Chapter 92 Saying her goodbyes
Aloria
I’m in our room, tossing some clothes into my backpack with a fervor that electrifies the air around me. The weight of the impending battle sits heavy on my heart, I have fought but not seen real battle… war. However the thrill of being allowed to fight alongside River and the warriors pulses through my veins like fire. I can’t believe he’s letting me join them. I know I’m ready, and I refuse to be left behind, watching from the sidelines like a helpless pup. I am their Luna and I want to stand up for them.
As I zip up the bag, a bright smile spreads across my face. The shouts of warriors packing up supplies outside echo in my ears, a symphony of preparation that only fuels my excitement. I can already envision myself charging into battle, side by side with River, our pack united against the usurper king. The thought sends a shiver of anticipation coursing through me.
But first, I need to say goodbye. I take a deep breath, feeling the weight of my decision settle in my chest. I know my mother will be worried… I have already realised that she always is… but I have to remind her of my strength. I’ve come so far since my return, and I won’t let fear dictate my choices. I grab the backpack and head out, my excitement almost bubbling over.
The cozy house my family stays in isn’t far from the main packhouse, nestled among the trees with sunlight filtering through the leaves, casting playful shadows on the ground. I quicken my pace, the familiar scents of home wrapping around me like a warm blanket. When I reach the door, I pause for a moment, steeling myself for my mother’s reaction.
As I step inside, I’m greeted by the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread and the laughter of my younger brothers, Arly and Arthenon. My heart swells at the sight of them, their faces lighting up when they see me. But that joy is short-lived when I catch sight of my mother, her expression shifting from happiness to concern.
“Aloria,” she says, her voice a mix of warmth and worry as she crosses the room. I can see the way her eyes dart to the backpack slung over my shoulder. “You’re really going?”
“I have to, Mom,” I reply, my voice steady. “River needs me. We all need to stand together as a pack.”
She reaches out, taking my hands in hers, her grip firm yet trembling. “I know, dear. As a Luna, you have a duty to your pack,” she says, her voice breaking slightly. “But I can’t help but wish you could stay here with me and your brothers. I just got you back after… everything.”
I can see the fear in her eyes, the flicker of memories from a past that still haunts us. It hits me in the gut, the weight of her love and her fears. “I’ve trained hard, Mom. I’m stronger than you think. I need to do this. I want to protect our home.”
She sighs, the tension in her shoulders easing a little. “I know you’re strong, Aloria. I’ve watched you grow into a fierce warrior just in the short time since we met. But as your mother, I can’t help but worry. You’re still my little girl.”
“I’ll always be your girl,” I assure her, stepping closer for a hug. The warmth of her embrace envelops me, and I close my eyes, savoring the moment before I step into the uncertainty of battle. “I’ll come back, I promise. I can’t let that usurper take anything from us again.”
Just then, the door swings open, and in come Arly and Arthenon, their faces bright with excitement. “Aloria, Are you going to fight? We want to come too.”
I laugh, a mix of joy and sorrow. “You two are too young for war. You need to stay here and protect Mom.”
“But we want to be brave like you,” Arthenon insists, his eyes wide with admiration.
“I know, and you will be brave. But right now, your bravery means keeping the family safe,” I say, crouching down to meet their gaze. “If anything happens, you need to be here to help Mom.”
Arly nods, but I can see the disappointment in their eyes. “Will you come back and tell us all about it?” he asks, his voice soft.
“Absolutely. I’ll bring stories of how we fought together and won,” I promise, standing back up and ruffling their hair. “You’ll be my little warriors, okay? You’ll train hard, and one day, you can fight beside me.”
They beam at that, their spirits lifted, and I feel a rush of pride for them. They’re still so young, and thank the Moon for that. I’m happy they won’t experience the horrors of war just yet. I can protect them from that, at least for now.
“Come on,” I say, turning to my brothers, “let’s go see the warriors.” I take their hands in mine, leading them out of the house and into the sunlight. The training grounds are alive with activity, and I can feel the excitement buzzing in the air.
Together, we walk toward the gathering of warriors, my heart swelling with pride and purpose. I glance back at my brothers, their faces lit with awe and admiration. “You’ll be strong like me one day,” I say, squeezing their hands.
As we approach the assembly, I’m filled with a fierce determination. I know I’m not just fighting for my pack; I’m fighting for my family, for my future, for everything we’ve built together. This is my moment to stand tall, to embrace my destiny, and I won’t let anything hold me back.
The weight of the world may be upon us, but I’m ready to face it head-on. With River at my side and my family in my heart, I’ll charge into this battle and emerge victorious. Together, we’ll protect what is ours, and I’ll prove that I am more than capable of standing strong against whatever darkness lies ahead.