Forged In The Flames By Karima Sa’ad Usman
Chapter 96 The Much Needed Boost (Nikolas POV)
I had yet to bring myself to send a message to Piotr requesting help.
I did not want to impose, nor did I want him to prove his friendship.
I believe if indeed he planned on helping, he would send me a letter, and the fact that I was yet to receive any from him, I believed it was all talk.
I was impressed with what Ingham and Grant did in Timber.
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The werewolf engineers replicated the weapons we bought and even made exceptional modifications.
We did not know if Fredrick would come with weapons, but if that was the case, we would be ready.
Our blades were galvanised with silver, there were lighter, sharper and easy to wield. Our gun loaded faster and discharged bullets more quickly than the prototype.
We had some grenades too.
Also, special vests were created to stop bullets from piercing our chests. The engineers had outdone themselves, and I was impressed by their work.
“This is impressive,” I said to Ingham, who was standing beside me, and he beamed with joy and bowed his head.
He was the one in charge of the section, and he had done an excellent job.
He would have still been in the Ranks if he had not defied me and treated Aliana disrespectfully simply because he felt he could.
Not wanting to dwell in the past, I moved on.
Qusack and I checked everything and came to the conclusion that we were more than ready for the war. Though Fredrick had the number, we had weapons to even the odds.
I was satisfied with the work and grateful for the team I had gathered over the years. They had been indeed loyal and faithful. I wouldn’t have come far without them; keeping that at the back of my mind, I appreciated them.
When we were having drinks in the night after we were done, I decided to speak to my men. I cleared my throat and looked at them with gratitude.
“Just yesterday, we were running in the wild trying to survive. I met you all at your lowest, and you all knew when I was nothing but a lost prince trying to survive and take back what is rightfully his.
You followed me diligently and were devoted to my cause.
They say Lycans are incapable of Loyalty, but in our case, it is wrong. Your Loyalty has been unwavering, giving me the courage to press on even when it seems there is no road ahead.
I want you all to know that I appreciate all you are doing, and I want to plead with all of you to ensure you do not fall on the battlefield.
The only one that should fall is Fredrick and his followers. I want to sit, party, and drink with all of you when this is over. I want to attend your weddings and meet your children. Promise me that you all will survive,” I said, and Qusack patted my shoulder.
“We want the same promise from you, your majesty,” he said, and with that, we made a toast promising each other that we would grow old and have each other’s back. After the promises, Ingham moved to speak, and I decided to give him the floor.
“I want to start by apologising to you for what I did. It was wrong of me to treat Aliana the way I did, and my time away has helped me to reflect on my flaws. I just want to plead for forgiveness and hope you will give me a chance to apologise to Aliana properly,” he said, and I nodded with a half smile.
“From the moment I called you in and entrusted you with a responsibility, a profound transformation occurred within me. It was a moment of forgiveness, a letting go of any lingering resentment. I am sure that Aliana, too, harbours no grudges. Nevertheless, I encourage you to extend your heartfelt apology to her, which shall bring solace to your troubled heart.
Ingham, I beseech you to understand something of great importance. It is a truth that resonates deeply within me, one that I implore you to embrace wholeheartedly: women, be they werewolves, halfbreeds, or Lycans, deserve the utmost respect. They should never be treated as mere objects of pleasure or amusement. No, they are the essence of our existence, the steady anchor that keeps us grounded amidst life’s tumultuous storms.
They possess an extraordinary capacity to help us forget our troubles, providing us with a compassionate shoulder to lean on. When we find ourselves unable to reveal our vulnerabilities, they graciously offer their unwavering support. They endure our shortcomings and breathe life into us with their boundless joy, love, and laughter. In tending to our humanity, they preserve our sanity and nurture our souls.
These remarkable beings, whether friends, lovers, mothers, sisters, or colleagues, are the pillars of our strength. They deserve our utmost reverence and admiration.
