The alarm activates. It is 3 AM, and it is the day of reckoning. I am experiencing a strong sense of confidence and eagerly anticipate concluding this day to progress with our lives. Celine groans as her eyes attempt to acclimatise to the illumination emitted by the lamp I just activated. We retired for the night at approximately 9:30 PM, thus I will be adequately rested. My fatigued pregnant wife may encounter greater challenges today than I do, which I find exceedingly endearing.
“Come now, my dear,” I urge her softly.
She rises, and I am astonished by her rapid ascent. Recently, she has been experiencing difficulty awakening in the morning. Upon dressing, I proceed to the bathroom where Celine is preparing.
“You do not appear to be my drowsy pregnant wife,” I confess while observing her arrange a bun in her hair, establishing eye contact through the mirror, and she smiles.
“Epinephrine!” I genuinely wish I could be engaged in combat with you today,” she frowns, elongating the LL’s in “really.” I merely smile. This constitutes a response to my supplication. It is a significant relief that she is not resisting and will be secure, yet I am aware that it is unwise to emphasise that to her at this moment.
“I understand, dear,” I reply as I kiss her temple.
A full breakfast will be available in the packhouse cafeteria today from 3:30 AM to 4:30 AM. The shift change for the warriors on duty tonight is at 4 AM, allowing everyone sufficient time to arrive and procure a meal. I extract Alyssa from her bed and envelop her in a blanket. Celine retrieves a bag she prepared for Alyssa containing a pillow, stuffed animal, toys, and snacks.
They may be confined in the packhouse for several hours, particularly if Alpha Johnson postpones his attack beyond the initial schedule. The entire ballroom has been outfitted with blue gym mats, allowing children and others to relax, nap, or play on the floor with ease. The children would not find pleasure in reclining on the rigid marble surface. I anticipate that Alyssa will remain asleep throughout this entire event.
“Do you possess the tablet for viewing the surveillance footage?”I enquire of Celine.
“Certainly, I shall never forget that!”“
Celine’s Perspective
Upon arriving at the packhouse, the ensuing commotion roused Alyssa from her slumber. I locate a place on the mats to deposit our belongings and subsequently proceed to the cafeteria for breakfast with Cohen and Alyssa. At 3:45, Cohen silences the group to address them. The majority of the pack is currently in the packhouse.
I would like to express my gratitude for the support from all of you; I am genuinely optimistic about our endeavours and the motivations behind them. “The protection of children must remain our foremost priority, irrespective of the circumstances,” asserts Cohen, eliciting applause from the cafeteria.
I am pleased that individuals are supportive rather than angry. I was apprehensive that the pack members might harbour resentment towards me or Alyssa due to the turmoil our presence has incited; however, in recent weeks, everyone has exhibited remarkable kindness, and I have not felt any animosity directed at me. I am uncertain whether anyone would possess the courage to express those opinions, even if they held them.
Cohen gestures for me to approach, and I position myself beside him to make an announcement. He encircles my waist with his arm and draws me closer. He is preparing to convey the favourable news to them all. He grins widely at me before gazing at the audience.
“I acknowledge that I included you all in the decision regarding Luna’s participation in yesterday’s battle, but we have concluded that it is preferable for Luna to abstain from the fight today.” “Our foremost priority must be the safety of our unborn puppy,” he states, placing his hand on my abdomen. It requires merely a moment, after which all are applauding. Cohen’s eyes brim with pride, adoration, and love as they meet mine.
05:30 hours
I am exceedingly fatigued. The earlier surge of adrenaline has dissipated, though I am confident it will resurge once the combat commences. Alyssa is colouring alongside Zion, while I am seated with Serena and Leilani. None of us are engaged in conflict today.
We possess more than 20 cameras encircling the perimeter of our territory; however, Gavin indicated that the assault would occur on the southern border, behind the packhouse. I possess four cameras directed at the southern border, streaming live on my tablet. They intend to launch an assault from the rear, an area we would not anticipate. The cameras are not new, but I persuaded Cohen to establish a live feed for me, in the hope of observing the situation. He was more than willing to accommodate me, given that I was not resisting. He has been attempting to conceal his enthusiasm regarding my confinement here rather than engaging in combat, but he has been unsuccessful in doing so. I commend his efforts, nonetheless.
At 5:37, I observe warriors infiltrating the packland borders on my live feed. Serena and Leilani swiftly approach to observe as well. Numerous warriors are traversing our border and advancing further into our territory.
After a moment, the cameras depict a scene of chaos. Conflict is pervasive. I understand that Cohen wishes to alleviate my concerns, and I recognise his superior strength and size compared to his opponents today; however, I cannot assure that a pack of wolves will not assault him simultaneously, nor that he will remain undistracted by the surrounding chaos. I am anxious, as are Serena and Leilani. I simply wish to prevent him from experiencing harm, or worse consequences. If I were present, I would at least perceive a reduction in my sense of powerlessness in the situation. I detest this.
