It Begins

It Begins


Chapter 168: It Begins

Nine months had passed faster than anyone had imagined.

The frostgale and Silver Crescentmoon packs had expanded and combined territories, linking both packs to each other.

Orion and his soldiers built their own camp around and inside Cain's territory, despite the building reserved personally for the humans.

There were tall buildings at the entrance of the pack, and on empty fields…these were the watch towers Reah suggested they built for emergency purposes and for perfect use of the weapons.

Some had cannons aimed at the forest, others had ballistas hidden in the structure, but with perfect view and openings to aim.

There were also weapons set up in the forest, mainly along the routes to the packs.

The humans and Werewolves trained everyday despite their differences and constant arguments. Every single day in those few months were filled with the sounds of gun shots, cannons and arrows flying through the air.

Inside the pack house, the very minute the sun settled and the sky slowly turned dark, the meeting room was warm and lit with a soft golden light. Lyra stood at the head of the long table, with a map spread out in front of her.

She spoke clearly pointing to different spots on the map.

“We finished thirty more cannons last month," she said. “There are twenty hidden in the eastern woods right at the entrance of the Frostgale's second territory. Ballistas number fifty seven are placed at the top of towers near the sea." She paused, pointing at another spot close to the sea.

“We also finished the extra supple bunkers. Food, medicine and armour are enough to last us for at least six months, that is if the war takes that long.”

Cain sat at the head of the table with his arms crossed and Lena seated quietly beside him. Her belly was large now, very round and heavy. She wore a soft gray dress that feels.loose around her but still made her look beautiful.

One of her hands rubbed her stomach, while the other was busy fiddling with a ring Cain had gifted her not long ago. She listened to Lyra, but no one could tell that she wasn't actually listening.

Reah had taken good care of her, with checkups every week, herbs and medicine to help with the sicknesses and keep Lena healthy. The baby was stronger, and also healthy.

However, Lena helped in the lab despite Cain's warning. She helped Reah with the serums after confirming its strength and effects on the crawlers.

She felt useful, because she couldn't even raise her sword or properly ride a horse without Cain with her.

But lately, given her condition, she remained indoors and only read. This gave room to idleness and visions.

Strange visions at that. Most of them were just single images, usually blurry but she could make out what was there.

One had a crawler the height of a tree, another was a small child crying as it reached out to its mother, who was being pulled away into darkness.

She never told anyone about the latter, because she felt it was just fear. Reah mentioned pregnancy usually played tricks on the minds of the mothers

Lyra continued, “Our own guns are coming along nicely. The warehouse has about twenty crates filled with weapons. The soldiers learn fast too, especially those in charge of high ground range and snipers."

She paused and looked at Cain, "The escape ships are ready too. Hidden away from the main ships. We marked the safe route across the water, so if things go bad, Lena can leave in under an hour.”

Cain gave a short nod and Lena looked down at her hands, guilt building up in her chest.

The door opened suddenly, and Orion and Andrew walked in chatting among themselves.

“Scouts just came back," Orion said and he and Andrew took their seats. “Same pattern again. Rogues and Crawlers spotted thirty to fifty miles out."

Andrew added, “We killed three groups this week and they barely even put up a fight.”

Lyra frowned, "Did any of them escape?"

Orion shook his head, “None as of recently. Maybe that's why they keep coming back."

Cain sighed, "They are trying to gather information and testing our range of fire. At least they can't send information back.”

Lena suddenly felt a chill run up her spine, she glanced out of the window and towards the entrance of the pack.

‘Something’s wrong’ she told herself, squinting to get a better look. ‘This feeling….’
When she saw nothing, she exhaled silently and pressed her lips together to stay calm.

Orion continued, “They don't seem to be rushing anyway, but they're getting closer every week."

As Cain opened his mouth to speak a young soldier ran in breathing hard with all the colour drained from his face.

"What is the meaning of….”

“Alpha! Commander! Dust cloud..at.. the entrance,” he cut Lyra off panting between his words, “It's taking up a huge amount of land and moving fast. General Liam says it's not wind or animals but…..”

Cain stood up slowly with an exhausted look on his face. “Its finally time." Cutting him off and everyone turned to him.

Lena looked at Cain, her hands tightened around the hem of her dress. She felt it deep in her that something was wrong, and now it was already happening.

Nine months…it took Elias nine months to finally attack. She wanted to assume he knew about the baby, but that couldn't be possible. Then she knew Elias planned well for this.

She met Cain’s eyes and gave one small nod.

Cain turned to the others. “Sound the alarm, everyone to positions. A pair made up of a human and a werewolf on the towers and cannons. Wolves at the frontline with any human who is strong enough to attack a crawler head on.”

Lyra rolled up the map. “I’ll tell Shayla to move the young ones and elders to the inner bunkers.”

Orion was already at the door. “I'll take Ashley with me and take the east exit out and make a turn to check how many they are and if Elias is there"

Andrew looked at Lena still seated, "You should go to the ship now. While we still can hold them.”

Lena shook her head. “Not yet.”

Cain frowned, “Lena…”

“I stay until I have to leave,” she said quietly. “This is my home too, I can't just abandon it”

The soldier ran out without a word, and before they knew it the pack was in Chaos…. organized chaos in this aspect.

It was as if everyone knew today was the day the crawlers would finally attack, because they were all prepared.

Cain crouched before Lena and took her hands in his. “You know I can't afford to leave you when I'm not here."

Lena nodded, totally understanding but, “I'll stay in the lab with Reah, she still needs my help with the machine and we'll have to move it out of the pack and into their town."

Andrew scoffed, rising to his feet. “I don't suppose you want to move that thing in your condition."

Lena shook her head. “I'll take Vitto with me, the rest of you should handle the Crawlers and buy us time."

Cain looked very unconvinced, he stared at her for a while and that determination in her eyes told him there was no point arguing and he should just accept it.

He heaved a sigh, and placed a kiss on the back of her palms. “Promise me you'll make me safe."

Lena smiled reassuringly, although it did not reach her eyes. “I promise, and you also promise to come back," he nodded. “Alright you should get going I'll head to the lab now."

Cain looked at her for a second, then he leaned in and placed a kiss gently on her lips. When he left the room with Andrew, she turned to Lyra with a serious look on her face.

“Is it ready?" She asked and Lyra nodded. “Alright, we should get going as well."