Chapter 82: The War Within

She stood by the large bay windows of her room and looked down to where the forest swayed with ease in the breeze. It was one of those nights, still as such that a person might just hear his ears ring; yet, where quiet was to settle one's nerves, it just whirled hers with fidgety discomfort. Her mind was tormented by the words of this stranger and complex now-plans against House Dawn. There was, of course, the other matter. She pressed a hand into her stomach, the tips of her fingers shaking very faintly. She had said nothing of this to Ileus either, and keeping that from him racked her with guilt. How to say anything, though, at such a time, with the pack so beleaguered? The rap on the door cut her musings short. "Come in," she said with a clear voice. Ileus stepped in; his hair was mussed, as if he'd just come from sparring. His presence filled the room, and for a moment, Reika felt her burdens lift ever so slightly. "You missed dinner," he said, his voice soft yet firm. "I wasn't hungry," she replied, turning back to the window. He rose up, laying a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Reika, I know that the pack rests on your shoulders, but you cannot shut me out like this." Her shoulder fell slightly as she leaned into the touch. "I'm not shutting you out, Ileus. I simply. there's so much. Trying to keep it glued together." "Then let me help you," he replied softly. "We're in this together, remember? For an instant, the words of pregnancy tumbled in her mouth as she had the urge to tell him. But it was something that stilled her all over. She changed subjects. "Have you spoken with Kael about the documents of the stranger? Ileus frowned but let the subject drop. "He's going over them now. If this intelligence report is right, we're going to be much better placed in knowing what it is the Dawn family has planned." Reika nodded, still unbending. "Good. We can't afford to play from behind." Early next morning, Reika congregated her inner circle together into the war room. Kael was already there, hawk eyes scanning the documents laid across the table. In followed Daisy with a tray heavily carrying lots of coffee and different varieties of pastry-my humble take on the only light in contrast to the mood pulled taut. The brightness of morning was in the sunny, bright-eyed-and-bushy-tailed girl herself as she placed the tray down. Kael raised an eyebrow. "Morning? It feels like night hasn't ended." "Maybe that's because you never sleep," Daisy shot back, flashing him a grin. Reika cracked a small smile at the exchange before addressing herself to the group. "What do we know from the documents? Kael straightened. "The stranger wasn't lying. The Dawn family is going to attack a number of packs in coordination. They'll have their spies weaken our defenses first before they can attempt to strike. " Ileus leaned forward, his jaw clenched. "And when exactly are they planning on striking? " Kael hesitated. "Within the month. " Silence filled the room. Reika's mind worked furiously, her mind tracing over their next move. "We must make haste," she said finally. "With their reliance on spies, we have to take the trouble to weed out this type before they strike real damage." The second time it was Daisy, whose tone sounded a bit critical higher than her voice generally reaches. "What of that stranger? Are we quite certain we can truly believe him?" Reika met her gaze. "I am not one who would easily trust anybody. But for the time being, his information runs parallel to what we have already suspected. We shall keep him under our watch. As the meeting broke up, Daisy lingered behind, all cheerfulness once more. "Reika, can I talk to you for a second?" "Of course," Reika said, gesturing for her to take a seat. Daisy sat on the cusp of the chair, meek. "I just wanted to say… thanks. For giving me the chance to do something useful here. I know sometimes I may cause accidents, but really, it means so much to me. The heart of Reika softened; Daisy had gone through so much and always made the dark days shine a little brighter. "You've been such a big help, Daisy," Reika said warmly. "The pack just wouldn't be the same without you." Daisy smiled. "Coming from you, Reika, that means a great deal. I will do my best to see to it that I shall never disappoint you." --- An Unforseen Declaration Late that afternoon, shortly after Reika was set out to go train with the fighters, Kael rushed abruptly into her room in bed, pale faced. "There's a problem," he said straight. "What now?" she asked frustrated. He held out an envelope-on it, the seal of the Dawn family far too easily recognizable. "It came an hour ago. They want to meet." Reika scanned the letter quickly, her eyes narrowing. "A meeting? What game are they playing now?" "They claim they want to discuss a truce," Kael said. "But clearly a trap. Ileus entered the room then, his expression grim. 'If they think we'll walk into their trap, they're sorely mistaken." Reika's mind worked quickly. 'We'll agree to the meeting, but on our terms. Kael, prepare the warriors to act as backup. If the Dawn family tries anything, we'll be ready." --- A Private Revelation Later that night, in her quarters and out of earshot of anyone, Reika sat amidst her thoughts. What had gone on that day weighed heavily upon her heart; it was an ache in the abdomen, refusing to be told. She sat down on the bed, placing one of her hands across her tummy. It was by now no longer deniable; with a fearsome realization, she was expecting the child of Ileus, yet so full of joy too. But how would that child find some place to live amidst that fateful war looming over Ira? These were the thoughts that ran through her head when Ileus came into the room, softening the moment his gaze fell on her. 'You've been quiet today," he said, sitting beside her. 'What's on your mind?" Reika hesitated, the words catching in her throat. 'Just… everything. The pack, the Dawn family, the stranger's warning. It's a lot to process." Ileus took her hand in his, his touch warm and reassuring. 'We'll get through this, Reika. Together." She leaned into him, taking comfort in his strength. Yet deep in the recess of her heart, she knew longer could hold the secret from her mate. Early morning on the same day the pack was to meet the Dawn family, a frantic scout had stormed into the courtyard, pale and shaky. M-my queen," he panted hard. "The border of the west. It's been penetrated." By whom? Reika asked her blood running cold. The scout stuttered out, "A faction of the army beneath the family of the Dawn. They have hostages, and they are demanding that we be conquered." News that shook the massed warriors: Reika's wolf stirred, a growl rumbling in her chest. "Ready the troops," she ordered cold, steady. "If they want a fight, they will have it. The familiar was beside her, reassuringly solid as the pack scrambled to get ready for battle. Ileus's face was a mask of intensity as he laid a guiding hand upon Reika's shoulder. "We go into this together," he said.