Chapter 31 The Approach of Shadows
Amara’s POV
I took a step back and shut my eyes. The world fell silent. I pictured myself bathed in silver light from the moon, high overhead. I allowed the energy to move to my fingertips, to the staff in my hand, and through my veins.
The wood had a slight glimmer.
"Holy—" began Rowan.
Along the length of the staff, a glistening path of moonlight crackled softly with unadulterated magic.
Kian stepped forward, his eyes wide. She's channelling, I say.
I stared at the gleaming weapon and said, "I didn't even know I could."
"That's not typical," Rowan said. "It is risky."
"It's essential," I stated. "And I don't feel scared."
At that moment, the path reverberated with the sound of rushed footfall. Breathless, a scout rushed into the clearing.
"They're approaching," he exclaimed. "Lilith's army—maybe less than three days away! "
My heart thumped hard against my chest.
Rowan's face went white as he faced me. "It is taking place."
Kian turned his look to the horizon. "War is on the way."
And I wasn't just scared for the first time; I was prepared.
Tension permeated the air. I could smell it as soon as I went outside the council hall: the panic, the dread, the stench of charred wood and blood in the air. Through the northern gates, refugees were flooding in, the majority of them desperate, bleeding, and bruised. The warriors of Obsidian Pack were trying their hardest to assist, but we were overburdened.
My boots banged against the stone as I dashed across the courtyard. "Bring her here! "Now!" I yelled, gesturing to a young child with an abnormally twisted leg. Behind her, her mother wailed while holding her hand.
I lowered myself next to the girl and put my hands lightly on her leg. Her body was shaking, and her face was pale.
"What’s your name, sweetheart?" I asked quietly.
"T-Tilly," she said in a whisper.
"All right, Tilly. This may hurt a little, but I'll make it better, okay? Simply take a breath with me.
I focused the moonlight onto my palms, calling it forth from deep within. It glinted like silver mist against my flesh. Warmth poured into her from me as I pushed my palm to her wound.
She blinked after gasping. "It doesn’t hurt anymore."
Beside her, her mother broke down in tears. "I'm grateful, Luna Amara. Thank you.
I nodded, but my heart ached. How many more households would we be unable to safeguard?
At that moment, a pallid Kai hurried over. More are arriving from the east side. Some claim that villages are currently being burned by Lilith's wolves.
I took a deep breath. "Take them to the tents in the infirmary. I will be there shortly.
He gave a nod and vanished into the throng.
Hours went by. I healed what I could as I went from one injured person to another. Even though my head throbbed and my body hurt, I continued. I was unable to.
A voice said quietly, "You need rest," from behind me.
When I turned, Rowan was there. His hair was wet with perspiration, and his black coat was covered in ash.
I whispered, "Not now," as I wiped my hands on my tunic.
Come with me, Amara. For a moment only.
With a sigh, I followed him to the quieter side of the courtyard. The trees were softly illuminated by the moon. For a moment, we stood silent.
"You shouldn’t be out here alone," he stated.
"I'm not by myself. Not at all.
He took a step toward her. "You understand me. This place is in disarray. You fulfilled your obligation. Join me. Tonight, we're going to depart. Until this conflict is over, vanish.
My heart leapt. "Avoidance? "Are you serious?"
He gave a nod. "I can keep you safe. Ensure your safety. You don't have to bear all of this chaos. You've already exceeded everyone's expectations.
I saw something raw and desperate as I peered into his eyes. He was afraid of losing me as much as he was afraid for me.
"I can’t," I said. "I'm needed by these folks. This is my battle.
He gave a headshake. "No, Amara. Kian is fighting this conflict. Not yours.
"It’s ours now," I firmly stated. "All of us."
I froze as I heard a stir behind us. Kian was standing in the shadows when I turned around. His fists were clenched at his sides, and his jaw was gritted.
"So this is what you do while the pack suffers?" said he.
"Kian—"
"Avoid it. Simply said, don't.
Before I could say another word, he turned abruptly and left. A mixture of frustration and shame rose like a tempest inside me, tightening my chest.
Rowan let out a sigh. "Now, you didn't have to make a decision. However, you did.
I stood there under the cold moonlight, staring at the place where Kian had disappeared. I realised that nothing would be the same again, and my heart began to shatter even further.
When I eventually went outside to get some fresh air, the moon was high. The mending was still giving my hands a slight glow. My heart was much more worn out than my body. So many people. So many injuries. Everyone's eyes were filled with fear.
In search of some quiet, I made my way to the training field's edge.
Then I heard footsteps.
Behind me, a deep voice called, "Amara."
Slowly, I turned, already recognising the person.
"Rowan," I said quietly. "You're not supposed to be out here."
His face was unreadable as he approached. "I needed to speak with you. By themselves.
I crossed my arms. "This is not a good moment."
"Never is," he whispered. "But I can no longer hold this in."
He moved so near that I could feel his body heat. He looked into my eyes.
"You anticipated it," he said. Lilith will keep going until everything is burned. You don't have to go down with this pack, either.
I looked at him. "What are you saying?"
His voice was frantic as he continued, "Come with me." Come run with me this evening. We can vanish. I can keep you safe.
"No." My response came before I had a chance to consider it. “I’m not running.”
"Amara—"
I reiterated, more firmly, "I said no." "I am necessary to these individuals. I am needed by the pack. I will not desert them.
He tightened his jaw. "What if you pass away here?"
"Then, at least, I'll die defending something important."
He appeared to be in anguish. My cheek was touched by his hand. "I care about you."
My heart twisted as I blinked. "That is unfair."
He declared, "I don't care." "I cherish you. I always have. Even before this catastrophe. Even before Kian.
The corners of my eyes pricked with tears, but I turned my head away. "Avoid doing this."
"I must," he said. "You must be aware."
I took a step back, but he leaned forward.
"I apologise," I said. "But I'm unable to go."
We both froze at a deep growl.
We both turned simultaneously.
At the field's edge, Kian stood with smoke-like shadows encircling him. His eyes were icy and angry.
"Obviously," he answered in a cold voice. "After taking a brief break, I dis
cover this."
I started to explain, but he turned and left without saying anything more.
"Wait, Kian!" I chased after him and called.
However, he continued.
My heart fell.
Everything was breaking down.
Lilith hadn't even shown up yet.