CHAPTER 73

A Luna's Voice

The tension and the smell of perspiration and fear filled the air. As they readied themselves for combat, warriors lined the clearing, their faces solemn. At the borders, the rival pack loomed as a menacing force that threatened to destroy everything we valued. I stood in the centre of the group, feeling the pressure of their stares.

I knew Kai well enough to recognize the tension behind his composed exterior, even though he was at the front, commanding and stoic. More than directives, our pack required hope. And I realized that it was time to assume a role that I had been avoiding for too long.

"Hold on!" Everyone stopped in their tracks as my voice broke through the whispers. Everyone looked at me, some with curiosity and some with scepticism.

With my heart racing so loudly that I feared they might hear me, I took a step forward. Kai gave me a worried look as he looked back at me, but he did not stop me.

I inhaled deeply, using all of my remaining bravery. I started, my voice steady despite the shaking in my hands, "I know you are scared." "I am aware that some of you are sceptical of our ability to prevail in this battle. However, I want you to keep your identity in mind. You are more than just fighters; you are family, a pack bound together by bonds beyond blood, and protectors. You belong to *us*.

There was a murmur in the crowd, but I continued, my voice getting louder. Alpha, our adversary, wants us to think we are weak and split. But take a look around you. You are all here because you have faith in something bigger than yourself. You have faith in this pack, its power, and its future. And no adversary can take that away from us.

The warriors started to straighten as something brighter and fiercer replaced their doubt.

I went on, "I will not lie to you." It will not be an easy battle. We will experience suffering, loss, and times when it is easier to give up than to keep going. However, I need you to make me a promise.

I moved forward, meeting the gazes of one warrior after another until I had their undivided focus. "Assure me that you will not succumb to fear. Make me a promise that you will fight for the person next to you as well as for yourself. For the families in the dens who are waiting. For the future that we are jointly creating.

I felt a wave of pride and responsibility as their eyes hardened with determination. It was time for me to support Kai as a true leader because this pack was as much mine as Kai's.

A figure moved forward from the crowd as I was wrapping up my sentence. The rogue had arrived to alert us to the plans of the rival Alpha. Her untamed eyes locked with mine, and for the first time, her expression was one of respect rather than animosity.

"You possess their hearts," she stated in a quiet yet distinct tone. "Now demonstrate to them that you are strong enough to guide them."

Although her remarks shocked the rest of the pack, I found them to be very meaningful. I understood the implicit challenge and nodded.

I looked back at the fighters. I said, "We will fight together." "And together, we will *win*."

Kai moved to stand next to me and silently offered his support by putting his hand against mine. With the authority of an Alpha, he said, "You heard her." "This pack is more powerful than any adversary and more powerful than fear." Let us demonstrate to them what unity means.

With a roar of agreement, the warriors' fear gave way to a fierce determination. For the first time, I genuinely thought we could win this battle as their energy swept around me, boosting me up.

The rogue hovered behind the pack as they scattered to take their positions. She walked warily toward me, her gaze darting around the camp as though she were looking for intruders.

Her voice was hardly audible above a whisper as she confessed, "I did not tell you everything."

"What do you mean?" With a knot in my stomach, I asked.

She turned back to me after glancing at Kai, who was nearby giving orders. Alpha, the rival, has more advantages than just statistics. He is concealing a weapon, a creature. Something that has the power to change the outcome of any conflict.

My blood froze. "What sort of animal is it?"

She made a thin line with her lips. "A madman. Half monster, half wolf. Unstoppable and uncontrollable. There is no chance for your pack if he lets it loose.

Her words weighed me down like a blanket of lead. We were in greater danger than I had thought if she was telling the truth, but I was not sure if I should believe her.

The camp was humming with activity as night fell, with each warrior and healer getting ready for the fight. For a moment, I was by myself as I stood at the edge of the clearing, gazing into the shadowy forest beyond.

A nagging sense of urgency gripped me as the rogue's warning replayed in my head. Something kept me from telling Kai, even though I knew I had to. Was it terror? Uncertainty? Or the increasing understanding that this struggle was about establishing our identity, both to the outside world and to ourselves, rather than merely ensuring our survival.

I was startled out of my reverie by a sudden rustling in the trees. A figure stepped out of the darkness, and my heart jumped into my throat. I could feel the weight of its gaze, the distinct feeling that something was watching me, even though it was too dark to see well.

"Who is present?" Despite the chill that was creeping up my spine, I called in a steady voice.

The figure did not move away, but it also did not respond. A low, guttural growl broke the stillness as it stood there, silent and menacing.

My blood became icy. In any case, it was not amicable. It was not by itself, either.

*The storm was upon us before the battle had even started.