LOGINShare
Chapter 36: Testing Loyalty
Last Updated:
2024-11-16 20:28:02The morning opened clear and brilliant, the sky a painting of light blue dotted with clouds. The estate was humming with activity as the council members, fighters, and peasants got ready for the conference with delegates from the smaller groups. Aria realized this was the ideal moment to include additional groups into the fold with her current affiliation with the Silverfang Clan. Though it was also their strongest asset, their created trust was brittle.
Watching warriors move in formation, Aria stood in the center courtyard and saw her drills mirror the discipline and determination she had developed in her people. Each stride, each gesture, a monument to their will, the drills were exact and their bodies moved as one. Lucas came up to her, his usually grounded and kind presence. Wearing his military uniform, he looked across the grounds and then landed on her.
"Everything is ready for the meeting," Lucas remarked, his voice calm. "Starting to arriv
Related chapters
Fate’s Hidden Luna: When Rejection Awakens the Wolf Within Chapter 37: A Shadow's Whisper
Long shadows over the courtyard emerged as the first light of dawn peaked over the horizon. Aria stood on the stone balcony with view of the estate, morning breeze stroking across her skin. She encircled herself with her arms, her memory whirling over the preceding few days. Although the minor factions' allegiance had been won, there was a restlessness in the air, a tension not totally released.She knew they were progressing, but there were still whispers—unseen powers lurking in the background, shadows suggesting disturbance. There was something under the surface, something that kept her awake at night even with the growing partnership.Lucas moved softly on the stone from behind. His hand on her shoulder served as a grounding mechanism. "Can't sleep?" he inquired with a worried voice.Aria slumped and leaned toward his touch. "I sense something we are overlooking here. The factions have joined us, but I can't get rid of this impression that it is not done.
Fate’s Hidden Luna: When Rejection Awakens the Wolf Within Chapter 38:A Glimpse into Darkness
Aria stood in the middle of the council chamber, her heart thumping as her mind echoed Dorian's words. They could not overlook the Shadowborn, an unidentified power assembling in the eastern regions. There was obvious tension in the room; the council members' expressions captured the gravity of the matter."We have to know what we are dealing with," Aria stated, her voice calm as she addressed the assembled council. The Shadowborn are orderly and their leader is hidden. That by itself indicates they are organizing something noteworthy. We have to act before they start to pose more of a concern.Roland leaned forward, thought wrinkled on his brow. The scouts reported that they were unable to get near enough to compile comprehensive data. If they are hiding their commander, it indicates they know about our movements and most likely expect us to act.Sitting next Aria, Lucas nodded in agreement. "That implies we should take another tack. We will have to draw them out i
Fate’s Hidden Luna: When Rejection Awakens the Wolf Within Chapter 39: Strategies' Echoes
The night was clear, and Aria felt every breath she took weigh more from the expectation in the air. After the turmoil that had broken out just hours earlier, the courtyard was shockingly still. She couldn't get rid of the impression that the recent attack was only a taste of something considerably more significant even with their triumph. Aria stood in the middle while the fighters cared for the injured, her eyes darting across the camp and her ideas whirling through the several paths forward.Lucas gently went up to her, seeming worried. He approached her gently resting his hand on her arm. Breaking the stillness, he whispered, "they were testing us." "This was not their whole force."Aria nodded and fixed her eyes far away. precisely. This was only starting point, Lucas. They wanted to see our defenses, our response. And nowadays they understand. They will thus arrive with everything the next time.Lucas sc wrinkled, darkening his eyes with conc
Fate’s Hidden Luna: When Rejection Awakens the Wolf Within Chapter 40: The Emerging Storm
