Chapter 81: Blood on the Horizon
Mariana’s POV
By the time I stepped outside, the sky had darkened with storm clouds, as if nature itself sensed the battle raging on our borders. The distant clash of steel against steel echoed through the valley, a chilling reminder that this was no mere skirmish. This was war.
The pack had gathered in tense clusters. Warriors who hadn’t yet been deployed stood at attention, waiting for orders. Families clung to one another, uncertainty clouding their faces. The weight of leadership settled heavily on my shoulders.
I scanned the crowd until I found Damien, one of Alexander’s most trusted warriors. “What’s the situation at the gates?”
“Bad,” he admitted, his expression grim. “Lucian’s wolves are relentless. It’s like they don’t feel pain, don’t fear death. They just keep coming.”
A chill ran through me. “And Alexander?”
“Holding the line.”
I exhaled slowly. That was both a relief and a concern. He wouldn’t retreat, not even if he should.
I turned back to the pack. “We need to keep everyone calm. If panic sets in, we’ve already lost.”
Damien nodded, already stepping into action.
I caught sight of Eva moving toward me, her face set in determination. “The council’s not making any sudden moves—yet. But they’re watching, waiting for the tide to turn.”
I clenched my jaw. “If they turn on us now—”
“They won’t get the chance,” she cut in. “Because we’re not going to lose.”
I wanted to believe that.
Before I could respond, a distant howl split through the air. A signal.
Not from our warriors.
From the enemy.
A second later, the bell at the watchtower rang.
I turned sharply to Damien. “What is it?”
His face paled. “A second wave. They’re coming straight for the heart of the pack.”
A direct attack.
My breath caught. If they broke through here, there would be no holding them back.
I met Eva’s gaze, and for the first time, I saw something that mirrored my own fear.
“They’re coming for me,” I realized aloud.
Lucian wasn’t just trying to take the pack.
He was trying to take everything.