Chapter 11 Drawing Lines
Amara’s POV
I wrung my hands while sitting on a low bench outside the council room. The screams within were muffled by the heavy, ancient rune-carved hall doors, but not enough to conceal the rage.
I was the subject of their argument. Once more.
I attempted to control my breathing while pressing my back against the chilly wall. The pain in my mark pulsed like a warning. Every heartbeat was palpable to me.
She is on her way to get you.
I shut my eyes. Her voice had been in my nightmares all night, and her command was still reverberating.
Burn or bring me the Priestess.
The door swung open with such force that it struck the stone. I leaped. Kian strode out, eyes blazing a pale yellow, face black. With a low groan, he ran a hand through his hair.
"Kian?" My voice faltered.
His face softened slightly as he turned to face me, but the fire in his eyes remained. "They're idiots. Each one of them.
I got up. "What were they saying?"
He balled his hands up. "They wish to expel you. Hide you in a "safe" place. The territory of another pack or a human community. Out of sight, out of their territories.
My stomach turned over. "They wish to leave me."
He gave me a fierce glare. "They're afraid. However, if they believe she won't find you anyhow, they are cowards.
Slowly, my throat constricted, and I nodded. "She will follow me around." It's not just about me. She wants them all to suffer in order to reach me.
His thumb brushed beneath my eye as he touched my cheek. "I understand."
I suppressed my tears. "What were your words to them?"
A sardonic smile curved his lips. Over my lifeless body, I told them. I will not allow them to send you on your own. Before I allowed them, I would fight them myself.
My breath caught. "Kian..."
His forehead touched mine. "You intend to remain here. Alongside me. You're not being thrown to the wolves.
The choice of words made me giggle a little unsteadily. It's funny. Because it is just what they fear.
He was not smiling. "She will have to tear you from my hands if she wants you."
Elder Thorn and two of the councillors rushed out as the doors crashed open once more. He gave Kian a fierce look. "We take note of your disobedience, warrior."
Kian straightened, but his look remained fixed. "Cowards are not my superiors."
Thorn's nose widened. "Be mindful of your tongue."
With my heart racing, I hurried onward. "Please. Give up. You all.
Three sets of eyes, full of fear, worry, and judgment, turned to face me.
I took a swallow. "You believe this can be resolved by sending me away? It won't. You are aware of it. She will come after. Anything that protects me will be burned by her. She will use anyone who tries as an example.
One councillor averted his look. Another frowned without arguing.
Elder Thorn's arms were crossed. "You're a young person. You have no idea what war is. You have no idea what sacrifice is.
I raised my chin. "I understand sacrifice. I am aware of being pursued. I am aware of her intentions.
Kian's firm, grounding hand was on my shoulder.
Thorn's look scarcely softened. You're implying that you want us to stick together and fight. Give your life for you.
I didn't wince. "I'm suggesting that whether or not I'm present, you'll have to fight. She has stated that clearly.
There was silence.
Kian gave me a shoulder squeeze. "She's correct."
Thorn gave him a forehead rub. And what do you want us to do? Wait for her to massacre us while you sit here?
Selene stirred in my head. I spoke quietly. "We get ready. We discover her flaws. If necessary, we use me as bait. However, we don't run.
Kian's pride blazed in his eyes. Thorn let out a deep sigh.
"Brave words," he said in a quiet voice. "We'll see if you can meet them." He pointed toward the door. The council has adjourned. For the time being.
He left.
The tension had not subsided after several hours. Outside, warriors were gathering in preparation for workouts. Beta Ren yelled commands. Shouts, the stomp of boots, and metal on metal filled the courtyard.
I watched them all from the well. Even though I was the reason they were working so hard, I felt like an outsider.
Rowan emerged from the yard's edge. His eyes were fixed on me, and his dark hair hung loose about his shoulders.
I gasped.
He ignored the Obsidian warriors' looks and strode directly at me. His jaw was tight, his shoulders rigid.
Kian moved away from the wall he had been leaning against after noticing him. His eyes turned deadly.
Rowan continued.
"Amara. We must speak.
He sounded harsh, as if he had been sobbing or yelling.
I took a step back and shook my head. "No."
He squinted his eyes. "Please. By themselves.
Kian took a step ahead. "Not taking place."
Rowan scowled at him. "Remain away from this."
Kian snorted. "No chance. She is unwilling to speak with you. Honour that.
Rowan's tone faltered. "Amara. Only five minutes. Please. I have some things to clarify.
Painfully, my heart twisted.
Kian growled. "You're not allowed to elaborate. Not right now. Perhaps never.
Rowan balled his fists. He lowered his voice to a growl. "Avoid getting in the way of me and my partner."
A ruthless smirk twisted Kian's lips. "Which one? Because, in case you forgot, I am also hers.
Rowan threw himself forward. I yelped.
Kian pushed me away from him and confronted Rowan's attack.
Claws half-extended, teeth bared, they crashed into each other.
"Stop!" I let out a yell.
They went cold. They were both panting heavily.
Rowan had a rough voice. "Please. Let me speak with her, please.
Kian remained still. He spoke in a cold tone. "With permission from the council, of course."
Rowan looked at me with pain in his eyes. "Amara."
My voice cracked as I took a deep gulp. "—I am unable to." Not right now.
He recoiled as if I had given him a slap.
Kian gave him a step back. "Alpha, go home. Before you further humiliate yourself.
With a growl, Rowan pivoted on his heel and strode off, his shoulders trembling.
I put my hands over my face and tried not to cry.
The council reconvened in secret that evening. I listened at the door even though I was not let inside.
One voice protested, "We can't let her be alone with him."
Another person retorted, "She's his mate."
She is the Priestess of the Moon. "She is not anyone's property," Elder Thorn yelled.
Not a word.
Thorn said, "We must make a decision quickly." "Because we all have targets on our backs if she is present."
Before I could hear any more, I staggered off.
Outside, Kian was waiting. After glancing at my face, he drew me into his embrace.
I said, "I detest them." "I detest everything."
He remained silent. Simply kept me closer.
The following morning was gloomy and chilly.
Sitting by the fire with Kian, I tried to wish away the pain in my chest while gazing into the flames.
There was no sign of Rowan.
I nearly missed him.
But there was a disturbance beyond the gates before I could lose myself in my remorse.
Shouting voices.
It was the hoof sound.
Kian leapt to his feet and dragged me along with him.
The warriors rushed to the walls.
At the edge of the clearing, a cloaked person on a black horse stood waiting.
They had a twisted smile, black eyes, and pale skin as they lifted their hood.
The messenger of Lilith.
His voice carried as he summoned the guards.
“I bring the Hollow Witch’s message!”
Everyone fell silent.
He smiled more.
His voice was as smooth as oil as he continued, "Give the Priestess back to us." Or risk disaster. If you want to save her the trouble, burn your houses immediately.
My veins felt like ice.
The wind screamed.
My mark was scorched.
I heard Lilith's voice whispering once more.
Make a decision fast. Their lives or yours.
I gripped my wrist while my wide, frightened eyes were fixed on the messenger.
Kian growled low in his voice.
He told me to get inside.
However, I was immobile.
Since I was aware.
It was this.
The war has started.