Chapter 35: Goodnight
Meredith, Damien, and Xavier moved swiftly through the dark forest. They followed a narrow path that led toward the eastern border where the scouts had been attacked. Xavier walked ahead, his senses heightened, while Damien stayed close beside Meredith, his protective instincts on high alert.
The silence between them was only broken by the rustling of leaves and the distant howls of wolves. Meredith forced herself to stay calm. She had trained for this. She had prepared herself for the dangers that came with being part of the pack.
As they approached the border, Xavier held up a hand.
"We're close," he whispered. "Stay sharp."
They moved cautiously forward, and soon the faint scent of blood reached Meredith's nose. Damien stiffened beside her, his eyes scanning the area.
"There," he muttered, pointing toward a clearing just ahead.
Meredith followed his gaze and saw it. Three bodies sprawled across the ground. They were the pack members sent to investigate, their bodies broken and torn apart by what could only have been a vicious attack.
The sight was horrifying, and Meredith felt her stomach churn at the violence of it.
Xavier crouched near one of the bodies, inspecting the wounds.
"This wasn't done by rogues," he said grimly. "Look at the marks. These were precise strikes, not the reckless attacks rogues are known for."
Damien frowned, crouching beside him. "This was calculated..."
Meredith, still standing back, asked quietly, "What does that mean? Who could've done this?"
Xavier's jaw tightened as he stood. "We may be dealing with something worse than rogues. This kind of precision suggests a more organized force.” There was a long pause. “Possibly another pack."
Damien's eyes flashed with anger. "If it's another pack, they've declared war."
The weight of their words settled heavily in Meredith's chest. "But why would they attack us now? What would they gain?"
Xavier shook his head. "Territory, resources, power. There are always reasons for packs to clash. But this feels… different. Whoever did this wanted to send a message."
Damien's voice was low. "And they've made a grave mistake."
Meredith glanced between the two of them. "So, what do we do? How do we stop them?"
Xavier and Damien exchanged a look before Damien spoke. "We'll gather the warriors and defend the pack.” There was a fire in his eyes. “If they want war, then we'll give them one."
"Meredith," Xavier said, "you need to be careful. This won't be like any battle you've trained for. If things get too dangerous, you have to promise us you'll fall back."
She wanted to protest, to tell them that she could handle it, but the seriousness in his tone made her pause.
"I promise," she said quietly.
"Good," Damien added, his gaze softening for a brief moment before hardening again as he turned back to the scene. "Let's get back to the pack house and alert the others. This must end now."
Meredith, Damien, and Xavier had barely returned from the forest when word of the attack spread. Warriors gathered in the grand hall, while pack members huddled together.
Damien strode ahead, his presence commanding attention as he stepped onto the raised platform at the front of the hall. Xavier stood beside him and scanned the growing crowd. Meredith hovered just behind them, still processing the horrific sight of their fallen comrades.
Damien's voice cut through the low murmur of the pack. "Tonight, we found three of our own murdered near the eastern border."
A ripple of shock and anger passed through the room, but no one interrupted. Every eye was trained on Damien.
"This wasn't the work of rogues. We suspect another pack is behind it. They're testing our defenses, sending us a message. But they've miscalculated if they think we won't respond."
A chorus of growls echoed through the hall as the warriors clenched their fists.
Xavier stepped forward. "We need to be smart about this. Whoever attacked us is expecting retaliation. They're counting on us being reckless, but we won't fall into their trap. We'll strengthen our borders and prepare for whatever they throw at us. But we'll do it on our terms."
Damien nodded. "We'll double the patrols and call in reinforcements from our allies."
Meredith stood quietly in the back, listening closely. She wondered, what kind of enemy were they dealing with? Why now?
Damien suddenly turned to her, his intense gaze locking onto hers. "Meredith."
She straightened, startled to be addressed in front of everyone. "Yes?"
"You're part of this pack. You've trained with us. Fought beside us. We need every capable fighter we have. Are you ready to stand with us?"
“Huh?” Meredith swallowed hard. This was the moment she'd been preparing for. She could either step up and face the danger alongside them, or step back into safety and let others fight for her.
Taking a deep breath, she met Damien's gaze. "I'm ready."
"Good,” Damien nodded. “You'll be with me on the front lines."
Xavier smirked slightly, glancing between them. "Looks like you're in for a real fight, Meredith. But I wouldn't worry too much. We've got your back. Always."
Damien's expression grew serious again as he turned back to the group. "Tomorrow, we prepare. We don't know when they'll strike, but we won't be caught off guard."
The meeting adjourned, and the pack dispersed to their duties, but Meredith lingered for a moment.
Xavier caught up with her, his tone lighter than before. "I'm impressed. You didn't flinch back there."
Meredith shrugged. "I'm sorry, but I'm not going to back down now."
Xavier chuckled. "Good. Just remember, this isn't a training exercise. Out there, things get messy."
"I know," Meredith said firmly. "But I'm not afraid."
“Well, see you then...”
Afterwards, Xavier was gone. Meredith started to make her way out when she caught sight of Magnus. His tall figure and commanding presence were just impossible to miss.
“Magnus,” she called out, a strange comfort flooding her at the sight of him.
He turned, a tired smile breaking across his face as he walked over to her. "You alright? I heard about what happened."
Meredith nodded, her earlier nerves slowly settling now that Magnus was beside her.
"I'm fine, Magnus.” She felt the tightness in her chest loosen as she smiled up at him. “I'm now ready to fight.”
“Really?” Magnus’s gaze softened. "Well, I'm proud of you, Little Wolf. But you need to promise me something. Don't take unnecessary risks. We need you safe."
Meredith glanced away, a small smirk tugging at her lips. "Sounds like you're worried."
Magnus chuckled, pulling her closer to him for a moment. "Of course I'm worried. Don't make me chase after you in the middle of battle."
As they shared a brief, quiet moment, Xavier approached.
"Looks like the whole gang's back together," he teased lightly. "You ready for tomorrow, Magnus?"
Magnus gave a curt nod. "I'll be with the front-line warriors. I've already briefed them on what we're dealing with. We'll make sure the borders are secured."
Damien joined them as well, his gaze sweeping over them all.
"Magnus, I'll need you to take charge of the eastern flank. You know the terrain better than anyone. Xavier and I will handle the western defenses."
"Got it."
Damien turned his attention to Meredith. "You'll be with Magnus tomorrow, by my orders. We'll keep you close to the front, but I don't want you in unnecessary danger. Understood?"
Meredith frowned. "I understand. But I won't be a bystander."
"You won't be," Damien reassured her. "But we're not risking you either."
Magnus exchanged a glance with Damien and Xavier before giving Meredith a small, teasing smile.
"Don't worry, I'll keep an eye on you."
Xavier grinned. "We all will."
Meredith rolled her eyes, but warmth filled her chest.
"Get some rest," Damien's voice was a quiet command. "Tomorrow will be a long day."
Magnus’s arm lingered around her shoulders as they left the hall together, walking in comfortable silence toward their quarters.
"Magnus," Meredith said softly, breaking the silence.
“Hmm?”
"Do you think we'll win?"
It was a question she hadn't allowed herself to ask, but now, she needed to hear someone's answer. Magnus was quiet for a moment, considering her question. Then, he looked down at her.
"We will. We're stronger together. Damien, Xavier, and I have been through worse. This pack is our only home. We won't let anything happen to it."
Meredith nodded. She believed him. She had to.
They parted ways at her door, and as Magnus turned to leave, he paused, his gaze lingering on her face.
She smiled up at him. "Goodnight, Magnus."
"Goodnight," he murmured before disappearing into the shadows of the night.