Chapter 53 Elira’s Troops
ARYA
We lay tangled together, both trying to process the intensity of what had just happened. The bond was stronger than I’d imagined, a living thing connecting us soul to soul.
“I can feel you,” I whispered. “Everything you feel.”
“Same. It’s… intense.” Luca agreed, his voice deep and making my belly flutter.
“Is it always like this?” I was a little breathless as I spoke.
“No. This is special. Because you’re special.” He kissed me softly. “We’re special together.”
A knock on the door interrupted the moment.
“Alpha.” Caspian’s voice was urgent. “We have a situation.”
Luca growled, throwing his head back in annoyance. A soft laugh left my throat and I patted his naked chest as a way to pacify him. With another long groan, he pulled away, dressing quickly. “What kind of situation?” he grumbled loudly.
“The kind where Elira’s coalition has surrounded us. They’re demanding we hand over the Moonborne or they’ll burn this territory to the ground.”
My blood ran cold at Caspian’s voice.
Luca’s face went absolutely murderous. “Over my dead body.”
“That’s what they’re hoping for, apparently.” Caspian’s voice was tight. “This was a trap. They attacked here knowing you’d come. Knowing you’d bring her.”
I stood, dressing quickly despite my body’s protests. “Then we give them what they want.”
“Absolutely not—”
“Let me finish.” I grabbed Luca’s arm. “We give them me. But not alone. Together. We face them together and show them exactly what a Moonborne and Lycan King can do when bonded.”
“That’s insane.”
“That’s strategic.” I turned to the door. “How many are out there?”
“At least fifty warriors. Maybe more in reserve.”
“And we have?”
“Twenty. Most wounded from the earlier attack.”
Terrible odds. But maybe that was the point.
“They’re expecting me to hide behind you,” I said to Luca. “Expecting you to protect me while they pick off your people. Let’s surprise them.”
Understanding dawned in his eyes. His voice sounded a little hoarse when he spoke. “You want to fight.”
“I want to END this. Now. Before more people die.” I touched his face. “Trust me?”
“With my life. With my kingdom. With everything.” He kissed me hard. “But if anything happens to you—”
“It won’t. Because you’ll be right beside me.” I smiled. “Like you said. Partners.”
“Partners,” he agreed. “My magnificent, terrifying partner.”
The army waiting outside was more intimidating than I’d expected.
Fifty warriors, Caspian had said. But looking at them now, spread across the clearing in organized ranks with weapons gleaming in the moonlight, it looked like hundreds. All of them staring at the pack house with hostile intent.
And at the front, looking smugly triumphant, stood Elira.
She’d changed since I’d last seen her. Her beauty was still there, but it was sharper now, harder. Her eyes held a fanaticism that made my skin crawl.
“Luna Arya!” she called out, her voice carrying across the clearing. “How kind of you to join us. And you brought your new mate. How… cozy.” She smiled sarcastically.
Luca’s hand found mine, squeezing gently. Through the bond, I felt his rage simmering just beneath the surface.
‘Stay calm,’ I sent through our connection. ‘Don’t let her bait you.’
‘She’s threatening you. That’s not something I can stay calm about.’ his voice gruff even through the link. I knew if I gave him the go ahead, this would turn into a bloodbath but that is what I'm trying to avoid.
‘You can. For me. Please.’
His grip tightened, but he gave me a small almost unnoticeable nod.
We walked out onto the porch, Caspian and a handful of guards flanking us. The wounded had been moved to the back of the building, away from potential combat.
“Elira,” I called back, keeping my voice steady. “This is quite the welcome party. Should I be flattered?”
“You should be terrified.” She stepped forward, and I noticed the older male that was beside her. He looked polished, with eyes that held pure malice. “But you always were too stupid to recognize danger, weren’t you? Too weak to understand your place.”
“My place?” I laughed. “And where exactly is that?”
“Dead.” The word was delivered with such casual viciousness it was almost impressive. “The Moonborne line should have ended twenty-three years ago. Your grandmother’s escape was an inconvenience we’re here to correct.”
The male beside her stepped forward. His voice thundered when he spoke. “I am Theron Nightshade. Descendant of Thaddeus, rightful ruler of all supernatural beings.” His voice carried authority and madness in equal measure. “Your bloodline stole what was ours. Tonight, we will take it back.”
Nightshade.
The family that had orchestrated the Moonborne massacre.
“So this is about old grudges?” I asked. “Centuries-old prejudices?”
“This is about POWER!” Theron’s voice rose. “Power that your weak, compassionate ancestors squandered on the unworthy. Power that should have been used to elevate the strong, not coddle the weak.”
“You mean power you wanted to abuse,” Luca interjected, his voice cold. “My father signed treaties with your grandfather, Theron. Peace accords that you’re now violating.”
“Your father was a fool. As are you.” Theron’s smile was cruel. “Letting a Moonborne bitch spread her legs for you doesn’t make you strong. It makes you compromised.”
Luca moved before I could stop him. One moment he was beside me, the next he had Theron by the throat, lifted off the ground.
“Say that again,” Luca’s voice was barely human. “I dare you.”