On The Border Novels & Stories

We had wandered closer to the harpist, a red haired woman with her hair flying wildly in a modern dress, unlike the rest of us in our pinned updos and traditional wear. Modern clothes were only worn in the other divisions, born westians had to exhibit grace and a traditional lifestyle. I watched her effortlessly string while keeping one ear open to their conversation. "Brandon is just worried about me staying alone while he's patrolling the border." "Is it unsafe for you?" The harp gave out a swift harmony of warm notes. "Well, crime has been increasing on the border between the North and East." Tina said in a hushed tone. "Oh, I give the North many blessings.

Austin's face darkens as he glances in the direction of the border of their territory. "Something's wrong," he mutters, his eyes narrowing. "I need to go check it out." Without another word, he grabs Beta and together they race out of the clearing, toward the edge of the forest. As they approach the border, Austin can see the silhouette of a massive army on the other side, their ranks filled with figures that look like they belong in a horror movie. Fangs glint in the moonlight, and the air is thick with the scent of blood.

I’d talked to them about this earlier, but today, it worked for me. I walked straight ahead till I got to the boundary. For a moment, I hesitated. It was the closest I had ever come, being at the border itself. We’d been bred to think something would happen, some ceremonial changing, some unique revelation. We’d been told tales of those before us that had crossed the border but the real situation of the outer lands remained vague and mysterious.

It was a fast, bloody mess, but the border was finally secure. *Kai!* The sharp, frantic voice pierced straight through my skull. Wincing, I tapped my temple to focus. *Grandma? Calm down. We handled the rogues. The border is fine.* *Damn the border!* she yelled through the mindlink. *Get back inside! Right fucking now! The guards are... I can't stop them, Kai!* Frowning, I wiped wet blood off my hands. *Grandma, what the hell are you talking about? Who can't you stop?*

I sprinted toward the border, my lungs burning. As I neared the border, Reid's dark banners slowly rose high into the sky behind the border gates, proudly wavering in the wind. The entire border was filled with chaos. Around me, I heard mothers weeping tears of joy as they greeted their returning sons. I saw women jumping into the arms of their mates, children screaming with excitement as they ran into their fathers' open arms. Through the sea of soldiers, Aaron's tall figure emerged. The moment Ava caught sight of him, she ran forward.

I was used to people throwing tantrums about meeting the Alpha over meager reasons, if his was one of them, I need to pretend to listen and dismiss him quietly and quickly. “Yes” He touched his over grown beard. “I would have liked to discuss this with Alpha Tia, she needs to know what’s happening at one of our borders.” I frowned, instantly at alert. “What is happening at the border?” I looked to the guard and he shrugged, unaware of whatever the man was saying. “I saw a new building crossing into our territory.” He snarled. “I didn’t understand it at first, and thought I was seeing things, but I went closer to investigate and saw that they had indeed crossed into our land.”

“We’ll take the fight to them. They are monsters, savages, and I will play no more waiting games while they devour what people we have left. Healers will come later.” My mouth falls slightly open. How can he look at this and think more of it is the way forward? We visit a few more men before I can work the words out of my mouth. “They’re all our people,” I repeat through numb lips. “The border drawn between us is imaginary.” “Clearly, those on the other side do not believe so.” He sweeps the room with his gaze. “She does not.”

"But the core issue is that border. The current line is a 'done deal' in our eyes. Lycan Erasmus will never give back Snowdeer Town." "And Orion has spent months stoking the fires of nationalism, telling his people the border is a joke and that we robbed them. The public over there is starving for a redraw."

Kayden snapped, glaring at them. “ Okay , deep breaths composure speak.” “ There has been an attack on the northern part of the border with over 100 plus soldiers reported dead and 50 injured.” The room fell into stunned silence. “ There’s a What ?” Kayden growled, his eyes narrowing like blades.

“It’s a big decision, committing to a pack. Especially one with… history.” Claude walked in and paused in the doorway. “Damn. This looks cozy as hell. Did I miss the group hug?” “Grab coffee and sit down,” Darian said, dropping into a chair. “Anyone got actual border news or are we just gonna keep pretending this breakfast isn’t weird?” “Eastern border clear,” Claude said, pouring himself a cup. “Southern sector holding steady. No movement overnight.” Darian nodded. “Good. That’s one less thing blowing up in our faces today.” He glanced between me and Elaine. “You two catching up?”