Chapter 27: The Start of it All

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Delilah's POV:

I groan as the back of my head collides with the hard wall. I rub the sore spot and try to focus on my eyes on Candice who was standing above me, her hands on her hips and her head shaking in disappointment.

"Give me a break, I'm honestly trying." I groan.

"Alpha Caitriona isn't going to go easy when you both are on the battlefield." Candice states.

I sigh and rub my temples. Candice outstretches a hand towards me and helps me up onto my feet. I am wobbly for a moment but then I eventually find my balance.

"I hope you are not seeing double." She chuckles.

"Why do I have to fight in my human form?" I sigh. "My werewolf is much more acquitted to handling all of this."

"I agree, but that is just how the law is."

"The more I learn about this law the more I hate it," I state. "It's like it wants me to die."

Candice chuckles and pats me on the shoulder. Her eyes flicker to the doorway as Elle and Conan enter the area. I scan Conan's face, noticing something is off about him.

"Conan, are you ok?" I ask. "You look like you've seen a ghost."

He looks at me, "I'm fine. I'm the one who should be asking you that question."

I give a weak smile, "I think we all know how I'm doing at this point..."

"Many of the neighboring packs have arrived," Elle speaks. "The challenge will commence soon."

I nod in understanding. As I look at all of them, I can see the sadness in their eyes fighting past the shield that they always put up. I chuckle a bit and take in a deep breath.

"Don't cry for me just yet guys." I laugh.

"I don't cry." Candice pouts.

I smile at her and sigh, "I'm not dead yet, but if I do die--"

"You're not going to die." Conan sternly interrupts.

"If I die, don't spend so much time grieving," I say. "The pack will be quick to move on and you will need to be too."

"You want us to just... forget about you?" Elle asks.

"Not entirely but, in a sense, yes," I answer. "You will have a war to focus on. I can't be on your mind 24/7, I can't have you distracted."

Conan stares at me with pain in his eyes. I knew he wanted nothing more than to ignore my words but he also knew I was right. War was no laughing matter. All his focus needs to be on that and the well being of his pack.

"Is that your only wish?" He quietly asks.

I nod before turning to Candice, "Is there anything else I need to know about the law of Βεντέτα?"

"Before the challenge, the fighters usually prays."

"Prays?" I repeat.

"Yes, pray to The Goddess Fengári," Elle adds in. "Unfortunately the preferred prayers were lost long ago, so pray however you like."

"I haven't prayed since- since my adoptive father died..." I admit. "I was young when it happened, I assumed The Goddess had turned her back on us..."

"You don't have to do anything that makes you uncomfortable." Candice states. "It is only a suggestion."

I nod and thank her. My eyes look out the window as I see the sun slowly fall behind the horizon.

"The sun is setting." I state as I look at them.

"It's time..."

_____________________

The gentle wind tickles my face as it blows across the land. The sky is filled with many different shades of orange and pink, eventually to be swallowed by the darkness that soon follows after.

The crowd is massive, yet they remain perfectly still and silent, watching my every move. They were far less barbaric than I had first anticipated, some even showing sympathy for me.

Standing in the middle was Alpha Caitriona, her hair now cut into a chin length bob. Her eyes- though they still held their usual icy blue color- were dull and had no remorse for what is about to happen.

In her hand, plunged into the ground, was a long iron sword, a scimitar if you would. An identical look one was then placed into my hands. I examine the sharp blade that I will have to use on the person in front of me.

I look up at the unmoving figure of Alpha Caitriona. I tightly grip the handle as anger bubbled inside me.

"Alpha Caitriona, hear my words!" I shout.

She raises a brow, listening intently to what I am about to say.

"You have the power to end all of this! Stop this madness before it gets out of hand!" I exclaim. "How many need to die from battle until you're satisfied? Was your father not enough to quench your thirst for blood and power?"

She grits her teeth in anger, "How dare you speak of--"

"They say you are wise!" I interrupt." Prove that. End this. What I did was wrong, I will admit that but this? Look around, you are going to divide everyone... just like you divided your family..."

Her eyes widen at the mention of her family. The only sound comes from the howling of the wind. Not a single person dares to breathe as I continue on with my words, hoping they will reach her.

"I ask you, one last time, do what needs to done for the good of your pack. I know that is all you want, the wellbeing of your pack, but you are not going to get that through a war. Please... you know this isn't right... don't do this..."

I let out shaky breaths as I look at her, trying my best to read her facial expressions, hoping that even just a few of my words have gotten to her. I scan the crowd. They are eagerly waiting for her response.

Alpha Caitriona glares at me, her icy eyes giving no leeway to the pain she held deep down inside her.

"I have heard your words." She quietly says. "You disrespect me by speaking of my father, my family!"

"I meant you no disrespect!" I stammer. "I only spoke the truth!"

"With lies hidden between them!" She exclaims. "There are always hidden lies!"

She breathes in and collects herself, standing with her head held high. She looks at me. Any bit of remorse or empathy or regret that was once there is now gone. I truly am alone now, destined to face the wrath of this Alpha Female.

"I will, however, grant you that one request." She speaks. "I will end this... by ending you!"

She pulls her scimitar out from the ground just as the moon begins to peak out into the sky. The weapon seems to almost glow as the moonlight reflects off the glossy blade.

"It's been a pleasure knowing you, Delilah." She says.








"Goodbye..."

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