Strategy and Shadows
After deciding to stay, Lena was not sure what she had anticipated, but she should have realised that trust was not something that was gained quickly. The pack members murmured behind her back while the warriors observed her like an animal in a cage. She chose to ignore them and concentrate on the current assignment.
Damian did not waste any time. He called her back to the war room that morning. As she entered and saw his golden eyes, the tension in the air was palpable.
He remarked, "You wanted a say." "This is your opportunity."
Eyeing the map that was laid out on the table, she crossed her arms. There was more rogue activity. Even Damian's warriors were having difficulty holding the line as the northern borders were constantly being attacked.
On the map, Lena tapped a point. "They are going to hit here next."
Standing next to Damian, Elliot scowled. "How do you know for sure?"
"Because I understand their thought process," Lena answered. They do not go straight after strongholds. They identify flaws. They cut off supplies. They are going to move next to this settlement here—" she pointed once more.
After examining her for a while, Damian nodded. "We will be prepared then."
The preparations started right away. Lena was given a small scouting squad, patrols were doubled, and warriors trained harder. Damian made it apparent that her word was to be taken, even though some people disliked following commands from a former outlaw.
They did not like it, though.
One of the fighters, Jace, a tall, broad-shouldered man, openly questioned her authority throughout training. He insisted, "Why should we listen to you?" “One of them was you.”
Lena did not recoil in response to his look. And for that very reason, you ought to pay attention. I am aware of what will happen.
Jace laughed. "Or perhaps you are putting us in danger."
This was not something she had time for. She snatched a practice blade from the weapons rack and threw it to him in one motion. "Combat me."
The assembled soldiers muttered in astonishment. Jace caught the sword when he hesitated. "What?"
"You do not think I belong here?" Lena rolled her shoulders and enquired. "Show it."
Jace smiled. "You are going to regret this."
They went around one another. First to lunge, Jace did so quickly but predictably. Lena took a sidestep and twisted and knocked the sword out of his hand by using his momentum against him. She had him on the ground with her knee pressed against his chest before he could react.
Quiet.
She leaned closer. "I would not need a trap if I wanted to betray you."
Stunned, Jace looked up at her and then laughed breathlessly. "All right. You are right.
She took a step back and extended her hand. He accepted it.
Damian stared from the sidelines, his face unreadable.
Lena was standing on the northern watchtower that night, gazing out at the darkening woodland. She could hardly feel the chill of the wind. The stakes were too high. They did not have much time left if she was correct about what the rogues would do next.
A well-known figure moved closer. "You did a good job with Jace," Damian added.
She grinned. "Gave me very little choice."
He stood next to her, looking out over the edge of the trees. "You are demonstrating your worth."
The unexpected words caused Lena's heart to pound. She faced him. Does that imply that you genuinely have faith in me?
Damian remained quiet for a long time before answering. "It indicates that I am beginning to."
That mattered more than it ought to have for some reason.
The days that followed were exhausting. They studied maps, trained warriors, and strengthened defences every hour. Lena hardly had time to sleep, much less comprehend how the dynamics of the pack were changing.
Although Jace was no longer overtly antagonistic, she was nonetheless burdened by other people's doubts. The looks. The murmurs. The suspicion that hung in their eyes as she went by. It made no difference. She had no intention of making friends.
She was looking through records on the rogues' previous manoeuvres in the strategy room late one evening when Elliot discovered her there. Arms crossed, he leaned against the doorway. You could take a rest, you know. You appear to be a ghost.
Lena gave a snort. "I appreciate the compliment."
Elliot said, "I am serious," and entered. "You are exhausting yourself."
She rubbed her temples and moaned. "Breaks are not an option. People die if I make a mistake or overlook something.
Elliot became a little softer. "You are not doing this alone."
"I feel like I am sometimes."
Elliot remained silent. Rather, he took a chair out and sat on the other side of her. "All right. What is keeping you up this evening, then?
Lena indicated the map. "Something is not right. The outlaws are acting carelessly. They do not typically do this. They are committing errors, and I do not believe it.
After looking over the map, Elliot nodded. "A trap?"
"Perhaps. or a diversion.
A powerful voice pierced the atmosphere. "Both."
Damian came in, his eyes keen. From one of our scouts, we got word. A renegade group is heading south—in the direction of our supply outpost.
Lena stood up. "They must be intercepted."
"A unit is already being prepared," Damian stated. "You will take the lead."
She blinked. "Are you serious?"
He gave a nod. You desired a voice in this conflict. You have one now. Show me that you are as competent as you say you are.
Even though the responsibility weighed heavily on her, she chose not to show it. Rather, she looked him in the eye and nodded. "I'll."
It was a risky mission. They departed before daybreak, a small group of skilled fighters making their way precisely through the thick woodland. With all of her senses on high alert, Lena took the lead.
The rogues were located close to the supply outpost. However, there was a problem.
Not enough. Too disorganised. This was bait, not an attack.
Lena muttered an expletive. It is a trap. Retract—
It is too late. Already, the ambush was drawing near. Suddenly, they were encircled by the shifting shadows between the trees.
There was anarchy. Growls filled the air, blades clashed, and the smell of blood intensified. Lena gave it her all in the battle, moving with deadly accuracy. Her instincts kept her alive as she eliminated one renegade after another.
She heard a growl from her right. The impact knocked her sprawling, but she managed to spin barely in time to block an attack. As she struck the ground hard, her vision became blurry.
She was pulled back to her feet by Jace. "Remain with me!"
Another rogue pounced at Lena before she could even gather her breath. Her blade struck its target as she confronted the assault.
Hours seemed to stretch into minutes. It was an unrelenting battle.
The rogues then withdrew, disappearing into the forest as abruptly as it had started.
Lena looked around the aftermath, her chest heaving. The outpost was intact but damaged. They were still alive.
But at what price?
Jace cleaned his face of blood. "That was too near."
Lena nodded as fatigue set in. "They put us to the test."
Elliot moved to the front. "So we would better make sure they are sorry."
Soon after, Damian showed up, his golden eyes scanning the battlefield before focussing on Lena. "You performed well."
Lena let out a slow breath. "It is not finished yet."
Damian's mouth twitched a little. "No. It is only the beginning.
And Lena realised for the first time that her place here was the same.
