Chapter 122: The Challenge outside

Days went into weeks, and Darius's fascination for Reika kept growing more and more.The alpha was no longer focused on the imbalance in the community, which was alarming. Reika herself had kept away from Darius , and had been busy with the women, with her work in the fields. Kael was always been on her side, his eyes was watchful for any sign of trouble. One afternoon, under the strong pressure of the sun upon the sand, Zara called everyone in the very center of the village. Being the wife of an alpha, she had power and commanded her own respect. By the time Zara stepped forward, the villagers were loosely circled, talking amongst one another in quiet tones. But maybe what was striking was the absence of Darius. "My brothers, my sisters," Zara said in a clear firm voice, "something in our village has changed. A tension that had never been there is now there. I think we can all feel it." The crowd hushed with the weight of all eyes upon her. "Our community has survived by trusting in and being loyal to one another," Zara said. "Yet, trust is brittle, whereas loyalty is demanded day in, day out. We cannot let anything-neither outsider or personal interest-break this unity." By now, Reika felt a lump well up in her throat as she realized that Zara wasn't on about the whole village. The others parted, and one of the elders stepped forward: an old man with silver hair. "You speak of the newcomers, Zara? Reika and Kael?" Zara shook her head. "No. They have done nothing but help our village. Reika has worked tirelessly in the fields, Kael sharing his knowledge with our young warriors. They have been a help to us." The elder frowned. "Then where is this going? Zara's gaze cut across them, settling briefly on Reika. "I think we all can answer that." It was almost as though she'd called him because, on cue, he stepped into view from the rim of the square. His features were impassive; still, a faint chill of unease ran like ripples on water amongst the villagers. He came closer, and his amber eyes riveted on Zara. "How nice to know what this gathering is all about," he asked in a slicing tone of voice. She turned unruffled to him. "It is about the welfare of our people, Darius, which I certainly believe you consider dear to your heart." His jaw flexed. "Indeed, I do. Do we have one? Zara held his gaze a very long time before speaking. "Perhaps. But it's one we can solve together-if we are honest with ourselves. The air hung thick between them, villagers exchanging uneasy glances as Reika felt Kael shift beside her, his hand falling subtly to the hilt of his knife. It was well later that evening when the village had long since again fallen into routine that saw Zara entering the women's tent, where Reika was inside, working with herbs in preparation for the next day. The space seemed to fill itself as Zara entered. "Zara," Reika said, rising. "Is everything all right?" Zara said nothing for a moment; then she sat down on a cushion near her. "Reika, I must be frank with you. Reika nodded, the hands falling in her lap. "Of course." "I've been noticing how Darius is looking at you," Zara said forthrightly. Reika's breath caught, but she schooled herself in not showing outwardly. "I assure you, I have done nothing to encourage him." Zara raised a hand. "I know that. You have conducted yourself with naught but grace and respect. This is not your fault. Reika huffed, the air moving in and out in a mix of relief and disquiet. "Thanks for saying that; I try as hard as I can to avoid him. Zara nodded. "Appreciate that; what he did is on him, and nothing I can control. But what I can is how we as a community address it." Reika frowned. "What do you mean? Lines smoothed from around Zara's mouth. "You and Kael are good people. I wouldn't want you run out of town because of my husband's. foolishness. I wanted to let you know you do have some allies here, Reika. I'll see to your safety." Appreciation tugged at Reika, but so did guilt rise with that. "I don't want any trouble for your family, Zara. "This is not about my family," Zara said firmly. "This is about right. Meanwhile, Darius sat in his tent, awake and pacing, full of turmoil. He knew he had no right to these feelings toward Reika, and that was against his vow-a betrayal to himself and others as their leader. And still, he would not lie, he could not, for she was strong, pulling at a place within him he did not even realize existed. Kael's voice, low and cutting, sliced through his thoughts. "Alpha." Darius's eyes snapped back, riveted to Kael, who stood framed in the doorway, casual in his posture, yet with cold, so cold eyes. "What do you want?" Darius asked a little defensively. Kael stepped into the room, each of his actions economically executed. "I want one thing crystal clear. Reika is off bounds. Whatever feelings you think you harbor for her, you bury it. Darius bristled, his fists clenching. "You forget yourself, Kael. I am the alpha here." "And I'm a man who will protect her, no matter the cost," Kael returned, even. "She's been through enough. Don't make this place another source of pain for her." "I never wanted to hurt her," he whispered. "Or anyone else either." "Don't, then," Kael told him. "Concentrate on your pack. Take Zara along with you, and let the rest of us be." The next morning, Darius asked for a private audience with Zara. He said it all: the confession, the shame, and the need for righting things between them. She listened without showing her expression until finally, she nodded in acceptance. "I'll stand with you, Darius, but you need to stand with your people, and that means letting go of whatever jeopardizes that. He nodded and firmed his jaw as his features."You are right; I'll make the wrong choices right?