Chapter 124: Running from the Fire

The peaceful desert night was torn apart by the rumble of war drums. The heavy explosion awakened the pack village from its sleep. Kael was sharpening his dagger outside their tent when the first scout came into the village, breathless . "The elves!" he shouted. "They're coming!" Kael stared at him in stunned shock. His hand froze midair. Reika came out of the tent, her face pale, and instantly knew something was wrong. "What is it?" she asked in a shaking voice. Kael clutched at her arm, hauling her close as he whispered urgently, "The elves are attacking." The wolves were scrambling helter-skelter, setting preparations for battle. The pack warriors armed themselves; all motions quick. Right in the middle of this storm of commotion stood Darius issuing orders while Zara rounded up the women and children and worked out the best option for getting them to safety. Kael was at the edge of the village when he strained his eyes toward the horizon for this oncoming army. Then, he saw them, his blood ran cold as he beheld leading this army-the elves in lean forms upon horses like the night sky, led by someone too familiar, Adam Weasley. His heart thundered violently in his chest, threatening to break out at any moment. Adam wasn't any enemy; he was a ruthless tracker who would never give up until his hunt was complete. If Adam was here, then finally, their past had caught up with them. "Reika," Kael said, eyes locking into hers with urgency. "We can't stay." "What?" she gasped. "We can't just leave! The desert wolves-" 'They'll hold their ground," Kael interrupted. 'But if Adam finds us, he'll destroy everything and everyone just to get to us. We're putting them in more danger by staying." Reika's mind reeled as she looked around the village. These people had taken them in, given them shelter, and treated them as their own. Could they truly abandon them now? Meanwhile, Darius stood at the village gates, surveying the enemy forces before them. Zara stood beside him, her face kept straight. "They've come for blood," Darius said grimly. "We'll give it to them," Zara said, clenching the hilt of her blade. Kieran, the scout who had grown suspicious of Kael and Reika, approached with a nervous look. "Alpha, do you think this has anything to do with the newcomers?" Darius wavered. "Even if , we protect our own. To arms." Kael took Reika to their tent. Quickly, he pulled together what possessions the two had. "Kael, we can't simply run," Reika hounded. "These people..." "These people will survive," Kael said firm. "Darius is a strong leader. They don't need us. But if we stay, they'll die for sure. Is that what you want?" Tears were welling up in Reika's eyes as she shook her head. She knew he was right but the guilt was overwhelming. Kael laid his hands firmly on her shoulders; his eyes met hers. "Reika, trust me. I will do all that is within my power to protect you and the baby. But we have to go, Now." She nodded mutely. "Okay." Kael and Reika melted into the night as the desert wolves readied for battle. Skirting the perimeter of the village, Kael had found a thin track leading from the village periphery out into the dunes. It wasn't safe, but it was the best chance. With every second passed, the noise of the elves that neared grew louder and louder. Reika clutched Kael's hand in hers, gasps falling in short beats. Stay close to me," Kael whispered, as they moved across the sand with all speed and silence. They hadn't gone very far when the first ring of clashing steel sounded from behind them. The battle had started. Reika stopped and turned them back toward the village. "Kael, we can't just-" "We have to!" Kael hissed, jerking her forward. "If Adam finds us, it's over. For them and for us. And the guilt weighed upon both their hearts as they sprinted into the desert to leave the pack of light wolves to fight off their own. The elves from the desert warred fiercely against the village. Darius led from the front, his razor-sharp claws tearing into hostile as he howled at his warriors in orders. Zara also fought by his side as well. The elves fell mercilessly under the leadership of Adam Weasley. Then above the din, the voice of Adam rose, ordering quick and clear, ordering his forces fast. "Find the outsiders! Bring them to me!" Kieran was fighting near the gates and caught the command; he felt another surge of unease and turned, looking but couldn't find Kael nor Reika. "Alpha," he shouted at Darius, "they are gone." Darius snarled, eyes ablaze. "Fight now, Kieran. We will sort them out later." Kael and Reika fought across the dunes to find a path. Reika fell abruptly, and Kael pulled her into his arms, checking her fall. "We have to stop," she gasped. He scanned around, his eyes narrowing. "Not yet. We need more distance." "But I— "I know you're tired, Reika," he said softly, guilt lacing into his tone. "But we can't stop. Not now." Reika nodded tearfully, her legs forced to continue on. Meanwhile, back in the village, the fight with the desert wolves was going swell, but the greater number of elves and strategy prevailed. Adam had stood at the center of the wreckage, his face twisted in fury. "Where are they?" he snarled, tugging a wounded scout by his collar. The scout weakly shook his head. "I don't know what you're taking about."  "The two men from the forest." He thundered. "We don't have anybody here." Alpha Darius replied rising from the aches. Adams at this point was too convinced. Finally, desert dawn broke, and Kael and Reika reached a place to rest. Huddled in the shade beneath a rock. Kael sat beside Reika, his arm around her shoulders as she leaned against him, exhausted. 'We'll make it," he murmured, more to himself than to her. Reika nodded weakly, her eyes closing as sleep claimed her.