Lienna
The journey back to the fortress began at dawn the next day. Everything and everyone was packed and ready, and an undeniable hint of excitement hung in the air. I stood outside my now-disbanded tent, watching as the bustling camp transformed into a well-organized departure.
Soldiers hurriedly loaded luggage into carriages, their laughter and chatter filling the morning air. Horses whinnied, their harnesses jingling as they prepared for the long journey ahead. A tiny smile grew on my lips and I felt my body tingle with excitement.
My gaze wandered, taking in the chaotic yet orderly scene. I spotted Caspian, Hermes, and Adonis overseeing the preparations, their faces set with determination. My cheeks immediately went hot as memories of the night before rushed back and I immediately turned my gaze away before we made eye contact
My eyes then drifted to the makeshift graveyard, where a number of soldiers gathered, paying their final respects to their fallen friends and comrades, their faces and posture somber. My heart sank as I watched them, grief shrouding me like a heavy cloak.
The makeshift headstones, hastily crafted after the war, bore the names of those who had fought and died for our cause. It was no surprise that we had lost many men during the war. The memories of battles fought, of bloodshed and sacrifice, still lingered in my mind. Yet, I had to be grateful that we had emerged victorious.
The alternative was unbearable to contemplate. If we hadn’t won, our lands would be overrun, our people enslaved or worse. The thought sent a shiver down my spine.
To think I had appeared in battle. I let out a breath, closing my eyes. I wished I could remember what I did, it would have made for a great story. As I stood there, lost in thought, Hermes approached me, his eyes somber. “Ready to leave?” he asked, his voice low.
I nodded, tearing my gaze away from the graveyard. “Yes, I’m ready.” I answered, glancing at Hermes. He stood tall, dressed in his ceremonial attire, a sight I hadn’t seen in a while. His sun-bleached hair was brushed neatly back, accentuating his sharpened jaw and hooded eyes. Despite the weight loss, Hermes looked more dashing than ever.
I let out a tiny smile, and he mirrored it, his eyes crinkling at the corners. The warmth in his gaze made my heart flutter.
With one last look at the camp, I followed Hermes. He led me to a new carriage, its polished wood and intricate designs a stark contrast to the rugged wagons we’d used during the war. My surprise grew as I realized I would be the only one riding in it.
“Why?” I asked, eyes wide with wonder. “It wasn’t like this when we came here.”
Hermes chuckled, his eyes sparkling with amusement. “You’re a special person now, Lienna. We can’t let you just ride with everyone. Plus, you’re not fully recovered. We definitely don’t want you falling sick on the way.”
He stretched out his hand, and I hesitated for a moment before taking it. My slender fingers slid into his broad, callused ones, sending a shiver down my spine. I stifled a gasp.
Hermes opened the door to the carriage and helped me in. The soft cushions enveloped me, and I sank into the luxurious comfort.
As I sat down, I glanced back at Hermes, his face still close to mine. “Thank you,” I whispered, my voice coated with sincerity.
“You’re welcome,” he replied, his voice low and gentle. His eyes lingered on mine before he stepped back, closing the door.
I watched him leave, and before long, the shifter kings’ voices boomed, bellowing orders. The carriage began to move, and I leaned into my seat, gazing out the window. The camp disappeared into the distance, and memories flooded my mind.
I reminisced about my time here – from learning how to harness the moon goddess’s powers, to using them in battle, and those countless near-death experiences. So much had happened in such a short time.
My mind drifted to the previous night, when I’d confessed my feelings to the shifter kings and the unsettling silence that happened afterwards. They hadn’t responded and I wondered why. Catching myself at the edge of smiling, I frowned instead, turning away from the window with a sigh.
As much as I tried to ignore it, my thoughts lingered on what happened. I’d spent hours analyzing their silence wondering what it meant till my head began hurting. Even now, confusion gnawed at me.
The carriage rattled, snapping me back to reality. I closed my eyes, leaning back on my seat. “Stop thinking about it,” I told myself, focusing on the journey ahead.
.
.
.
The journey continued for weeks, crossing mountains and plains, valleys and hills, till we began to reach settlements. Every time we stopped to rest or have some food, I would get down from the carriage to spend time with the shifter kings, enjoying their attentiveness as they tended to me. It was no doubt I loved it even if it made me uncomfortable.
During those rare moments, I couldn’t wait to be back home. At long last, after several more days on the road and going through towns, we finally reached the capital leading to the fortress.
From a distance, I could hear their celebratory shouts and my heart began to pound in excitement. We finally got there and I was shocked at how many people lined the streets, cheering for us and chanting as we marched through the streets, waving their handkerchiefs and dancing as well.
Melodies spilled from taverns, inns and brothels, little children running after the marching soldiers and everyone’s faces radiating with joy and happiness. I was taking in the scene when I noticed more and more staring and pointing at me.
Embarrassed, I was about to hide my face when the crowd began to chant in unison. At first, the words were indistinct, a distant murmur, but soon they grew louder, clearer. “The Moon Goddess’s Chosen!” they shouted, their voices echoing off the stone buildings.
My flush deepened as I tried to shrink away, my eyes scanning the crowd with discomfort.
“Why are you doing that?” Adonis asked as he came closer, an amused smile on his face, his eyes sparkling with mirth. When did he get here?
“Didn’t you hear what they’re saying about me?! It’s not necessary!” I cried out, my voice barely audible over the noise.
Adonis just shrugged, his expression nonchalant. “News about what you did in the war must have travelled far, hence the praise.” He chuckled, his eyes crinkling.
Adonis leaned in, his gaze holding me in place. “You were the one she chose to use. I think you should enjoy it.” He gave me a wink before riding forward, leaving me stunned.
The chanting continued, the crowd’s fervor unabated. I awkwardly thanked them, my face burning, before managing to hide myself once more behind the shield of my hair.
The procession continued until we were out of sight, the fortress finally coming into view on the horizon. My eyes grew wide, my heart racing with excitement.
At long last, I was finally home.