CHAPTER 72

**Before the Battle, the Storm**

The air became heavy and every sound seemed sharper in the pack, which had the feel of the quiet before a storm. I was in the middle of the training area, with fighters getting ready for battle. Nevertheless, there was an uncomfortable tension in the air despite their efforts and movements. Doubt and fear spread like an unspoken sickness among the pack.

As Kai gave the warriors instructions on defensive tactics, his voice reverberated throughout the grounds. Although I could see the strain in his clenched jaw and the slight twitch in his hand as he gestured, his confidence was evident. The fear of the pack was too much for one man to handle, despite his best efforts to carry it on his shoulders.

I felt a pain in my chest as I observed him. Who was keeping him together while he was fighting so hard to keep everyone together?

Early in the afternoon, the rumors started to circulate throughout the pack like wildfire.

"What happens if we lose?" Just loud enough for me to hear, a young warrior whispered to his friend.

Another said, "Alpha, the rival, is vicious." "And he has a bigger pack than us."

Doubts crept into every area of the camp, undermining the tenuous bond we had created. Even experienced fighters appeared shaken, moving more slowly, and wearing gloomy faces.

I was unable to watch the fear grow. I started making soothing teas and giving them to the people who appeared to be the most nervous after stealing a bundle of herbs from the healer's cabin. Although it was a small gesture, it allowed me to talk to them and remind them of the cause we were fighting for.

I gave one warrior a steaming cup and reassured him, "You are not alone." Together, we are more powerful. Remember that.

The fear briefly vanished as a spark of resolve replaced it when our eyes locked. It was a beginning, but not much.

I discovered Kai leaning against a tree at the camp's edge, staring at the horizon as the day went on. The seriousness of the situation seemed to weigh down his normally commanding presence.

I called softly, "Kai," and walked over to him.

I was heartbroken by the fatigue in his eyes as he turned to face me. "Luna," he uttered softly. "I am not sure if they still believe in me."

I took a step toward him and touched his arm. They do, Kai. However, fear has a way of distorting people's perceptions. You should remind them that you have guided them through more difficult times.

With a sigh, he combed through his hair. "What if it is insufficient? What if I am insufficient?

I was surprised by how vulnerable he was. The man behind the Alpha, without his armor, was a side of Kai that I hardly ever saw.

I looked him in the eye and firmly said, "You are enough." However, you do not have to work alone on this. Allow me to assist you. Allow *us* to assist you. It is our responsibility to protect this pack, not just yours to lead.

He reached for my hand and gave it a light squeeze as his eyes softened. "I am grateful, Luna. Without you, I do not know what I would do.

A lone figure emerged at the edge of the camp as dusk descended. With their weapons ready, the warriors tensed, but Kai stopped them with a raised hand.

When the figure moved into the light, a young woman with untamed hair and piercing, sharp eyes emerged. Despite wearing the frayed remains of a rogue's attire, she had a posture that was anything but subservient.

She raised her hands and said, "I come in peace." "I know something about your adversary."

Kai and I exchanged a wary glance. “Why should we trust you?” he asked, his voice cold and commanding.

“Because I want him dead as much as you do,” she replied, her tone unwavering. “The rival Alpha destroyed my pack. I’m here to help you stop him.”

Her words sent a ripple of shock through the crowd. Warriors murmured among themselves, their fear momentarily replaced by curiosity.

Kai studied her for a long moment before nodding. “Come with us,” he said. “But know this—if you’re lying, you won’t leave this camp alive.”

The rogue’s arrival added a new layer of tension to the camp. Some warriors viewed her as a potential ally, while others saw her as a threat. I couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to her story than she was letting on, but for now, we needed every advantage we could get.

As night fell, I joined Maelis in the healer’s cabin to prepare for the battle. We worked side by side, mixing salves and organizing supplies, our movements quick and efficient.

“Do you trust her?” I asked, breaking the silence.

Maelis shook her head. “Trust is a luxury we can’t afford right now. But if she has useful information, we’d be fools to ignore it.”

Her sensible strategy made sense, but it did not make my stomach turn.

We had just finished getting ready when a horn blew from the camp's perimeter. With a grim sense of purpose replacing their earlier doubts, the warriors sprang into action.

Kai's voice broke through the confusion as he stood in the middle of the training area. "Come together, everyone!"

With their eyes focused on their Alpha, the pack gathered in a tight circle. Kai's presence seemed to intensify, bringing an unavoidable energy to the room.

He said, "This is our home," in a firm and powerful voice. "Our future and our families depend on us standing united. Alpha, our adversary, wants to destroy us and cause us to doubt one another and ourselves. However, we are more powerful than that. We are more powerful than *him*.

The crowd erupted in a murmur of agreement that got louder by the second.

I said, "Healing is ready," and moved forward. "We are ready for any setback or injury. However, I need you all to return alive. That’s the only deal we have.”

They cheered.

As the pack began to disperse, a scout rushed into the camp, his face pale and his breathing ragged.

“They’re here,” he gasped, his voice barely audible over the growing murmurs. “The rival Alpha’s pack—they’re at the border.”

The words sent a jolt of adrenaline through me. This was it. The battle we’d been preparing for was about to begin.

Kai stepped forward, his expression hard and unyielding. “Warriors, to the front lines. Luna, stay with the healers and prepare for casualties.”

I nodded, but my heart raced with a mix of fear and determination. As the pack moved into formation, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off—that this was only the beginning of a much larger fight.

And then, from the shadows, I saw him—the rival Alpha himself, standing at the edge of the forest, his eyes locked on Kai.

His lips curved into a chilling smile as he raised a hand, signaling his pack to attack.