A WARRIOR'S HEART

CHAPTER SIX

WILLOW'S POV.

My mother glanced up as I entered, her smile softening the room. “You didn’t eat much last night. Sit, Willow. You’ll need your strength for the journey.”

I nodded and sat, though my stomach churned too much to eat. My father looked at me from across the table, his eyes serious. “Alpha Tyler tells me you and he had another talk after the meeting last night. He says you’ve agreed to stay with the Obsidian Crescent pack for a while,” he said carefully.

“Yes,” I replied. “Until the alliance work is done.”

He hesitated, then asked quietly, “And are you ready for that? You didn’t seem very interested in the mission last night—or did I read that wrong?”

The question hung between us for a second.

Ready? No. Not even close. But I wasn’t about to admit that. “I’ll manage,” I said instead, forcing a small smile.

My father gave a slow nod, accepting my answer. My mother reached across the table and squeezed my hand gently. “Just… take care of yourself, all right? And if it ever feels too heavy, come home.”

Her warmth nearly undid me. I swallowed hard and nodded again.

After breakfast, I went back upstairs to pack. Each piece of clothing I folded felt like another reminder of what was coming. Every sound, every thought circled back to one thing—Atlas.

What would I say when I saw him again?

Lily was quiet for a long time, then finally spoke. “We face him, Willow. Not for him. For the pack.”

I closed my bag and straightened. My reflection stared back at me from the mirror—calm on the surface, but I could see the storm behind my eyes.

I was going back to the place that had once broken me. Not the pack, but the man himself.

But I would go anyway.

Because that’s what duty demanded.

Because that’s what strength looked like, even when it hurt.

Or so I’ve heard.

I stepped outside, needing fresh air to clear my head. The morning sun was already high and bright. It was one of those mornings that looked calm, but my mind was anything but.

My bag was half-packed upstairs, waiting. But before I could leave for Obsidian Crescent, there were things I needed to finish. Being Delta meant I couldn’t just walk away and hope everything would take care of itself. I had people depending on me. With me gone, Lyra would be the one leading training, handling patrols, and keeping the warriors in line. I trusted her more than anyone, but I still wanted to make sure she had every detail she needed.

As I crossed the open field toward the training grounds, I spotted her coming from the opposite side. Lyra had a stack of papers clutched in her hands and that focused look she always wore when she was in work mode. Even from a distance, I could tell she’d been up early, probably organizing reports before I even woke up.

When she reached me, she lifted the stack slightly. “Here’s the record you asked for,” she said.

“Thank you,” I said, taking it from her. The folder was thick with notes. “These are the updated warrior rosters?”

Lyra nodded. “Yes. Patrol schedules, progress reports, and the recruits’ training evaluations. Everything’s up to date.”

I flipped through the first few pages, scanning the neat handwriting. “Looks good,” I said, impressed. “You’ve been thorough as always.”

“Someone has to make sure things don’t fall apart when you’re gone,” she teased lightly.

I smiled at that. “How did the recruits do with the night drills?”

“Better,” Lyra said, folding her arms. “A few are still slow on reaction, but Beta Chad said he’ll be helping with the sparring rounds while you’re gone. It’s going to make a difference.”

“That’s good to hear,” I said, nodding. “And what about the south-ridge patrol? Any rogue activity?”

“None yet. It’s been quiet all night.”

“Keep it that way,” I told her. Then, more softly, “I’ll be gone a while. I need to know things will run smoothly here.”

Lyra’s eyes softened. “You don’t have to worry, Willow. I’ll take care of everything.”

Still, I could tell there was something she wanted to ask. She hesitated, then said, “How long exactly do you think you’ll be away?”

I let out a slow breath. “I don’t know, Lyra. Alpha Tyler didn’t give a clear answer. It depends on how long this alliance thing takes.”

“Typical,” she muttered. Then, in a steadier tone, “And if something happens—border issues, disputes—how do you want me to handle it?”

“Use your best judgment,” I said. “If it’s serious, send word to me. Otherwise, just keep the schedule running. I trust you, Lyra.”

She nodded. “Got it. I’ll keep the warriors in line.”

“Thank you,” I said sincerely. “You’ve got this.”

A faint smile tugged at her lips. “Don’t go soft on me now, Delta.”

I chuckled. “Never.”

Before we could say anything else, two voices shouted my name from across the field.

“Willow! There you are!”