Throwing Amberle over my shoulder, I smile triumphantly as the fiery haired she-wolf lets out a wince. For the past two days of training and meetings, she has teased me about Albot and our mating, about how she expects to have her band of nieces and nephews grow soon after the war. This just has me fueled to want to kick her ass even more.
“Geez, Crysta, go easy on me.” She groans, pushing herself into a sitting position as she eyes me.
“Are you going to stop teasing me?” I ask instead.
“And ruin my fun, nope.”
“Then I guess you are going to have to get used to finally having your ass on the ground all the time.” I shrug, getting a playful growl from the Alpha wolf in response. I roll my eyes, holding out my hand and helping Amberle to stand. Although I have been besting the she-wolf, I still sport a few scrapes and bruises myself from sparring with her.
“So, two days until the war.” She sighs, looking at the still sparring wolves around us.
“Two days until I kill my brother.” I add, closing my eyes and taking a deep breath. Training ends an hour later and as the wolves gather around for their final instructions, I commit their faces to memory. All these wolves came to fight with me. Came to defeat Coro and usher in a new peaceful era with my brother gone. And it is my job to make sure they all return alive.
With an agreement to have tomorrow as a day of final preparation and rest, I dismiss everyone before heading inside. Tonight, I just want some time with my family.
◆◆◆
“So, we are watching a movie and binging on junk food, right?” Geminie asks while barging into my room. I roll my eyes, chuckling at the fact that she too has a slight immunity to silver before returning to the table where all the snacks were placed out.
“Yes! Mom said we could watch Disney tonight.” Alice answers, already in her pajamas and curled up on the armchair she claimed.
“Good. Let’s start with Moana or Brave. No need to have a prince involved.” Geminie suggests. Blake scrunches his nose, already rummaging through the movie list and landing on Mulan.
“Wouldn’t this one be perfect considering the situation?” He asks, Amberle chuckling as she shoves a bar of chocolate in her mouth.
“I vote yes!” Alice agrees instantly, Amberle raising her hand in agreement as well. I shrug, not really caring what we watch since I just want to spend time with everyone here. After tomorrow, Marcie, Blake, Alice, Destiny, Aster, Saphira, Esmerald and Brent will be in the shelters while we go off to fight.
“I think Mulan is perfect. It even has a sequel we can watch.” Marcie chimes in, already curled up in Matrix’s lap with a plate of food in her hands.
“So, Mulan it is.” Dominic chuckles, eyeing his mate as she looks at the chocolate cupcakes and hands one to her. I smile, realizing how lucky I am to have met so many wolves that genuinely care about me. The palace I once hated now is a home I adore because of these nine wolves in this room.
“Are we late?” A voice chimes in through the open door. Cassandra, Mika, and Lace soon comes into view, their own set of pajamas on as they make themselves at home. Make that eleven wolves and one witch.
“No, we just decided on Mulan.” Blake answers, Mika nodding in agreement as he sits next to my pup with Alice pointing to the other armchair beside her for Lace. With everyone now here and the night just beginning, Albot and I take the only remaining loveseat while Cassandra makes a bed of blankets and pillows to lay on. Just before the movie begins, a knock on the door sounds and I sigh, climbing from my comfortable seat to see who is showing up.
“Hey. I, uh, heard there was a movie night.” Narin sheepishly says as I open the door. I chuckle and step aside, inviting my Beta to join us, which he happily accepts. With everyone finally settled and Narin comfortably sitting on the floor with Cassandra, movie night commences.
***
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.”