Chapter 26 Onyi's POV
I sat on the couch, trying to put on a brave face as Amanda came back from her meeting with the Alpha King. But inside, I was reeling with emotions. I knew why the king had summoned her, and it wasn't just a coincidence that she was being sent away.
The king wanted to carry out his plans, to invade the Temple of the Black Witches, and he knew that Amanda's presence would only hinder his progress. So, he was sending her away, to the Red Wolf pack, under the guise of stabilizing the pack after the rogue vampire attack.
I felt a pang of sadness as Amanda told me about her departure. I would miss her, miss her warmth, her laughter, and her presence. But I knew why she had to go, and I couldn't tell her the truth.
As she hugged me tightly, I felt a lump form in my throat. I didn't want her to go, didn't want to be apart from her. But I knew it was necessary, for the king's plan to work. If I tell her she won't leave.
I nestled into her neck, feeling her warm breath on my skin. I wanted to tell her, to tell her everything. To tell her about the king's plan, about the temple, about my doubts and fears. But I couldn't. I was trapped, trapped in this web of deceit and intrigue.
As I held her close, I felt a sense of desperation wash over me. I didn't want to lose her, didn't want to lose the connection we shared. But I knew that I had to push forward, for the king's sake, for the sake of having her forever.
Amanda's departure would give me the freedom to join carry the king's plan, to invade the temple and retrieve the ancient artifacts. But it would also mean that I would be alone, without her guidance, without her support.
I felt a pang of guilt, knowing that I was using her departure to further my own goals. But I pushed the feeling aside, telling myself that it was necessary. That the end justified the means.
As Amanda held me close, I knew that I would miss her, miss her dearly. But I also knew that I had to be strong, for her sake, for our sake. I must join the king's plan, and I would make sure that she was safe, no matter what.
The thought of being apart from her was daunting, but I knew that I had to do this. For the king, for the pack, and for our future. I would do whatever it took to make sure that we succeeded, even if it meant sacrificing myself.