Chapter 98: Preparing for War Anna POV

I snapped awake as the previous night's events suddenly came back to me. The recollection of the growls in the forest and the rush of adrenaline I had when Lucas and I stood together, prepared to face any challenge, made my heart hurt.

The stress had been enough to keep us up most of the night, even if the attack never materialized. Lucas was sitting by the now-extinct fire with his back to the wall and his eyes closed when I turned to look at him. His brows were furrowed even while he slept, as if he was still struggling to release the weight that was on us.

I pulled the tattered blanket across my shoulders and sat up quietly. Nightshade—Oliver, Maia, and all I had left behind—was on my mind.

I was no longer able to run.

The choice became like a big stone lodged in my chest. Retaliation was no longer the only factor. It was about liberation and confronting the monster that had ruled every aspect of my existence.

I stood, and Lucas opened his eyes to see me observing him.

"Had trouble sleeping?" His voice was husky from fatigue as he asked.

"Not really," I said as I moved to sit next to him. I wasn't aware that I needed the solace of his warmth.

"Neither could I," he remarked, grinning slightly. "But I remained silent because I assumed you would need to rest."

With my decision already weighing heavily on my tongue, I said, "Lucas, I've made up my mind."

His eyes narrowed as he scrutinized me, and he straightened. "What is it?"

Despite the raging tempest of emotions inside of me, I said, "I'm going back to Nightshade," in a steady voice. "Time to put an end to this."

Lucas's jaw tightened as he took in what I had said, and he remained silent for a while. "Anna, are you certain about this?" he said cautiously. "You know of Oliver."

"I do," I firmly answered. "Nevertheless, I've changed since I left. Now that I have my powers, I know how to use them. I will no longer be under his power."

Lucas exhaled slowly as his eyes fell to the ground. With a whisper, he said, "And Maia? Aren't you also concerned about her?"

My throat tightened as I nodded. "Lucas, I can't get her out of my head. It is killing me to not know what has happened to her since I left."

In a tiny but reassuring motion, he extended his hand and touched mine. He answered, "Then we'll find her. And together, we will confront Oliver."

I stared at him, taken aback by the assurance in his words. "You'd follow me?"

He softened his attitude and answered, "Of course I would. Anna, I told you. I'll defend you. That remains unchanged."

My determination was strengthened by the warmth of his words, which filled the gaps in it. For a little serenity, I closed my eyes and rested my head on his shoulder.

After some time, Lucas broke the stillness by saying, "We'll need a plan. We can't just go back to Nightshade without thinking."

I nodded and sat up. "You're correct. Oliver won't simply allow us in. This will require some ingenuity on our part."

After pushing himself to his feet and stretching, Lucas reached into the fireplace and took a chunk of charcoal. On the wooden planks, he bent down and sketched a rough map of Nightshade's domain.

He indicated a location close to the center and remarked, "This is where the main packhouse is. Oliver and the majority of his warriors will be here."

"And Maia?" My voice trembled a little as I asked.

Lucas murmured softly, "She's probably in the omega quarters, here, if she's still alive." On the map's margin, he indicated a group of buildings.

There was a glimmer of hope as I considered Maia's survival, but it was soon eclipsed by the reality of our plans.

Lucas went on, his voice now solemn, "We'll need a distraction. Something that will entice the warriors to leave the packhouse so that we can reach Oliver."

"And what about the omegas?" I inquired. "They shouldn't be caught in the crossfire."

Lucas stopped and furrowed his face. Then he eventually said, "We'll figure something out. Perhaps we can remove them first."

I nodded, ideas rushing through my head. "How about allies?" I inquired. "Do you believe Crescent Grove residents would still be willing to assist?"

Lucas scowled. "After Oliver's treatment of them? I doubt it."

As we worked through the details and got closer to the impending confrontation with each step, the plan's weight began to press on us. We had a general notion of how we were going to approach Nightshade by the time the sun had fully risen.

With fatigue tugging at me once more, I leaned back against the wall. "Do you believe this will be successful?" My question was hardly audible above a whisper.

Lucas was sitting next to me, his face unreadable. He stated, "I don't think we have a choice. But you are the only person who can do this, Anna."

It felt frightening and reassuring that he believed in me. I wanted to trust that we could succeed, to believe him. However, I knew in my heart that the path ahead would not be simple.

Lucas stood up and offered me a hand, saying, "Go get some rest. Every ounce of strength we can muster up."

I looked at the map on the floor and paused. I murmured, glancing up at him, "Lucas. I'm grateful."

With his brow furrowed, he questioned, "For what?"

"For supporting me," I said. "For having faith in me."

A tiny, worn-out smile still managed to light up his face. "Always."

I gave myself one final thought before falling asleep as I laid on the couch with everything weighing down on me.

"Wait, Maia. I'll be there."