Chapter 39: The Calm Before the Storm

I stood outside the packhouse, watching the moon rise over the treetops. A cool wind whispered through the branches, rustling the leaves like a warning only nature could understand. The night felt too quiet, too still—like the earth itself was holding its breath.

I pulled my jacket tighter around me, my fingers brushing over the fabric absentmindedly. My thoughts were tangled in the web of everything that had happened today. Dax had spared Kael’s life. We had set a plan in motion. War was coming, and we were preparing for it.

But no matter how many times I replayed the war council meeting in my mind, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off.

“You’re thinking too loud.”

I turned at the sound of Dax’s voice, finding him leaning against the doorframe. He looked exhausted—his hair was a mess from running his hands through it too many times, and the weight of the day pressed heavily on his shoulders.

I tried to smile, but it felt forced. “Hard not to, considering we might all die soon.”

Dax let out a low chuckle, stepping toward me. “Optimistic as always.”

I sighed and turned back to the trees, watching the shadows shift between them. “It doesn’t feel real yet. This war, I mean. It’s like… we’re waiting for something terrible, but we don’t know when it’ll happen. Or how bad it’ll be.”

Dax stopped beside me, his warmth cutting through the chill in the air. “It’ll be bad. But we’ll be ready.”

I wanted to believe that. Needed to. But doubt gnawed at the edges of my resolve. “What if we aren’t?” I asked quietly.

Dax was silent for a long moment. Then, without warning, he took my hand in his, intertwining our fingers. “Then we fight anyway.”

His words should have terrified me, but instead, they grounded me. Dax was a warrior. He had been raised to fight, to lead, to make the hard choices. And yet, he had chosen mercy today. Chosen to spare his brother when every instinct—and every piece of advice—told him to end Kael’s life.

I squeezed his hand. “We should go inside. Get some rest while we can.”

Dax didn’t argue, but he didn’t let go of my hand either as we made our way back inside. The packhouse was quieter than usual, most of the warriors having turned in for the night. Everyone knew tomorrow would bring new challenges, new dangers.

As we climbed the stairs toward our room, I hesitated.

“I think I’ll check on Kael.”

Dax’s grip on my hand tightened slightly. “Alina—”

“I won’t do anything reckless,” I assured him. “I just… I need to see him. One last time before everything changes.”

Dax studied me for a long moment before sighing. “Be careful.”

I nodded, pressing a quick kiss to his cheek before slipping away down the hall.

The underground cells were even colder at night, the air thick with dampness and the faint metallic scent of blood.

The guards stood at attention as I approached, their eyes flicking toward me with mild curiosity but no protest. I wasn’t a warrior, but I was Dax’s mate—the future Luna. My presence here wasn’t questioned.

Kael was still awake.

His bruises were darker now, shadows against his pale skin. His golden hair, once immaculate, was tangled and matted with dried blood. And yet, despite everything, he smirked as I stepped closer.

“Couldn’t stay away, could you?” His voice was hoarse, but there was amusement in it.

I crossed my arms over my chest. “I wanted to see you before this war officially begins.”

Kael tilted his head slightly. “Looking for a final chance to change my mind?”

I exhaled through my nose. “Would it work?”

His smirk faded, and for a moment, something almost human flickered in his gaze. Almost. Then, just as quickly, it was gone.

“No.”

I clenched my fists. “You don’t have to do this, Kael. You don’t have to keep fighting for a throne that doesn’t belong to you.”

Kael let out a low chuckle, shaking his head. “You think I’m fighting for power?”

I frowned. “Aren’t you?”

His lips curled, but there was no humor in his expression. “I’m fighting for what was stolen from me.”

I swallowed hard. “Dax won. He didn’t steal anything.”

Kael’s eyes darkened. “You think our father gave him a choice?”

I hesitated, something in his tone making my stomach twist. “What are you saying?”

Kael leaned forward slightly, his chains clinking softly. “Dax always had a choice. He could have walked away. But he didn’t.”

“Because he had to,” I shot back. “Because if he hadn’t, you would have killed him. And need I remind you that you threatened to take me from him?”

Kael held my gaze, and for the first time, I saw something raw beneath the anger. Something wounded.

“Maybe.” His voice was quiet now. “But at least I wouldn’t have pretended it wasn’t a choice.”

I took a slow breath, trying to steady my racing heart. “What do you really want, Kael?”

He leaned back against the wall, his smirk returning. “Nothing, little Luna. Just remember—when this war begins, you’re as much a part of it as I am.”

I hated that he was right.

Turning on my heel, I left without another word, his laughter following me like a ghost.

I barely slept that night.

When the sun rose, casting pale gold light across the horizon, I knew deep in my bones that time had run out.

I dressed quickly, pulling on a warm jacket and sturdy boots before heading downstairs. The packhouse was already alive with movement—warriors sharpening weapons, strategists making last-minute adjustments, the air thick with tension.

Dax stood in the center of it all, his presence commanding, his gaze sharp.

As soon as he saw me, his shoulders relaxed slightly. He stepped toward me, taking my hands in his.

“They’re coming,” he murmured.

I nodded, my throat tight. “I already know.”

Dax searched my face. “Are you ready?”

I took a deep breath. “No.” Then, squeezing his hands, I added, “But I will be.”

He pressed his forehead to mine, his grip tightening. “Whatever happens, we face it together.”

A horn sounded in the distance.

The enemy was here.

And war had begun.