Suddenly, everyone's eyes were on me as every corner of the training grounds became silent. My heart began to race, and my brain was slowly getting closer to a state of panic. Alpha Draven glanced at me briefly, letting me know that the next move was up to me, but what the hell was I supposed to do?!
"Lilith, think for God's sake!" My mind activated the logical mode. "While they were sent here to join the pack on the battlefield, the vampire army kneels before YOU. If you don't do something quickly, there might be no peace treaty, and you will be forced to choose whether you want to be with the vampires or the werewolves!"
The silence extended, and it forced an awkward smile on my face. I could see Draven clenching his teeth. It didn't look like the Royal Army would acknowledge him as their leader merely because the legions were sent there. I knew that I was going to regret what I was about to do, but I felt as if I had no other choice…
"Thank you…" I spoke and paused.
I suddenly realized that I had no idea how to address Patrick. At that moment, he had earned his position in the Royal Army. I couldn't simply call him Mr. Kim, could I? I glanced at him pleadingly, hoping that he would help me out. Luckily, he responded to my awkward stare.
He slightly covered his mouth and said, while clearing his throat, "Commander."
I smiled at him, "Thank you, Commander Kim." I took a deep breath preparing for my speech, "I am thankful that the Royal Army came to fight alongside the Moon Hill Pack. Let the battles we fight together lead to eternal peace between races."
Patrick grinned at me, and on his mark, the whole legion began rhythmically hitting the ground with their fists, as their sign of loyalty and respect. Just like before, the ground started to vibrate under their strength. It lasted a while until their commander gestured at them to stop, and his eyes landed on me again. I gulped, completely uncertain of what I was supposed to do, yet I knew that I should keep my confidence no matter what.
"Rise, Royal Army!" I called out, trying to think what would Sariel do in this situation.
At my command, more than a hundred soldiers stood up, giving out a celebrational roar. I held my breath until Patrick slightly nodded at me, assuring me that I did well. Inside, I was trembling, but clenching my fist helped me keep a serene and decisive façade. There was one more thing to do… I gritted my teeth and reluctantly moved my hand towards Draven, then manifestly grabbed his palm. Draven gazed at me, surprised, and immediately raised our entangled hands as a sign of union.
With his gesture, warriors from the pack threw their fists in the air, triumphally exclaiming their will to fight together, and once they did, the Royal Army joined them in their unison roar. My heart hammered watching hundreds of throats chanting Alpha Draven and my name. It was the first time I felt like a leader, even though I wasn't sure if I was cut out to be one.
Draven smiled at me, and I could notice gratitude in his eyes. Well, he should be grateful. I think I resolved his problem with leadership over the Royal Army's legions perfectly. I only hoped that he wouldn't think that I had suddenly decided to become his Luna because, at this moment, I was nowhere near accepting him as my so-called "mate."
For once, I was grateful to Draven that he took over as a leader from there. He swiftly shifted everyone's eyes from me to him and led the rest of the ceremony. Thank God, since unlike me, he knew exactly what was supposed to happen next.
Finally, the vampire and wolf warriors were supposed to join in the celebration… which required a lot of food and hectoliters of alcohol. Once Draven announced the party, I used that moment to release my hand from his grip. He frowned at me but instantly changed his expression when he met my glare.
"We'll talk later," I hissed, leaning closer to him, and then walked away from him so I could finally greet Patrick.
Seriously, I was proud of myself once I treated Draven this way. I had him within my grasp for once. I was equally respected by the Royal Army and the warriors from his pack, and he owed me. I couldn't help but grin at my thoughts and gloat, even a little. Draven was left with nothing else but to pretend that there was a great relationship between us while knowing that I held all the aces in this game. I enjoyed crushing that enormous ego of his.
I didn't care what anyone might have thought about it and just rushed towards Patrick and threw my arms around his neck.
"I missed you!" I called out teasingly and watched this respectful commander flush nervously.
His subordinates covered their mouths, hardly restraining themselves from bursting out in laughter. I knew that he felt embarrassed, but still, he didn't push me away, not decisively at least.
"Lilith… please…" he whispered, forming a nervous smile.
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