The burden of truth

**Dimitri**

The sun had barely risen on the horizon when I began to feel the weight of the recent revelations more deeply. The decision to expel Haizel was necessary, but the truth about Antonia was an open wound I didn't know how to heal. The fact that she wasn't my biological daughter didn't change what I felt for her, but Haizel's betrayal and Lucian's manipulations cast a shadow over everything.

I was in my office, the morning light filtering softly through the curtains, when Leonardo entered, his expression serious. He carried an air of urgency with him, which only served to heighten the tension already hanging in the air.

“Dimitri, we have a problem,” he began, closing the door behind him. “One of the scouts reported unusual activity on the western border. It seems Lucian’s allies are on the move.”

I stood up, my mind immediately snapping back to the present, to the threat that still loomed over us. “How many?”

“We don’t have exact numbers yet,” Leonardo replied, his voice filled with concern. “But it’s enough to cause problems if we don’t act quickly.”

The news of a possible movement by Lucian’s allies wasn’t entirely unexpected, but the timing couldn’t have been worse. We were preparing to strike, to take the war to Lucian, but if he was moving ahead, it meant he still had resources, still had the strength to confront us.

“We need to move quickly,” I decided, my voice firm despite the whirlwind of thoughts swirling in my mind. “Gather the best warriors. I want to be ready to leave within the hour.”

Leonardo nodded but hesitated for a moment before continuing. “Dimitri… what are we going to do about Antonia? She’s an important part of all this. Do you really trust that we can protect everyone without leaving any gaps?”

The mention of Antonia brought back the sharp pain I was trying to suppress. My mind was torn between my duty as Alpha and my role as a father. I knew we needed to protect the pack, but I also knew I needed to ensure Antonia’s safety now more than ever.

“She’ll be protected,” I said, my voice softer. “I want her to stay in the mansion, under constant watch. We can’t take any risks, Leonardo. Lucian can’t use her against us.”

Leonardo nodded again, understanding the gravity of the situation. “I’ll make the necessary preparations. I’ll assign our best wolves to ensure nothing happens to her.”

As Leonardo left to carry out his orders, I was left alone with my thoughts for a moment. The truth about Antonia was like a thorn lodged in my heart, but I couldn’t let it distract me from my main objective. Lucian needed to be stopped, and I would do whatever it took to ensure he didn’t get another chance to destroy us.

I turned to the window, watching the sun begin to rise on the horizon. The morning light brought with it the promise of a new day but also the threat of a new battle. I knew there was no choice but to face what was coming with all the strength and determination I had left.

Shortly after, the main hall was buzzing with activity. The pack’s warriors were preparing for battle, their expressions reflecting the tension and anticipation of what was to come. I could feel the energy in the air, a mix of fear and determination hovering over all of us.

“We’re ready to leave,” Leonardo announced, approaching me. He was equipped and ready for battle, like everyone else. “The patrols are on high alert, and Antonia is safe in the mansion, under the guard of our best.”

I nodded, feeling the determination solidify within me. “Let’s end this, Leonardo. It’s time to take the fight to Lucian and put an end to this threat once and for all.”

The warriors around us were ready, waiting only for my order to move out. I observed them for a moment, feeling the weight of responsibility on my shoulders. I knew many of them were counting on me to lead them, to protect them, and I couldn’t fail.

“Pack!” I called, my voice echoing through the hall. “Today, we fight for our survival, for our freedom! Lucian tried to destroy us from within, but we won’t let him win. We’ll fight with everything we have, and we’ll show him that our unity is stronger than any betrayal!”

The hall filled with roars of approval, the collective energy growing with each moment. I knew I was about to lead my wolves into one of the toughest battles of our lives, but I felt their strength by my side, the certainty that we weren’t alone in this fight.

“Let’s go!” I commanded, turning on my heel and leading the way out of the hall, my warriors right behind me.

As we marched toward the impending battle, my heart was torn between the pain of betrayal and the need to protect those I loved. But one thing was certain: I would fight to my last breath to ensure the safety of the pack and Antonia, no matter what it took.

But before we could advance, a sharp howl pierced the air, interrupting our march. The sound was an alarm, a call for emergency. My blood ran cold for a moment, and before I could react, one of the scouts came running toward us, desperation etched in his eyes.

“Alpha, they’re already here! Lucian’s allies… they’ve started the attack on the western border!”

The shock of the news reverberated through me, but it was quickly replaced by a fierce wave of determination. Lucian had moved ahead, but that only meant we would have to be even faster and more ruthless.

“Everyone to the western border, now!” I roared, the authority and urgency in my voice galvanizing my wolves into action. “Defend our territory with everything you’ve got!”

Without further hesitation, I charged ahead, leading the way. The thundering of our footsteps echoed through the ground as the battle we were about to face began to unfold in the distance. The sounds of combat already reached our ears, a promise that the confrontation would be brutal.

War had arrived at our doorstep, and I would fight until the end.