Chapter 180: A Warrior's Blessing

Moonlit evening glowed over the coven's stronghold as Reika paced uncomfortably in her room, anxiously awaiting Lleus's return. Her secret had weighed so heavily upon her heart, yet she had made up her mind—it was time she shared all with him. As the wooden gates swung open wide, her heart skipped a beat. Lleus stepped into the room, his massive figure dominating the room. Still covered in sand from the ride, armor slightly bruised, but with sparkling bright blue eyes flashing triumphantly. "I did it, Reika," he stated, exhaustion and triumph shaking in his voice. "The Desert Wolves are prepared to join us." Relief washed over her. "That is great news, Lleus." "They delayed at first," he continued, stepping further into the room, "but once they realized I still lived, that Ariadne had misled them… they realized they had been betrayed. They want their revenge as badly as we do." Reika smiled and released his hand to grasp in her own. "You never lost hope fighting under their banner." Lleus let out a breath, wrapping his fingers more tightly around hers. "And never will." He regarded her, his expression not uncreasing. "But something's on your mind, isn't it?" Reika breathed in. This was it. "There's something I have to tell you." Lleus's expression turned serious. "What is it?" She placed his hand on her belly, where a small curve had begun to form. "I'm pregnant, Lleus." For a moment, there was only silence. His fingers trembled against her skin, and then his eyes widened with pure joy. 'You're—?" His voice broke as he dropped to his knees, both hands now resting over her belly. 'We're having a child?" Reika nodded, tears brimming in her eyes. 'Yes." A gasping shiver gripped him as he buried his forehead in her belly, a rare smile crossing his lips. "Reika. you've given me the greatest gift you could have ever given me." She stroked her hand through his hair, her feelings getting the better of her. "I wanted to tell you sooner, but with everything that was happening.". Lleus rose to his feet, holding her face. "I know. But, Reika—" His expression turned cold. "This is everything. You can't get yourself involved in this war." Reika was resolute. "Lleus, I can't just—" He nodded again. "No. I just found out that I am going to be a father. I will not lose you or our child." Reika clenched her teeth, understanding he was not going to be swayed on this. "I will not stand idly by and see Ariadne destroy all we value most." "You don't need to stand by," he snarled. "But I require you safe. If something happens to you—" He shut his eyes for a moment before opening them again. "I would be unable to live with it." Reika let out a sigh. "I've been praying to the Moon Goddess, begging of her to save our child—not to let them be born during your absence." Lleus regarded her for a moment before he nodded. "Then we'll have trust in the Moon Goddess. But you have to promise me. you'll keep yourself away from the front." She hesitated for a moment before finally agreeing. "I promise." Lleus let out a sigh of relief, placing a peck on her forehead. "Good." Inside, though, Reika wasn't so sure she was going to be able to follow through on that vow. The Power of the Wolf The next morning, Desert Wolves' warriors arrived at the coven, their presence an electric antidote to the storm of war brewing. Lleus stood in the middle of the courtyard, his pack by his side. Their leader, one of the older ones, Kieran, stepped forward, his gaze on Lleus warily. "You took us to fight this war, Alpha," Kieran said, crossing his arms. "But are you even of us anymore?" Whispers ran through the lines of the wolves who had all formerly believed Lleus dead. Some remained skeptical, still stumbled. Reika kept in the background, watching. This was his moment. Lleus moved forward, steady. "Ariadne stole my wolf, my pack, and my existence. But she stole not my soul." Kieran looked at him. "Then bring it. Bring evidence that you are still the Alpha that we used to follow." A challenge. Lleus breathed deeply. His connection to his wolf had been severed for so long, but deep inside him, he could sense it—his power, his heritage, his destiny. He closed his eyes. And shifted. There was a collective gasp from the wolves assembled before him as Lleus's body glowed and transformed, black as starry night sky fur flowing down his massive form. His wolf—a creature of legend. His belly resonated with a gentle rumble as he stepped forward, his golden eyes burning fiercely. Wind screamed about him, the peculiar reality on the winds—Lleus returned. The Desert Wolves dipped their heads in reverence. Kieran stepped forward first. "Alpha Lleus… we obey again." Lleus let out a deafening howl, and his wolves echoed him. Reika stood beside them, her heart swelling with pride. They finally had an actual hope. Preparation for War With the onset of night, the coven emerged. Weapons were forged, potions brewed, and war plans formed. Lleus was in the war room, ringed by Reika, Kael, Elira, and Kieran. "Ariadne won't make the first move," Kieran declared. "She'll wait until she's sure she's bested us." Kael grinned. "Then let's ensure she never has the chance." Reika, refusing Lleus's insistence that she step back, assisted in the planning. "We need a defense line, but also a counterattack strategy." Kieran nodded. "Our wolves will come from the sides." Elira stated, "The witches will guard the stronghold with protection spells." Lleus looked at the map in front of them. "And I will charge." Reika regarded him, a look of concern in her eyes. "You've just regained your wolf, Lleus. Are you sure you're ready for this?" He regarded her. "I was born for this, Reika." She exhaled slowly, knowing she could face no success in preventing him. "Then be careful." He grasped her hand. "I promise it." A Silent Moment Later that night, Lleus and Reika stood on the balcony once more, cold wind whistling past. She pressed into him, her head tuning to the beating throb of his heart. "Do you scare?" she breathed. Lleus encircled her, his heat soothing. "No. Because I have something to fight for." She turned her face to him. "Lleus…. He kissed the side of her head. "When this is over, we'll raise our child together. In a world without Ariadne." Reika placed a hand over her stomach. 'I pray that the Moon Goddess gives us that chance." 'She will," Lleus murmured. 'Because we'll fight for it." And as they stood together beneath the stars, a storm brewed on the horizon—one that would soon consume them all.