The huge hall hummed with preparation's eagerness. Around a big table, the council, delegates from every allied faction, and other influential leaders assembled with a thick concentration of will. Their shadowborn attack hung over them, the weight of the matter obvious on every countenance. Standing at the head of the table, Aria's mind ran over every conceivable situation while her eyes surveyed the room. < They have to be primed."Everyone, listen," Aria said, her voice calm, slicing through the quiet exchanges. "Rina's report attests to the fact that the Shadowborn are not alone but rather want to strike shortly. Although their supporters have not yet shown themselves, we have chance to directly address this menace. We only will succeed if we cooperate."Roland leaned forward, looking austere. "We need a layered defense that makes use of the surrounding area and the whole estate to our benefit. They assume we will be lazy. Rather, we will demonstrat
Fate’s Hidden Luna: When Rejection Awakens the Wolf Within Chapter 41: Right into the Unknown's Heart
Across the estate, the echo of retreat rang, the blow of the war horn resonating into the chilly night. Aria's body remained steady in the middle of the turmoil while her eyes fixed the horizon and she watched the Shadowborn leader depart beyond the treeline. They had arrived so near, only to watch their hope vanish right away. The ramifications of what that indicated chilled her spine since the opposing leader had avoided them.Lucas approached, his breaths laboured from the fight and his eyes fixed hers. With a frustrated and determined voice, he said, "We cannot let them get away." Aria's leader was the one. Should we lose them now, next time we will be more threatened.Aria nodded, knowing the seriousness of things. "We must hunt them out. We cannot afford to permit them to reorganize. Should we lose them, we might never find another opportunity this kind.Roland joined them, his eyes wild with urgency having been fighting close to the barricad
Fate’s Hidden Luna: When Rejection Awakens the Wolf Within Chapter 42: Bonds That Tie
The estate was especially silent, the early morning sun softening the radiance over the stone walls to highlight the peaceful aftermath of the events of the previous evening. The globe seemed to be holding its breath, the peace seeming a cruel contrast to the anarchy that had burst only hours before. With her mind weighed down by Elena's treachery, Aria stood on the council chamber's balcony staring down the estate grounds below.Elena had once been among them, had battled beside them, had held belief in the vision of peace and harmony. Her betrayal and her metamorphosis into the Shadowborn's leader cut farther than any blade. It served as a reminder that even people closest to you may become foes and that trust could be betrayed.Lucas walked inside the room with quiet on the stone floor. He crossed to be at Aria's side on the balcony; his presence was warm and grounding. His brows narrowed as he absorbed the sight below—the warriors marching throu
Fate’s Hidden Luna: When Rejection Awakens the Wolf Within Chapter 43: A Sand Line in the Ground
As Lucas's team gathered back together following Elena's unexpected escape, the camp was in frenzy. As they tried to guard the perimeter, shouting and the odd metal crash permeated the chilly night air, but it was obvious the advantage had changed. Elena had slipped through their hands once more, and Lucas's head still ached with her mocking laughter like a sour reminder of what they had lost.Lucas turned to his squad, his visage tinged with annoyance and will. Rina nodded in understanding as he caught her eye; she immediately started to arrange the scouts to follow Elena into the deep forest. Though they had to at least try, it was a job simpler said than done.Lucas said, "Rina, take three scouts and see if you can pick up her trail," his voice calm even as his own rage grew. "We will have days to find her again if we lose her now."Rina nodded, her gaze keen. “Understood, Lucas. We will not let her go without struggle.Lucas refocu
Fate’s Hidden Luna: When Rejection Awakens the Wolf Within Chapter 44: Resolutions Fires
As the last of the enemy troops were pulled off the estate grounds, the first light of dawn broke across the horizon, coloring the sky in streaks of orange and gold. The air smelled earth and smoke, and Aria stood among her people, her body weighty with tiredness but lifted by the sense of success. They had guarded their house. Against all the difficulties, they had maintained the estate under protection.Still, it had cost something. She turned around, her eyes lingering on the wounded fighters, the dead defenders who had sacrificed all to guard what they thought in. She knew their fight was far from finished and felt the weight of their sacrifice squarely on her heart. Elena was still out there; their work was incomplete as long as she remained a hazard.Roland walked up, his eyes bloodshot from the hours of fighting, his face worn with fatigue. He gave Aria a nod of respect as he dabbed at his brow from the sweat. "We held them back, Aria; this was only one of many st
