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หน้าหลัก / Werewolf / Shadows & Secrets / Chapter 4 - Off Into the Night

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Chapter 4 - Off Into the Night

ผู้เขียน: B.H. Penleigh
last update ปรับปรุงล่าสุด: 2024-03-04 12:30:28

The moon hung low over the dense forest encircling Mooncrest, its silvery light struggling to pierce the thick canopy of ancient trees. In a secluded clearing, the members of the Order of Spies gathered, their breaths misting in the chill night air. The energy of transformation crackled around them, a primal force that set their blood alight. One by one, they shed their human forms, bones reshaping and fur sprouting in a symphony of power. With a unified howl that reverberated through the wilderness, they surged forward, their wolf forms a blur of strength and agility, driven by a shared mission to unravel the Nightshade Pack’s enigmatic silence.

Alpha Mikhail Silverclaw led the charge, his golden amber coat gleaming like a torch in the moonlight. His massive wolf, a towering symbol of authority, moved with the confidence of countless missions, his amber eyes scanning the darkness for threats. Behind him, the seven operatives followed in tight formation: Beta Elena Moonshadow, her silver and moonlight-yellow fur shimmering with elegance; Gamma Marcus, his midnight blue coat blending into the shadows; Lucas Stonefur, chestnut brown with keen golden eyes; Maya Swiftwind, her silver fur bristling with intensity; Kira Frostfang, pristine white with turquoise eyes; Liam Ironhide, gray fur streaked with silver; and Rylan Darkpaw, his dark brown wolf radiating eagerness. At the heart of the group ran Aurora Wildheart, her jet-black fur and silver eyes marking her as a creature of unparalleled grace, her presence a quiet force among her formidable companions.

“Keep in touch,” Mikhail’s voice rang through the mindlink, a rare gift of the Order’s magic that allowed cross-pack communication. Elena yipped a farewell, her wolf peeling off toward Silver Moon Pack lands to address urgent matters, her silver form vanishing into the underbrush. The remaining seven pressed deeper into the forest, the dense foliage parting beneath their swift paws. The air grew heavier, laced with the scent of pine, damp earth, and an unsettling undercurrent—an acrid, unnatural tang that set Aurora’s instincts ablaze. The forest itself seemed to pulse with a malevolent energy, its shadows lengthening as they neared the Bloodmoon Pack’s territory.

Tall, ancient trees loomed overhead, their gnarled branches twisting like skeletal fingers clawing at the sky. The usual nocturnal chorus—crickets, owls, the rustle of small creatures—had fallen eerily silent, leaving only the rhythmic thud of paws and the whisper of leaves. The moon’s light, usually a guiding beacon, seemed tainted, its glow dimmed by a sinister haze that clung to the landscape. Aurora’s senses, sharper than ever, caught a faint chill, like a shadow passing over her soul. Her wolf’s ears twitched, picking up a low hum, as if the forest were holding its breath, watching, waiting. The sensation stirred memories of her youth in The Emerald Forest Pack, where the elders spoke of spirits bound to the land—some benevolent, others far less so.

“What do you need, Marcus?” Aurora mindlinked, sensing his wolf edging closer, his emerald eyes glinting with curiosity and concern.

“Just wondering if you know more about the Nightshade Pack,” he replied, his tone probing yet light. “Beyond the brief, I mean.”

Aurora sifted through the mission dossier in her mind, her thoughts flickering to Vincent’s cryptic warnings about Nightshade’s unrest. “Only what Lucas shared,” she answered, her voice steady despite the unease coiling in her chest. “Founded by Fenrir Nightshade after a feud with his twin, Faber, over a fated mate. Known for their strength and connection to the land. Why?”

Marcus’s wolf slowed slightly, his gaze fixed on her. “This place feels… wrong. Like it’s hiding something. I thought you might’ve sensed it too.”

She nodded, her silver eyes scanning the darkness. The forest’s oppressive weight pressed against her, amplifying the nagging sense that this mission would test her in ways she couldn’t predict. Her thoughts drifted to Vincent, left behind in Mooncrest, his parting words a quiet vow in her heart. The memory of his touch grounded her, but the growing unease in the air pulled her focus back to the mission. “Lucas, give us the deeper history,” she mindlinked, opening the channel to the group.

