Chapter 162
1196words
Standing before the room, I felt my heart beating faster because of the pressure of my responsibilities. But notwithstanding, I remained calm and clear, focusing on the challenging task ahead.
'Kael!" I called while feeling the weight of being in charge pressing down on me. 'Get your team together. We're getting ready to leave."
'Absolutely Your Highness!" Kael said with a firm voice as he stood up straight a look of determination shining brightly in his eyes. 'Could you please tell me what the target is?"
'The Green Forest Pack. I need you to strike them quickly and forcefully. Gather a sufficient number of soldiers to ensure a quick and decisive victory. It is important that they realize that their loyalty to Augustus will have serious consequences."
Kael nodded his head enthusiastically, a big smile growing wide on his face. 'Can you tell me how many soldiers are available for me to use?"
'A hundred and forty of our best fighters," I replied while mentally counting them off. 'And ensure they're well-equipped. I want overwhelming force."
He quickly spun around on his heels, and you could just see the confidence shining off him. With a determined look on his face, he said 'I promise I won't let you down, Alpha."
'Make sure to take care of that," I said as I observed him hurriedly leave the room, his steps filled with a sense of urgency.
I looked over at the other captains who were all sitting around the table with me. I pointed to Jace and said 'Jace! I need you to put together a group of people for the Silver Crest Pack. They have been giving support to Augustus, and it's very important that we find a way to cut off his resources so he can't get any more help."
'Of course, Your Highness!" Jace replied, his voice filled with confidence and determination. 'Just how many should I bring with me?"
'Eighty. Get them moving. Time is of the essence!"
The room was filled with the noises of boots moving around and people giving orders, creating a lively buzz. I could sense a feeling of nervousness in the air, as if everyone was on edge. Then Ronan moved forward. He looked very concerned with his eyebrows drawn together in a frown.
He spoke to me, addressing me as 'Your Highness," and said 'If Augustus is getting closer to us, wouldn't it be smarter for us to keep our soldiers here so they are prepared to defend our position?"
I quickly turned around and looked directly at Ronan. I said 'These packs are really important for supporting Augustus. If we start to break down their strength right now, it will make Augustus a lot weaker by the time he gets here. We just can't sit back and do nothing. We need to take action."
Ronan blinked as he tried to understand what I was saying about my plan. After a moment, he said 'Okay, I get it. Are you really saying that you are ready to take a risk with the number of people we have out there?"
'Every war is a risk, Ronan. However, this particular war—this one is essential and must happen." I stated with conviction, allowing a strong sense of determination to shine brightly in my eyes.
A feeling of agreement started to spread among the members of the council. This was because the uncomfortable atmosphere that had been hanging in the room began to shift for the better.
The change happened because the strong belief and confidence I displayed in my arguments made a positive impact on everyone present.
'Get started on your responsibilities!" I ordered firmly. As soon as I said this, the entire atmosphere changed and everyone sprang into action. The soldiers hurried to collect their equipment while the men spread out without hesitation or questions.
The scene transformed into a whirlwind of activity, creating a chaotic but essential rhythm—a drumbeat that signaled the approaching battle we all knew was coming.
As the final member of the council quickly made their way out of the room, I gently extended my hand towards Lilith, taking hers in mine and drawing her nearer to me.
'Come on my moon," I softly said, my voice overflowing with warmth and affection. This warmth stood in sharp contrast to the cold and calculated thoughts we had been discussing as we planned for war.
We walked outside together holding hands tightly, our fingers woven together as if our bond could protect us from the fierce storm that raged beyond the safety of the door.
Once we reached the courtyard, I turned to look at the large group of warriors before us. A strong sense of urgency surged through me, overwhelming me like a powerful wave crashing down.
'Sound the alarm!" I shouted loudly, my voice cutting through all the noises. The loud ringing of the pack bell echoed in the air, making a deep and unsettling sound that indicated danger was close.
It reminded me of more peaceful times in the past, but now it was a clear and urgent warning that a war was about to begin.
I could feel Lilith holding my hand even more tightly than before. In a soft voice she said my name 'Adams."
Her expression changed to a very serious one, and her eyes became darker with concern. 'This is the time we have been anticipating, right?" she asked.
'I give you my word that this season will come to an end very soon," I said, quietly moving nearer to her. I gently pressed my lips against hers, trying to show her just how sincere I was. 'Everything will be fine, and you will be okay."
Lilith took a step back. Her eyes were fixed on mine like she was reading my mind. 'Please promise me that you will stay safe," she said softly.
'Trust me. I will do my best to stay secure. I won't allow anything bad to happen to me or to our pack. I understand how important and serious this promise is, and I am fully aware of the responsibility that comes with saying these words."
At that exact time, Adeline came over and approached me. Something about her made everyone close by feel like treating her with respect and consideration.
She looked straight into my eyes, and gave a soft nod to show that she understood the situation on ground.
'Your Highness, I am fully set," she said, her voice confident, with no signs of hesitation.
'Adeline," I said, making sure my eyes were on hers. I wanted to be certain she got the seriousness of my instructions.
'You need to always be close to Lilith and stay with her at all times. This is really important because your job is to protect her. No matter the situation, it is essential that you keep her protected. Whatever happens, she must never get hurt, nothing even a scratch is permitted on her."
'Yes, Your Highness," Adeline replied confidently. 'I promise that she will be completely safe with me." Her face showed a strong sense of determination, making it clear that she meant every word…
