Rebirth Of The Rejected Luna Chapter 32: The Clash With Rogues

**Theo's POV**

"I'll go with you," Peter said, his voice resolute. "You shouldn't go alone."

"No, Peter," I said, shaking my head. "You need to stay here and supervise. I trust you to manage things while I'm gone. Besides, someone needs to coordinate our defenses and keep the pack safe."

"Theo I-"

"I need you to monitor the groups that the courtiers are in and oversee their affairs," I said. "There is no one capable other than you."

"Amara can—" Peter began but I cut him off.

"Amara is pregnant Peter," I reminded her. "We can't burden her with such news when she will soon be due."

"Fine, but Layla can—"

"I need my sister protected from what's going on Peter," I said to him. "And remember I haven't told her yet. We have not told any of them so that they do not panic. It's the last thing we want."

"I believe they are all mature enough to handle the situation," Peter said with a shrug of his shoulders.

"I don't think they need to burden themselves with what should be our problem."

Peter looked like he wanted to argue, but he knew I was right. He nodded reluctantly. "Then take some soldiers with you. Go through the eastern part of the south border where your father will be passing through. There are fewer rogues there."

"Good idea," I agreed. "I'll take about eight soldiers with me. We'll be safer in a group."

Within the hour, I had assembled a team of our best fighters. They were equipped with the same protective gear I wore, in order to avoid having the burning rash. It was obvious that the soldiers were tense but they could not be as tense as I was because it was my father that we were talking about. We shared the same blood so I could not bear the thought of losing him.

We rode in silence at first, the only sound was the rhythmic pounding of hooves against the dirt path. The landscape around us was bleak and somehow sent shivers up my spine. The greenery on both sides of the path we rode on seemed somehow ominous instead of the usual peace it gave me. I was certain the soldiers were feeling the same way I was. The presence of rogues had tainted the land, and it felt as if the very air was poisoned with their malevolence.

As we approached the border, I could feel the unease settle deeper in my bones. The eastern part of the south border was supposed to be slightly less infested with rogues, but that didn't mean we were safe. We moved cautiously, our senses heightened, scanning the trees for any signs of movement.

The first rogue attacked just as we were crossing a narrow stream. It leapt from the underbrush with a guttural snarl, its eyes glowing with a feral intensity. I barely had time to draw my sword before it was upon me. I swung with all my might, aiming for its neck. The blade connected, and the rogue's head separated from its body with a sickening thud. I quickly assessed my body to be certain that the blood had not penetrated my suit and gotten to my body.

"Stay at alert!" I shouted to my men as more rogues emerged from the trees. They came at us in a frenzy, their movements almost too fast to track. But we were ready. The soldiers fought bravely, their swords and spears cutting through the air with deadly precision.

I caught sight of one rogue lunging at a young soldier named Marcus. With a quick stride, I intercepted, driving my blade into the rogue's chest. It screamed in agony, but it wasn't enough to kill it. With a grimace, I twisted the blade and pulled it out, then struck again, severing its head. The rogue fell, and Marcus gave me a grateful nod.

The battle was intense but brief. We managed to fend off the rogues without sustaining any serious injuries. My heart pounded in my chest, adrenaline coursing through my veins. I glanced around at my men, who were panting and covered in sweat but otherwise unharmed.

"Is everyone alright?" I called out, receiving nods and affirmations in return.

"Let's keep moving," I urged. "We need to get out of this area before more of them show up."

We continued our journey, the terrain became rougher, the path winding through dense woods and rocky hills. The sun began to set, casting long shadows across the landscape.

As night fell, we reached an inn situated on a major travel road. It was a small, rustic building, but it offered shelter and a chance to rest so I had to ignore the environment. We dismounted and led our horses to the stable, then entered the inn. The warmth and light inside were a welcome relief from the darkness outside.

The innkeeper, an elderly woman with kind eyes, came forward. "Hello, gentlemen. What brings you here? How may I help you?"

"We've had some trouble with rogues along the way and need a place to rest and tend to our wounds," I said.

Her eyes widened slightly at the mention of rogues but she nodded understandingly. "Of course. You can stay here for the night. I'll have my daughter bring you some food and drink."

We settled into the common room, removing our gear and tending to minor injuries. The soldiers were weary but in good spirits, relieved to have made it through the day unscathed. We ate in silence.

After the meal, I gathered the men together. "This inn is on a major travel road," I began, "so we need to take turns keeping watch for any sign of the Alpha. We can't afford to miss him if he passes through."

The soldiers nodded in agreement, their expressions resolute. "We'll set up a rotation," Marcus suggested. "Two men on watch at all times, switching every few hours."

"Good idea," I said. "Let's get some rest while we can.”