Chapter 29 Betrayal in the Ranks
Amara’s POV
There was tension in the air. It was palpable in my bones.
As the guard pulled in a guy I hardly recognised, everyone in the Obsidian Pack Hall became silent. He had blood on his cheek, and his clothing was ripped. But we weren't shocked by the blood. In his grasp was the crumpled message with Lilith's black seal.
Rowan stepped forward and snarled, "A spy," his voice tense with rage.
The man didn't have any trouble. His eyes were hollow as he raised his chin and looked at Rowan. "You’re too late. She knows everything. She’s coming."
The hall was filled with gasps.
With his arms crossed, Kian moved to stand next to Rowan. How come you would betray your pack? "
The spy laughed coldly and bitterly. "Power was promised by Lilith. She predicted that Amara and all of you would fall.
My blood turned to ice.
I took a slow stride forward. What is it that she wants from me? "
His eyes were dark as night when he stared at me. She desires your spirit. She desires your light. You were never meant to make it through the ceremony.
Kian stopped Rowan before he could lunge at him.
Kian yelled at the guards, "Take him to the cells." Continue questioning him. Obtain everything.
His laughter reverberated behind him like a curse as the spy was hauled out.
"Are you okay?" Rowan asked, turning to face me. "
Despite my beating heart, I nodded. "If she is preparing an attack, we must act immediately."
Kian approached the war table. Where she will strike is unknown to us. She is aware of our numbers, though. The northern border has to be strengthened.
"No," yelled Rowan. The cliffs on the east are not as strong. That's where she'll be useful.
"I disagree," Kian firmly stated. "Lilith employed shadows in her last attack. She will not go down the same route twice.
I heard their voices rise like thunder as they started arguing once more.
Rowan hit the table with a smash. “We don’t have time for guessing! "
Kian retorted, "And we don't have time for your temper."
"Enough! I shouted.
The two men turned to me and froze.
"I refuse to remain in hiding while the world erupts around me. I'm engaged in combat.
Rowan appeared in disbelief. "You're still getting better."
I said, "I don't care." "I made it through a prohibited ceremony. I was going to die. I refuse to flee Lilith.
Kian took a step forward, his eyes worried. "Amara, you don't have to do this."
I carefully lifted my sleeves and responded, "Yes, I do."
Both of them gasped as they peered down.
There were bright, fresh spirit marks on both my arms. Silver-blue symbols that pulsed with power and glistened like moonlight. The first mark was nothing like them. These were sharper, fiercer, and more vibrant.
"What are those? Rowan said.
"I'm not sure," I said. However, they showed up after the ceremony. They seem like a gift to me. Perhaps a cautionary tale.
Kian's face turned white. "Everything is changed by this."
The room felt suddenly colder. Everyone looked at me like I had changed—that I had grown into something more.
I didn't blame them either.
Because I felt it too, deep inside.
Something had woken up inside me.
Something Lilith would come for.
Something strong enough to change the course of a conflict.
The training grounds were drenched with dew, and the morning air was icy and harsh. As I stepped outside, my boots crunching on the frozen grass, I tightened my cloak. Kian and Rowan were already waiting. They were standing on opposing ends of the field, their eyes meeting in challenge rather than hello.
They hadn't exchanged any words. Not since the ceremony. Not since I acknowledged that I was unsure of my true desires.
I inhaled deeply before moving between them. "So... let’s start."