Chapter 253
The war room had grown quiet as night settled over Bloodmoon. Most of the warriors had dispersed to rest or continue preparations for the battle that loomed ever closer. I remained near the nursery, taking comfort in the soft glow of the moonlight spilling through the window. The twins stirred occasionally, their movements grounding me in a way nothing else could
From down the hall, 1 heard voices familiar ones. Curious, I moved closer, stopping just before the doorway leading to one of the smaller chambers. Ivy and Blane were there, their voices low but filled with an intensity that made me hesitate. I didn’t want to intrude, but their words carried through the stillness, drawing me in.
“Ivy.” Blane began his tone uncharacteristically soft. “We need to talk.”
I know that look, Blanc, Just say it.”
She crossed her arms, a mix of strength and vulnerability in her posture. “11
Blane took a step closer, his hand reaching out to hers. “I don’t want you going to the battlefield with us tomorrow.”
Her jaw tightened, her green eyes narrowing. “Blane-
“Please, Ivy,” he interrupted, his voice breaking slightly. “I can’t lose you. Not now. Not ever.”
For a moment. Ivy’s confident mask slipped, and I saw the raw emotion in her face. She looked at Blane, her lips parting as if to speak, but she hesitated.
“You think I don’t feel the same way?” she asked, her voice trembling. “You think I don’t worry about you every second we’re apart! But this isn’t just about us, Blane. It’s about Bloodmoon. About my brother, my family.”
Blane shook his head, frustration and fear warring in his expression. “You don’t have to prove anything, Ivy. Not to me, not to anyone. You’re strong, you’re fearless, but you don’t have to fight this haule. Let me protect you.”
“You think I’m running out there for glory?” she snapped, her voice rising slightly. “This isn’t about proving myself. This is about standing with my pack, with my family. Ramon is my brother, Sonia is my sister by bond, and this is my fight just as much as it’s theirs.”
“I know that,” Blane said, his voice quieter now. He stepped closer, his hands settling on her shoulders. “But I’ve already lost too many people I care about. If something happens to you out there…” He trailed off, his throat working as he struggled to find the words.
Ivy softened slightly, her hands coming up to rest over his “Blane,” she said gently, “I’m not going into this blind. I know the risks. But you need to trust me. I’m not a scared weakling. I’m a fighter. And I’ll make sure I come back to you. To all of you.
Beta Blane’s hands slid down to hers, his fingers lacing through hers as he looked into her eyes. “You’re asking a lot of me, Ivy,” he said with a faint, sad smile
“And you’re asking me to be someone I’m not,” she replied. “You fell in love with a fighter, Blane. Don’t ask me to stop now.”
He let out a shaky breath, his grip tightening on her hands. “You’re stubborn, you know that?”
“I’ve been told,” she said, a small smile breaking through her serious expression.
They stood there for a moment, the silence between them heavy but filled with understanding. Then Blane pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly as if he could shield her from everything with just his embrace.
“Ivy,” he whispered against her hair, “There’s something I need to say
She pulled back slightly, her brows furrowing. “What is it”
He hesitated, his funds settling on laer arms as he looked at her with a mixture of hope and fear. “After this when this is over… I want a future with you. Whatever that looks like. I want it all, Ivy
Hereyes glistened, but she managed a shaky y laugh. “Blane, you’ve already got me. You’ve had me for a long time.”
They kissed then, a kiss filed with all the fear, hope, and love they couldn’t put into words. It wasn’t a goodbye, it was a promise.
As I stepped away from the doorway, giving them their privacy, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the bond they shared, Love, in all its way of sharing brightest in the darkest moment.
sforms, had a
Back in my chamber, I found myself staring at at the moon, my thoughts swirling with everything I’d overheard. Ivy’s determination, Blanc’s vulnerability, it reminded me of my own relationship with Hamon of the pained he caused at first sight. Larena and my father’s death and also
sacrifices we all made for the ones we loved.
When the time came, we would all stand together. For our pack. For our family. For each other,