Lucas’s chestnut wolf surged to the center, his golden eyes sharp with focus. “The Nightshade Pack is among the oldest, rivaling Silver Moon and Shadowfang in legacy,” he began, his voice clear through the link. “Centuries ago, twin alphas Fenrir and Faber Nightshade were born to lead Shadowfang. Legend says they fell for the same she-wolf, fated to Faber. Heartbroken, Fenrir split off to form Nightshade, carving a vast territory in the wilderness. He was a warrior of unmatched skill, his pack fiercely loyal and tied to the land’s spirits. Their rituals, passed down through generations, draw power from the earth itself, making them formidable. But under Alpha Raven Nightshade, they’ve gone silent—five years of minimal contact, no summits, no alliances. It’s as if they’re hiding something… or protecting it.”

Kira’s turquoise eyes narrowed, her pristine white fur catching the moonlight. “That kind of power breeds enemies. Who’s challenged them?”

“Rival packs, vampire clans, rogue shifters,” Lucas continued. “None could match Nightshade’s ferocity. But in recent years, their communications have dwindled."

“I’ve been digging into their digital footprint", Maya cut in. "Their security is tight, but I’ve found traces of encrypted communications with the Frostbite Pack. Nothing concrete, but it’s odd for a pack in the south to be so focused on northern strategies.”

“Why would Raven care about northern tactics?” Kira asked, her voice tinged with suspicion as the niece of Frostbite’s Alpha. “It feels like a pretext, or they’re hiding something.”

“Exactly,” Maya replied, her silver fur bristling. “Raven’s responses seem disinterested, like she’s maintaining contact for appearances. Their digital footprint’s nearly nonexistent—three years of silence, no social posts, barely any emails.”

Aurora’s heart quickened. The Nightshade Pack’s isolation, combined with the forest’s unnatural energy, pointed to a larger threat. She recalled the brief mention of supernatural disturbances near Bloodmoon—could Nightshade be the source? “This feels bigger than a pack dispute,” she mindlinked. “Like it could affect all supernatural kind.”

Mikhail’s voice cut through. “We’re nearing Bloodmoon’s borders. Stay sharp.”

The forest grew denser, the trees closing in like silent sentinels. A massive wooden gate loomed ahead, flanked by stone pillars etched with runes that pulsed faintly in the moonlight. Aurora’s eyes lingered on the symbols, their ancient power stirring a memory she couldn’t place—a whisper of her forgotten past. The air crackled with tension, and she braced for conflict.

To her surprise, a small group of Bloodmoon warriors stood waiting, their postures alert but not hostile. At their forefront was Alpha Damien Bloodmoon, his muscular frame exuding authority. His dark eyes assessed the approaching wolves with cautious curiosity. “Welcome, travelers,” he called, his voice carrying through the night. “I am Alpha Damien Bloodmoon.”

The Order shifted back to human form, pulling on clothes stashed in small packs. Mikhail stepped forward, his presence commanding. “I am Alpha Mikhail Silverclaw, leader of The Silver Moon Pack and head of the werewolf faction within the Order. We thank you for your hospitality as we investigate disturbances near your territory.”

Damien’s gaze flickered over the group, lingering briefly on Aurora, a spark of recognition in his eyes that he quickly changed. “Disturbances?” he mused. “What makes you think they’re tied to Bloodmoon?”

“We don’t suspect your pack,” Mikhail clarified. “But intelligence points to Nightshade’s involvement. We’re here to gather information.. quietly.”

Damien nodded, his stance relaxing. “You’re welcome to rest here for the month, as agreed. We have food, shelter, and a workspace set up. Follow me.”

As they passed through the gate, Aurora felt the forest’s oppressive weight lift slightly, the runes’ power a shield against the darkness. Damien led them into a clearing where sturdy homes and warm lights surrounded a towering pack house, its stone walls etched with ancient symbols.

“The Nightshades have been a problem,” Damien shared, his voice grave. “Encroachments, missing pack members—mostly young females. Older women have been acting strangely, too. I fear they’re planning something big.”

Mikhail tensed. “We’ll assist, but we must tread carefully. Nightshade has always been formidable.”

Damien’s eyes gleamed with determination. “We stand united against them.”

"Before we head back, I'd like us to do a sweep and get a feel of the area. If you don't object, we can meet you at the pack house after - shouldn't be too long." 

"Want any additional aid from our warriors?" Damien offered.

"Best if we keep any sleuthing within our group for now - but thank you." Mikhail shook his hand in thanks before shifting back into his wolf, signaling to everyone else to do the same. 

As Damien's group left towards the pack house, the Order members began making their way toward the pack parameters. 

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