The Matchmaker - The Arrax Saga Book 1 Chapter 156

The rest of the day passed in a steady rhythm. After briefing the rest of the group, Saphira and Nikolas joined the others for dinner in the hall. The long wooden tables were quieter than usual, the clink of cutlery and low murmurs filling the space where laughter once lived. No one joked. No one lingered. But no one faltered either.

Saphira sat beside Nikolas, her gaze drifting across the room. Amara gently rubbed her stomach, her other hand resting on Finn’s. He leaned in, whispering something that made her nod, her shoulders relaxing just slightly. Raven flipped through her notes even as she ate, her fingers stained with ink and herbs. Zafira and Anastasia sat close, speaking in low tones, their postures straight, their eyes clear.

*They’re holding steady,* Saphira thought. *Waiting. Bracing.*

By nightfall, the patrols returned with nothing new. No movement from the Silvermoon pack. The barrier held. The silence stretched, taut and unnerving.

Morning arrived with a pale sky and a restless wind that tugged at the curtains. Saphira and Nikolas moved through the pack house again, checking in with each group. The tension had settled into routine.

Amara had transformed the dining hall into a triage space. One half was lined with blankets, herbs, and medical supplies; the other stocked with food and drink. Volunteers moved quietly between stations, organizing shifts and preparing for the worst. Saphira paused at the doorway, watching Amara give instructions with calm authority. *She’s found her place in this.*

Later, Anastasia and Zafira shifted again, this time with only Asher present. Saphira watched from a distance, arms folded, heart tight with pride. There was no panic. No resistance. Just control. Grace. Strength.

Everyone else trained where they could, slipping between drills and patrols, sharpening blades and spells. The pack was humming with readiness, like a bowstring pulled taut.

By late afternoon, the office filled again. The fire was lit, casting a golden glow across tense faces. Saphira stood near the hearth, arms folded, her gaze sweeping the room.

“They’re still there,” Jed said, voice low. “No movement. No retreat.”

Nikolas glanced at Saphira, then at the others. “Then we make the move.”

Raven nodded, her expression unreadable. “We stick to the plan. Tonight.”

Saphira stepped forward, her voice clear. “Everyone who can fight, out front by sundown. Be ready. No hesitation.”

One by one, they agreed. Quiet nods. Firm gazes. Then they parted, each heading to prepare.

Back in their room, the light was dim, the air thick with anticipation. Saphira stood near the mirror, fastening the last clasp on her armour. Her fingers trembled slightly, but her breath was steady. She caught her own reflection. *This is who I’ve become. Who I need to be.*

Nikolas came up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist, his forehead resting against the back of her neck. His warmth steadied her.

“Trust Vaelora,” he murmured. “She’s more than enough. And if you need backup, mind-link me. I can’t risk losing you tonight.”

Saphira turned in his arms, her hands resting on his chest. His heartbeat was strong beneath her palms. “I promise. But you have to do the same. I need you to come back to me.”

He nodded, eyes dark and fierce. “I will.”

She leaned in, their foreheads touching, breath mingling. “I love you.”

“I love you,” he whispered back. “This is the first step. Taking down the Elders. The matchmaker. Starting our life.”

Saphira closed her eyes, letting the moment settle into her bones. *Whatever happens tonight… we face it together.*

The sun dipped low behind the trees, casting long shadows across the clearing in front of the pack house. The air was cool, but charged, every breath felt heavier, every heartbeat louder. Saphira stood beside Nikolas, her armour catching the last light of day, her gaze sweeping across the gathered crowd.

Wolves stood shoulder to shoulder, claws flexing, eyes sharp. Vampires leaned in silence, their movements precise, their expressions unreadable. Witches clutched their spellbooks and charms, murmuring softly. Dragons, in human form, stood tall and still, their power coiled beneath their skin.

Nikolas stepped forward, his presence commanding. The murmurs faded. All eyes turned to him.

“We’ve always been a peaceful pack,” he began, voice steady and strong. “We’ve taken in those who needed sanctuary. A home. A fresh start. We don’t judge based on species, bloodline, or past. We judge by heart.”

Saphira watched him, her chest tightening. *He speaks like the earth itself listens.*

“But now,” he continued, “Silvermoon are here. And they are a threat. After what happened with the Elders, after Zafira and I were taken, after what they tried to do to us… that will not happen again.”

His voice rose, fierce and resolute. “No one in this pack will be taken. Not while I breathe. This is our home. And we will protect it, and everyone in it, with everything we have.”

A roar of cheers erupted. Fists raised. Wings flared. Magic sparked in the air. Saphira felt it ripple through her.

She glanced around, catching the way Asher looked at Zafira with quiet devotion, how Finn stood tall beside Anastasia, how Raven’s eyes gleamed with purpose. *They believe in him. They trust him. He was born for this.*

She missed the last part of his speech, lost in the swell of emotion, but caught the final words as his voice cut through the crowd.

“Let’s go.”

The pack moved in sync, just as they’d trained. No chaos. No hesitation. Saphira fell into step beside Nikolas, her heart pounding, her senses sharp.

They moved through the forest, shadows cloaking their path. Branches whispered overhead. The scent of Silvermoon lingered on the wind—close now.

They kept low, quiet. Every footstep deliberate. When they reached the perimeter, the groups split, fanning out to surround the Silvermoon camp. Saphira crouched behind a thicket, her breath shallow, her eyes locked on the clearing ahead.

Raven’s instructions echoed in her mind: *Once the witch is immobilised, and Lupus and Cassandra are bound, I’ll send the signal. Then we strike.*

The minutes stretched. Saphira’s muscles ached from stillness. Her dragon stirred beneath her skin, restless. *Come on, Raven. We’re ready.*

Then a blue flame burst into the sky, wide and brilliant, illuminating the treetops. It hovered for a heartbeat, then exploded outward in a shimmering ring.

Nikolas reached for her hand, his grip firm. “Let’s do this.”

Saphira nodded, her voice a whisper. “Together.”

And they surged forward, side by side, as the pack descended in perfect unison.