Chapter 78
The plan to surprise and trap Amy, the vampires, and the dissenting pack was a simple one. We finally had the advantage, and were going to use it to the best of our abilities. Our numbers were larger than they had been in years, and we were finally ready to be done and over this distress in our lives.
One group would be with me, my mates, and a large guard, waiting for the vampires and werewolves who would attempt to rescue Amy. I would be ready to use my light magic if Amy tried to use her dark magic.
At the same time, one group would travel to where the prisoner had told us the remaining vampires and the dissenting pack were camping, to ambush and attack there. The final group would remain in the compound to ambush the members of the dissenting pack who had remained with us.
If we executed the surprises properly, thing would go smoothly and the evening would be a success. On our way to our prospective places, my mates and I remained close, touching every chance we could get. I felt good about our plan, and positive that the moon goddess was smiling down on us.
“I love you all, more than anything. You know that right?” I wanted them to be sure of my feelings, just in case anything did go wrong tonight.
Each of them turned to me, smiling down at me. “We love you too. You are our guiding light, the moon in our hearts.” Nicholas spoke for them all, Cheney and Brian nodding their agreement. We linked arms and headed into one of the most important fights of our lives.
The ambushes at the compound and in the dungeons went perfectly. As Amy began to understand what was happening, she brought her hands up to cast some type of dark magic spell.
When I stepped out of the shadows bringing my own, light filled, hands into view, her eyes widdened and she cried out in anger. “Damn you to hell, Beryl!”
I pushed every ounce of magic I could muster into my hands and out at her, overwhelming the darkness with my light. She stumbled back, overcome, and slumped to the ground.
Armand, taking a step towards her spoke slowly and deeply, “This is not something you can worm your way out of Amy, this is the end for you.”
I knew that Armand wouldn’t keep Amy locked up for long. He would, very soon, execute her, and publicly so that everyone in our pack and all of our allies would understand the significance.
The ambush on the dissenting pack that were within out compound went well also. Our pack members overwhelm them easily. The attack on the nearby vampires, didn’t go as smoothly unfortunatly.
The group that we had sent out to ambush the nearby vampire camp came back beaten and bruised. We hadn’t suffered any losses, but we had underestimate how many of the dissenting pack members were among them.
“We caught them off guard, but they just had so many more werewolves than we expected.” One of our injured pack members told me as I helped bandage his eye. “We managed to get away with only minor wounds, but they know we’re on to them now.”
The element of surprise was key to our success, and now that we had lost it, I was unsure of how we were going to manage to overthrow the vampires while they were still in cahoots with the strong, dissenting pack.
Later, in our war room meeting, Armand said as much. “Surprise is no longer on our side, so we need to figure out what our next steps should be.” He looked around the room, waiting for ideas.
“Well, we need to expect retaliation. They know we’re on to their plans, so they have nothing to lose now. If it were me, I’d throw everything I had at us.” Cheney, speaking hypothetically, was the first with input.
“I’ve already fortified our borders, if they try to hit us at home, we are more than ready.” Armand answered. “What are our thoughts on going on the offensive? Attacking them before they retaliate?”
“You know I’m always up for a fight.” Cheney laughed, lightening the mood in the room. With a chuckle, Solomon took a step forward. “It’s something to consider for sure, we have the numbers on our side, and we have a clearer picture of what we’re up against.”
They continued to discuss our options, as I sat in the corner and observed. My mates were in their element, Cheney making jokes to keep everyone jovial, Brian providing an analytical perspective, and Nicholas showing his leadership skills to the best of his ability.
As I watched from the sidelines, I began to drift in and out of sleep. I leaned back into the corner and made myself comfortable, letting sleep take over me. Within moments, I found myself in the dream meadow I’d come to know so well.
“My dear, how are you?” I turned to find the moon goddess lounging on a bench, watching her ethereal reflection in a rippling pool below her. “I’m good, things seem to be turining around I think.”
She looked up at me, smiling. “That is wonderful to hear, my child. I knew that learning this magic was the right thing for you. Are you ready for the battles to come?”
I hesitated, thinking about the future. I knew life would never be easy for us, but I hoped that the hardest parts were behind me. “I don’t know, but I hope so.” I spoke as honestly as I could, knowing she would see through any dishonesty.
She watched me for a moment, a serene look on her face. “You are ready. You’ve been through so much already, and overcome it all. You have nothing else to learn from me. You are ready.”
I was shocked, surprised by her words, but feeling the truth in them as they were spoken. I had excelled in my lessons with her, and I could feel the power within me stirring.
I began to wake when she spoke softly to me, “Good bye my dear little moon child. I’m here whenever you need me.”
I woke to Nicholas’ hand on my cheek. “Beryl, love, we’re heading home now.” I smiled up at him, feeling renewed hope for the future flow throught me.
