The Rise of The Royal Rogue

Parting ways.

I followed behind Xander. The guards laid Joanne down on the bed and the doctor rushed in. Joanne was screaming her lungs out and she was covered in a lot of blood. Brutal cuts and gashes ran across her body. She wasn't going to make it.

"Rebecca, Rebecca - is that you? Help me please. ", she cried out. I felt her pain. The way she spoke gave me an idea of how much she was hurting. Her high potvhed scream hurt my ears. I wanted to make it stop. Part of me knew that I was responsible for what was happening the other part of me wanted to find Jacob and kill him myself.

I went to her side and held her hand while the doctor examined her. His face hung low. Joanne was crying and her body was falling apart. How was she still alive?

My heart was beating quickly and I couldn't blink. I didn't want to miss anything. My eyes burned until I gave in. Please let her pain depart!

"I need all of you to leave. I can't work with all of you in the room.", The doctor said and we left. I gave Joanne a glance before leaving and I knew it would be the last I see her - alive, at least.

I was standing behind closed doors. In the midst of all that was happening was it possible not to fully grasp the concept how horribly things could go. In the face of death why wasn't reality weighting itself down on me? Was I dreaming?

I pinched myself and I was still here. I was still standing in the cold waiting room-still waiting for news of doomed life.

Things were happening in slow motion... Xander was having a very loud discussion with the war general of the pack.

I had to take a knee. I went into the bathroom and wet my face.

"Don't cry. Be strong. ", I chanted to myself. The world was passing by in a haze.

I went back to Xander. Their conversation became hushed when I walked towards him.

Maybe it was the way he stood or the look on his face when he saw me but I knew what was going through his mind even before he could explain.

"You're going to fight now. Aren't you? ", I asked and he cupped my cheeks.

"I am... I want you to stay with the pack. Support them, ok? ", he said, "I have to get ready... "

"Can I see you off? ", I hugged him and he nodded.

Xander and I walked to the training grounds. His soldiers wore armour made from heavy silvery metal. They had weapons in hand and they were ready to charge. There must have been at least 5000 men here. Each of which is ready to lay down their lives to protect their pack - this wouldn't have happened if I didn't meet Xander. I began to shiver. It was late afternoon now and the sun was setting. My throat closed in each passing second.

Xander walked up to me and stood in front of his men. He wore his armour and he stood his ground, firmly.

"Today we fight for our pack - we fight for justice and respect. I am honoured to have such accountable men by my side. May we overcome this battle and succeed! ", he addressed them.

"Not all of us will make it back home... I want you all to know that fighting and dying for something you believe in is a hundred times better than being a coward and running. In the name of the goddess and the crown I command you all to fight. "

Everyone shouted out their battle cries. Seeing Xander in his armour put things into perspective. The men began to march out of the pack. Liam walked with them.I walked up to him and hugged him tightly.

"Becareful out there. ", I kissed his cheek.

"Always. Watch over Storm and the kids for me... ", he said as if he wasn't going to come back. I felt fear so strongly. My heart squeezed. I had to force down a sob.

"Come back to them and do it you self. ", I hugged him again.

Each soldier has a life and a family to get back to and some of them woke up thinking that they had more time when they didn't... time is borrowed and that's why we're supposed to make it count.

"Xander, wait..., ", I said. He turned to face me.

"Please, come back to me, "I cried, "Don't leave me alone. We haven't had enough time. I love you so much. I can't imagine my life without you. I'm sorry for puting you through this. It's my fault. It's all my fault.", I cried. This could be the last time I ever saw him. I'm supposed to be strong for him but I can't be... not when there's a chance I might loose him to my past.

There's clarity in death, you learn what's most important to you.

He dropped his weapon and hugged me tightly.

"I'm going to come back. We still have to build our picture perfect life. You hold onto this for me, ok. I'll come back for it. ", he handed me his wedding ring. His eyes held something I had never seen before - Fear. It was very prominent and it made my stomach turn. He tried to mask it with a weak smile.I could barely breath knowing what was happening.

"I love you, Rebecca. ", he kissed me slowly- taking in the moment. He broke away, studied my face as if it were the last time he'll be swing me, Kissed my forehead and began to walk with the crowd. He disappeared into the front of the crowd. My knees became weak and I couldn't think straight.

I cried on my way back to the palace. I was so scared. I talk a big game, I think that I'm tough because I was a rogue but in actuality I'm not- not when it comes down to Xander. I love him too much.

My mind was silent. I wiped my tears and entered the palace , I had to be brave in front of my people. Storm ran up to me and hugged me tightly. She cried onto my soldier. I hugged her tightly. Xander and Liam might not return home today...