Liora’s POV

After Rhys left for the who knows how many times, I let out a sigh of relief. We had been walking in silence, the team of six more concerned with our wellbeing. As we went deeper into the forest, it grew denser, the chirping of birds everywhere. The path seemed to be colder, or it's just me. Many thoughts ran through my mind, we have just a night, and a full moon would come. What if we don't make it there on time because of attacks on the way? I was much bothered, unsure of how to remedy the situation. 'What if we try another route, though it may be longer, but it would save us from much stress," I suggested after a few minutes of contemplation. I had broken the silence, everyone turned to look at me, they were wondering why I suggested a longer route, when we were almost close to our destination already. Jaxon shook his head, his jaw tightening. 'The longer route won't only stress us more, as it is three nights before we get to the temple, we would also lose everything. The timing won't rhyme as at three nights, we will definitely miss the timing. Don't forget that the third artifact needs to be claimed before the full moon. It would be irrational of us to take another route which is longer now. Rhys may try all he could, but we would face them and come out victorious." I sighed as I watched him explain. He has passed through a lot, shouldering the weight of the pack at his age. 'So what next…" I said, with a hint of cheerfulness in my voice. 'We would continue not minding the trap ahead? The trap may be enough to delay us for days. If we don't take action now, we may still not make it at the stipulated time. Do we go ahead to meet the trap, or set up another plan then?" He chuckled at my suggestion, a playful smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. 'I have the perfect plan for addressing this issue. The most important thing is that we are aware of his trap. It is an opportunity for us, as we would plan ahead of him, thereby, disrupting everything he had in store for us. And the fun thing is, he's really predictable. He would be underestimating us,we would be destroying his plans before it starts manifesting, and he won't even know until it's too late." I nodded. It sounded like the perfect plan that he called it, and raised my hope that we would reach the temple on time. 'That's true. He never calculates well before striking, always acting on impulse, underrating us each time, but shamefully goes home. We always outsmart him. That could be used against him this time, and it would be to our advantage." I paused, as a thought overshadowed my reasoning. 'Do you know we can also outsmart him by negotiating with his warriors, using the power from the artifacts we have already gotten?" Jaxon's eyes lit up, gleaming with the perfect positivity needed to overcome everything. 'Let us watch him try, and make a fool of himself. He may have his men, those he thought are loyal to him, but would get the shock of his life when he discovers that he's alone. His men are only with him, probably because of their families. No one would be willing to swear their loyalty to another who would not acknowledge it no matter what. " He reached out to place the most comforting hand on my weary shoulders.. 'And I want you to know one thing as we continue this journey, I won't watch with both eyes, and allow any harm to come near you. I will ensure your safety at all times." 'We are with you till the very end, no backing off at any point," Calder said. He has been a great teammate, always willing to risk his life for the sake of the team, and work done. I still wonder why he was exiled in the first place, maybe he was right when he said he was wrongly accused, and punished for a sun he knows nothing about. 'Then let's draft a new plan immediately, there's no time to waste,"Malcolm said, his voice dropping low expectedly. It looked like he had the right ideas already. 'We would go ahead to the temple immediately if this plan is drafted. The full moon is just a night away, and if we stop again to rest, we would end up missing our time. I don't mind moving ahead to distract the spies he might have set up, and by the time they realize that I am just a distraction, you all might have gone far, or even reached the temple." Jaxon was very pleased with the ideas, he always showed appreciation to all that he's working with, one thing I love most about him. This way, they will not only be more loyal, they will always look out for your back. 'I don't want anything happening to you, Liora, not even a scratch from the attacks. I would have preferred you stay back and we bring the artifacts here, but you would never buy into such an idea." Jaxon said, trying to coerce me into not getting hurt, forgetting that I am a warrior. I raised an eyebrow at his reasoning. The artifact concerns me as much as it concerns him. I was even supposed to be right there inside the temple before the full moon as his mate, and because of the prophecy and healing power. 