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With the weight of the last encounter hanging over the war tent like a thunder cloud on the horizon, Thalia straightened herself as silence descended. The mysterious yet indisputable words of the stranger continued to reverberate in her head. She was anticipated. However, by whom? And why?

Shadows danced with the tension in the room as the faint candlelight flashed against the rough canvas walls. Ryker stood next to her, his arms folded, his mouth clenched in concentration. The room was crowded with Cassius, Devlin, and the other important fighters, whose faces reflected her own uneasiness.

"We can't ignore this," Cassius said in a quiet but forceful voice, breaking the silence. "That man, whomever he was, wasn't your average soldier. There was something strange about his strength. We all sensed it.

Thalia ran a hand through her hair and let out a breath. "And if Killian is involved with whatever that was, then we might be dealing with more than just a war for Thornwood."

Her remarks weighed heavily on the room. Regaining a throne was no longer the only goal. There was something more sinister and perilous going on.

Ryker said, "We ride at dawn," his voice piercing the dense atmosphere. "We must send scouts ahead and fortify our frontiers. Before it has an opportunity to attack, I would like to know what force is supporting Killian, if there is one.

There was a rumble of agreement among the warriors, but it was Beric, one of the more experienced ones, who came forward, his silvered hair shining in the low light. "Our borders are no longer the only issue. Our people, the pack, must be aware of the impending events. He turned to look at Thalia. "They need to see that you’re ready to lead them into this fight."

Thalia's spine straightened as she met his gaze. His tone was one of conviction rather than confrontation. An examination.

"I’m ready," she declared in a firm voice.

Beric nodded slowly. "Next, speak to them. Give them a chance to hear you. Tell them that people follow you because they believe in you, not just because of your assertion.

Silence for a beat. Ryker then grounded his touch by placing a hand on her shoulder. "He is correct. We don't leave anything up to chance. The pack must come together now or disband when we need them most.

Thalia squared her shoulders after swallowing. "Gather them."

\---

By the time the pack gathered in the open clearing, the moon was high, and the sea of faces was bathed in a golden glow from the flickering torchlight. Every wolf who had pledged allegiance to Thornwood stood in the chilly night air, waiting, whether they were warriors, healers, or scouts.

As Thalia moved closer and looked around at the assembled wolves, her heartbeat pounded in her ears. While some watched in silent anticipation, others did not know. But there was something more powerful below it all. A hunger. A state of readiness.

She inhaled. Then came her voice, clear and firm and unflinching.

"Those who have betrayed us have defined this conflict for far too long. By those who claimed things that were never theirs. Orion and Killian. They governed by instilling fear. Out of greed. Through blood never intended to be shed." Before continuing, she let the words burn into the silence and settle. "But fear does not rule us."

There was a ripple of agreement in the throng.

She stepped forward once more. "We have made the decision to remain here. Because we are aware of Thornwood's past and its potential for rebirth. According to Killian, we only pose a threat when we are split. Orion thinks that before we can recover what is rightfully ours, we will fall apart. They're mistaken.

A deep rumbling of voices and growing resolve filled the atmosphere.

At her sides, Thalia's hands clenched into fists—not out of rage, but with assurance. "I've stood up for this pack." This pack has caused me to bleed. And I'm not going to quit now. We are closer than ever before, standing on the brink of victory. However, strength alone won't win us the victory.

She looked at both of them. "Because we are united, we shall prevail. Because we fight for our homes, not for power. We defend one another. And we won't give up when the moment comes and Orion's forces oppose us."

There was a long pause.

Then—

Out of the crowd, one voice emerged. "For Thornwood!"

Then came another. Then another.

"For Thornwood!"

"For Thornwood!"

The chant rose and rolled across the clearing like thunder. It pulsed through Thalia's bones and the air surrounding them. The pack wasn't simply one. They were prepared.

Ryker moved to stand next to her, his voice quiet but unwavering. "They are now following you. Not as a warrior alone. However, as their Alpha.

She looked him in the eye, and they exchanged an unspoken message. It was this.

The start of the end.

\---

The night dragged on, but it was difficult to fall asleep. Thalia sat outside her tent and gazed at the central fire's flickering flames. The camp was quietly getting ready, but she felt the weight of what was about to happen pressing down on her chest.

Before she saw him, she sensed him.

Even amid the cold of the night, Ryker's presence was firm and comforting. He lowered himself next to her, his eyes darting to the fire and then back to her. "Can’t sleep?"

She shook her head and let out a breath. "Too much to think about."

He gave her a nod, as though he could understand every unsaid thought she was having. "We ride tomorrow. Whatever Killian has planned, we must face it.

She looked into his eyes. "And if it’s something we aren’t ready for?"

He responded right away. "Then we fight anyway."

A tiny, sardonic smirk pulled at the corner of her mouth. "That simple, huh?"

Ryker grinned. "It always has been."

The burden in her chest slightly decreased for a brief instant.

Then—

There was a stir in the shadows.

In a moment, they both jerked to their feet.

A figure appeared when the shadows just outside the firelight changed.

Breathless, eyes bulging with urgency, a scout.

Thalia felt her gut tighten.

The scout whispered, "Orion," his voice raspy with fatigue. "He's on the go. "Now."

Quiet.

Then—

In Thalia's ears, her pulse roared.

She and Ryker looked at one other.

The moment had arrived.