Chapter 51 Preparations for Siege
Amara’s POV
The whole pack was in disarray. From one side of the stronghold to the other, wolves rushed while digging trenches, honing weapons, and piling wood. Obsidian Pack's normal serenity had broken like glass.
With my arms firmly encircling me, I stood at the edge of the training field. Under my skin, my spirit marks pulsed. They burned more the closer Lilith came.
"She is on her way," I said. “She is becoming more powerful. She feels like she's a part of my blood.”
Mira was standing next to me, staring at the horizon with narrowed eyes. "Child, that's because she is. Because of the mark and your Priestess ancestry, you are now bound to her. The closer she gets, the harder she will pull.”
I declared, "I won't let her win."
Shouting erupted again behind us.
"You're reserving!” Rowan snarled.
Kian yelled, "No—I'm holding the line." "This is not about ego, but defence."
They were sparring once more. Since they would each be in charge of separate teams during the siege, the council had made them train together. It was like seeing two hurricanes crash as they collided.
I hurried over. "Enough! "
Both Kian and Rowan halted in the middle of their blow, panting and sweating profusely. I almost forgot we were in the midst of war preparations as their clothing held on to them.
I answered, "You're not enemies." "Not right now. Not when both of you are needed by our people.”
Rowan gritted his jaw and turned aside first. "I'm making an effort."
"I agree," Kian whispered.
I urged, softly this time, "Try harder." "You don't need to get along. But we all perish if we don't cooperate.”
Rowan nodded and took a step back. Kian put his blade away. For once, there was a heavy, odd, yet peaceful silence between them.
I walked over to the wall where elders and young wolves were erecting defences. I remarked, "We need more warding symbols." "And stones of spirit. Anything that will prevent the damned wolves from approaching too closely.”
The voice of Mira came from behind. "Done already. However, their magic is expanding quickly. There is a limit to how long our barriers can last.”
Once more, my skin tingled. I gasped and staggered back as a wave of dark energy washed over me like a chilly wind.
I was caught by Kian. “Amara?"
"She is phoning," I said. "She's calling my blood, Lilith."
Rowan came running. "What is meant by that? "
I shuddered and responded, "I don't know." "However, I believe she's attempting to manipulate me."
Mira's tone hardened. "Then we have to get ready for the moment she tries to turn you, not just for battle."
Slowly, I nodded. "I want you to stop me if that occurs."
Kian gave a headshake. "Avoid saying that."
With a quivering voice, I said, "I mean it." "Assure me you'll stop me if I lose control."
Rowan had burns in his eyes. "I'd rather die than do you harm."
Kian's mouth clenched. “Furthermore, I would rather kill her than lose you.”
I moved away from them both. "Therefore, avoid making unfulfillable promises."
The ground seemed to vibrate with black force as the sun disappeared behind the mountains and shadows swept across the valley.
From the trees came the first drums, steady and low.
They were on their way.
And my fear was not of what they might bring, but of what I might do.