Chapter 91 It is time
River
I stand at the window, the late morning sun casting golden rays over the training ground, watching Aloria move with a grace and power that fills me with pride. Each sprint, each leap, every fluid transition between human and wolf… she is embodying the warrior I always knew she could be. Kellan’s guidance seems to be transforming her, pushing her beyond her limits, and I can’t help but feel a swell of gratitude that he is the one training her. He knows how to challenge her without crossing the line, unlike me, who would always fear the weight of my strength against her.
But as I admire her fierce determination, my moment of solace is shattered. One of my scouts bursts through the door, panting, his eyes wide with urgency. “Alpha River! The usurper king is gathering an army. They’re moving fast, and we need to act now.”
A cold spike of dread pierces through my chest. I’ve known this day would come, but watching Aloria thrive has made me forget, if only for a moment, the looming threat that hangs over us. “How many?” I ask, my voice steady despite the storm brewing within me.
“A couple of hundreds, maybe more. They’re consolidating their forces in the eastern woods. If we don’t move quickly, we risk being caught off guard.”
I nod, the weight of responsibility settling heavily on my shoulders. “Gather the other Alphas. We need to strategize and prepare for war.”
As I rush from the office, I can’t shake the image of Aloria, her fierce spirit shining through. She deserves to know, to be prepared. But I also want to protect her from the darkness that is fast approaching… a darkness that seeks to shatter what we’ve built together.
The other Alphas are still gathered in the main hall for breakfast, their expressions serious as I enter. Luckily they haven’t yet left, and I seize the moment. “We need to act. The usurper king is amassing an army, and we can’t afford to be caught off guard. I need each of you to return to your packs, rally your warriors, and send whoever you can spare back here. We’ll prepare to meet them head-on.”
Murmurs of agreement ripple through the room, and I feel the weight of their support. Each Alpha knows the stakes; they understand the responsibility we have not just to our packs, but to each other. “We’ll unite our forces,” one of them speaks up, a burly wolf with a fierce gaze. “If they come for one of us, they come for all. We’ll stand together.”
“Exactly,” I reply, my voice firm. “We’ll need every fighter we can muster. This isn’t just about territory; it’s about survival. We’ll meet at the ridge above the eastern woods at first light tomorrow. I want scouts out tonight to keep watch.”
With their nods of assent, I feel a flicker of hope amidst the rising storm. I leave the hall, moving swiftly through the pack house, my heart heavy with the urgency of our situation. I need to find Aloria before the weight of this news drags me further down.
When I reach our quarters, I pause at the door, taking a moment to collect myself. I don’t want her to feel the burden of my fears. I want her to continue shining, to be the warrior she’s becoming, but the reality of our world presses in. With a deep breath, I push open the door.
Aloria has just stepped from the shower, droplets of water clinging to her skin, her hair damp and tousled. She’s a vision of strength and beauty, and for a moment, my heart skips. But then the urgency floods back, and I force the words out. “Aloria, we need to talk.”
Her expression shifts from relaxed to concerned in an instant. “What is it, River?”
I close the door behind me, grounding myself in the task at hand. “Your darling uncle is gathering an army. They’re moving fast, and we need to prepare for war.”
Her eyes widen, and I see the spark of determination flare within her. “What do we need to do?”
“I have already talked to the other Alphas, their are hurrying home to father their warriors. I need you to stay close to me during this time. We’ll need every fighter at our side, and I want you to be among them.”
“I can help…” she insists, her voice steady. “I’ve been training, and I’m ready to fight. I won’t hide from this.”
“I know you’re ready,” I say, my voice softening. “But this isn’t just about training anymore. This is real. Lives are at stake. I need you focused and aware of the risks… I can’t lose you.”
“River…” she begins, stepping closer, her gaze unwavering. “I won’t back down. I’m part of this pack just as much as you are, and I want to protect our home. I want to fight alongside you.”
A swell of pride mixes with fear, and I can’t help but reach for her hand, intertwining my fingers with hers. “Then fight you shall, but promise me you’ll keep your instincts sharp. If I tell you to stay with Kellan, you will and trust him to guide you. We’ll need every advantage we can get.”
She nods, the fire in her eyes unwavering. “I won’t let you down. We’ll stand together, River. I promise.”
I pull her into an embrace, feeling the warmth of her spirit against the chill of impending conflict. “Promise to stay safe,” I whisper, and in that moment, I know that as long as we have each other, we will face whatever comes our way.
But in the back of my mind, I can’t shake the feeling that the storm is only just beginning. The usurper king won’t stop until he’s taken everything we hold dear. And as we prepare for war, I will do everything in my power to protect Aloria and our pack.