Chapter 32 Alliance Fractures
Amara’s POV
Tension was high in the war tent. I intervened in the hopes of talking strategy, but what I discovered stopped my heart in its tracks.
Kian and Rowan were standing shoulder to shoulder. With their bodies shaking with anger and their fists clenched, they both appeared ready to shift.
"You don't see what you're doing, do you?" Kian barked. "You're attempting to take her away from me."
Rowan refused to give up. He lifted his chin. Nothing needs to be stolen by me. Our relationship is stronger than yours ever will be.
My eyes got big. "What are you two discussing?" Even though I already knew, I asked.
Kian yelled without glancing at me, "Don't act stupid, Amara." He has been following you around like a ravenous wolf. He wants what belongs to me.
"You consider me to be your property?" I walked closer, shooting back. "No one owns me!"
Rowan looked at me. “I’ve felt our bond since the day I met you. Amara, it's more than just a crush. You sense it as well. Do you not?
I paused. My chest was constricted. I had indeed sensed something. However, I was unable to speak it aloud. Not right now.
Kian growled. "Don't talk to her that way. She is my partner.
Anger twisted Rowan's face. Is she? Or did you simply claim her due to her strength? You didn't want me to have her, did you?
I raised my hands and moved between them. "Cease it. You two. Jealousy and claiming are not appropriate at this moment. We are engaged in combat!
They didn't both pay attention.
Kian gave Rowan a shove. "Remain apart from her."
Rowan resisted. "Create me."
I yelled, "ENOUGH!" before they could start shooting at one another.
Both of them froze.
My voice shook. "I don't care to whom you believe I belong." I don’t care about bonds or history or fate. We have a pack to defend right now. People are afraid. Instead of tearing each other apart like puppies, we must work together!
Quiet.
My laboured breathing was all that could be heard.
With a glimmer of embarrassment in his eyes, Kian turned away.
With a quiet voice, Rowan combed through his hair. "I didn't intend for this to occur."
"Then exercise self-control," I said sternly. "You two. Because we will lose everything if we don't cooperate.
I tried to conceal the tears that were starting to well up in my eyes as I turned and walked to the war table.
I heard Kian sigh behind me. "You're correct. I allowed my emotions to influence my decisions.
Rowan trailed behind. The same thing here. We'll concentrate.
Despite my heart still pounding, I nodded.
The moment was broken by a sound before we could exchange another word.
A loud, lengthy horn.
I went cold.
Then there was another boom.
It was a warning signal from the scout.
Kian looked into my eyes. "The border horn is that."
Rowan was on the move already. "Lilith's army." They've come.
I felt sick to my stomach. My feet thumped the dirt walkway, and I dashed from the tent.
I came to a complete halt as I arrived at the ridge that provided a view of the valley.
In the darkness, hundreds of torches glowed. The horizon was filled with marching shadows. Like a second morning, the fire's radiance illuminated the sky.
I said, "They're here."
Kian and Rowan stood in startled stillness behind me.
It was this.
Lilith was here.