Long after Marian had been removed, there was still a tense silence throughout the castle. Even though one traitor had been exposed, Leah still got the uneasy feeling that something much worse was on the horizon. She kept thinking about Marian's final words: It's too late.
In his chambers, Jacob stood close to the fireplace and gazed into the flames. His voice was tight with frustration as he whispered, "She knew something we don't."
Leah crossed her arms and sat on the edge of the big oak desk. She wasn't telling lies. Whatever Gwen has in store is already underway.
Samuel came in, his face serious. Marian declines to elaborate. She never wavers in her loyalty.
Jacob made a quick spin. "Therefore, we have no time to waste."
They were interrupted by a knock on the door. A young scout came in panting. "Alpha, movement is occurring outside the northern boundary. We saw a gang moving in under the shadow of the night.
Jacob and Leah and Samuel looked at each other. "How many?"
"A minimum of two dozen. They move like skilled fighters.
Leah felt sick to her stomach. "The forces of Gwen."
Samuel's hand went to his sword's hilt. "Then, at last, she's taking action."
Jacob straightened, a determined expression on his face. At the border, we meet them. They won't discover us unprepared if they have come for war.
The palace came alive with activity. With their armor shining in the torchlight, warriors assembled in the courtyard. Jacob led the way, giving commands, and Leah walked between them, reassuring them. Despite betrayals, the pack refused to give up.
Leah couldn't get rid of the uneasiness that was wriggling in her stomach as they rode toward the northern border. This was no ordinary skirmish. The last game was this.
They saw Gwen's warriors standing in line as they emerged onto the ridge overlooking the valley, despite the dense shadows in the forest. And Gwen herself stood in the middle, dressed in dark armor.
Jacob tightened his hold on his reins. "Tonight is the last day."
Grinning, Gwen took a step forward. "Jacob, you ought to have killed me when you had the chance."
As the first swords were pulled, Leah felt her heart pound in her ears. The last fight was under way.