In the days that followed, the Delacroix family and the Sinclairs intensified their preparations. Messages were sent, spies were dispatched, and training sessions grew more rigorous. The tension in the air was palpable, an undercurrent that electrified their every move.
But amidst the chaos, Natalia felt the stirrings of doubt creeping in. While she practiced her spells and trained with Maximilian, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was amiss.
One evening, as she prepared for bed, she caught sight of a shadow flickering outside her window. Intrigued, she crept closer, peering through the glass.
To her surprise, she saw Elara standing in the moonlight, her silhouette illuminated by the glow of the silver orb. Without a second thought, Natalia opened the window. “Elara? What are you doing here?”
Elara stepped closer, her expression serious. “I came to discuss something important. I’ve been hearing whispers of discontent among some members of my family. They’re not all keen on this alliance.”
Natalia frowned. “What do you mean?”
“I overheard my father speaking with some of the advisers. There are doubts about the Delacroixs’ strength and whether it’s wise to ally with you. Some believe it might weaken our position,” Elara explained, her voice urgent.
---
Natalia felt a knot tighten in her stomach. “They can’t be serious! We’re facing a common enemy. We need to stand together, not apart.”
“I know,” Elara replied, her frustration evident. “But there’s always politics at play, and some of my family are loyal to the Ashbournes. They think a betrayal would serve their interests better.”
“Then we need to act fast,” Natalia said, determination settling in her chest. “If they’re planning to undermine our alliance, we can’t let them. We have to convince your family of the Ashbournes’ true intentions.”
Elara nodded, her eyes shining with resolve. “I’ll do whatever it takes. I believe in our cause, and I trust you. Together, we can make them see reason.”
---
As the two girls devised a plan to approach Elara’s family, Natalia felt a renewed sense of hope. She wasn’t alone in this fight; she had allies who understood the stakes and were willing to stand beside her.
The next day, the atmosphere in the Delacroix estate was charged with anticipation as they awaited news from their spies. Magnus gathered everyone in the grand hall, his expression grave.
“Reports have come in from our informants,” he began, pacing the floor. “The Ashbournes are planning a major move—an attack on our estate during the next full moon.”
Gasps echoed through the hall as panic spread among the gathered family. “They’re trying to catch us off guard,” Damon said, his youthful enthusiasm replaced with fear. “What do we do?”
“We prepare,” Magnus commanded, his voice firm. “We will fortify our defenses and ensure that we are ready for whatever they throw at us.”
---
Elara stood beside Natalia, her expression serious. “We must gather everyone—our families, our allies—and make a united front. If they see our strength, they might think twice.”
“Agreed,” Natalia replied, her mind racing with thoughts of how to organize everyone effectively. “We can’t let them divide us.”
The preparations within the Delacroix estate reached a fever pitch. Every soldier, servant, and ally within the estate knew the weight of the coming battle. The full moon would rise in three nights, and with it, the Ashbournes’ attempt to destroy everything Natalia had worked to rebuild.
Maximilian pulled Natalia aside in a quiet corridor, concern etched on his face. “Are you ready for this?” he asked, his voice low but filled with resolve.
Natalia nodded, though anxiety churned in her chest. “I have to be. There’s no room for failure now.”
Maximilian gently touched her hand, his warm gaze meeting hers. “I won’t let anything happen to you, Natalia. If they think they can take you away from me—” His jaw tightened. “They’ll regret it.”
“Max,” Natalia whispered, squeezing his hand. “I can’t do this without you.”
“You won’t have to,” he promised, the fire in his eyes burning bright. “Whatever happens, I’ll be by your side.”
---
The following day, as tension mounted, Elara returned to Natalia with troubling news. “My father’s advisers are pushing for neutrality. They’re arguing that we should stand back and let the Delacroixs and Ashbournes weaken each other.”
Natalia’s heart sank. “We don’t have time for this! If your family hesitates now, the Ashbournes will crush us before they realize their mistake.”
“I’m not giving up,” Elara said firmly. “I’ve managed to sway some of my father’s allies, but it’s not enough. We’ll need to make a show of strength to convince the rest.”
A plan began forming in Natalia’s mind—one that could force the Sinclairs’ hand. “Then we’ll give them a reason to stand with us,” Natalia declared. “If we can expose the Ashbournes’ treachery, your family won’t dare side with them.”
