Chapter Twenty-Seven

Elena

Rock is standing in front of me, with Cal by my side, holding me by the hand. This feels like a nightmare, but I know that it isn't. We've come to the end of the line, and this is where everything will be decided. We are both counting on Rock to do what needs to be done, because in all of this, I've realized that he is our protector, he is the one who will lay down his life to protect us. He would kill for us. He would die for us.

For a moment, I wonder why Cal isn't interfering, then I figure, it probably has to do with honor of the clans. The leader of one clan has to fight the leader of the other.

Cal tugs at my hand, pulling me away, so that we are at a safe distance from them. I watch with wide eyes as Rock and the other leader circle each other within the confines of the tent, as the air crackles with the weight of decision. Whatever happens here will determine the fate of both our clans.

Our clans.

I almost smile at the thought, but I manage to suppress the need to do so. This is no time for smiling, although my heart is swelling with the love I feel for both Rock and Cal. They came for me. They love me as much as I love them. I don't know whether we will leave this tent alive or not, but if we do, I plan on spending the rest of my life with them, even if I have to endure the gazes of everyone in the village. None of that matters. The only thing that matters is the love we have for one another.

I focus on the present moment again. The determination in Rock's eyes is undeniable, as he is ready to defend those under his care, those he loves.

"You can fight me now if you wish," the other leader says. "But it's only a matter of time before your entire clan is wiped out and there is not a single trace of your existence."

"You won't scare me," Rock snarls angrily, the weight of their words hanging heavily in the air.

Cal wraps his arm around me, pulling me closer. At least if I am to die, I will die by the side of those I love and who love me. In that, I couldn't have asked for a more peaceful death.

"We will take your land as ours," the other leader claims.

"Over my dead body!" Rock is ready to lunge, but he is biding his time.

The other leader grins maliciously at him. "I am counting on it."

Without a warning, his physical transformation starts. His bones and insides readjust completely, and I witness the same process yet again. Still, it's not any less frightening as I listen to the sound of cracking bones. I turn to Rock, who knows that he doesn't have a single moment to lose. He falls down on all fours, his own transformation on the verge of taking place, right before our eyes.

The air crackles with electric energy as the massive, fur-covered creatures face each other, their human blood still dripping from their ears and muzzle. Their eyes are not even human anymore, burning with an intensity that seems to transcend the physical realm itself. I look around, and it is as if the tent itself is not enough for the power of their transformation. The fabric strains against the sheer force of their newfound forms, and the tribal symbols and artefacts around us are pulsating with the raw energy of the clash.

The two massive bears immediately engage in a fierce battle, showcasing their raw strength and primal instincts. One of them digs its claws into the other one, and the most frightening thing is that, in the midst of all this fighting, I lose track of who is who. I was barely able to tell when they were standing still. Now, they seem to be one relentless force of nature fighting itself.

Their fur, bristling with intensity, frames the spectacle that is unfolding before my very eyes, as they grapple and clash, their claws and teeth flying through the air. Roars and growls are echoing all around us, only fueling this aura of primal energy. The earth beneath them trembles as one climbs on top of the other but is swiftly thrown back down.

I gasp, wondering which of the two bears is winning. I can't watch anymore, and yet, I can't pull away from this terrible sight. Cal is there, comforting me, but my concern is growing with each passing moment.

Which one is Rock? Is he the one tearing the flesh off of the other one? Or is he the one losing this battle? My heart aches as the battle rages on.

In a dramatic turn of events, one of the bears is on the ground again, stumbling and falling. The victorious bear seizes the moment, swiftly closing in. With a primal ferocity that I've never seen before, the bear sinks its powerful teeth into the fallen bear's neck, delivering a decisive and fatal blow. A few grunts are heard as blood splatters everywhere. This time, I can't bear to look. I bury my face into Cal's shoulder, in hopes that the winning bear is Rock. But I can't be sure of that.

Suddenly, Cal gently forces me to turn around. Much to my shock, the bear is near us, staring at us. My heart is beating inside my chest as if it might explode inside of me. Squeezing Cal's hand hard, I stare at the bear, waiting to see if this will be the last breath I take.