Their unwavering love propels us forward, igniting the fire within our hearts. Their presence is a gift, a constant reminder of their profound impact on our lives. I hope you remember these things and never try to disrespect a woman again,”
As I spoke these words, Ingham nodded, his eyes filled with remorse and shame. And at that moment, I could sense a flicker of understanding awakening within him, as if he glimpsed the magnitude of his actions.
The rest of the night went smoothly. Morning came, and we headed back to Riverhead.
Getting there, we found a messenger from Hill waiting.
I was surprised I wanted to head up and see Aliana first, but I decided to attend to the messenger. He was a werewolf, so I knew he won’t be going back because of the hunters.
We headed to my office, and I was surprised to find Gabriel and Isreal there. They had a map on the table, and I think they were working on something.
Gabriel was sitting in my seat. The moment I entered, he stood up. I did not take offence; instead, I went to see what they were working on. My officers found couches to sit on.
“Good morning, your Majesty,” Gabriel and Isreal greeted me, and I responded.
“What is this?” I asked them.
“The map of Forest. I know you said that you wouldn’t want to fight in Riverhead, so they do destroy the work done. So we are mapping out where the battle might likely occur, and it is here. Greystone valley.
They must pass through here to come to
Riverdale before entering the Oakland Forest and going to any part of the forest they desire. In this case, it will be Riverehead.
We can wait in Riverdale and ambush them in Greystone Valley. Both troops from Hill and Snow will have to converge at Greystone before heading towards us. Unless they go by sea and dock at Woodland’s shore to invade us.
We know they won’t put ships on the water, so they will likely travel on land.
What we are yet to determine is where we will lie in wait.
We have over a thousand five hundred troops. It will be hard to hide them in Riverdale unless we move closer and have some of our troops hide in Oakland Forest, while the Lycans would wait in Riverdale,” Gabriel said, and Grant disagreed. “Why should the Lycans go ahead first,” he asked, sounding defensive, and I had to scold him to speak to the man respectfully. Grant apologised, and Gabriel told him it was okay.
“I am not trying to be partial. But there is quite a distance between Riverdale and Oakland Forest.
Werewolves’ mind link cannot travel that distance, so we won’t be able to notify the people in Oakland Forest if the attack has begun.
But Lycan’s can link further than that. The Lycans will notify those in Riverdale when the battle begins, and the troops will join Riverdale.
The two groups will have roughly five to ten minutes of distance.
It won’t just be Lycans in Riverdale; werewolves will be there too; it will be a mix, but Lycans will have to be more because of the range,” he explained.
With that, it was a brilliant Idea.
I shook his h*and and told him I loved the idea.
He had solved a problem I was trying to figure out.
He was right about Fredrick not using ships.
Snow and Hill did not have large vessels to transport troops. I had used the sea to invade Forest when I was conquering the packs in bits and pieces, and Woodland was the first to fall.
I could do this because I had only fifty men and did not require a large ship.
I went to sit on my chair, ready to read the letter, when Isreal h*anded me another letter that came from the post office. I thought it was an RSVP response until I saw Snow’s seal on it and decided to read it.
King Fredrick Semenov of Snow
Snow Castle
Snow Kingdom
Alpha Nikolas Kowalski of Forest
Forest Kingdom
Dear Alpha Nikolas Kowalski,
I write this letter to you with a heavy heart but an unyielding determination to uphold the laws that bind our kingdoms together. Your recent actions have not gone unnoticed. I write to you today as both a warning and a testament to the consequences that await those who defy me.
You stand accused of defying the Unity Law,
which has kept the delicate balance between our realms intact for years. Your actions have demonstrated a blatant disregard for the harmony we have worked tirelessly to maintain.
Know that such defiance shall not go unanswered.
I, King Fredrick Semenov, swear upon the honour of my lineage that I shall not allow you to witness the day of your Coronation. You will not ascend to the throne with impunity while trampling upon the laws that govern our realms. Your dreams of grandeur and power shall remain just that – mere dreams, forever out of reach.
