The dinner was exquisite, and now my parents, Celine, and I are enjoying a drink and conversing when my phone begins to ring. “It is Gavin; I ought to answer it,” I inform everyone.
Greetings, Gavin,
Gavin: Greetings, I have some information to share with you.
Me: Proceed!
Gavin: In two days, they will launch their assault at dawn. They intend to overwhelm your sentinels, and by the time the remainder of your forces awaken and emerge, they will have you significantly outnumbered. They possess 2000 alongside my 600 warriors. They possess 1,400 warriors. I will be present with them; however, once the conflict commences, we will engage in combat alongside you.
Am I correct in assuming you are certain? I did not anticipate your participation in the conflict.
Gavin: Certainly. Celine is akin to a sister to Norah and me, and Alyssa refers to us as auntie and uncle. I am not compelling anyone to attend against their will.
I appreciate it. I have acquired several packs from him as well. He is unaware that an additional 350, which he believes to be his, are currently in my possession.
Gavin: That is excellent. You possess 800, which you previously stated could engage in combat. Additionally, my 600 and your 350. 1750 versus 1050. Those are favourable odds. Additionally, there is one more matter to address…
Me: What is it?
Gavin: He transmitted a photograph of Celine to all individuals engaged in conflict with him. He stated that a reward of $25,000 would be offered for anyone who kills her.
Me: What is happening? How did he obtain that?
Gavin: I am uncertain. The image is approximately one year old. She is holding Alyssa, who is approximately 6 months old in the image.
Me: expletive! I am pleased to be informed. Celine will not be present at the battle. Thank you for the information. We will converse tomorrow to finalise all the details.
Gavin: That is agreeable.
Immediately after I conclude the call, Celine regards me with disapproval, her eyebrow arched. “What?”I enquire.
“I will not be in proximity to the conflict?”She enquires, and I discerned the sharpness in her tone.
“No, you will not,” I assert.
“Affirmative, I shall Cohen!”She attempts to maintain composure, yet I discern the intensity in her gaze.
“Shall we discuss this later?” I propose, as I prefer to avoid this conversation in the presence of my parents. She concedes with a hesitant nod, for which I am appreciative.
“Is he aware of the timing?”“She states.”
“Forty-eight hours!””
My parents remained for an additional thirty minutes, and the moment the door closed, Celine began to confront me. Informing me that she will be competing.
“Who will supervise Alyssa?”I enquire.
“I will entrust her to the non-combatant women who supervise the children, as is customary among all female warriors,” she retorts, casting a fierce glare.
“You are also the Luna, however…”
“And what?” What was the purpose of desiring a formidable warrior, Luna, if you had no intention for her to engage in combat?“She enquires, and it is a rational question.” It is, yet I cannot control my emotions.
The idea appeared significantly more appealing before I realised the depth of my affection for you. I wish to prevent you from experiencing harm. The prospect of you sustaining injury or experiencing something more severe. “Celine, I cannot exist without you,” I articulate.
I comprehend the apprehension, as I share the same trepidation regarding you. I comprehend it entirely. However, consider this: My emotions do not supersede your obligation to this pack. In the same manner as I do. Furthermore, I am unfamiliar with this pack, and this entire conflict has arisen due to a child I introduced here. I train alongside these warriors. Do you not consider it hypocritical for me to abstain from participation?“She inquires.”
No, I do not. “Celine, you are not permitted to leave,” I reiterate. Regardless of logic, the response is negative.
“Indeed, I am capable, and I shall,” she asserts resolutely. I emit a groan. Why is she unable to heed my advice regarding this matter?
I am a member of this group, and we combat collectively. Other female warriors will engage in combat, irrespective of their partners’ sentiments and the presence of their children,” she adds. I shut my eyes and massage my temples. This is causing me discomfort. Her arguments are valid, yet she is not contesting. I open my eyes, and she gazes at me with raised eyebrows, anticipating a rebuttal. What accounts for her obstinacy?
“Specify it.””I will undertake any action if you consent to this,” I implore. I observe the hardness in her eyes diminish as she approaches me, encircling my waist with her arms in an embrace.
“Darling, just as you cannot abstain from this, neither can I,” she states gently. I refrained from informing her about the threat to her life, as I wished to avoid instilling fear; however, it appears I have no alternative.
“There is a $25,000 reward for anyone who kills you,” I confess, and her eyes widen.
“What?””
“I aimed to prevent alarming you and hoped to refrain from disclosing this, yet you are complicating the situation.”
“How do they ascertain my appearance?” I could embody any she-wolf.
