Chapter 102: The Burden of Leadership Anna’s POV

I said, "We need to move now," while attempting to control my frustration.

Tension was high as the rebels assembled in a poorly lit hiding place. With his arms folded and his face unreadable, Cain stood. The others, a dozen or so, looked at me intently, anticipating what I would say next. Like a thick mist, I could feel the weight of their stares and their unsaid misgivings bearing down on me.

"Move now?" Maia’s piercing, disbelieving voice broke the stillness. "Anna, we don’t even have a plan yet!"

I tightened my fists and forced myself to remain composed. "Time is not a luxury we own. Oliver won't give up until he burns down any remaining resistance. Before he detects us, we must attack."

Before moving on, Cain looked at some of the other rebels. "You talk about striking, but do you even know what you’re up against?" He examined me with his dark eyes, looking for any signs of weakness. "He has warriors, Oliver—trained individuals. More fighters than we have. What have we got? In the remains of what was once a pack, there are a few desperate wolves sheltering."

Saying, "We have me," I raised my chin.

There was a murmur among the gathering. Cain laughed. "And what makes you so special?"

I didn’t think twice. As shadows coiled around my fingers in response to the energy pulsing beneath my skin, the room grew darker. Due to their instincts urging them to be afraid of things they didn’t comprehend, a few wolves backed off. My strength raced through the room, darkening everything except the strange glow emanating from my palms, and the flickering candlelight wavered.

Cain’s grin faltered.

"This is the reason Oliver wants me dead," I stated in a firm voice.

Amid astonishment and doubt, the hush lingered. While some wolves looked at me like I was a goddess, others exchanged nervous glances.

I felt grounded when Lucas, who had been quiet up until this point, suddenly spoke up. He glanced around the room and then at me. "You've witnessed her abilities. You saw what she did during the siege. Oliver doesn't have the same edge as us."

Cain’s mouth clenched. "And that advantage is?"

"Fear." There was no amusement in Lucas’s sneer. "Oliver is unaware of the full scope of her abilities. The unknown frightens people."

Maia still didn’t seem persuaded. "That is insufficient. We require strategy in addition to power. We cannot afford rash acts of bravery." Her focused glance moved to mine. "We must be certain before we take action. If not, people will perish."

I took a deep breath. She was correct.

It was no longer just about me. These wolves had lives, stories, and families waiting for them to return home. They were more than simply anonymous combatants. I wasn’t organizing an unthinking retaliation campaign. I was in charge of a war.

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, then let it out. At last, I said, "We’ll plan," in a softer but determined tone. "However, I won’t wait indefinitely. We act quickly if we intend to achieve this."

Lucas moved in closer, speaking softly enough for me to hear. "Are you sure about this?"

The worry in his gaze made my chest clench as I turned to face him. "I don’t have a choice."

He said, "You always have a choice."

That was what I wanted to think. But now, there was no going back.

That night, I was outside, looking at the remains of what had once been a great pack as the rebels chatted among themselves about their future under my guidance. Even after all this time, the air still smelled of ash and rot.

A few moments later, Lucas came toward me, his steps light. "You shouldn’t be alone right now."

I chuckled quietly. "I don’t think I’ve had a moment to myself since we got back to Nightshade."

"That’s not what I meant." His tone had softened.

I took a while to reply. Instead, with everything bearing down on me, I let the stillness linger between us.

"You’re taking on too much," he said in a forceful but kind tone.

I looked him in the face. "What choice do I have, Lucas?"

"You’re endangering yourself. Without hesitation, you’re committing yourself to this conflict." He tightened his jaw. "I know you want to stop Oliver, but at what cost?"

I became irritated. "Do you think I like this? That I enjoy the thought of leading others into war? Lucas, I never asked for any of this."

"I know," he murmured, taking a step toward me. "But I can’t..." With a sharp exhale, he combed through his hair. "I can’t lose you."

I was left speechless by the words.

Something vulnerable and raw flared in Lucas’s gaze. "What other people say, the revolt, or the prophecy don't matter to me. I just..." he chuckled without humor and shook his head. "I just need you to be okay."

My heart was racing. "Lucas..."

He stepped forward again, bringing us closer. "Anna, tell me. Tell me that you would just live your life and leave all of this behind if you could."

The words stopped in my throat as I opened my mouth.

Because, in all honesty, I had no idea.

I had run, fought, and survived for so long. I wasn’t sure about my ability to stop.

Seeing my uncertainty, Lucas let out a sigh. "I just needed to know."

He turned to go, but I grabbed him by the wrist before he could move.

I whispered, "Lucas," making him turn to face me. "I don’t want to do this without you."

He looked into my eyes, and we were silent for a while. Then he let out a slow, almost grudging nod. "Then I guess I have no choice."

I was unsure if he was referring to the fight or remaining by my side.

Perhaps both.

But when he grounded me with his warmth and squeezed my hand, I was certain that neither of us would face whatever happened next by ourselves.