Then, Cal extends his hand gently towards the animal. His fingers are trembling. Is he frightened? Can he recognize who it is? I'm sure he can, but then… why is he shivering?

A moment feels like an eternity as we stand like that, suspended in time. Finally, the bear reacts to the extended hand. It closes its eyes, gently caressing its muzzle against Cal's open palm.

"Is that Rock?" I whisper, my voice so weak that I barely hear myself.

"Mhm," Cal responds. "He won. He saved us."

Without thinking, I jump at the bear, wrapping my arms around its thick neck. I inhale its woodland scent, not even caring about the blood stains on its fur and claws. I know who it is now. And I know what he has done in order so that we are all safe.

Still embracing Rock in his bear form, I turn to Cal. "What now?"

"Well, ask him," he grins. "Rock loves being in his bear form. I'm thinking he probably wants to escort us through the camp like that, just in case someone thinks they can stand in our way."

I turn to Rock and look in his eyes. He just nods, giving me a slight growl.

"I think he just agreed," I concur with a smile. "Well then, I think it's time we go home."

I try not to look at the dead bear on the ground. Cal is able to read my mind, and before we pass by it, Cal wraps his arm around me, hiding my face in his shoulder again.

"It's alright," he whispers into my ear. "It had to happen."

I know he's right, but at the same time, I feel sad. This could have all been avoided if they didn't come here, if they didn't seek to steal what wasn't theirs in the first place. He leads me out of the tent, with Rock leading the way.

A few of the guards try to stop us, but it is obvious that they are confused as to what is happening. Cal takes over, seeing that Rock couldn't speak.

"Your leader is dead," he says simply, while their weapons are still aimed at us. "If you want to fight us, you can. Although I do not advise it."

In response, Rock growls so loudly that it makes the entire woods tremble. One of the guards drops his spear onto the ground, shivering with fright. It is truly a majestic sound, and my heart is full of pride to call him, to call both of them, mine.

The guards all exchange glances. They don't know what to do. It is obvious that they are lost without guidance, without someone to give them orders and make decisions on their behalf. Cal immediately realizes what is happening. So, he decides to speak again.

"Just put down your weapons and go back where you came from," Cal advises them once more. "No one else needs to get hurt or die. Despite what you believed or believe now, it is not in our nature to kill. We have a moral compass. And that moral compass allows us to make the right choices in situations such as this one. All we seek is safe passage through your camp, so we can go home. Because this is our home. Not yours. You came here, wanting to take it away from us, but you won't. We won't allow you to. However, we will forgive your trespasses, and we will allow you to go home in the numbers that you have left. Just… let us pass through."

A few murmurs are heard. I look at him, proud that he has spoken so wisely. I can see how much he has grown out of this experience, how more expressive and knowing he is. I suppose that none of us are the same people we used to be. We've all changed, but for the better, because we want to be better for each other. And Cal has proven this development now with his wise words.

Finally, the first weapon is dropped to the ground. Then the second one, the third, the fourth, and so on. At one point, none of the guards are holding any more weapons in their hands. They are watching us, still with that slightly confused look in their eyes. Then, one by one they start moving to the side, giving us clear passage through their camp.

Slowly, we start walking in a strangely solemn ceremony. Rock is walking in the middle, with Cal and me on either side of him, with our hands on his back, signaling our unbreakable connection. When we pass through the camp and leave it, we don't turn around. We don't care what they will do, but if they decide to attack us again, they know what to expect.

We keep walking through the woods, as the morning sunlight spills onto us like a golden shower through the lush canopy of greenery above our heads. Occasionally, Rock grunts something, and Cal always replies playfully.

"You know I don't understand you like this," he teases. "And neither does El. Just change now. We're almost home."

The bear looks at him, shaking its head, then runs ahead playfully. I chuckle at the sight.

"I never thought Rock could be so… playful," I comment, watching him sharpen his claws on a tree, then run after us, only to nuzzle my hand.

"Rock can be a lot of things," Cal muses. "He has just taken on his primary role of a leader."

"A protector," I smile.

He smiles back patting Rock's back. "Exactly. See? I told you that he would come for us."

I feel so full as if my heart will explode. "I never doubted it for a moment."