'And allow you to take all the risks, all by yourself without someone to encourage and help out? I don't support this idea of yours, Alpha." I nudged him playfully, knowing so well that he was trying to protect me as his mate, and in the process, forgot the reason we were on the mission to retrieve the artifacts. 'I'm as much a part of this journey as you are. We are in this because we are mates, then because of the prophecy, and my healing power. If I don't go to the temple of the moon with you, of what use is it then?" He chuckled at his own reasoning, he ensured to tighten his grip on me, not willing to let me go. 'I know you're the great warrior of the Silver Moon Pack, but that won't stop me from protecting you. You are my mate, and my responsibility. I can't help that, and won't forgive myself if I do nothing to ensure your safety." I softened, this is the sweetest Alpha I have ever come across in a long time. He hid this part of him away from me on our first meeting, giving me the impression that he would hurt a fly. I was glad the moon goddess mated it together. I won't help but be more appreciative of his efforts to make me safe. 'We would protect each other, ensure we are all good," I corrected him gently. 'That's how we've been working that brought us to this moment, that won't change overnight. But the only change we would implement is playing smarter. You would lead, I would be by your side, giving you all the support you would ever be needing." He let out a half-amused laughter. 'I know that you have the warrior blood, and even if I tried to stop you just to protect you, you won't bulge for a second. It won't be baseless telling someone to leave what they enjoy doing." The team shared a moment of laughter, a peaceful moment that calmed our nerves and reduced the tension between us. But we knew better not to stop at planning but to also implement our plans. Rhys needs to be taken unawares, and that's what we were hell bent on doing. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Our plan was to get to the temple before nightfall, or at least a few miles away from it. We would journey all through the night, face any challenge that might come our way, but would reach the moon against all odds. We had continued the journey in the usual silence, each with their thoughts, but with one mind. The night was getting denser, my heart kept pounding with mixed feelings as we approached the temple. I tightened my grip on the artifact that I was holding, ensuring nothing happened to it. I watched as Jaxon scanned the area for any potential danger, he was bent on protecting me just as he said. I was among the most devoted Alphas, who stuck to their words, never going back. He might have sensed something for him to be checking out every corner of the forest. Yes, I sensed it also, and so were the rest of the team, but he was the only one that took it more seriously. The crowd of darkness was gradually descending on us, something thick, something dangerous. Then suddenly, it happened. Shadows beyond description broke behind the trees, and before we could figure out what was happening, they all charged at us, giving us no room to prepare ourselves. It was Rhys' men. He wasn't joking when he said he was looking out for us, indeed, he was looking out for us. From the attack, I knew that his intentions were not just to stop us from reaching the temple on time, he had something very dark and dangerous against us. They were looking out for our blood. To make sure our heads land on the ground. 'Stay close, Liora, please!" Jaxon called, lunging on the first wave head on. He wasn't going to take it easy on any of them. I fell into pace with him, my warrior skills kicking in as I moved gracefully, destroying every obstacle on the way. I have always been precise, and calculative in my stripes. This was no exception, and I made sure every strike came with precision. It was as if I was trained for the moment. The warriors that came with us were not left out as well. Calder, Malcolm, Nico and Mira were all at their best, giving it back to back at them. This was the perfect team; the team of six. Mira has always been a great pillar to me, more than a friend, always looking out for me. When the plan came out for our mission to the temple, she didn't think twice before taking action, and now, we are here. The rest of the warriors skills were flawless, it was evident that the last training we had was effective. Their loyalty was second to none, fiercely fighting off the enemies, aiming at getting the artifact, no longer time than apportioned to it. A warrior from Rhys' side lunged toward me, but being Liora that I am, I ducked. Spurning around, I deflected his blow with my dagger, the artifact from the Valley of the Shadows. It was a very powerful tool in my hands, and I could not help but marvel at its power. I glanced at the direction that Jaxon was, and as expected, he was a whirlwind of strength, not to talk of the speed he was operating on. I knew that we would be on our way to the temple in no time with the rate we were bringing the opponents down. 