Caspian.
Despite the destruction surrounding us, the men couldn’t help but erupt into thunderous cheers, their boisterous voices booming through the field like a tidal wave. Startled, I glanced around, taking in the chaos-turned-celebration. Joy boomed in the deepest crevices of my heart as I held Lienna close to me, warming her body with mine.
The faces around us radiated hope, joy, and happiness. Why wouldn’t they? We’d not only won the war but also fulfilled the centuries-old prophecy. The moon goddess was back, and order would finally be restored in the realm. It was enough to make a grown man cry.
A few of the men approached Hermes and Adonis, their eyes shining with elation. In the blink of an eye, they’d hoisted them onto their shoulders, carrying them around the field as they chanted:
“Long live the shifter kings! Long live the shifter kings!!”
More men joined in, their voices growing louder, until the chant became a deafening roar. Some shouted, “Hail the moon goddess!” while others cried, “Praise the prophecy!” The air pulsed with triumph, and I couldn’t help the grin that broke out of my lips.
Finally, the men released Hermes and Adonis from their celebratory grasp, and I quickly wrapped Lienna in a cloak, pulling her closer to me as we stepped away from the battlefield’s chaos.
Hermes and Adonis soon came to join me, their footsteps synchronized with mine. Concern etched their faces as they glanced at Lienna’s pale, limp form.
“She’s alright, isn’t she?” Hermes asked, his voice low and anxious, his eyes darting from Lienna to me.
“I think so,” I replied. “She’s probably just unconscious and cold. We need to warm her up quickly.” I said, quickening my steps.
Adonis’s expression turned grave. “Then we need to hurry. Take her to a safe, warm place. We’ll handle things here.” He offered, glancing back at the celebrating soldiers.
I nodded, grateful for their support.
Hermes’s gaze searched the horizon before returning to me. “Are we going home now?” he asked.
I hesitated, glancing back at the battlefield. The soldiers’ jubilant cheers and laughter filled the air, their faces aglow with triumph. My gaze shifted to Adonis and Hermes, and a small smile spread across my lips.
“Yes,” I said, my voice filled with conviction. ” Yes, we are.”
.
.
.
Three days later and we were almost done with out preparations to be going back to the fortress. Most of the camp had been torn down, leaving the essentials still erected. Everyone had packed their things, ready for the journey back home while others continued in their celebrations. All that was left was got lienna to wake up.
We made sure to visit constantly, but other than the faint signs of her color improving, she was yet to wake up. It made us slightly anxious but we knew no harm would come to her. By the fourth day, we all stayed in the tent with her, watching the steady rise and fall of her chest, pensively waiting for the time she would open her eyes.
Finally, after what seemed like forever, her eyes finally twitched open, her eyelashes fluttering. Her gaze initially focused, slowly cleared, darting around before eventually locking on ours. Confusion flickered across her face before it was replaced by recognition.
A flush stained her cheeks, and we tensed, unsure of how to proceed. “Lienna?” Adonis called out, being the first to speak.
“Your majesty… ” She tried to respond but a coughing fit took over and we immediately sprung to our feet, getting her a glass of water and being by her side. I helped her to her seat, propping pillows behind her and placing the cup against her lips. She took a couple of sips before pushing the cup away. Clearing her throat, she tried again. “What happened? What am I doing here?” She whispered, her voice barely audible.
It was our turn to be confused as we stared at her. “You don’t remember?” Hermes asked, furrowing his brow. She looked at him and after thinking for a moment, shook her head.
“I don’t remember anything… ” She muttered. Her voice laced with apprehension, she asked. “Did something happen?” We glanced at each other, unsure of where to begin. It was surprising to see that she didn’t remember much.
“Something did happen, but try to see if you can search your memory for some details.” I said and she glanced at me. Looking ahead of her, she closed her eyes and did as I told her.
“I’m not sure.. ” She began, her voice cautious. “My memories are all hazy.” She munbled, sounding defeated.
“What do you remember?” I asked, gently pulling away the hair that had covered her face behind her ears.
“I remember when you three left for the battlefield, i remember praying for your safely and after that, it was all just a blur.”
“Maybe we should tell her.” Adonis said, glancing at the both of. Lienna opened her eyes to stare at us.
“Wait a minute, did you win the war?” She asked, her eyes narrowing. Heat flooded my face and jr was a struggle to keep my emotions in check. Her eyes slowly began to widen as she saw our reactions.
“Yes, we won the war,” Hermes confirmed, and her eyes grew wide as saucers, astonishment etched on her face.
“But it was all thanks to you,” I added, and her expression shifted to confusion. “Me? What did I do?” she asked, puzzlement creasing her brow.
“You embodied the moon goddess and appeared on the battlefield, helping us defeat Veronica,” I explained. “If not for you, the outcome would be uncertain. We were severely outnumbered.”
Her voice barely above a whisper, she squeaked, “Really?” Shock and disbelief danced in her eyes.
As memories began to resurface, her gaze turned inward. “Oh, I remember now…” she muttered, trailing off. “While praying, I recall conversing with… her, I think, when I entered a trance. But after that, nothing.”
I nodded. “Perhaps it wasn’t meant for you to remember. All that matters is we won the war, and you’re here with us, safe.” I said and she exchanged glances with all of us, a warm smile building on her face. We mirrored it, a light feeling spreading in my body.
“I’m so glad to hear this. Finally…. “She whispered, relief dripping from her voice. She looked at us, her eyes shining with hope. ” What happens now?”
With a smile on my face, I made to respond. “We’re going home. To the fortress.”