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Chaos erupts through the enemy camp as Adar's fires spread. Soldiers shout and scramble to contain the inferno, even as fresh blazes ignite in all directions. Thick smoke billows, masking our escape.
In the confusion, no one notices the vampire Sybil blurring with unnatural speed toward General Teller's central tent. Lured by the irresistible scent trail Lucian wove through his wind magic, she's utterly fixated on her prey.
We converge in the shadows around the tent, ready to watch his downfall. I meet Lucian's icy gaze through the haze, steeling my resolve. After so much struggle and sacrifice, the bastard finally ends tonight.
Within the tent, Sybil finds Teller slumped on his cot, visibly weakened by the tainted blood flowing through his veins. Even now, Everett's magic works to transform the general's blood into a deadly poison.
"What's...happening..." Teller rasps, struggling futilely as the vampire witch descends.
Sybil's smile reveals her fangs, crimson eyes burning with hunger. "Finally, I will feast tonight! You've denied me too long, 'Master.'"
Ignoring his protests, she grasps his head to bare his throat. We hear the wet sounds of her feeding greedily on his poisoned blood.
It's over swiftly. The tainted blood proves too virulent even for Sybil, a witch-vampire hybrid. With a gurgling shriek, she collapses on top of Teller's drained corpse. The tent billows as she dissolves into ash.
The flames encroaching on the central pavilion provide convenient cover for the general's demise. None will be left living to tell of what transpired here.
Lucian's hand engulfs mine, icy eyes hard with satisfaction. "It is finished," he pronounces. The finality in his words resonates through me. After so long, our enemy is no more.
The sounds of screaming and panic rise from the lower camp as the fires spread. Our window for escape is vanishing. Sparing one last glance for the smoldering tent, we melt into the smoke and darkness.
The scent of pine envelops me, sharp and clean, as we race beneath the sheltering trees.
Once safely distant, we pause to catch our breath and plan our next steps. Adar pulls me close, surrounding me with his smoky, crackling scent. His heat tempers the lingering chill from witnessing such calculated violence.
"You did beautifully, little flame," Adar murmurs, pride and love mingling in his blazing eyes. "Now leave the rest to us. Go safely home."
I bristle instinctively at the thought of being ushered away like a helpless pup. But Thale's massive hand settles on my shoulder, calming me.
"Let us protect you and our lands, as is our duty," he rumbles. "You have played your part tonight." His stern expression softens. "Rest, and let us care for the pack."
The thought of retreating to the comfort and safety of home is admittedly tempting after so much chaos and death. And I cannot deny the value of keeping our people calm using my omega powers and ability to strengthen the pack's bonds.
"Very well," I acquiesce. I know when to compromise. "But I expect to be consulted matters going forward. We lead together now, as equals."
My mates nod solemn acceptance of my terms. Lucian pulls me close, brushing a swift kiss over my hair. "Wild thing. When this is settled, all the packs shall know your name as a hero." His words kindle warmth in my heart.
With Everett and Thale flanking me protectively, Lucian uses his wind magic to swiftly transport me back to the heart of Mountain Pack territory. The familiar sight of the dense forest and rocky slopes soothes my lingering unease.
I'm relieved to find the pack lands peaceful, my people unaware of the night's events. Adar's distraction prevented any of the angry betas from reaching our territory. As I head home, I reach out to any bonds and threads I see, strengthening them so the pack can grow.
The witches meet me on the path to our cabin, alerted by now that Teller is dead. Ali rushes to embrace me, her bright eyes brimming with relieved tears.
"Thank the spirits you're back safely," she whispers.
I cling to my dearest friend, the chaos and fear of the last hours crashing over me. But there will be time enough later to process it all.
Rhea's face creases in a smile. "Well done, child. With the general gone, his hold over the packs will crumble. Stability can return."
I nod wearily. "My mates are handling the aftermath. All I want now is rest."
Ali keeps an arm wrapped firmly around me as she guides me the rest of the way home. I'm asleep almost before my head hits the pillows, emotionally and physically spent.
Over the next week, my mates work constantly to stabilize the Destiny Packs and lone wolf packs in the power vacuum left by Teller's demise. Fortunately, most are relieved to have the cruel general gone, and the process is peaceful.
Once the packs are secured, my mates finally return to me for good. I run into Thale's arms, breathing in the earthy comfort of his scent. He holds me close, big hand stroking my hair.
"All is well, dear heart. The packs are calm and our borders strong." His pale eyes shine with quiet joy. "We have won, for now."