Prepare yourself; I shall descend upon your lands like an unyielding storm. I shall render your army feeble and your territories lifeless. The consequences of your actions shall be felt with a force that resonates throughout the
Forest Kingdom. Your reign of defiance shall crumble before the might of Snow.
But know this, Nikolas, you will not face my wrath alone. The Hill King, a steadfast ally and defender of the Unity Law, shall join me in bringing you to justice. We shall strip away your ill-gotten power and restore order to the Forest Kingdom.
You may believe that your actions will go unanswered and that you can live free from the consequences of your defiance. I assure you, Alpha Nikolas, this is not the case. You will not live to regret your actions; regret is not for the dead.
Consider this letter both a plea and a final warning. Submit to the might of Snow, acknowledge your wrongdoing, and seek forgiveness. Failure to do so will result in annihilating your ambitions and the irrevocable destruction of all you hold dear.
May you reflect upon your actions and choose the path of reason before it is too late. The choice is yours, Alpha Nikolas, but remember this: defying the unity that binds our kingdoms shall bear consequences that neither time nor remorse can ever erase.
With a heavy heart and unwavering resolve,
King Fredrick Semenov of Snow.”
It read, and I couldn’t help but laugh.
He must have found a way to bully Aleksander to join forces with him. I was hopeful that he would attack because he had now given me the right to defend myself.
I also noticed that he attempted to justify his actions by claiming I had broken the unity Law.
How does taking a crown that belongs to me an act of defiance?
He might think I have toiled only for him to lunch an attack and reap the benefits of my labour, but he is wrong.
This was indeed the beginning of the end for him.
I handed the letter to Qusack, who decided to read it aloud.
Everyone in the room laughed because Fredrick had sounded like a wounded Lion. He would not bother writing me a letter if he had the might he boasted of. He will just attack. Something was wrong with his presumed might. I guess we will find out soon.
I reached for Piotr’s letter and opened it.
“My dearest friend,
I write to you with overwhelming joy and unwavering determination in my heart. I am immensely proud of you, and I want you to know that you have my unwavering support. Though I must admit, I was taken aback by the fact that you kept your intentions hidden from me. However, I firmly believe you had valid reasons for doing so, rooted in a noble purpose.
Recently, Fredrick approached my father, seeking his assistance in attacking you. I am delighted to inform you that my father rejected his plea. Furious, Fredrick has now set his
sights on Hill, vowing to strike after he defeats you. In light of these events, my father has entrusted me with the power to make a decision, and I have come to a resolute conclusion.
I have decided to play a double game, feigning support for Fredrick while gathering critical information about the planned attack. Rest assured, my friend, I will notify you of the exact day of the assault. I shall rally my troops and fight beside you on that fateful day. I have devised a detailed plan to identify the Hill alphas who intend to side with Fredrick. I solemnly swear that they will be rendered inactive when the time comes. This war is not yours alone to bear; it is also mine, for we seek the same thing. It is a battle for our future and happiness; you shall not fight alone.
I want to express my deepest gratitude for your extraordinary bravery. Through your actions, you have provided us with a magnificent opportunity to bring an end to Fredrick’s tyrannical rule. I am optimistic and determined, knowing we can pave the way for a brighter future.
With unyielding joy and the utmost dedication,
Your friend and loyal ally,
Piotr Zielinska”
I folded the letter with a smile on my face. The situation was self-explanatory; Hill and Forest will go for Snow.
I would love to see the look on Fredrick’s face when he realises that Hill is not on his side.
I h*anded the letter to Qusack, and he read it aloud. There was joy in the office, and our confidence was boosted. Knowing that this was final. I moved to do the right thing. I was confident now that my people and I shared the same dream.
Excusing myself from the office. I told Qusack to gather everyone on the assembly ground, Lycans, Halfbreeds and werewolves; all that is within close range should be called. It was time to make my intentions clear.
I rushed to my room and found Aliana lying on the bed. Lisa and Ania were with her, and they greeted me and quickly excused themselves from the room.
