In The Dead Of Night

In The Dead Of Night
\[Lucian’s POV\]
“What about the mage?”
Owen’s voice breaks the silence that has surrounded us, reminding everyone present that there is still danger amongst us, but even then Pandora’s mother and her guards don’t look worried.
“Leave him to us.” She says, giving Owen a smile. “I will make sure that he is unable to do anything.”
“Are you sure, Mira?” Pandora’s father asks, worry written all over his face. “I can deal with him first, and then…”
“No,” she says, shaking her head. “Our daughter should be your main priority right now. I am more than capable of handling things here.”
For a moment, Pandora’s father doesn’t speak as he takes his wife in. It is clear that he doesn’t want to agree, but he knows that he has to, and when reason seems to win, he simply nods.
“We will return as quickly as we can. Until then, put that bastard in the antimagic chamber.”
“Of course.”
Their conversation ends there, and I know that it is time that we make our move to go and end things for good.
“Let’s move out then.” Pandora’s father says. “No more wasted time.”
And time isn’t wasted as we prepare to head out, and when a sizeable group has been picked to go with us to Onyx Moon to save Pandora, we move. Outside, night has already fallen, giving way to just how much time has passed since the attack on Crimson Moon began.
Together, we move through the shadows to the borders of Crimson Moon, and when we arrive, Pandora’s father lifts a hand, indicating that from this point on, we must do everything in our power to reach the entrance to Onyx Moon’s underground tunnels without being spotted by mercenaries or members of the surrounding packs who are oblivious to the treachery and conflict that is taking place between the packs.
Since I’m amongst the youngest of our group, Victor included, Pandora’s father and Owen keep us close, insisting that they protect us even if we were more than capable of protecting ourselves.
I hate it. I hate being this weak and useless, but I wasn’t going to let it stop me from doing what I needed to do.
‘Focus,’ Aspen tells me as we reach the cave that leads into Onyx Moon. ‘There’s no room for any other thoughts right now.’
‘I know,’ I snap, remembering how annoying Aspen was. ‘I am focused.’
‘Are you really?’
I don’t bother responding to him as I move forward, taking my place in front of the group, and when we reach the cave, I stop.
“The entrance to the tunnels is just through here.” I tell everyone. “But know that there’s a good chance that my father’s guards will be waiting. They won't hesitate to go in for the kill, so you must be ready to engage with them.”
It would be naive to think that there wouldn’t be anyone stationed for protection, but with our numbers it wouldn’t be too hard to take them out. However, we would need to do it quickly and efficiently before the guards were capable of alerting my father.
“We have to make sure that they don’t get the chance to alert anyone of our presence.” I continue, taking the lead. “Because if they do then…”
“Then we could be ambushed.” Pandora’s father finishes for me. “We are more than aware, but you don’t have to worry.”
“I know,” I sigh.
It was no secret that he and Owen were well-trained warriors who were more than capable of handling things, but my father and his men couldn’t be taken lightly either. However, this was where I came in. Once we were in the tunnels, I would contact Pei and have him and the others cause a diversion.
“Then let’s get going.” I say, not wanting to waste any more time. “And whatever happens, don’t get yourselves killed.”
“Mind your words, boy.” Pandora’s father growls. “If anyone is going to get themselves killed, it is going to be you because of your lack of training.”
What lack of training? I think silently. I’ve got much more training and experience under my belt than you.
“I’ll make sure to not mess up.” I say outwardly.
Nodding, he motions for me to continue forward, giving me full rein of himself and the troops as we head into the caves and make our way toward where the tunnels begin.
When we reach it, I look back at everyone, taking them all in, and once I see their looks of determination and excitement over the fight that is certain to come, I head in, revealing the entrance that is obscured by magic.
In the cave, I extend my senses, reaching out and searching for my father’s men, and when I locate them, I begin to search for Pei.
‘Is it time?’ He asks in the way of greeting.
‘It is.’ I confirm, happy that he is on top of things. ‘But you must promise me that whatever you and the rest do won’t get you killed or thrown in prison.’
‘If you become the next leader, I won’t have to worry about that.’ He responds, and I almost want to tell him never mind. ‘Don’t worry,’ he continues. ‘I won’t do something that could ever damage mine or my family’s reputation.’
‘Good, then get to work because we are in the tunnels, and we should be in Onyx Moon’s packhouse soon.’ I say, moving slowly while everyone follows. ‘And once you’ve managed to create the distraction, I need you to locate Crimson Moon’s princess for me.’
‘Yes, Lucian. I’ll be sure to find her and get her to safety before anything can happen.’ Pei says, and I feel a bit of relief rush through me.
‘I’m counting on you.’
'Then I must make sure to remind you of this great favor in the future in case something happens.' He chuckles.
'Whatever you want.' I sigh. 'Any favor you ask me in the future I will grant as long as you can follow through perfectly with the plan.'
Finished speaking, I cut our connection just as I feel myself coming up on my father’s man, and when he comes into sight, I’m shifting and moving toward him, claws out and mouth open, ready to kill anyone who dares get in the way of me and my woman.