Chapter 46- The Army Rises

After a night of food, drink, laughter, and unrestrained celebration, the castle rose with the sun. Excitement thrummed through every stone and shimmered in the morning mist.

Rhiannan and the royal council had barely slept, their minds buzzing with names, ranks, and responsibilities. It was time to announce the chosen few.

LIVE on FaeNet:

Rhiannan stood on the castle's highest balcony, a golden glow behind her as morning rays danced over her goddess touched skin. Azarion stood behind her, hand on her hip, while Sasha hovered just above, broadcasting her words to every corner of the kingdom.

"My people," Rhiannan called, her voice both soft and unshakable. "After three days of blood, grit, and brilliance, we have our army."

A roar of cheers from the barracks, the villages, and the FaeNet chat.

"Our new General will be THORNE!! fierce vampire, loyal to his goddess, bonded to both water and earth. May his command lead us into glory."

Crowds screamed. Cameras cut to Thorne, standing beside his two mates, shirtless and smirking.

"Our Warden, second in command and master of strategy, will be MASAILA, the feral dryad reborn in earth and fury."

Masaila gave a solemn nod, one hand on her axe, one wrapped protectively around Thorne's waist.

"And we've created a new role, because she's too damn powerful not to. Officer Master, third in command, the binding force between officers and leadership, will be LERENYA, our wild water nymph who anchored them both."

Lerenya blew a kiss at the crowd, her laughter ringing like silver bells.

Officer Announcements (All Tier Three Command, Squad Leaders):

Battle Captains (Frontline Commanders):

1. Dravik Stormbreaker

2. Nyelva Ironroot

3. Kaen Bloodhowl

4. Sirena Wraithwind

5. Jaxar Hollowvein

6. Thalia Direthorn

7. Brunnak Sandclash

8. Vireya Dawnspark

9. Halric Stonebrand

10. Keera Moonbriar

Spellcasters (Magic Corps Command):

1. Vaelor Umbracrest

2. Myndira Spellshade

3. Tenzen Pyrelock

4. Ivria Glimmergrove

5. Rhazek Bonechant

6. Lyssa Starwell

7. Edrion Voidflare

8. Callix Emberline

9. Ziraen Thorncloak

10. Fauren Mistquill

Healer Commanders (Medical Lead):

1. Elayen Vinestride

2. Thornik Marrowbrook

3. Sayra Ashhale

4. Brenin Chillflare

5. Yalinda Glowthorn

6. Morvak Rootmantle

7. Telaen Sunbrooke

8. Zeena Dawnlight

9. Korren Bristlefern

10. Nymra Froststream

Tacticians (Strategy & Defense):

1. Varric Runeveil

2. Miraan Flintforge

3. Delora Windlace

4. Garrus Greenthorn

5. Taela Duskshard

6. Obryn Smokeskull

7. Linveria Steelgleam

8. Jharlax Dreadspire

9. Velis Featherbloom

10. Xarek Brightshard

Scout Commanders (Spies & Recon):

1. Tiven Whisperhollow

2. Asha Fangveil

3. Crix Emberdash

4. Nira Moonskein

5. Zellin Blackthorn

6. Faelra Driftshadow

7. Borrik Swiftfang

8. Taliah Starveil

9. Enzo Ashpad

10. Marnyx Hollowfall

Quartermasters (Supplies & Logistics):

1. Jhorra Twineweave

2. Grethin Coalroot

3. Evelyne Starbuckle

4. Brovik Shardhelm

5. Cyra Goldgleam

6. Denrik Oreheart

7. Nyra Tinkthistle

8. Kelros Frostgear

9. Yilli Bronzehook

10. Kassandra Flameleaf

Each of the ten squads now had a full command set and a section of the barracks to call their own. Each officer was granted a private room, extra food rations, weekly massage tokens, and...of course..a monthly gold bonus.

Rhiannan smiled as the castle erupted into chaos and celebration. Her people weren't just building an army.

They were building a fucking legacy.

Tomorrow, their boots would hit the training fields.

But today? They would feast like warriors.

After the fire and steel of Trial Three, Rhiannan's soul begged for stillness.

Her mates didn't wait for her to say it. They simply gathered her up and carried her off to her favorite hidden sanctuary....a crystal clear lake cradled by glittering stone boulders that shimmered like moonlight.

Magical creatures stirred as she arrived, her fox, her pigeon, the chittering ferret with the crooked ear, and creatures she hadn't seen in weeks, all crawling from the forest to greet her. The trees seemed to hum. The wind carried only peace.

Rhiannan sighed as her feet touched the water. "This. This is what I needed."

Her bump was huge now, round and radiant, and she waddled like a goddess on the warpath. Azarion laughed as he swept her into the water, letting her float while Elisha and Sable cleared rocks and summoned a floating table full of fruit, juice, and snacks.

Liam rubbed lotion into her feet while muttering about how unfair it was that dragon spawn had to incubate for so long. Kaleb and Arwen argued over who was best at back massages.

She didn't care who won.

For once, she let go.

For an afternoon, she wasn't a queen or a goddess or a war leader. She was just a woman being loved by her people.

Elisha spoke softly with the others, proudly announcing that village three was well underway. Like Emberreach and Moonhollow before it, this new village would house 5,000 souls easily, and their lands stretched far enough to eventually double that. They had noble quarters, the barracks, the sanctuary, and all the space they could ever dream to fill with rescued people.

Rhiannan's heart swelled.

Above them, the clouds parted, and sunlight streamed through. The goddess was smiling.

And so was she.