WAR IS NEAR

The pack lands were silent now, but it wasn’t peace. It was the heavy, suffocating stillness of a battlefield moments before the final strike.

Elora’s knees hit the cold earth, grass damp with dew—or was it blood? She couldn’t tell anymore,she was at a very confused state.Her chest heaved, each breath ragged. Her hands trembled faintly, faint trails of silver light pulsing in her veins.

Joel stood just ahead of her, his figure battered and bloodied but unbowed. His golden eyes were sharp, glowing even in the darkness, though exhaustion pulled at his broad shoulders.

“They’ll come for us,” Elora whispered, clutching her aching side.

“They already have.” Joel’s voice was low, strained. He tilted his head slightly, listening. “Hear them?”

Faint howls broke the silence. One. Then three. Then dozens.

Elora’s stomach knotted.

Through the treeline, shadows broke into the clearing—wolves. Too many to count. Their eyes glowed like coals in the night, their growls rumbling deep. At their center strode Rowan, massive even in human form. His dark hair was matted, his clothes torn, and his amber eyes burned with hatred.

“Joel Silverfang,” Rowan called, his voice dripping with venom. “Step aside. She belongs to me now.”

Joel didn’t flinch. Slowly, he extended his arm, positioning himself between Rowan and Elora.

“She’s under my protection. You’ll get her over my dead body.”

“That can be arranged,” Rowan spat, snapping his fingers.

The pack surged forward.

Joel’s shift was instantaneous, his body rippling as black and silver fur erupted. He met the first wave head-on, claws flashing, teeth bared in defiance. The sound of impact—bodies colliding, snarls tearing through the air—rattled Elora to her core.

“Joel!” she cried.

But Rowan was already moving toward her.

Elora raised her hands, silver light bursting forth in a wide arc. Wolves yelped and skidded back, their paws sizzling as the power scorched the ground. Her heart pounded so hard it hurt.

“Stay back!” she shouted, though her voice wavered.

Rowan smirked cruelly. “Little moonchild. Do you really think you can stop me?,you aren't even a full wolf so stop acting like one".

He lunged—but Joel was faster. A black blur slammed into Rowan, knocking him aside. The two Alphas clashed with ferocity, their strikes a blur of teeth and fury.

Elora’s fingers clenched. Her power surged again, but each blast left her weaker. Too many enemies. Too little time.

Joel stumbled, his wolf form faltering as Rowan struck hard across his chest. Blood misted in the air.

“No—no, no, no—” Elora forced her legs to move, her hands blazing. She launched a pulse of silver light, sending Rowan staggering.

But Rowan didn’t stay down. He rose, his amber eyes narrowing.

“You’re strong,” he said darkly, “but not strong enough.”

Elora’s veins pulsed with light. Something deep within her snapped. The whispers returned.

“Break them. Burn them all. Save him.”

Her light flared to blinding brilliance, rippling outward like a tidal wave. Wolves scattered, howling in fear. Even Rowan faltered as the raw energy shook the earth beneath their feet.

“Elora…” Joel’s weak voice called out. He had shifted back, lying on the ground, blood streaking his pale skin. “Don’t let it consume you.”

But Elora wasn’t listening. Her hair lifted in a breeze that wasn’t there. Her eyes glowed white as her voice echoed, layered and unearthly.

“You hurt him. You hurt my pack. And I’m done being afraid.”

Rowan staggered back a step, his face pale. “What… what are you?”

Elora stepped forward, silver fire swirling around her like a living storm.

“I’m their reckoning.”

The ground trembled as a colossal wolf-shaped shadow rose behind her, eyes like blazing stars, its presence so heavy even Rowan’s wolves whimpered and backed away.

The Watcher’s voice boomed through the night.

“The Final Trial begins now. Survive… or lose everything.”

Joel reached for her weakly. “Elora… don’t lose yourself.”

She didn’t look back. Her gaze was locked on Rowan, her voice steady, calm, and lethal.

“Then let’s finish this.”