Chapter 90: Shadows in the Pack

The whole pale silver moon hovered on top treetops poised against the ground, reflecting gentle, and luminescent in the evening sky. Outside were whispers against the walls, the unrest stirring within Reika, who'd been made by Alpha Ileus to retire to her room to rest. Reika sat up in bed, her hand laid absently on her abdomen. The life growing inside of her was at once a beacon of hope and a heavy responsibility. Her wolf stirred uneasily, catching onto danger without being able to place where the danger was. A knock finally broke into her reverie, and Daisy entered-a look of concern draining the usual cheer from her face. "Luna," Daisy said delicately, "I thought you should know. Kael just came back from patrol with some disturbing news." Reika's eyes narrowed. "What is it?" Daisy apparently did not think she was further burdening Reika enough in her condition and as such hesitated. "Ileus will tell you himself, I'm sure. But… the spies of the Dawn family were again seen near the borders. Reika's lips thinned. Dawn-the only name to churn in her a fire of outrage, an elusive shadow looming threateningly over her. "Where is Ileus now?" Reika asked, swinging her legs off the side of the bed. "Meeting Kael in his study," Daisy replied. Reika straightened up; her body growled in protest. A wave of vertigo washed over her before she clamped down on her teeth and steadied herself. "Luna, you should rest," Daisy hastened to her side to plead. "I've rested enough," Reika replied firm. "If the family of Dawn is making their moves, I need to know." --- The Meeting Reika found Ileus in his study hunched over a map of their territory with Kael right beside him. The atmosphere was tense. "I told you to stay in bed," Ileus chided-no more than a glance tossed her way, his voice even in pitch between concern and frustration. "You did," Reika said, walking into the room. "But you do also know I won't just sit idly by while there's something ominous hanging over our pack. Ileus sighed, and for the first time he raised his face to hers. Softness touched-it at the pale face, the grit in her eyes. "You're as stubborn as ever." "And you love me for it," she returned, managing a faint smile. Kael coughed, catching them back to business. "Dawn spies spotted along the eastern border. Not to say overt moves are being made as of yet, but the implications remain clear." "A message that they're watching," Ileus growled, grinding his teeth. Reika leaned forward closer to the map, eyes studying the places someone had circled. "And do we know what it is they are after? Kael shook his head. "Not yet. But it is safe to assume that it is not anything good." --- A New Strategy "We need to send a message of our own," Reika said with finality lacing her voice. Ileus furrowed his brow. "And what may you propose? A straight-out attack would be premature." "I'm not saying, attack," Reika said. "But we cannot just be waiting in our heels while others will open their hostilities. Got to let them know, nay, we are aware that they're there and don't fear them. Kael fell silent, weighing that; his head nodded very, very slowly. "We can up the patrols along the borders, show a show of force. Let them know we're ready for anything. Reika said nothing, digesting it all slowly. "That is the beginning, but what we would really need to do now is gather intelligence. Maybe if we could find a way to uncover their intent, that would position us in a privileged position." "I'll send scouts," Kael said. "Send them furtive," Reika told him. "We can't afford to show our hands." Ileus just watched her with a mix of pride and concern deep in his eyes. "You really shouldn't tax yourself like this," he breathed quietly. "This is my pack, too, Ileus," Reika called in reminder. "And coupled with that, the future of our child. Nothing am I going to do. Much later that night, Reika retired to her room, her mind a brew of plans and scenarios. She sat by the window, her gaze out into the landscape, bathed by the silvery light of the full moon. Ileus slipped inside quietly, carrying a tray with tea and a plate of fruit. "You need to eat," he said, putting the tray down beside her. Reika smiled palely. "You are relentless." "Only because I care," he replied tucking himself beside her. They sat in silence and for a minute or two, there was no pressure on them, because in those silent moments their weight was off responsibilities. Ileus, I'm scared, Reika whispered, not only for the pack-for our child, what is he coming into? He leaned into her and wrapped her hand in his own, hot and reassuring against hers. We will keep them safe, together, no matter what it takes. She leaned back in firm against him. There are times I just want to fly away from it all-Dawn family, politicking, danger. "But that is not who you are," Ileus said. "You're a fighter, Reika. For precisely that reason we will pull through. That is what I stand for: As night stretched on, the sleeping spell was broken by the sound of a knock. In burst the door; in stared Daisy's pale face, eyes wide with an urgent plea. "Luna, Alpha," she said, between huge breaths, "you gotta go to the eastern border. Now." Reika exchanged a look with him; to their feet they rose. "What happened?" Ileus thundered. "It's the Dawn family," Daisy said, shaking. "They've crossed the border." 'What how did that happen?, I thought everything was in place?". Reika questioned but Alpha ileus was rather busy packing everything her could find into a bag. 'Alpha," she called out and Alpha Ileus paused on what he was doing and turned to her. 'All our defences are down, Reika , we have to leave now". He replied With her heart pounding against her chest, Reika followed Ileus out of the room, there was no more time for planning now.