~Kaida Orion POV~
Council members murmur in agreement. This mission won't be easy...but we must act.
Biat and guard teams gather tools, lanterns, ward salt, shovels, machetes, and prepare to dig up sections of orchard and grove. Moon Priest lays warded chalk lines along the grounds.
I stand next to Lupus, as we hand out moon-silver spikes to guardians for ward reinforcement.
A young warrior bows: "We won't fail, Lady."
I offer a shaky smile. "Thank you, be safe."
Lupus squeezes my shoulder. "We'll do this together."
That afternoon, we take a moment in the garden, lights between trees sway softly.
I lean against Lupus's chest. "I feel tired, and afraid."
He kneels and draws my hand up to his lips. "Bravery isn't absence of fear, It's action despite it."
Tears well. "I don't want to lose you… or the pack."
He wraps me in his arms. "You won't."
