Chapter 362 The Forgotten Enemy 1

Chapter 362: Chapter 362 The Forgotten Enemy 1

Talia’s POV

The days had passed, and I had let go of my father.

The letter was ash, and the anger was fading. I felt lighter, and freer, and like a weight I had been carrying for so long had finally been lifted from my shoulders. I could breathe again, and I could think again. The future was waiting, and I was ready to meet it.

But there was still something lurking at the edges of my mind. It was the shadow from the past that I had not fully confronted. It was a ghost that had haunted me for fifteen years, and I had not spoken her name in weeks.

I woke to the grey light of morning filtering through the curtains. The fire had burned low, and the room was cool.

I lay there for a moment, listening to Kaelen’s steady breathing beside me. His arm was draped across my waist, and I felt the warmth of his body against mine.

I did not want to move. I wanted to stay in this moment, and feel the total peace of the morning.

But I knew I could not, because there was too much to do.

I slipped out of bed, careful not to wake Kaelen. I walked to the window, and I looked out at the valley below.

I pressed my palm against the cool glass, and I let myself feel the stillness of the moment. The world was waking up slowly, and for a few precious seconds, I could pretend that everything was normal.

I could pretend that there was no war coming, and that Malachai was just a nightmare I had woken from.

The mist was rising from the ground, and the first rays of sunlight were breaking through the clouds. It was beautiful, and it was peaceful, and it was everything I was fighting for.

I turned away from the window and walked to the bathroom.

I bathed quickly, washing away the remnants of sleep. The water was warm, and I let it soothe my muscles.

I stepped out of the bathroom, and I dressed in simple clothes, that were practical for the day ahead. I braided my hair back, and I looked at myself in the mirror.

I studied my reflection, and I saw the changes that had happened over the past months. The lines around my eyes were deeper, carved by worry and sleepless nights. My shoulders were straighter, and my jaw was firmer.

I looked like someone who had survived, and that was exactly what I was.

I was not the same girl who had left Cresswood. I was stronger, and I was wiser, and I was ready.

Kaelen stirred in bed. “Why are you dressed so early, Luna,” he said.

I looked at him, and a smile broke out on my face at his words. “Luna?” I asked, breaking into laughter.

Kaelen nodded. “Of course baby, you are my Luna.” He replied. “Come over here.”

I walked over to Kaelen, and he pulled me into his firm chest.

Kaelen kissed my forehead. “You know that you should work on me first, right?”

I smiled, and buried my face further in his chest, as I could feel the heat creep up my cheeks. “I have to see my mother quickly, my Alpha,”

Kaelen growled. “Lady Seraphina is doing perfectly fine, Talia.” He murmured. “But I am not. Just look at how active I am for you, baby.”

Kaelen held my hand, and moved it slowly towards his waist. And as soon as my hand touched the huge spot, I could immediately feel the full strength of his active groin.

Kaelen let out a slow breath, and his other hand cupped my breast. “Can you feel me, Talia?”

I pulled my hand back, and shook my head to try to clear the thought of passion that was already forming in my mind.

I raised my head, and looked up at Kaelen. “I want to have you, Kaelen,” I said.

Kaelen’s eyes shined brightly at my words, and he moved to kiss my lips.

But I placed a finger on his lips to stop him. “But,” I continued. “We have a lot to prepare for, and we do not have much time.”

Kaelen’s face dropped to a frown. “Talia?’ he called.

I nodded, and moved closer to kiss his lips.

When we broke apart, I looked at him. “Just a few more days of preparation, Kaelen.” I said. “By then I would be sure that we are fully prepared for Malachai’s attack, even if he takes us by surprise, and attacks in days.”

I moved my fingers across his jawline. “I want to be fully at peace knowing that we are prepared, Kaelen. Then we can have as much time as we want. Please?”

Kaelen smiled. “You are so full of wisdom, my Luna.” He replied. “I would gladly wait for you till then forever.”

I smiled back. “Thank you, Kaelen. Thank you for understanding me.” I said.

Kaelen kissed my forehead. “I will always understand you, Talia. Thank you for being with me.” He replied.

I moved closer, and placed a kiss on his cheek. Then I rolled off the bed, walked towards the door, and went out.

I walked through the hallways, and I felt the stronghold waking up around me.

Wolves were moving with purpose, carrying supplies and sharpening weapons. The blacksmith’s hammer rang out in the distance, and I could hear the sound of warriors training in the courtyard.

I passed by Jax and Silas, and I heard them discussing something about supply routes.

Jax was waving his hands seriously, with his voice rising and falling as he argued his point.

Silas was nodding slowly, with his expression calm and measured. They were a perfect balance, the impulsive and the steady, and they had been working together for so long that they moved like one mind.

I passed by Cain, and I saw him standing watch, with his eyes scanning the horizon. I nodded to them as I passed, and I felt the warmth spreading through my chest. This was my pack, this was my family, and we were going to fight together.

I passed by the dining hall, hoping to see Nora, and check on how she was doing in person, before going to my mother’s room.

But when I reached the doorway, I saw Piper already sitting at one of the tables, with a plate of bread and fruit in front of her. She looked up and saw me, and her face lit up with a smile.

"Talia!" Piper called out, waving me over. "Come sit with me."

I shook my head. "I was just going to my mother’s room. I have things to do."

Piper stood up and walked to me. "No, you are not." She grabbed my arm and pulled me toward the table. "You are going to sit down, and you are going to eat a proper meal. You have been running on empty for days, and I can see it in your eyes."

I tried to resist. "Piper, I really do not have time..."

I could see the determination in her eyes, the same stubbornness that had kept her alive in Cresswood, and the same fire that had made her refuse to give up on me when everyone else had.

I knew that she was not going to let me walk away, and I knew that fighting her would only waste more time.

"You always have time to eat, Talia. And I am going to mother’s room as well when I finish my food." Piper insisted, pushing me into a seat. "You cannot fight a war on an empty stomach. Now, eat."

I looked at her, and I could not help but smile. She was stubborn, and she was fierce, and she was exactly what I needed. "Fine," I said. "But only because you are so persistent."

Piper grinned, and she sat down across from me. "That is the spirit."

We ate together, and the conversation was light. Piper told me about the work she was doing with my mother, the lists she was making, and the plans she was organizing.

She was thriving, and I could see the joy in her eyes.