---
The moonlit night before the attack, Natalia and Maximilian rode to the Sinclair estate under cover of darkness. They brought a small force of trusted guards, prepared for anything. Elara had arranged a private meeting with her father, but Natalia knew that time was against them. If they failed to convince the Sinclairs tonight, everything would unravel.
They were ushered into a grand parlor, where Lord Sinclair awaited them with a cautious expression. “This is a bold move, coming here unannounced,” he said, his sharp eyes flickering between Natalia and Maximilian.
Natalia stepped forward without hesitation. “There’s no time for subtlety, Lord Sinclair. The Ashbournes are planning to strike during the full moon. If you stand aside now, they will destroy us—and once they’re done with the Delacroixs, they’ll come for you.”
Lord Sinclair’s expression darkened, but before he could respond, a voice interrupted from the shadows.
“Or perhaps,” Cassandra Ashbourne purred as she emerged from the corner, “the Sinclairs are merely being pragmatic. Why should they ally with a sinking ship?”
Natalia’s heart froze. Cassandra had anticipated their move—and now she was here, ready to twist the situation to her advantage.
---
Maximilian’s hand shifted to the hilt of his sword, his eyes locked on Cassandra. “Say another word, and I’ll end you right here.”
Cassandra only smiled, radiating confidence. “You’re as hot-headed as ever, Maximilian. But violence won’t solve your problems tonight.”
Natalia fought to keep her composure, her mind racing for a way out. “Lord Sinclair, if you side with Cassandra now, you’ll be dooming your family. The Ashbournes don’t form alliances—they only manipulate and betray.”
Cassandra chuckled. “Is that what you think, darling? How quaint. But the truth is, alliances are only as strong as the power they offer. And right now, the Ashbournes are stronger than the Delacroixs.”
Elara stepped forward, her voice steady but defiant. “Father, you know what they’re saying is true. The Ashbournes will never honor their promises. If we don’t stand with the Delacroixs now, we’ll be next on their list.”
Lord Sinclair glanced between his daughter and Cassandra, uncertainty flickering in his eyes. It was a moment of hesitation—but Natalia knew that hesitation could cost them everything.
---
With every second that passed, the weight of the moment pressed down on Natalia. Then, an idea sparked—a risky gambit, but their only chance.
“Cassandra,” Natalia said, her voice calm and deliberate, “you’ve made one mistake. You assumed we came here without knowing your secrets.”
Cassandra’s smile faltered ever so slightly.
“You’ve been in contact with your spies within the Sinclair estate, haven’t you?” Natalia continued. “You planned this little ambush tonight, hoping to force the Sinclairs into submission.”
Maximilian picked up on Natalia’s strategy and added, “The moment you step outside this room, Cassandra, our men will intercept your messengers. We already know who they are.”
Cassandra’s confident facade wavered, a flicker of doubt crossing her face.
Natalia pressed her advantage. “If you leave now, we’ll let you go. But if you stay and continue this charade, I’ll make sure your betrayal becomes public knowledge. The entire realm will know that the Ashbournes are nothing but snakes.”
---
For a moment, silence stretched across the room. Then, with a sharp glare, Cassandra turned on her heel. “This isn’t over,” she hissed, storming out of the parlor.
As the door slammed shut behind her, Lord Sinclair let out a long breath. “That was… unexpected.”
Natalia smiled, though her heart was still pounding. “You see now, Lord Sinclair? The Ashbournes can’t be trusted.”
Elara stepped beside her father, her expression unwavering. “We need to stand with the Delacroixs. It’s the only way.”
Lord Sinclair hesitated for a moment longer, then gave a slow nod. “Very well. The Sinclairs will stand with you.”
---
Relief flooded Natalia’s chest, but there was no time to celebrate. They had won the Sinclairs' support, but the real battle was only beginning.
As Natalia and Maximilian rode back to the Delacroix estate under the night sky, she glanced at Maximilian, who rode beside her with a quiet, reassuring presence.
“We did it,” she whispered.
Maximilian gave her a small, knowing smile. “One victory down. Now we just have to survive the full moon.”
Natalia nodded, her heart steady. She knew the road ahead would be filled with danger—but with allies like Elara and Maximilian by her side, she was ready for whatever came next.