Get them as far from the border as possible."
"The warriors stay," I added. "Hold Cliffwatch Pack territory as long as you can. Make Ashwood and whatever's left of Elton's forces bleed for every inch of ground."
Elias turned back to face us. His jaw was set. Determined.
"You'll come back," he said. "Both of you. Because this pack needs you."
"We will," Logan promised. "But only the three of us can know about this plan. No one else. If word gets out, if there's even a chance Elton has spies in our territory, the element of surprise is lost."
"I understand." Elias walked back to the table. "What do you need me to do while you're gone?"
"Act normal," I said. "Continue the defensive preparations. Keep the scouts monitoring Ashwood's movements. Don't let anyone suspect that Logan and I have left the territory."
"If anyone asks where you are, tell them you're in meetings. Planning strategy. No one questions a closed-door war council during times like these."
Elias nodded slowly. "Alright. I can do that."
Logan placed his hand on Elias's shoulder. "You've proven yourself these past weeks. The pack trusts you. If the worst happens and we don't return, you'll make a good Alpha."
"Don't talk like that," Elias said. His voice cracked slightly. "You're both coming back."
"We will," I said. I meant it. We would come back. We had to.
Logan and I left the great hall and headed back to our chambers. The sun was setting. Painting the sky in shades of orange and red.
We had maybe two hours before full darkness.
Inside our room, I changed into practical clothing. Dark leather pants. A fitted tunic that wouldn't restrict movement. Sturdy boots. Everything in shades of black and dark gray. Colors that would blend into the night.
Logan was doing the same. He strapped weapons to his belt. A short sword. Several knives. Everything chosen for close-quarters combat.
"Are you scared?" he asked without looking up from checking his blade.
"Yes," I admitted. "But not of the fighting. I'm scared of what happens if we fail. If I can't control the dragon fire properly. If we don't find Elton. If this whole plan falls apart."
Logan looked up. Crossed the room to where I stood. He took my face in his hands gently.
"You won't lose control. I've seen what you can do now. The synchronization with Alduin. You're in complete control."
"Promise me something," I whispered. "Promise that if things go badly, if it looks like we can't win, you'll run. You'll save yourself."
"No."
"Logan—"
"I'm not promising that. I won't leave you. Ever. We win together or we die together."
I wanted to argue. Wanted to make him see reason. But I knew it was pointless. Logan was as stubborn as I was.
"Then I guess we'd better win," I said.
He smiled slightly. "That's the plan."
He kissed me. Soft at first. Then deeper. More urgent. Like he was trying to memorize the taste of me. The feel of me.
When we finally pulled apart, the last light of sunset was fading from the window.
"It's time," Logan said.
We left our chambers quietly. Moved through the corridors like shadows. Most pack members were in the dining hall for the evening meal. The halls were nearly empty.
We reached the courtyard. Elias was waiting there with two horses already saddled.
"Ride south to the forest valley," he said quietly. "No one will see you take off from there."
"Thank you," I said.
Elias grabbed my hand suddenly. Squeezed it tight.
"Come back safe, Luna. Both of you."
"We will."
Logan and I mounted the horses and rode out through the south gate. The guards on duty barely glanced at us. Just their Alpha and Luna going for an evening ride. Nothing unusual.
We rode for twenty minutes. Down the winding path that led away from the fortress. Into the dense forest valley below.
When we were far enough from any watching eyes, Logan dismounted. He slapped his horse's flank, sending it trotting back toward the pack lands.
I did the same with mine.
Then we stood in the clearing. Trees surrounded us on all sides. The moon was rising. Bright and full. Perfect for flying.
"Ready?" Logan asked.
I closed my eyes. Reached inward. Found Alduin waiting.
Time to hunt, I thought to him.
Yes, he responded. His voice was eager. Hungry for battle. Time to show them what dragons can do.
I opened my eyes. They blazed gold.
Within seconds, I stood in the clearing as a full dragon.Logan climbed onto my back. Settled himself between my shoulder blades. His hands gripped the thick ridges of my neck scales.
"Let's go end this," he said aloud.
I crouched low. Gathered my strength. Then launched myself into the sky.
My wings beat hard. Each stroke carrying us higher. The trees fell away below. The forest became a dark carpet beneath us.
I flew east. Toward Emerald Grove Pack. The wind rushed past us.
Are you nervous? Logan's thought came through the mind link.
Very, I admitted. But it also feels... right. This is the first time I'm truly choosing to fight. Not because Ophelia planned it. Not because fate demanded it. But because this is our home. Our people. Our choice to defend them.
I'm proud of you, Logan sent. Warmth flooded through the mate bond.
The flight took three hours. Flying fast. Following the markers Logan had memorized from the map.
Finally, in the distance, I saw lights. Dozens of them. Hundreds.
Emerald Grove Pack's main settlement.
I circled high above. So high we were just a dark shape against the darker sky.
Logan pointed to specific buildings below. Even from this height, his enhanced eyesight could pick out details.
There, he sent through the mind link. That large structure on the eastern side. That's their main weapons storage. I can see guards posted around it.
I followed his gesture. Saw the building he meant.
And there, Logan continued. The three long buildings in the center. Those are barracks. Most of Elton's warriors will be sleeping there.
Where do you think Elton is? I asked.
That building. Logan pointed to a structure separated from the others. Larger. More heavily guarded. That's the Alpha's residence. He'll be inside. Probably asleep. Certainly not expecting an attack.
I studied the layout. Memorized the positions. Then I began my descent.
Slowly at first. A controlled glide. Getting closer but staying quiet. No one below had noticed us yet.
When we were about a hundred feet above the settlement, I spoke through the mind link.
Ready?
Ready, Logan confirmed.
I opened my jaws.
And I unleashed hell.