Adams’ POV
As I turned the corner of the big garden, the bright colors shone wonderfully in the afternoon sun. My heart felt light when I saw her-Lilith, my dear Luna, her laughter floating in the air with a sweet sound among the soft rustle of leaves.
Next to her stood a young maid, wide-eyed and eager, listening closely to every word Lilith said. The scene pulled at my heart and a happy smile grew on my face as I got closer.
“Lilith!” I called out with my voice wrapping around her like a cozy hug.
The maid was laughing when she turned quickly curtsying and briefly looking at me before scurrying off feeling the vibe between Lilith and me. I moved closer, enjoying the moment as Lilith focused entirely on me.
“You look as bright as always,” I said, with my eyes taking in her beauty. The light blue dress she had on moved with the wind highlighting her in a way that made her look even more lovely, her hair falling in soft waves around her shoulders.
A blush came to her cheeks at my praise with a smile pulling at her lips. “And you’re just as charming as always my King. What do I owe this nice surprise? Shouldn’t you be out taking your warriors on a hunt?”
“Work waits, but I wanted to see how you are first.” I took her hand, pulling her nearer. “I’m going to the village where the rogues attacked. We need to check the damage and keep our borders safe.”
I saw worry appear in her eyes with her spirit fading a bit. “Adams, are you really sure you want to go? The latest news was bad. What if-”
I softly put a finger on her lips to calm her worries. “I see you’re scared, and I promise to be careful. But I have to do this-it’s my duty as Alpha King. Plus, you know I have Ronan and our best fighters with me.”
She took a deep breath, a small worry line showing on her forehead. “I get it, but part of me is afraid for your safety. The rogues are getting braver and just thinking about you dealing with them…”
I held her face in my hands, feeling the warm glow from her skin. “Lilith, I won’t let fear control what I do. I’ll be back before sunset just like always.” Leaning closer, I gave her a gentle kiss on the lips-a promise, a way to celebrate our strong bond that nothing could break.
She leaned against me for a moment, enjoying the comfort my presence gave her with the kiss sparking warmth that spread inside her. Still, she pulled away, looking at me with doubt still clear in her eyes. “Promise me you’ll be safe.”
“Always” I said, looking into her eyes, hoping she could see how real my words were. “I’ll return to you Lilith. Always.”
As we stayed a little longer, I could see her worry fade and a strong resolve take its place. “Okay, if you have to go, then go with my good wishes. But I will be here, and I will expect you to come back on time.”
“Think of it as a little challenge, my Luna.” I laughed with the look in my eyes showing how much I cared for her. After one last and long look, I stepped back and walked toward the waiting horses.
Ronan stood a little way off with arms crossed and watching. “Your Highness, we shouldn’t stay here. The faster we go, the faster we can check the danger.”
I nodded in understanding. I could hear how important it was in Ronan’s voice. As I walked to my horse, I looked back at Lilith who was watching me with both worry and pride. Her steady strength kept me steady even with the far-off sounds of battle calling to me.
“Are the fighters ready?” I shouted back.
“They’ve been waiting for you to give the word like a bunch of wolves ready to hunt,” Ronan said with his smile slightly amused.
“Then let’s not make them wait.” I got on my shiny black horse, Shadow, who stomped his feet eagerly. The group of twelve warriors I led looked strong as they prepared to ride.
“Stay alert,” I said firmly as I looked at them. “We’re riding fast to the Crescent Grove. We can’t make any mistakes or get sidetracked.”
The fighters nodded with their faces showing strong will. Ronan stood next to me and the rest lined up behind us. With a quick kick, the sound of hooves hitting the ground rushed out with the morning wind blowing around us.
As we ran through the woods, the trees rushed by, turning into a green line that matched the nervous feeling inside me. I sensed my teammates behind me all knowing how important our task was. The village was a few miles ahead and talks of danger drove us forward with strong determination.
We kept riding with the air heavy with excitement and unshared feelings. Each fighter beside me was deep in thought about figuring out the risks we might face. As the sun started to drop behind the thinning trees I prepared myself for what was ahead, a field that used to be full of life and energy from the village.
When we got there, what we saw was terrible. The village of Crescent Grove was in pieces. Houses turned to ash, and broken bits are the remains of a place that was once busy and now almost unrecognizable. The sharp smell of smoke filled the air, mixing unpleasantly with the scent of blood.
“By the gods…” I gasped, looking at the destruction. My heart hurt in my chest. Anger bubbled just under the surface. “What kind of cruelty is this?”
“They wanted to show everyone,” Ronan said, his voice quite full of the harsh truth of the cruelty we dealt with.
Getting off, I walked over to the burnt remains of a house, shadows growing as it got darker. One of my fighters came with me, looking at the wreckage. “Your Highness, the damage looks bad. There’s no sign of life here-just death.”
“Search for any survivors!” I ordered with my voice filled with urgency. “There has to be someone. We need to find out what took place here.”
I urged the fighters to spread out and look through the ruins. I gritted my teeth trying to hold back the feelings that were about to take over. This wasn’t just a village, it was our land, our people. The rogues had gone too far, and they would regret it soon.
“Your Highness!” Ronan’s urgent voice cut through the heavy silence around us, bringing my attention back to the chaos.
I turned and saw Ronan waving for me to come closer. “What’s going on?” I asked, feeling worried inside.
“Come here please. You have to see this,” he urged with worry in his voice…