Chapter 34-The Dawn of War
Standing in the throne room, in a white suit with a white cape draped over my shoulders, I look outside the window as worry settles in. The stars are still out, but as soon as the sun rises, all the moonflowers will bloom and the final battle in this war will begin.
“You okay, darling?”
Albot asks, walking forward with a mug of what smells like peppermint tea in his hand. I take it from him, thanking my mate before taking a sip of the much-needed drink.
“I’m nervous.”
I sigh, leaning into his touch as he wraps his arms around me.
“I know. But we have been preparing for this moment, Crystalline. We will win this.”
Albot reassure me. Taking in his scent, I continue drinking the tea as we enjoy this final moment of calmness. Our scouts have already linked us that Coro is on the move, with an army of Rogues and Soulless following behind him. It is only a matter of time before we have to leave and meet him just outside the pack line in the moonflower meadow.
[Everyone is in formation. We are just waiting on you, Crystalline.] Narin links me, his voice calm. I smile, placing my empty mug on the table beside my throne and take Albot’s hand.
“It’s showtime.”
I state, his brown eyes hardening as he looks out the window.
“Promise me that no matter what happens, you will live.”
He pulls me against him, his gaze returning to look at me. I gulp, not knowing how to answer him. I have a duty to fight with my people. To see things through to the end. I can’t just abandon them when things go wrong.
“Albot—”
I start, only to be cut off.
“No, I know what you are going to say. But even if it’s a lie, I need to know that you will promise me you will live.”
I see the worry in his eyes and smile softly at my mate, standing on my toes and pressing a soft kiss against his lips.
“I promise that I will do everything I can to make it back alive to you.”
I whisper when the kiss ends, feeling his arms tighten around me as he breathes in my scent.
“I promise to do the same too, darling.”
With this, he pulls away and takes my hand as the two of us walk towards the palace entrance. We can hear the soft chatter of our army, the wolves from our allies blending in with our pack, all dressed in black. Everyone has a somber face, their eyes filled with every emotion imaginable as they turn to salute me the moment I step onto the top step. Taken aback, I look to find Amberle, Dominic, Geminie, Ariven, Mika, Lace, and Narin standing at the front, my friends looking at me with hope and trust in their eyes.
[Make a speech.] Albot links me, squeezing my hand. I nod, taking in the faces of all the wolves once more before taking a deep breath.
“I first want to start with thanking everyone here for offering their assistance in this war. Know you all have different reasons for fighting, but we share the same end goal and for that, I thank you all.”
I say, feeling more confident with each word uttered.
“Today will be a long battle as we face Coro and his army of Rogues and Soulless. Normally, I would say that if they surrender, capture them. But today, we cannot show any mercy. These wolves showed no mercy to their victims for years. They have raped, killed, and stolen for Coro with no regard to anyone. Anyone who sides with Coro is the enemy today. We will send all who stands with Coro to the other side and let Goddess Lisandra decide their fate from there.”
Geminie nods in agreement, the Future Moon Goddess knowing that her mother has already agreed to this. The pool of reincarnation will be working hard after today, the souls repenting for the horrible deeds they have committed while under Coro’s leadership.
“Finally, I ask that you consider your own life. I don’t wish for anyone to die today, so be as ruthless as you can. You all have loved ones waiting for your safe return, I am waiting for your safe return. So fight like your life depends on it, until Coro is dead and his army defeated.”
Roars of cheering fill the air as the fighting spirit of these wolves is ignited, and I smile. With a nod to the leaders below, I take the lead and start the trek to the moonflower meadow. The sun will rise in an hour and then the white blooms will be dyed with the blood of our enemies.