Aliana sat up in bed and looked at me with curiosity.
“What is the Occasion, she asked.
“Come here,” I ordered her, and she got off the bed in my shirt with nothing underneath, I presumed, and walked to me.
“Missing me already?” I said, gazing into her eyes.
“It is comfy,” she said, not wanting to admit why she wore my shirt.
I lifted her up without warning and spun her around with immense joy. Aliana laughed at the rush, and when I came to a halt, I could see she was a bit dizzy. I held on to her so she won’t stumble.
“Someone is giddy,” she said, and I bent to k*iss her.
“We will have our dream, Little wolf. We will have our dream,” I said.
I did not know how Piotr1 s silence had bothered me until I got his response. I thought I would be fighting Fredrick alone, but the victory seemed possible with Hill’s support.
“Hill is on our side,” I said, and Aliana squealed with Joy and jumped on me, holding me tightly.
Somehow we had thought that Piotr would chicken out at the last minute and felt all the friendship and support were based on convenience, but he had made it clear. It was real, and it gave us relief.
“Wear something and follow me outside. I want to address our people,” I told Aliana, breaking the k*iss, and she smiled at me. She rushed to the closet and wore trousers, leaving my shirt on, but she tied it in front so it looked fashionable.
We walked out and headed towards the assembly ground. The people were gathered, and they looked different than they used to look when I took over the forest. They looked healthy, well-dressed, confident and free.
Something that seemed like a mere illusion was about to come true for us.
“I am deeply t*ouched by each of you who have gathered here on such short notice. I cannot express enough gratitude for your presence today,” I spoke, my voice filled with emotion, as I held Aliana’s h*and firmly by my side.
“I know that news of the impending war between Forest and Snow has reached your ears, and it is natural to feel fear in the face of uncertainty. However, I implore you all to hold steadfast to your faith and remain undeterred by the rumoured strength of Snow,” I continued, my voice filled with conviction.
“For we possess something that Fredrick does not. We are driven not by selfishness or greed but by love and a yearning for a brighter tomorrow. I stand before you today to fulfil a mission that my father could not accomplish. I am here to liberate my people. Whether you are a Lycan, a halfbreed, or a werewolf, you are all my people, and you deserve to experience freedom,” I declared. A wave of cheers erupted from the crowd. It was as if they had already sensed the purpose behind this battle, realising it wasn’t merely for my ambitions.
“Perhaps some of you may wonder why we fight, and I am willing to share that with you,” I proclaimed, my voice softening with a t*ouch of vulnerability.
“The divine goddess has shown us that we are meant to coexist, that no race is superior to another. My maternal grandmother was a halfbreed. My father was fated to a werewolf and loved her with all his heart until her last breath. And now, I, Nikolas, am fated to be with a werewolf, and my love for her knows no bounds,” I confessed, and a gasp swept through the crowd. Turning to Aliana, I saw shock and tears in her eyes.
“Yes, Little wolf, you were mine from the very moment our eyes met,” I whispered, her voice choked with tears, and streams of emotion flowed down her cheeks.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” she sobbed, tears staining her face.
“I didn’t want our connection to be built solely on fate,” I replied gently, wiping her tears. At that moment, I knew I had much begging to do when we got back inside.
“Yes,” I declared, redirecting my attention to the enthralled crowd before us,
“Aliana Nowak is my destined mate and shall be my queen!” The crowd erupted into thunderous applause and jubilation. The joy emanating from their spirits uplifted my own.
“As we face Fredrick and his Snow Alphas on the battlefield, remember this: Forest is our
home, and we possess the right to be free!” I proclaimed, and the crowd roared with passion.
Tears streamed down some women’s faces, overwhelmed by the significance of this moment. My gaze returned to Aliana, and without hesitation, I pressed my l*ips against hers in a fiery k*iss, a display of our love that I had yearned to share publicly. It was a fleeting moment, as we knew we would have to retreat once again, but it marked the beginning of a new chapter in our lives.