Chapter 59 The Unbound Witch
Amara’s POV
I heard anxious voices coming from the pack grounds when I awoke in the grey light before dawn. Before I even got out of bed, my chest constricted. The air was too still, too heavy.
Outside the tent flap, Rowan and Kian were already waiting. They had pallid faces. Concerned. I followed them down the walk to the war table, slipping into Kian's coat.
Mira stood with her brows knitted over a map. She declared, "Scouts are in." They have witnessed them—Lilith herself in command of an army.
"She isn't waiting," Rowan said. "She's on her way."
With a sombre voice, Mira said, "But that's not the worst." She has formed a coalition. An army of evil came together to support her, including rogue wolves, banished witches, and cursed animals.
I took a deep breath. Dark villages. Magic-twisted wild beasts. Children and women became shadows. It didn't seem conceivable. But authentic.
Kian closed his hand over mine. He had a strong hold. Steady. He squeezed my arm as he turned to face me. "She can be stopped by us."
Rowan gave a headshake. It is more than a force. He touched the map, which had combat lines spanning the border, and said, "It's a plague." "Tonight they march."
I gasped. It's getting dark... The red moon is rising once more. No hiding would be possible.
Mira turned to the council that was waiting and said, "Everyone." "We have hours. Days, no. We need to call allies, brace walls, and get ready.
The room began to grumble. There wasn't enough time to completely assemble, but we were prepared to battle. Not with how quickly she moved.
Rowan's throat became constricted. He looked at me and murmured, "You should go now, Amara. She desires you. But if you're gone, she can't break you.
I blinked. My pulse faltered.
I said, "Kian," and he tightened his grip on my hand.
"I'm not leaving," he answered. "Not without you."
Rowan tightened his jaw. "You two won't be caught in the crossfire, I promise."
"You're not asking me," I said. "I intend to stay."
His eyes were full of anxiety as he looked at me. Incredulity. Pain.
"You have no idea what she'll do," Rowan remarked. Lilith is going to take more than just your blood. She is going to blow your mind.
Mira gave a headshake. "But it's over for Obsidian if she takes Amara."
Fearful glances were exchanged among the faces in the room: elders making plans for a fight and retreat, mother wolves clutching their young, and faithful wolves fortifying their weapons.
Mira remarked, "You need a safe route." However, the border is secured. You won't leave without being spotted.
Rowan took a deep breath. As if it hurt him, he added, "Go at dusk." "The Lichen can shelter you, but they still owe you money. Get away before she drags us down.
My throat constricted. "Rowan—"
I said, "They won't use me to win this war." "And while Lilith burns everything we hold dear, I will not allow you to plead for my pack's kindness."
Kian looked around. "I am with her," he said. His words echoed around the tent. She isn't running. She is putting an end to this.
I shut my eyes. Both of their hearts weighed heavily on me.
They were correct. And incorrect.
Lilith was opposed to all of us. Soon, her laughter would fill the air. Every wall would be torn down by her magic.
However, one thing was evident:
And we weren't done yet.
Tension permeated the entire camp by the time the sun rose. Warriors strengthened defences and sharpened blades. The safest caverns were used for children. Runes were used to fortify the walls. However, I could feel the same fear shivering down my spine as everyone else.
Lilith was on her way.
I moved between tents, lending a hand where I could and providing silent support. However, my mind kept going back to the previous evening. Rowan's voice pleaded with me to run. To Kian's unspoken pledge to always be by my side.
With so many people suffering, if I left, how could I? Nevertheless, the thought of them passing away as a result of me raged inside my chest.
Rowan's voice interrupted my thoughts, "Amara." He overtook me close to the eastern gate. He furrowed his brows. This place is not safe for you. We can still get you out before dark, and I meant it.
"I said no already," I murmured, averting his eyes.
He took a step toward her. "You're not getting it. This has nothing to do with courage. It's a tactic. If she manages to get hold of you—
"She won't," I cut in, my voice firm.
He remarked, "She's already in your head." "That idea. The mark. Amara, she's getting closer. What if you don't wake up the next time? "
My heart was racing. I glanced up at him. "So what? While everyone else suffers, I hide and flee. I put up with that? "
Rowan's mouth clenched. "I would rather you were alive and hated me than honoured and dead."
Behind us, footsteps crunched. With his arms folded, Kian emerged. Suspicion blazed in his golden eyes. Are you still attempting to persuade her to flee? "
"I'm trying to keep her alive," Rowan said, keeping his eyes on me.
Kian yelled, "And I'm trying to make sure she gets to live." Instead of surviving like a prisoner, live—without the shadow of that witch."
Like razors, their words sliced through the atmosphere.
I moved between them. "Cease. You two.
Rowan gave Kian a fierce look. "You believe you're protecting her, but all you're doing is encouraging her recklessness."
Kian snarled, "And you think that being a hero means pulling her away from everything she stands for?"
"Enough! I yelled. "You're not assisting! Both of you! "
They stopped talking.
The weight of their affection was palpable. They were afraid. However, none of them was the focus of this.
I said, "I know what I'm risking." However, this is my battle. My fate. I fall on my terms if I do. Not because you two continued to drag me in different directions.
Despite the sorrow on their faces, they remained silent.
The wind suddenly changed direction. The air was heavy with the smell of ash.
Everybody froze.
Smoke started to rise in the distance, on the horizon of the mountains of Obsidian.
The earth shuddered.
Then...
Laughter.
Unnaturally keen, Lilith's voice reverberated like a storm across the skies.
"I'm on my way, Priestess. In my hands, with fire, with knives, with everything you cherish. And when I get there... No further mercy will be extended.
The camp remained silent.
She reached for my soul with her magic, and I stood motionless, my mark burning hot.
Its chill persisted, clinging to the breeze like a death-promising promise, while the laughter subsided.