Chapter 78 The Last Night
Amara’s POV
There was silence in the night. Over the camp of the Obsidian Pack, the moon shone low. Fruit, bread, and roasted pork were spread out on a long table. However, nobody cheered or laughed. As though they were already aware that this might be their last dinner, everyone ate in quiet.
Between Rowan and Kian, I took a seat. Warm and solid, Rowan's fingers touched mine, but my heart shook too much to accept consolation.
I said, "I don't like this silence."
Rowan looked at me. "Amara, they're scared. All of us are."
I took a deep breath. "So why does it seem like nobody wants to acknowledge it?"
He smiled slightly. "Because warriors don't acknowledge their fear." They ingest it. However, perhaps we can display it tonight.
Mira, on the other side of the table, clenched her necklace and said prayers. Kids leaned very close to their moms. The eyes of the old warriors gleamed as they stared at the fire.
Then Rowan got up. Everyone's heads turned.
His strong voice was calm as he said, "Brothers, sisters," but I could tell that his chest was heavy with grief. "We might pass away tomorrow. But let's do it with pride if we do. Let's keep our heads up and let it be. And let's not forget our ancestors' songs.
He raised his cup, put it down, and then suddenly he started singing.
I have never heard this old combat song before. There was passion in his voice, despite its roughness and occasional cracks.
The narrative described warriors charging into the night, unbreakable relationships, and blood that nourished the land and sparked fresh hope.
Others joined in slowly. Soft at first, then more powerful. As thunder rolled across the mountains, the sound rose.
I put my hand against my chest. Tears that I didn't want to cry burned in my throat. With sorrow, love, and a promise of triumph—even in death—Rowan's voice soared above them all.
There was silence after the song ended. It's heavier this time, but somehow warmer.
Kian spoke softly as he leaned in. Were their voices audible to you? They'll fight to the very end.
I gave a nod. "I will, too."
Rowan took a seat again and put his hand over mine. Even though he remained silent, I could tell by the look in his eyes that you are always my choice.
I felt the weight of tomorrow bearing down on me as I looked toward the flames.
Our time together was coming to an end. Additionally, I was afraid that it would be the final time I heard Rowan's voice sing.
Kian approached me later, after everyone else had gone to their tents or sat peacefully by the fire. The flames cast a shade over his pallid face. Something wrapped in fabric was in his hands.
He said, "Come walk with me, Amara."
The night air felt cooler, so I followed him a little farther away from the crowd. He paused close to the forest's edge and opened the cloth. A dagger, lethal and pointed, shone in the moonlight.
I scowled. "Why are you displaying this to me?"
Kian grasped my hand and stabbed me with the knife. His voice was firm, but his fingers remained shaking against mine.
"This blade is mine," he said. "I've had it with me forever. However, it is now yours.
My eyes got big. "I can't, Kian—"
"You can," he asserted. His eyes met mine. "You have to use this if the Witch kidnaps me and turns me against you or them. If you have to, kill me. Preserve them.
My throat shut. "Avoid saying that. You dare not.
His mouth quivered, but he gave a small smile. "Amara, I don't fear death. I fear that I will let you down. Make me a promise. You'll kill me before I can harm anyone if I turn into her weapon.
My eyes were scorched by tears. "I can't kill you, Kian."
He used his free hand to cup my cheek. He touched her with warmth and desperation. "You can. Because you underestimate your strength. More powerful than Rowan and me together. Amara, make me a promise.
I grasped the dagger, my chest hurting. I said, "I… I promise," but the words were more piercing than any sword could ever be.
Kian took a trembling breath and took a step back, but his eyes remained fixed on me. They included love, grief, and the sort of farewell that nobody wants to speak.
I looked down at the dagger I was holding. Its weight was too much to handle.
Then suddenly, I became motionless. The ground beneath my feet rumbled oddly. I gasped.
The earth sounded like a deep, ominous whisper. Something older than Kian's or Rowan's speech slithered into my ears. Darker.
It said, "Child of light." "I get up. I get up. I get up.
My knees gave way. I held the dagger close to my chest.
Far away, Rowan's voice yelled. "Amara! What's the matter?
But I was unable to respond. The soil split at my feet in tiny fissures, and my heart hammered. It was her, I sensed from the darkness. The Witch. Waiting, scratching, stirring.
"No." I trembled and said. "She will return."
The Witch was still there. We were superior to her. Beneath the planet. She was also getting up.