'Liora, look behind you!" Jaxon shouted, his voice was loud enough for me to hear even in the midst of clashes of swords and daggers. I spun immediately. All thanks to Jaxon, the attacker would have gotten me on a clean cut, giving me a deep wound. And as always, before he could strike his second blow, I countered, and with a great precision, I struk him hard, knocking off his feet which landed him on the ground I continued my strikes with great moves of confidence, not giving any of them the room to have upper hand. The fight was relentless, none of the parties wanted to give up, even when it was clear who the losing team were, but they kept pushing their luck. Then suddenly, I saw him, I saw Rhys. He had emerged from the shadows of the forest, to finish the fight he started. He was not willing to lose, his life was on the line. He marched toward Jaxon, his expression covered with dark furious intent. He was here to destroy our labor because of his greediness. I don't pity him that he would be facing the consequences of his actions, I only pity his pack members, as they would suffer alongside him, and so also are His unskilled warriors. I got to know that most of the skilled warriors in his pack before, the Night Howlers, those refugees that he trained alongside me, had all gone back to their packs. They were willing to stay, and have their membership converted to the Night Howlers, but because of his unrealistic goals and expectations, worst of all; how he allies with strange packs to attack your pack later, the exact place that you have your family, they all decided to leave, and now, he's left with unskilled shame of warriors. 'Alpha Jaxon!" I warned, you crossed the line. You were never to have more contact and influence than I do, but you went ahead and did it. Jaxon smirked on seeing him walk toward his direction. 'Look who finally decided to stop playing the coward, but face me himself. You know, hiding in the disguise of your men wasn't cute to behold, but I'm glad you decided to come face me." Rhys sneered, he could not even hide his disdain any longer. His pride could not allow him, he was done playing the good guy, when all he wanted was to cause trouble. 'How are you enjoying your last moments, the few minutes you have to be free, before your destruction, Jaxon? Once I am done eliminating you, you would be cooling off with your ancestors at the other end, and I would be in charge of everything you ever owned. But don't worry, I will definitely take good care of it." His words shot through like an arrow, I charged at him, but Jaxon signaled me to allow him handle it. 'You won't have the opportunity to touch Liora, she's not a commodity to be bought, and neither will you have anything to do with my pack." Jaxon replied to him instead. 'You always fail to make proper investigation on something before venturing into it, and now, you would pay for it so dearly. Rhys smirked. 'If there's anyone to regret his actions here, that would be a perfect description of you. You are clearly outnumbered, but your ego won't allow you to accept defeat." 'Numbers are nothing, and you can see the evidence for yourself. Your warriors outnumbered mine, yet , you had to step in because we had the upper hand. Quality is the key, not quantity." Jaxon shot back at him. The word struck Rhys, but he said nothing. He allowed the words to hang on the sir without any reply, he knew we had it on him, and would be destroying his entire crew if he didn't retreat. With the anger from Jaxon's words, he fought with all his energy, giving in his best but still lagging behind. There were clashes of swords, daggers and different weapons. The intensity was much, way greater than what I had expected. Rhys was fighting a lost battle, but for us, we were fighting for our future, for the sake of the pack. Rhys' last minute fight was ruthless and relentless. He tried his best to break Jaxon, striking precisely, but so was Jaxon. I must have forgotten how good of a warrior he was, right from my days in his pack until today. Energy matched against energy, strength to strength, yet, Jaxon did not falter. I couldn't watch them any longer, I was drained seeing him attack Jaxon that much, so I joined the fray. I made sure to cover Jaxon's side, and good enough, with the help of the team, we were able to fend off Rhys' men. Just as Rhys saw that we were gaining the upper hand, he took to his feet, racing without looking back. But before he retreated back with a few of his men that were remaining into the shadows where he crawled out from, he turned and made a threat. 'This isn't over Rhys, not until I say so." he said gravely as usual. After they had covered a reasonable distance, Jaxon turned his attention on me. 'Are you alright, Liora? Did you get hurt in the process? Hope you are fine?" Jaxon asked a million and one questions, and I had no idea where to start answering from. He nodded as he held an intense gaze with me. Despite the fight we just had, my legs still wobbled as he gazed at me affectionately. My tiny legs are threatening to give me away, to land me on the ground. 'I'm very fine, Ja...xon." I managed to say, with that, he pulled me into his warm arms.