Page 51 of The Dark War

My mother had been distant since Kane’s outburst, the pregnancy surely wearing on her and the state of the nation. I could understand it. She wanted to protect the unborn pup inside her body and the kingdom, yet I couldn’t help but feel jealous.

Was she trading one child for another? Of course, I would hope for her to pick the unborn pup, but it all seemed too easy of a decision. Maybe that was why Kane had been so angry.

My parents never meant for me to be taken away and grow up without them. That was making them even more protective of my much younger sibling. I huffed, seeing the hot, heavy breath as I ran through the thicket. Torin’s eyes glanced at me quickly, seeing the rapid change of my heartbeat.

My mother cared; she did, just in her own way. Now all these months of planning, of her pushing had come to a head, and now I could take over.

I just hoped I was good enough.

It was a small ceremony in Kane’s office with Cyrene as the officiant. Marcus, who had returned four days after the massacre of the small pack, looked worse for wear. His hair was disheveled, his eyes dull, and there was no spark and zest for life.

This darkness, this Dark War, was ruining everything.

“You are to keep this a secret,” Cyrene had instructed. “Your royal command should only be used when it is absolutely necessary. Use this command if, for whatever reason, warriors begin to either disobey or doubt you. There will be dire consequences if you use it beforehand. You will be hunted.” Cyrene looked me in the eye. “These dark entities are trying to kill the nations at the core, the royalty, and that now befalls upon you both.”

Don’t have to tell me twice.

Mother and Father gave me a solemn glance, my mother holding her stomach tightly. I would have given anything to have grown up in this world and understood it better. But this was how it had to be. Father and Mother were one, one in power and soul, and would not serve justice here if they were separated.

“You’ve seen a vision,” I heard my mother speak as Kane, Marcus, and I left the room. Cyrene mumbled so low that I barely heard it. Hiding behind the door, I let Kane and Marcus whisper among themselves as they trailed down the stairs.

“We must pray for help, for as much help as the gods are willing to give us.” The chalice that held my parents’ blood before Kane and I drank clinked on the desk table. It ultimately tipped and fell onto the dented floor.

The chalice rolled on the wooden floor. No one dared try to stop it until it clinked against the desk. It pounded the side, causing me to jump. “Three mated pairs of this realm will be the key. One in helping my power grow, one in bringing reinforcements, and the other treading between the veil of death and life as they kill the final chess piece.” Her voice had gone low. “Pray that The Fates are on our side.”

As we rested, just on the outskirts of the foothills, we took drinks from the small spring. Pixies flew close, examining us, touching the water with their toes. Their tinkling voices came close, almost pleading, only to back away when two elves approached. They were nomadic. These elves held large backpacks, walking sticks in hand, and bows on their back.

The largest one nodded. His long red beard swayed in the wind. He was no ordinary elf. He was much taller and more muscular. The male beside him looked similar in facial features. “We could sense you through the trees,” the tallest one said. The trees behind him bowed, yet there wasn’t a hint of wind.

“We are heading toward the fight. Are you leaving?” The look of disappointment had me shattered. Shaking my head, my paw stepped forward, only for Kane to transform into his skin. “We are going to warn the elven tribes of the impending war.” Kane pulled back his shoulders. The elf rubbed his beard, grunting to his brother.

“We heard about it, but it is only rumored. Many live in bliss, coddling some dragon shifter and his pet human.” My ears perked up. “I don’t take rumors lightly, so I go to seek the truth for myself,” he rumbled.

“There is a fight,” Kane’s claws racked across his thigh. “And quickly approaching. There is a warrior encampment against the rogues just south of the Crimson Shadows pack. They will take your help gladly. We should be back late evening.” Kane’s gruff voice held no room for argument or conversation as he shifted back in his wolf.

The trees behind the massive elf leaned forward, touching the elf’s cheek. “You will be welcomed. The elven tribes are expecting you. Zaos is the chief.” The burly man trotted through the stream, continuing until he looked back. “I’m Folen. I’ll see you in battle.”

Their backs retreated, and our paws trotted across the stream. “Wow, he’s uh, very tall for an elf,” I muttered. Kane shook his head, not caring, just wanting to do our duty and get home.

Keeping my maw shut, we continued our run and finally ended at the elven territory. Zaos greeted us with clothing, and the elves took us in gladly with warm welcomes. After greetings, his gaze landed on Kane and me, and our friendly greetings turned serious.

“There’s a war,” I spoke for Kane. His mind was elsewhere it had been since the outburst with my mother. The overwhelming feeling he radiated was to protect me. Hell, even Torin spoke to Giana about trying to force me to go with my family through the portal.

Then what kind of mate would I be? Both of us would be weakened, and our power was much stronger together.

“Surely you have heard of the rogues?” I questioned. Zaos’s lips pursed to a thin line, nodding his head. “They have taken many packs and prides, hunting those who travel to seek refuge in the Cerulean Moon Kingdom. It will only be a matter of time before they penetrate your mountains. We believe they are after—” A boy screamed. His laughter made the trees shake.

“Did you see how big he was? Creed is huge!” Kane growled, pulling me to him. The little boy, not paying attention, ran right into my leg, causing me to laugh.

“Easy there.” I laughed. The unkempt boy’s eyes looked up in wonder.

“Princess Clara!” Chuckling, I poked his nose.

“Yup, how are you?”

“F-fine!” He brushed himself off.

“What is this I hear about a dragon?” I had completely forgotten about the side mission, to address the human woman that had run away from the duke that was helping Taliyah.

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