"Commander, we've finished the bait."
"What about the talismans?"
"Commander, they are ready as well."
"Alright then. Put a talisman on every single puppet."
"Yes, Commander!"
"It's almost time."
The sun was setting, and everyone was busy with their preparations.
The Artemis brothers were discussing strategies that would help them in the upcoming attack. Dereus was doing the same with his men, planning aerial maneuvers, while the witches debated which spells would work best against their opponents. Her three troublemakers were with the dragons near their father, also deep in discussion.
"They grew up too fast…"
"Where are you looking so absentmindedly?" Claus's beta asked Celea.
"Sebastian? That's unexpected."
"It is, isn't it?"
"Did you hurt your head, perhaps?"
"Sigh You really can't let go of that sarcastic side of yours, can you?"
"What are you talking about? Of course I can. I'm sure you saw it too—what happens when I'm completely serious."
That was true. Sebastian had seen it a few times, but the scariest was yesterday when he watched her fight her enemies, and again today at the meeting. She had put those alphas firmly in their place.
"That's also true," Sebastian said.
"Hey… so you should be careful when fighting all the intruders by yourself."
Celea looked at him, her lips forming a thin line as she covered her mouth with her fingertips, eyes sparkling with mischief.
"Oh my, I didn't know you were worried, Sebastian."
Sebastian blushed and turned his head away.
"I'll go now," he said, starting to walk away.
"You too, Sebastian. Take care."
He stopped midway and turned his upper body back toward her.
"I will do so, Luna," he said before walking away.
Is this the first time he called me that? Celea thought. I think I've been acknowledged. He's so cute acting all tough.
"Alright, everyone, it's time to put the plan into action!"
The sky had grown dark—meaning the enemy was close and ready to attack.
"Salma, did you get it?"
"Yes, Commander. I brought two capes to cover our scent."
"Perfect." Celea took one and put it on while Salma did the same.
"Alright, people, let's move!"
"LET'S GO!" the army shouted as they started moving.
Amid the chaos, Claus walked over to Celea, wrapped an arm around her waist, and pulled her into a kiss. It wasn't the first time he had kissed her without warning—but this one was shocking.
"Well, that was unexpected," Celea said as Claus smiled and kissed her forehead.
"Take care, Celea."
She smiled softly. "You too, Lycan."
Claus turned and went to lead the army.
Celea and Salma were now sitting in a tree, watching the intruders infiltrate the tents—completely unaware of what awaited them.
Celea leapt down. With a swift motion, the wind intensified, forcing the intruders deeper into the tents. Another movement sealed the exits with walls of earth, and with one final gesture, the tents collapsed back into the ground.
The intruders were buried alive in under thirty seconds.
Salma stared at her in complete disbelief and fear.
"Alright. Get me to the battlefield."
Salma hesitated, still shaken, but quickly composed herself and jumped down.
"Yes, Commander."
"What the hell happened? Weren't we supposed to surprise them? Why is it the other way around?" a vampire asked the devil as they watched the opposing forces attack.
"Hahaha… oh dear. It seems I really underestimated my daughter. Looks like she inherited my mischievous side."
The vampire shuddered at the devil's laughter.
"Your daughter? Who is that?"
"Don't worry, old friend. You'll see her soon enough. She won't miss this—even if it costs her life."
"Ugh, I feel like throwing up. Why is transportation such a troublesome way to travel?"
"Uh… sorry, Commander."
"Why did you chicken out all of a sudden?" Celea asked, noticing Salma's worry.
Salma looked down, avoiding eye contact.
"Okay…" Celea muttered, confused.
ROAR.
Celea looked up at the sound. Dragons—her dragons. Draco, Azar, Kai, and Dereus flew in formation, breathing fire over the battlefield. Below them, the lycans attacked in their true forms. The three Artemis brothers were the largest among them, their black fur and red eyes making them impossible to miss.
The witches struck from the sides, careful not to be burned by dragon fire or caught by the lycans amid the chaos.
"They're doing great, I must say," Celea said.
"I agree," Salma replied.
Celea felt someone watching her. She turned and found the culprit—her father. He was smiling.
She smiled back.
"Looks like we're finally getting some father-daughter time," she said, knowing he could hear her.