Wolf's Moon --- ONC 2022 (LONGLIST)

Chapter 12

Slow, soft footsteps could be heard mixing with the muffled sobs coming from Callista. Someone was ascending the stairs, intruding upon her private abode. She wanted to be left alone to cry, to pretend none of this was happening to her. She didn't want to think about how she was possibly about to lose people she cared deeply about, people that were complete strangers to her, and those she had only met days prior to now. All of them were going to fight for her protection no matter how much she begged and pleaded for them not to do so. 

As the steps silenced, Callista felt her mattress dip as the unknown person sat down on the edge of her bed. No one had to tell her who it was that sat beside her, not when the familiar warm buzz tingled across her skin as a hand rested upon her shoulder. 

"Callista. . ." 

"Please, don't go. You have to convince everyone not to go." 

Quickly rolling over, Callista turned her tear filled eyes onto Delta. The desperation coming across loud and clear within her plea. Her eyes mirrored that very desperation to keep everyone there rather than running off to their deaths. 

The very look and sound of desperation broke Delta's heart. Never should she have to beg anyone for anything, never should she feel the need to cry for any reason. All he wanted to do was take her into his arms and steal her pain away, to see the glowing smile that had captivated him once more. 

Despite the desperate plea and the painful ache within his chest, Delta slowly shook his head. 

"I can't do that. Not only is he my alpha, but I want to protect you just as much as he does." 

"Why? Why must anyone protect me? If I'm this great Luna, I should be able to defend myself." 

Callista stared at Delta with disbelief slipping into the desperation she was already feeling. She didn't understand fully the reasons behind their decisions, why they would want to give their life for her when most didn't even know her in any way. She didn't want the guilt or burden of having a stranger's death on her shoulders, let alone her uncle's or Delta's. 

"I know it's hard for you to understand, but please try to do so. You're special to everyone here and to fall into Raksha's hands would mean becoming his prisoner. You would be no more than a puppet on a string, doing his bidding whenever he asked. In the end, those that would attempt a rescue or go against Raksha would be killed regardless if this fight happened or not." 

While Delta was explaining everything to her, Callista slowly sat up straight as the bulk of the situation became clearer. It was either fight and chance living or risk certain death by handing her over. They knew what they were doing and the packs would surely come together, making them a stronger force than Raksha's pack.

She could only hope that would be the case. 

"You would have the numbers, wouldn't you?" 

Callista sniffled, raising one hand and scrubbing away the tears still threatening to fall. 

"We can only hope to, but it all depends on who is willing to fight alongside us." 

The honesty that Delta was showing her was highly appreciated. Added with his gentle tone, Callista was able to process it all far easier than being screamed at and forced to understand it regardless if she did or not. The way Delta was slowly explaining things calmly, it helped keep her calm, but his touch could have been helping with that as well. 

"Even the biggest numbers can become overwhelmed by the smallest of enemies. I'm not saying this to scare you or make you worry more, I just want to be honest and up front about all this."