Lyall's Retreat
1157 Words
ADRIA’S POV:
My heart began to race as we followed Deryn to their normal meeting point. He assured us the meeting point was still on his territory, so Emory wouldn’t be stupid enough to try anything once Lyall gets there. But it was getting Lyall to that point that was going to be the difficult part. Deryn was giving me a chance to prove myself...but what if I screwed this up? What if I was the reason this mission failed? As we finally arrived at the meeting point, the moon had risen completely.
Deryn glanced over his shoulder at me as we came to a stop. “Are you ready Adria?”
“Cover us, right?” I asked watching him before I moved.
“Yes, that is possible, correct?” Deryn asked as he watched me prepare myself.
I moved my hands as if I were tugging on a blanket, using the shadows from nearby trees. I used the shadows to cover us in their darkness so that no one could see us. “Of course it is.” I smiled as I knelt trying to keep the shadows in place.
Leo’s eyes followed my movements in amazement as I continued to focus on our surroundings. Everyone continued to look around for any sign that Lyall was coming. I felt a shift in the shadows as I picked up on Lyall’s energy.
“Deryn, he is coming in hot,” I said as I gritted my teeth trying to keep the veil of shadows over us.
“So, being chased then.” Deryn grits his teeth and watched for him.
I nodded as I kept my grip on the darkness. That is when I sensed it. Emory. But more than just him. Wolves I didn’t know followed him. “Emory isn’t alone.”
As Lyall approached, he stopped a bit confused as Emory slowed to a walk behind him. “Isn’t that sad? He didn’t show. If you come back now, I will consider forgiving you for your ignorance.” Emory smirked as he approached.
Lyall backed over the territory line watching him. “I am not afraid to die for my loyalty, Emory.”
Emory growled as he approached. “You were always afraid to die. Don’t act brave now.”
“No, I was afraid to die for someone I wanted to kill myself. My loyalty lies with Deryn, surely you already knew that.” Lyall chuckled a little. “If I were you, I wouldn’t cross the line. Nothing will save you then.”
“So you would think. But look around Lyall! No one is here to save you!” Emory growled as he stepped forward.
Deryn motioned for me to lift the veil. I stood quickly and waved the shadows away as Deryn spoke. “Look around Emory. He has all the protection he needs.”
Emory growled as he watched us appear. “Where did you…” his attention turned to me instantly. “That abomination.”
Deryn laughed as he motioned for Emory to move. “That’s enough Emory. It would be wise of you to step back to your side, now.”
Emory stepped forward. “Why would I? My beta has stepped out of line. I have come to retrieve him so that he could be punished accordingly as a traitor.”
Deryn smirked as he stepped up to Emory. “From the way we saw it, he came to seek sanctuary to get away from a tyrant.” Deryn paused and looked over at me. “Adria, dear, can you remove him from my territory please?”
Finally. Something I have been so excited to do. To show Emory what I can do. I smiled as Deryn gave me the order and summoned the energy from his shadow. Emory stopped walking instantly as I grabbed hold of it. I pushed my hands forward quickly and sent him flying backward. He landed on the ground on his territory with a loud thud.
He stood and brushed himself off quickly. “How dare you?! Little girl, it seems you still need to learn your place!”
“My place?” I asked not surprised at all by his insults. “My place is as Queen of Lycansbane. To my knowledge, I am playing that role very well. I know my place. It is you, Emory, who needs to learn yours.”
“I don’t see the same weak girl you see, Emory. I see a Queen who is protecting one of her subjects.” Deryn laughed as he crossed his arms over his chest. “I think we are done here. Adria dear, take us home.”
With his order, I dropped the dark veil over us once more to get out of Emory’s sight as we walked home.
“Have it your way, Deryn! The next time we come face to face will be on the battlefield!” Emory growled as we distanced ourselves from him more and more with every step we took.
We walked back to Deryn’s packhouse shielded by the shadows. I didn’t release the veil until we came into view of the house. As I lifted it, Lyall looked around completely bewildered.
Leo grabbed my hand and pulled me into him quickly. “I am so sorry I underestimated you, my love. Can you ever forgive my being overprotective?”
I laughed a little and rested my head against his chest. “There is nothing to forgive, Leo. I just...want you to have more faith in me is all. I can handle myself.”
He chuckled a little as he rubbed my back. “You made that point clear. I just worry. And I will always worry about you. I can’t help it.”
I smiled a little and kissed his cheek as Lyall turned his attention to me. “Thank you so much for your help. All of you.”
“Thank you for your loyalty.” Deryn smiled as he patted his shoulder.
Lyall sighed as he looked around a little. “I will always be loyal to you. But I fear that Emory is more determined now than ever to start the war. He may start it sooner than originally anticipated.”
Deryn heaved a sigh and thought for a moment. “I figured as much. We will start working on a plan of counterattack soon.”
A counterattack. How would we stop him before it’s too late? Emory seemed to be getting more dangerous with each passing day. He was acting bolder. I had to have faith that we could stop him. But it made me wonder...what did the packs he had in mind have that he would value? Were they as strong as he was? Were they stronger? Would they side with him? So many questions, and yet, it seemed like there wasn’t enough time to get answers.
- Writer