Latest chapter
Fate’s Hidden Luna: When Rejection Awakens the Wolf Within Chapter 65: The Change Winds
The folks were working when the sun rose slowly over the camp, bathing the ground in a warm, golden glow. That was a fresh day, one full of hope and rebirth. Though both obvious and invisible, the marks of conflict persisted; still, the people were driven. They had survived and now they were ready to reconstruct, to produce something better. Aria strolled around the camp, her people's expressions caught in her sight. She could see the tiredness on their faces, but she could also see the glimmers of hope—the resilience that had kept them going through the worst of times. They had come out on top after confronting insurmount odds. It was time now to build the basis of their future. She looked at the voice calling out "Luna Aria". Aria turned to find Taryn walking toward her, his face a mix of anxiety and expectation. Stopped before her, he fixed his firm gaze. Someone here is meant to see you. They claim to have vital information, something we could use with the loyalists. Aria'
Fate’s Hidden Luna: When Rejection Awakens the Wolf Within Chapter 64: Spark of Rebellion
As Aria and her people persisted in trying to foil the traces of Elena's harmful intentions, the next days were a flurry of activity, preparation, and clandestine activities. Every little triumph gave the camp fresh optimism, but it also made them realize how brittle their newly acquired calm still was. A sober reminder of their near loss of everything, the Phoenix Protocol served as Standing at the brink of the clearing, Aria listened to the consistent rustle of the wind across the trees while staring toward the horizon. Once a battlefield, the area now teemed with the noises and sights of reconstruction. She inhaled deeply, appreciating the peace, yet a residual stress kept her on edge. Lucas came from behind, his feet hardly audible above the faint crunch of leaves. His voice low, almost a whisper, he replied, "We have a lead." "One of the scouts came upon indications of a gathering not far from the western limit. It might be Elena's loyalists getting back together. Aria turned t
Fate’s Hidden Luna: When Rejection Awakens the Wolf Within Chapter 63: Rising from the Ashes
The war was over, but the work was only just beginning. The camp was abuzz with activity as Aria’s people began the process of rebuilding—mending broken walls, planting new fields, and trying to bring back some sense of normalcy. There was a sense of hope, but also a sense of uncertainty. The scars left by the war ran deep, and the people were still learning how to trust again, how to live without fear.Aria moved through the camp, her presence a steadying force. She offered a kind word here, a helping hand there, her gaze always scanning for those who seemed lost or overwhelmed. She knew that her people looked to her for guidance, and she was determined to lead them toward a better future.As she reached the training grounds, she paused, her eyes catching sight of a group of young warriors practicing their drills. Their movements were stiff, their faces filled with a mixture of exhaustion and determination. Aria felt a pang of sympathy as s
Fate’s Hidden Luna: When Rejection Awakens the Wolf Within Chapter 61: Into Den of the Lion
As Aria and her soldiers crossed the woodland, the sky was a deep blue-gray, the first indicators of darkness slinking across the horizon. Once more on the road, they were headed for Elena's base. The data from the enigmatic stranger presented them with a chance—a chance to strike Elena most vulnerable. Though it was a gamble, it was their best opportunity to bring about peace.The trip was stressful; every stride brought Elena closer to her core of power. Aria's eyes swept the ground ahead while her heart hammered with expectancy. The map had given them a secret road into the stronghold, one across the mountains that would let them circumvent most of Elena's fortifications. Though it was dangerous, if they could pull it off Elena would be surprised.Lucas moved next her, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. He nodded slightly, his gaze focused with will. Aria, we are ready for this. We have been training for this exactly. Whatever transpires,
Fate’s Hidden Luna: When Rejection Awakens the Wolf Within Chapters 62: The Final Reckoning.
