Though the celebration around us was loud, as Aria and I stood together observing the sun rise it felt like a far-off hum. Her hand in mine served as a grounding tool, reminding me of all we had battled so valiantly.
Feeling their eyes weight on me, I turned to face the pack. They came to me for direction and for strength. I would also refuse to let them down.
"Listen up!" I yelled, my voice carrying over the assembled wolves. The chatter stopped, and everyone turned to pay me whole attention. "Although the war is far from finished even if we have won a major struggle. Darius will come back, and we have to be ready.
Agreements were whispered, and I could see the determination in their eyes. They were ready to defend our house, our family.
"Tonight is our rest," I said. But we start building our defenses tomorrow. Every wolf with an able body will train. We will reinforce our patrols and guarantee a safe border.
There was a cheer, and I got quite proud. Together, my pack could handle any threat. I was strong.
" Leon," Aria said gently, pulling on my hand. "We ought to chat.
I nodded, trailed away from the throng. We strolled silently for some time, the weight of the recent events hovering between us. At last we arrived at a remote area beside the river, and Aria turned to meet me.
"What then is on your mind?" Looking in her eyes, I asked.
Her voice quivering, Darius won't stop, she said. "He is aware of the prophecy concerning the power of our children. He will return bringing everything he owns.
I said, hugging her and knowing exactly what I was doing. But we will be prepared. We shall guard them.
She sighed and slanted toward me. "I just get really terrified, Leon. You cannot be lost from me. I cannot part from our children.
You won't, I said, gripping her tightly. "We will face this together, exactly as we always have."
She drew back slightly and looked up at me, mixed with hope and terror. "Do you really think that?" That we might surpass him?
Indeed, I said with great conviction. I have faith in us. I think our pack is great. Darius will never grasp our strength as it comes from us all.
She nodded, a little smile pulling at her mouth. "I'm glad you are here for me."
"Always," I said, giving her a kiss on the forehead. "Let's now relax. Our work is much ahead of us.
The pack was already humming with activity early the next morning. Training wolves, organizing patrols, and bolstering our defenses, they were Seeing everyone this committed made me happy.
Our pack training and getting ready for the next fight filled the crisp morning air. Watching them, each wolf moving with intent and determination, I could feel responsibility weighing down on my shoulders. My mind kept returning to Aria, and the risk Darius presented still lurks there, waiting for his next action.
Near the brink of our territory, Aria and I were sparring in a clearing. Her eyes concentrated and determined, her motions quick and exact. Her will and fortitude really spoke to me.
You've gotten faster," I said, dodging a quick kick meant for my side.
"Or maybe you've gotten slower," she shot back with a lighthearted grin once more.
Each pushing the boundaries, we moved in a fluid dance of strikes and counters. The sparring was more than just exercise; it was a means of maintaining mental clarity and body readiness for whatever lay ahead.
"Leon," she said between breaths, "we have to discuss our next actions. Darius won't wait long to act."
"I know," I said, catching her wrist and dragging her into a quick, strong hug. "We have to be ready for anything."
She said, "Exactly," her eyes darted across mine. But suppose he targets the children once more? We cannot be all at once everywhere."
"We'll need to boost security around them," I said, letting her go and backing off. "Twice the patrols and ensure they never go alone."
She nodded, a worried glance crossing her face. "I hate this, Leon." I despise the continual threat our family faces.
I said gently, "I do too," brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. "We will, however, make it through. together.
A scout arrived sprinting into the clearing, his face pale with desperation before she could reply.
"alpha! We have seen mobility close to the eastern boundary. Though they seem to be a small group, they are traveling quickly."
My heart skipped a beat. "D Darius?"
Though we're not sure, it's likely.
My will hardened, I turned to Aria. Stay here and work with the others. I'll check it out with a crew.
She urged me to "be careful," squeezing my hand.
"Always," I said, smiling reassuringly at her then turned to follow the scout.
As we got to the eastern boundary, the forest was shockingly quiet. The only sounds were the soft calls of far-off birds and leaf rustling. I moved quickly, senses on sharp alert.
" Spread out," I told the small wolf team I was working with. Stay sharp and report any movement.
"Darius's wolves," I growled, identifying the familiar scent.
The fight started all around us, a wild collision of snarls and bodies. I concentrated on my opponent, a big wolf sporting a scar down his face. He was strong; I was stronger.
I threw him sprawling to the ground with a quick, well-placed punch. Another wolf lunged at me, teeth bared before I could finish him off.
One of my pack mates yelled, "Leon, watch out!" tackling the wolf before it could get to me.
I said, "Thanks," guiding him to his feet.
"Anytime, Alpha," he grinned and then turned back into the chaos.
Our will to defend our house and loved ones drove us to fight fiercely. Though the fight was fierce, we were staying on the ground.
One of Darius's wolves caught me looking as the dust started to settle trying to flee. Driven to learn what they were planning, I chased.
stop! I ordered, dragging him to the floor.
He struggled, but I held him down with blazing angry eyes. "This is where you are working? Darius's plans?
He spat at me, looking defiantly in my eyes. "You will never stop him, Leon. He is coming for everything you value.
I growled, knocked him out cold, "We'll see about that."
Breathing hard, I got to stand. This was only a skirmish—a taste of what was to come. We had to be on call.
Back at the camp, I organized the pack. Tensive was the atmosphere; everyone knew this was only the start.
"We've resisted their attack, but this was only a test," I said to the pack. "Darius is seeking flaws in our defenses. We should remain alert.
"What then do we do?" Jace grimace asked.
"We reinforce our defenses and get ready for the next attack," I said. "And we learn what Darius intends."
Aria moved forward, her posture firm. "We also have to consider our collaborations. Not one of us can do this by ourselves.
I nodded, gave her some thought. You are correct. We must get in touch to the surrounding packs to see whether we might have their support.
"I'll manage the correspondence," Aria said. "We have to go fast."
"Thank you," I said, noting her leadership and fortitude. "We will require all the help we can muster."
Night fell, and I was alone in the forest, bearing heavy leadership weight on my shoulders. The power of the Moonstone softly hummed in me, a reminder of the weight I carried.
"leon?" The quiet was broken by Aria's voice, and I turned to see her walking toward.
"Hey," I said, a little smile pulling at my mouth. " Couldn't sleep?"
She said, "Not really," sliding her hand into mine. "I started to worry about you."
Pulling her near, I said, "I'm fine." "Just thinking".
Her voice gentle, she asked, "About Darius?"
Indeed, I said. "And regarding ourselves. Our direction forward.
She said decisively, "We'll make it through this." "We usually do."
I nodded, but doubt persisted. "I just wish I knew his next move was."
She said, "We'll figure it out," laying her head on my shoulder. "together."
Her presence was consoling, a reminder that I was not fighting this battle alone. Silent as we stood there, the evening enveloped us like a cloak.
The air appeared to sparkle with tension suddenly. The hairs on the rear of my neck stood up, and I sensed approaching danger.
"Do you feel that?" Whispering, my senses on great alert.
"Yes," Aria answered, tightening her hold on my hand. "Something's coming."