Chapter 32: Attack!

Adelie

Each step we took brought us deeper into the forest. The darkness seemed to grow with every stride, swallowing us whole.

There was no sign of life, no indication that anyone had ever set foot here. It was eerily quiet, a silence that made sense. Who would willingly venture into this desolate place?

A massive tree stood before me, its age evident in its gnarled bark. Vines clung to it, offering support to its weary frame. The tree was hollow, its exterior dry and brittle.

I paused, placing my hand gently against its rough surface. The others watched me, their faces etched with confusion.

A voice echoed in my mind, a voice that belonged to the tree. ~You are close~ it said, its tone filled with pain. I could almost feel the roughness of its voice.

My other hand found a spot on the tree's bark. I focused my energy, channeling it into the tree. I had to be careful, I needed to conserve my strength for Aldred.

When I opened my eyes, the tree seemed to stand taller, its color vibrant and full of life.

“Is everything alright?” Kairos asked, voicing the question that hung in the air.

“We are close,” I echoed the tree's words. Kairos exchanged a glance with Raphael before addressing the rest of the pack.

“We need to be prepared for anything. We could be attacked at any moment,” he said, his gaze landing on me. “Adelie, you'll lead the way. Can you handle that?”

I wasn't sure if I was ready to lead a fight, but as Luna, it was my duty to guide my pack, even into war.

“Yes,” I stuttered, my voice lacking the confidence I wished it held.

“Are you sure?” he asked again. I nodded.

“Yes,” I said, forcing the word out. I had to be strong. This was my fight.

Kairos held my gaze for a moment longer before nodding. “Alright then.”

He seemed unsure, as if he was second-guessing his decision. “The next five wolves, those who have been fighting for four years, will join me. Our mission is to protect Luna and the rest of the pack,” he said, and five seasoned fighters stepped forward.

“Those with less than four years of experience, stay behind us. Raphael and Nathan, you'll guard our rear,” he instructed.

Once everyone was in place, Kairos turned to me. “I can lead if you want,” he offered. I shook my head.

“I can do it,” I assured him. He kissed my forehead, his words sending a chill down my spine.

“If anything happens to you, I won't survive,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

“Don't say that,” I told him, looking up into his eyes. “It's not good to talk like that before a fight.”

His eyes were glossy, holding back tears. “Promise me you'll be safe. I can't lose you, Adelie. Please, be safe,” he pleaded.

I nodded, promising him I'd do my best. He turned to the others, his face a mask of determination. “Let's go!” he commanded.

And with that, we began our march into the unknown. This was it, our final journey before the battle.

“You’re one of a kind, born to shield this world, to be a beacon of courage for your people. There will come a time when bravery will be your greatest weapon, not your powers. When you face a battle, use your mind, not your might.”

Now, I finally grasp what my mother was trying to tell me all those years. She must have known about this prophecy. She was preparing me for this moment, and I was oblivious. She never uttered a word about it.

We trekked for roughly half an hour before we stumbled upon a clearing in the heart of the dense forest. I looked up, and there it was—a colossal castle looming before me.

It was eerily silent and seemed deserted. Was Aldred inside, biding his time for his grand entrance? I didn’t dare glance back, needing to project confidence for Kairos.

As I approached the main entrance, a voice from above halted me and my companions. I looked up to see a man in his fifties, perched on a balcony, clad in a burgundy suit. His hair was slicked back, a cigar hanging loosely from his lips. He observed us with a smug grin on his pale, bearded face.

“Aldred,” I muttered.

“I’ve been expecting you. But how foolish to bring your minions along,” he chuckled.

The audacity of him to call them my minions! “They’re not my minions, we’re a team!” I defended us.

“With that many warriors, you don’t stand a chance against me,” he laughed, puffing out smoke.

“Where’s your army?” I challenged him. I felt a surge of boldness, seeing red at the mere sight of him.

“You’ll have to come to them. They’re not foolish enough to come out,” he retorted.

I felt Kairos move closer. “He’s aware of your powers. He won’t risk his warriors against your abilities in the open,” he whispered. I glanced at Kairos as he retreated, then turned my gaze back to Aldred.

“What are you waiting for? Come fight and destroy your beloved werewolves,” Aldred bellowed. “If you come alone, there will be no fight, no consequences. We can negotiate, and I’ll let you go. No one will get hurt.”

He continued, “You don’t want anyone to get hurt, do you? You don’t want these people to suffer because of you. I’ll leave them alone. I just need you.” He leaned on the railing, locking eyes with me. “Or perhaps you’re just a weak, selfish little girl.

“Would you rather watch them die than sacrifice yourself?” he taunted. I found myself considering his offer, even though I knew he was manipulating me.

~Don’t! He’s manipulating you!~ Kairos’ voice echoed in my mind. I shot him a surprised look. He looked as shocked as I felt. He had mind-linked me. Why hadn’t it worked before? As much as I wanted to figure it out, I didn’t have time. I turned back to Aldred.

“We will fight!” I declared, my voice ringing out. “There’s no deal I’d make with you and your evil ways.” Aldred straightened up, his smirk fading. He didn’t respond, just retreated into the castle.

I turned and began to walk forward, my companions trailing behind me.

As I moved, I felt the earth tremble beside me. I was doing it again, summoning my own warrior. If Aldred wanted a war, I’d give him one. A figure rose from the ground, covered in vines and roots, and fell into step beside us. I didn’t feel drained. I felt stronger than ever.

My name is Adelie Murrell, daughter of water nymph Meredith Murrell and Death. I am a warrior destined to bring peace. I was born for this. I can fulfill my prophecy. I will defeat Aldred.

Without hesitation, I pushed open the heavy wooden door. Aldred had it all wrong.

We're about to etch our names in the annals of history. This battle will be one for the ages. It's the moment I've been tirelessly preparing for. The moment my mother readied me for. My entire existence has been leading up to this, battling for this. No one can shatter my spirit, not even by breaking my bones. The world will witness what I'm truly made of.

We positioned ourselves at the threshold, sizing up our adversaries. The size of their army is irrelevant, I know we're an unstoppable force! “Charge!!” I bellowed. The werewolves transformed in response, launching themselves into the air and crashing into the enemy lines.