Aria faced Elena as the chamber filled with the clashing of blades echoed each hit on the stone walls. Elena's emotionless face was unnerving, her eyes closed as she deftly avoided Aria's attacks with trained accuracy. Aria felt every effect travel up her arm, the weight of their common past weighing down her with every stroke. This clash marked the end of years of struggle, suffering, and sacrifice, not only a fight.Aria, do you truly believe you could win? Elena teased, her voice full of contempt as she pushed back against Aria's knife. You have always been overly gentle. Too eager to find people's goodness.Aria gritted her teeth, fixed on Elena's face. "I fight for people, thus I see the good in people," she said, her voice full with will. "That's what Elena, you never grasped. There is nothing about power in this battle. It's about defending people unable of defending themselves.Elena laughed sharply and without amusement; her eyes gleamed. " Such noble w
Fate’s Hidden Luna: When Rejection Awakens the Wolf Within Chapter 60: The Silent Coalition.
The weight of their recent withdrawal was clearly on everyone, and the camp descended into a nervous quiet. Walking among her people, Aria looked from warrior to warrior. Their eyes revealed a mix of tiredness and will, a resilience that touched her heart with both pride and concern. Although Elena's army was unrelenting, they had fought heroically and now they had to figure another method to change the tide.Lucas was at her side, his presence helping her to ground herself among her thoughts. His voice calm and his eyes locked hers, "We're not defeated," he said. "Aria, this isn't the end. As we are still standing, we can keep fighting.Aria nodded and a tiny smile pulled at her lips. "You're correct." But we have to create a fresh strategy. Elena is becoming stronger, and we cannot continue allowing her define the parameters of this battle.Taryn came over, his face austere. "Luna, you have to see something," he whispered in a hushed voice. "One of our scouts came
Fate’s Hidden Luna: When Rejection Awakens the Wolf Within Chapter 59: Resolve's Fires.
As word of Elena's betrayal went across the camp, there was obvious conflict. The weight of the botched negotiations, the treachery that had turned hope into ashes, could be felt by the troops, the scouts, even the young children. With fists closed at her sides and eyes fixed on the resolute faces all around her, Aria stood before her council.Enough of peace negotiations, Lysandra remarked with a harsh voice. "Elena has made her intentions quite clear; we cannot afford to give her another chance to fool us."Roland nodded in accord, his eyes shining with a great will. "We have to fight for her so she may see she cannot control us.."Taryn looked steadily, his voice quiet but firm. "We have enough information to locate several of her camps. Should we launch a strong attack, we might destroy her army and drive her into the defensive posture.Aria inhaled deeply and examined their choices while her heart hammered. They had offered an olive bra
Fate’s Hidden Luna: When Rejection Awakens the Wolf Within Chapter 58: On the Precipice of Betrayal.
There was a frenzy of nervous preparations and whispered discussions in the camp during the days that followed. Through her people, Aria moved, her presence unwavering, her words uplifting. She was aware better than to let her guard down, even while the prospect of reconciliation with Elena was heavy on her mind. Even in peace talks, trusting the enemy was a risky gamble—a risk she was unwilling to take.As her confidant and guardian, Lucas remained close by her side. They would stay up late planning for the future and worrying about the well-being of their people. Thanks to his reassuring presence, Aria was able to keep her own anxieties at away, even though the future seemed clouded with doubt.As the leaders reconvened in the council tent, a solemn mood pervaded the room. Instead of easing, the pressure from Elena's offer had increased. Everyone was well-aware that a single slip-up could spell disaster for their entire cause.Taryn, who ha
Fate’s Hidden Luna: When Rejection Awakens the Wolf Within Chapter 57: Conference at the Intersect.
Aria and her selected party were getting ready to depart the camp when the sun had hardly risen above the horizon. There was a nervous silence in the air, every person moving deliberately. The stakes were obvious: either a trap that would cost them everything or a possible end of the war. Breathing deeply, Aria fastened her sword to her side and looked one last time across the camp before turning toward Lucas and Lysandra.Lucas nodded gently, his eyes locked with hers. "We're ready for this, Aria." Whatever transpires, we are ready.Aria nodded back, her heart bursting with hope mixed with terror. She looked at Lysandra, who stood close by, her face set with will. "We are walking into the unknown," Aria stated gently. But I know you guys, and I know we will get through this.The eyes of Lysandra softened, her lips curved into a little grin. "We've experienced worse, Luna." This time we might simply stroll out with a real opportunity for peace.
