Chapter 79: Uncontain

Joy was not contained in Reika's heart. The pack seemed proud, relieved that finally their queen was able to outdo the Alpha of Dawn-not that there was not enough tension lining the air anyway. She caught it, too: Reeka, wrappings of bandages wrapping around her body, took residence at home, sitting by her bedroom window casement out under a light bath in moonlight and woods as a single entity. Ileus entered noiselessly, a tray with steaming hot tea in his hands. "You really should rest," he whispered, setting the tray on the little table by her chair. "I cannot," Reika replied remotely. "Even knowing that the Dawn family would fall back, I am not easy. They will return, stronger and wiser. Ileus knelt beside her, taking her hand in his. "And when they do, we'll be ready. You've shown them they can't break us. You've shown me just how strong you are." Reika gave him a faint smile. "Sometimes I wonder if being strong is enough." --- A Hidden Message Kael burst into the room without knocking, his usual composed demeanour replaced with urgency. "My queen, there's something you need to see. Reika stood, wincing as her sore muscles protested. "What is it?" Kael handed her a rolled parchment. "This arrived an hour ago. It's from one of our spies in the Dawn family's inner circle." Reika unrolled the parchment, her eyes running down the hastily written words. Her heart fell with every word: The Dawn does not run; it rallies. Plans of an alliance with the Southern Warlords are in motion. Their goal has not changed: your destruction. Reika's grip on the parchment tightened, the edges crackling. "So, it wasn't an idle threat," she said. "They are desperate," Ileus said, standing. "They would not risk an alliance with the Southern Warlords otherwise. They are known for their treachery. Kael crossed his arms. 'Desperation makes them dangerous. If they secure that alliance, it won't just be the Dawn family we're fighting—it'll be an army." Reika's mind raced. The Southern Warlords were ruthless, a nomadic group known for their brutal tactics and lust for power. If the Dawn family succeeded in swaying them, her pack would be outnumbered and outmatched. --- An Unexpected Visit Before Reika could say anything more, a servant entered the room. "My queen, there's a visitor at the gate. He says he's from the Southern Warlords." Reika's eyes narrowed. "Let him in. Under heavy guard." Minutes later, a tall, imposing man clad in dark, battle-worn armor was escorted into the great hall. His sharp eyes scanned the room, resting on Reika with an unnerving intensity. "I am General Orik," he said in a deep authoritative voice. "I have come with a proposal." Reika stood tall at the head of the table-her posture, though hurt, was still regal. "Speak." Orik smiled sardonically. "Rumors travel fast. We have learned about your success against the Dawn Alpha. Gained time-but transient. They have come to us seeking an alliance, and we are not interested in weaklings." "How then are you here?" Reika asked calmly. "To make you an offer," Orik said. "The Southern Warlords ally with strength, not desperation. Prove to us that you're stronger than the Dawn family, and we'll fight by your side instead of theirs." Ileus growled. "You expect us to trust you? Your people are notorious for betrayal." Orik shrugged. "Treachery is a means, nothing more. Still, alliances with us are always greatly rewarded. The choice is yours to make, Queen Reika. Prove yourself worth it, or prepare to see us as your enemies." Her wolf stirred uneasily inside her. This was a dangerous game, but rejecting Orik outright could seal her fate. "What proof do you require?" she asked. Orik grinned. "Defeat a Southern Warlord in single combat. One of the best. Survive, and we'll talk." --- A Fateful Decision With Orik gone, Ileus exploded. "This is madness! You just fought the Dawn Alpha. Your body is still recovering. How can you even consider this? Reika paced furiously, her mind racing. "We have no other choice. If they join the Dawn family, we will be crushed. I have to show them that I'm not afraid." Kael stepped forward, his face grim. "Then let me fight in your place. If it's a test of strength, I can- "No," Reika cut in. "This is about leadership, not just strength. They need to see that I'm willing to put everything on the line for my pack." Ileus ran a hand through his hair, frustrated. "Reika, you're risking too much. You're. you're carrying our child." Dead silence filled the room. Reika was frozen in wide-eyed surprise. "What did you say?" Ileus exhaled, and the space between them dispersed. "I suspected it since the fight with the Dawn Alpha. Your symptoms, your exhaustion-they aren't just from battle. I spoke to the healer. Reika, you're pregnant." Her hand instinctively went to her abdomen. Shock, joy, fear-all swirled inside her. "Why didn't you say anything sooner? "I wasn't certain," Ileus said. "And I did not want to burden you when you fought for your life. Kael turned away, leaving them to a moment's privacy. Reika's voice was barely above a whisper. "This changes everything." "It doesn't have to," Ileus said. "Let another take your place. Think of our child, Reika. Think of the future." --- The Cliffhanger Reika sat, her mind racing. The stakes had never been higher. She was fighting not just for her pack but for her unborn child. "I need time to think," she said finally. Ileus nodded, though his worry was evident. 'Just promise me you'll consider all options." That night, as Reika stared out her window at the moonlit forest, Orik's words echoed in her mind. Prove your worth. Her wolf growled low, pushing her forward. Reika laid a hand on her belly, where silent vows began to birth in her heart. I will protect you. Whatever it takes. But even now, as she vowed defiance to that, there was one who moved behind her window in the dark and the surveillance of her every gesture. Yet the fight was not won.