Calm before the storm

CLARK POV

The field where expectations were gathering post-fight was anything but calm. The sun was way below the horizon, and only the waning light of dusk could touch our faces. I could not help remembering the past. It was weighing heavy on my heart. The Silver Fang Pack still remained out there, and not yet over.

Lucian moved closer and spoke low. "Clark, what do we do now? We cannot be too secure."

I just nodded. Heavy was the weight of leadership. "We must regroup and reinforce our defenses. If they are preparing for an ambush, we need to be prepared."

The men exchanged glances, spirited resolve battling anxiety. An omega added, "What of the artifact? They should not be permitted to lay their hands on that."

"I know." From within, I felt the disturbance beat its mighty wings. “We must determine what the artifact is and where it is hidden; with this knowledge, we will have the upper hand.”

As we laid out our next course of action, I was sensing the fast approach of losing time. The Silver Fang warriors were careful, and I was pretty sure history would not repeat itself with them this time. I had to keep one step ahead.

"Perhaps we should divide the forces," I suggested. "One half would gather intel on the artifact, while the rest work on our defenses. Regroup here at dawn to compare findings."

Strength marked the warriors' nodding but fear clouded their hearts. I melted into the night, my soul racing with heavy burdens. Whatever happens, I shall protect my pack.

Deeper into the woods, it felt as if Angel walked beside me, soothing that endless reminder of my own strength. “You’ve come so far, Clark,” she whispered. “Trust yourself and us.”

“Never again will I disappoint you,” I replied, my voice steady now. “No matter what happens, we will face it together.”

Wondering for some time, I came to a small stream, flowing gently by in silvery moonlight. I bent down, drank from it, and the cool water soothed my burning throat. Gazing into the water, I caught a glimpse of my reflection—the face of an angry woman whose eyes spoke of a will to resist.

Suddenly, a noise broke the stillness of the night. I turned and became watchful and alert. From the dark, a figure emerged, its familiar outline steeped in uncertainty.

“Clark,” she called as soon as she stepped into the moonlight. Somehow, it was the same young girl I had seen earlier who had warned us against the Silver Fang Pack. “I’ve been looking for you.”

“What do you want?” My heart was hammering. "Do you want to help us, or do you want to endanger us again?"

“I’m here to help,” she said, and her voice was giving off sincerity. “But we don’t have time. The Silver Fang Pack is planning something big, and if we don’t stop it, it could mean the ruin for all of us.”

“Tell me what you know,” I said, feeling the pressuring herd of urgent crumple upon me.

“They’re looking for the Moonstone,” she said, her eyes wide with alarm. “It’s hidden deep inside the forest and guarded by ancient magic. If they get it, they’ll have incomparable power.”

The word sent inexplicable chills down my spine. The Moonstone was a legendary artifact said to have the power to elevate a wolf’s skills to a level beyond comprehension. Once possessed by the Silver Fang Pack, dominance over the entire region was guaranteed.

“Where is it hidden?” I persisted, my mind churning over the implications of her words.

“It is hidden in a sacred grove, protected by very strong spirits,” she said. “You must prove your worthiness to enter. But you have little time! Get there before they do!” Her tone had grown serious.

“Then we have to move fast,” I declared through a set of tense jaws, full of determination. “Gather everyone. We are going to the sacred grove.”

Going back to the clearing, I could sense overwhelming pressure upon me. We bore the responsibility for the survival of my pack, perhaps the whole region, on our shoulders. I must be strong, not for myself alone but for all who depended on me.

When we got there, the warriors had long assembled, waiting for my command with worried faces. “We have new information,” I announced, steadying my voice. “The Silver Fang Pack is after the Moonstone, a powerful artifact hidden in a sacred grove. We need to find it before they do.”

Gasps of shock rippled through the group, and I could see the fear in their eyes. “How do we get there?” Lucian asked, stepping forward.

“The grove is protected by ancient magic,” I explained. “We’ll need to prove ourselves worthy to enter. But we have to act fast—the longer we wait, the closer they get.”

And then there was no more wasting time." The Alpha's voice dripped with resolve. "We cannot allow them to triumph."

The sense of renewed purpose was now laying the foundation for preparing to face the grove. The night was full of energies, and with steady determination, we continued, every step sinking under the burden of our task.

Far into the woods now. The shadows seemed to pile in upon us. The forest felt alive, with ancient energy puling under our feet. I felt Angel stirring within me, whispering for me to claim my powers.

"Trust yourself, Clark," she said. "You are stronger than you can imagine."

Those words resonated through me, and I moved forward, resolutely. It would not be a simple journey, but we would stand together against it.

As we approached the sacred grove, I could feel magic in the air, thick and vibrant. The trees seated themselves, whispering secrets among themselves, and I felt spirits lining up to welcome us at the entrance.

"Stick together," I said, my voice steady. "We will have to prove our worth for entering."

I inhaled deeply before entering the grove, as though the weight of our mission pressed heavily upon my shoulders. The night was dark, but I knew that whatever happened, we would face it together.