Chapter 14 Wind and Fire
Amara’s POV
When the messenger arrived, the sun had just begun to rise. While the elders debated border defenses, I sat in a rigid chair in the main hall of the Obsidian Pack. As though anticipating the news, my mark throbbed with agony.
The young scout stumbled in as the door banged open. His arm was smeared with blood. He didn't even bow. "The Lichen Pack was attacked."
There was silence in the room. My stomach sank with my heart.
The table rocked as Rowan, pacing in the corner, swung around. "Attacked?"
The scout took a deep breath. “Wolves were cursed. Dozens of them. They arrived at night. Half the community was burned. Many people are deceased.”
The blood in my face started to run out. My nails drove deep into my palms as I clenched my hands in my lap.
Rowan's tone faltered. "Who?"
The scout's eyes dipped. "Your beta, Tarek, has passed away. Numerous older ones. The puppies left. But there is anarchy.”
Rowan roared, causing the walls to tremble. Maps and cups fell to the ground as he swept his arm across the table.
At the Obsidian council, he yelled, "You told me you were keeping an eye on the borders."
Senior Mira stood with a pallid face. "We were. However, cursed wolves don't follow typical paths. They follow the evil magic.”
Rowan's eyes shone brightly. His claws were half-shifted, his wolf near the surface. "My people were burned by you!"
Anger and yelling filled the hall. Rowan was restrained by Obsidian guards, but none dared approach.
It was too much for me to handle. I got up so quickly that my chair fell over.
"Enough!" I yelled. Everyone froze, but my voice cracked. Rowan even heaved his chest and turned to face me.
Tears burned in my eyes. "This is her desire. Lilith wants us to tear each other apart as she annihilates each of us individually.”
Rowan spoke in a raspy, low voice. "My people have passed away."
"I understand," I said. "And I'm to blame."
Startled, he blinked. "What?"
I balled my fists up. “She is pursuing me. If I didn't go to her, she threatened to burn everything. Last night, she brought those fires into my vision. I didn't pay attention.”
The room fell silent.
Rowan's face contorted with anger and sorrow. "Amara—"
However, I was already trembling. “Don't. Please don't try to cheer me up over this. The Priestess is me. I'm meant to stop her. Instead, it's me who is causing her to kill more people.”
Mira's tone faltered. "This isn't your fault, kid. Ancient evil is what the Hollow Witch is. She has this blood on her hands.”
I felt a split in my chest as I turned to face her. “However, I have the power to put an end to it. And while everyone else bleeds, I sit here secure.”
Nobody argued.
It was intolerable to me.
I hurried out of the room. Behind me, Rowan was yelling my name, but I ignored him.
I sprinted back toward the cabin they had assigned me. I packed as fast as I could, bringing only my cloak, a waterskin, and a dagger. I dropped the blade twice because my hands were shaking so much.
As if to warn me, my brand burned intensely.
"I don't care," I said angrily. "I can't allow them to continue dying."
I pushed the package over my shoulder after tying it.
In the hopes that the guards had switched shifts, I softly opened the door. My face was assaulted by the chilly air. My breath became hazy.
Just one step. Two actions. I heard a low voice behind me just as I was about to leave the porch.
"Where do you anticipate going?"
I went cold.
With his arms crossed over his chest and his eyes sparkling in the moonlight, Kian emerged from the shadows.
I made an effort to sound tough. "Go. I have no time for this.”
He remained still. "You're fleeing to perish?"
I raised my chin. "I'm going to stop this. I'm heading to her. I'll force her to quit.”
He had a working jaw. "You believe this can be resolved by self-sacrifice?"
She will cease her attacks. She will no longer kill innocent people. Do you not want that?”
He walked confidently ahead till he was just in front of me. His eyes were filled with hurt and rage, which I could see. "No. I want you to live.”
My eyes hurt with tears. "Then assist me. Keep out of my path.”
Gently but firmly his hands wrapped across my shoulders. "I won't leave you by yourself. Can you hear me? If you despise me for it, I don't care.”
My voice cracked. "Please, Kian"
He gave a headshake. "No. You are not her offering. Our salvation lies with you. And I'll make sure you remember that.”
I sobbed as I feebly pushed at his chest. “She will continue to kill them. I am unable to—”
He drew me into an intense embrace. I fought, then slumped against him, trembling.
He spoke softly into my hair. "We'll figure something else out. Together.”
All around us, the wind howled. Hot and cold, my mark pulsed.
However, I was stuck,
caught between my fear of dying and my fear of losing everyone I cared about.
I could see the trees shaking like twisted claws in the moonlight over his shoulder.
I could hear the Hollow Witch laughing.