Chapter 64 Luka
LUKA
The orange tint of the sun poked its way through the horizon, over the dark silhouettes of the trees.
This was it. Our last moments before—no matter what, nothing would be the same after today, whether we won this war or not.
People would die. We’d see things—we’d be changed whether we wanted to or not.
Lennox’s silhouette was outlined in the early rays of the sun as she stared out into the horizon. Her blonde braid fell down her back, the light color bright against her dark leathers. She was armed to the teeth—we both were. Two swords strapped to our backs, our sheaths filled with daggers.
No matter what happened, I was thankful for the time we got together. No matter how short.
I wouldn’t change a second of it.
Everything that led us to this path was part of our story. Even the hard parts—I wouldn’t trade her fucking stabbing me after we met. It was all a part of our journey—a part of us.
“What are you thinking about?” Her voice drew me from lingering thoughts.
“Of us, of our story. That I wouldn’t change a thing.”
She smiled softly. “Me either.”
I drew her into my arms. “Really, you wouldn’t change any of it?”
“Not a moment. It all led me to you. Even if we die on that battlefield, I’ll die knowing I got to die with you by my side. My love, my mate.”
“We’ll go down swinging together.”
“Until the stars turn to dust, Luka Rossi.”
“Until the stars turn to dust, Lennox Adair.”
“People of Lethenia,” Lennox’s voice rang out over the field, their gaze fixed solely on Lennox, on their High Queen.
Her army looked up to her.
Even if I was her mate, her High King, her equal, this army was hers. Lethenia belonged to her. It was hers and I was happy to get the opportunity to stand alongside her.
To support her in this battle. In life.
“Today, we march into battle. Into the unknown. I know, just as you do, no amount of training and preparation can truly prepare us for the fight ahead of us. I lead you into battle as your leader, as your High Queen. Alongside my High King, my mate.” She reached out her hand; I intertwined her fingers with mine and squeezed.
“We are forever grateful to your commitment to our cause—to ensure the future of Lethenia—to safeguard our people—no matter who they are.” I let my voice carry out into the crowd.
Murmurs rang out in the crowd before Lennox continued. “We will take down the Vanir, the Panateia, and Adreona! We will ensure the safety of vampires—securing a future for Lethenia where all people live in safety and peace. Today, we fight for Lethenia!”
My sword whined as I withdrew it, holding it high as the sounds of the crowd turned into a roaring thrum.
There was no turning back now.