Chapter 85 Going home to prepare
River
The forest is alive with the sounds of rustling leaves and the distant calls of night creatures as we make our way back toward the pack. Each step feels heavier, not just from the physical toll of the fight, but from the weight of what lies ahead. Aloria walks beside me, her presence a comforting balm against the uncertainty swirling in my mind. The tendrils of pain from where that lightening rod hit me throb rhythmically, but it’s the nagging feeling of impending war that truly sends a shiver down my spine.
“How soon do you think the king will retaliate?” Kellan asks, his voice serious as he moves slightly ahead, scanning the path for any signs of danger. His eyes flicker with determination, but I can see the concern etched on his features. “You think he will act fast?”
“Of course he will,” I reply, my voice steady despite the anxiety pooling in my gut. “He’ll want to send a message after what happened. We’ve made a powerful enemy even more angry.” I glance at Aloria, her fiery spirit shining even in the dim light. She’s not just my mate and my Luna; she’s a force of nature, and in this moment, I can’t help but feel a swell of pride… She has learned to control her new powers, and she saved me.
“You’re sure about the war?” Kellan presses. “I don’t like the idea of putting the kids in danger if the pack house is attacked.”
“We can’t risk it,” I say, the conviction in my tone unwavering. “If we prepare them for what’s coming, we stand a better chance. We need to take the fight to the king before he decides to bring it to us. I won’t let him harm our families.”
Aloria looks up at me, her expression a mixture of fear and fierce determination. “Too bad we couldn't negotiate. Find a way to stop this without bloodshed.”
I shake my head, I guess that at least we tried. “You know the king. I kinda knew he wouldn't listen. He only understands power and fear.”
“Then we need to show him both,” Kellan interjects, his gaze sharp and focused. “We can rally the other packs, join forces. If we strike first, we’ll keep our children safe.”
I nod, feeling the gravity of our situation settle heavily on my shoulders. The thought of war is unnerving, but the thought of doing nothing is worse. “We’ll need to gather our allies. The more of us there are, the better chance we have.”
“But what about you two?” Kellan asks, glancing between Aloria and me. “You both need to heal. Jumping into a war right after the things you have been through isn’t the best strategy.”
“It’s part of the plan,” I insist, though I can’t help but wonder if I’m pushing us too fast. “I’ll be fine. Just a little… off.” I wave my hand dismissively, hoping to brush aside the strange sensations coursing through me since the fight. There’s an odd tingling in my limbs, a residual energy from that bizarre encounter with the prince. I chalk it up to the aftereffects of being zapped, hoping it will fade with time.
Aloria shoots me a sidelong glance, her brow furrowed in concern. “You’re not just ‘off.’ You’re still recovering. We need to take care of ourselves first.”
“I will,” I promise, though I can feel my resolve hardening with each passing moment. “But we have to be ready. The king won’t wait for us to heal.”
As we continue through the dense underbrush, the moonlight filters through the trees, casting shadows that dance around us like specters of the past. I can’t shake the feeling that darkness looms closer, waiting for the opportune moment to strike.
“Aloria,” I say, breaking the silence, my voice softer now. “The way you fought… You’ve learned to harness your powers very fast. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
Her eyes sparkle with pride, a fierce light igniting within them. “I couldn’t have done it without you, River. You believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself.”
“Believe in yourself now,” I urge, my heart swelling with admiration. “You’re stronger than you realize. We’re going to need every ounce of that strength when the time comes.”
The slight tremor in my hands catches my attention again, and I flex my fingers, trying to shake it off. It’s just the aftermath of the battle, I tell myself. I can’t let weakness show. I won’t.
Kellan slows his pace, allowing us to catch up. “We should make a plan once we get back to the pack house. We need to discuss our strategy, find out who’s willing to fight with us now negotiations failed.”
“Agreed,” I respond, feeling the weight of leadership settling over me. It’s a mantle I’ve never sought, yet here I am, ready to bear it for those I love. “We can’t waste any time.”
As we approach the clearing where the pack house stands, a flicker of uncertainty gnaws at the edges of my mind. There’s a storm brewing, and while I may not be able to feel it in my bones just yet, I know it’s coming.
“Stay strong,” I whisper to Aloria, leaning in closer as we reach the threshold of the pack house. “Whatever happens, we face it together.”
She nods, her resolve matching mine. With a final glance back at the darkened forest, I step into the light of the pack house, ready to prepare for the battle that I know is inevitable. The path ahead is fraught with danger, but with Aloria by my side, I feel a spark of hope igniting within me. We will prepare for war, not just for ourselves, but for all those we love. And I will not let fear dictate our fate.