What's their plans

“Leave?” I repeated, confusion swirling in my mind. “We're not going anywhere without knowing the truth. What do you know about their plans?”

The woman hesitated, a flicker of uncertainty crossing her face. “They're planning an attack, but it's not just against your pack. They are after something far more dangerous.”

“Dangerous how?” I pressed, my heart racing in dread. “We need to stop them! What can we do?”

“They're after this powerful artifact buried deep within the forest—it will help tilt the balance of power in their favor. And should they succeed in recovering it, the danger will not just be for your pack; all packs in this area will become endangered!”

It was a headache to process what she had just said. “That can't happen. We've got to warn others!”

Before I made any moves, the ambience had shifted; shadows deepened. The woman was now staring back at us with wide eyes. “You should leave now! They are coming!”

I felt panic rising in me, but as I turned to run, the sound of a loud crack reverberated through the trees, and my feet were stuck there. It suddenly sank in my mind that we were not alone.

"We have to move!" I yelled, and the adrenaline pushed me into motion. I raced toward the clearing, every beat of my heart ringing in time with the woman's warning: that we were the only ones who could save our packs, and there was little time left.

"Wait, Clark!" Lucian's voice was an echo behind me as I raced toward the clearing, adrenaline surging through me, the urgent young woman's warning pushing me on. The crackling of branches and rustling of leaves trailed behind me, a dark omen.

"Clark!" Lucian shouted again, pounding the earth with his footsteps even closer to me. "What's she saying? What's going on?"

"They're after an artifact!" I gasped while glancing back at him. "Something that could tip the balance of power! We have to warn the others!"

"Then let's hurry!" He was behind me now, sucking wind. "We can't let them get it. If they do, we're all in danger!"

We burst into the clearing, and I skidded to a halt as my heart thundered. The beta and the two omegas were already there, their expressions betraying confusion mixed with concern.

"What happened?" the beta asked, eyes darting between Lucian and me. "You both look like you've seen a ghost. Where's the girl?"

"She warned us," I panted. "They are planning something significant at the Silver Fang Pack. We need to—"

Before I could finish, an ominous growl erupted from the treeline and sent chills running down my spine. The next moment, from the very shadows, figures splashed into movement, their eyes glinting in cat-like predation under the blackening canopy.

"Brace yourselves!" shouted Lucian while stepping in a condescending manner in front of me. Like a reflex, the warriors took position to defend our group. "Them? Who are these 'them'?" The omega was shaking as he considered.

"Those are the Silver Fang Pack," I maintained my ground. Fear danced in my heart, yet I would show none. "They've found us."

The leading persona, which had moved forward, portrayed a tall dark-haired man with a smirk as he flicked a fresh current of dread through me. "Well, well, what do we have here? A group of misfits sneaking around in our territory?"

"Back off, Vance!" Lucian snarled and stepped forward. "You really need to reconsider this fight."

"On the contrary," Vance replied with belittling violence, "I think I want this. You people are far in over your heads, and it is high time that I show you just how foolish you are."

He made a sudden gesture, and with it, the rest flowed forward with unnerving grace. "Attack!" he yelled, and hell broke loose.

"Stick together!" I shouted, adrenaline surging like a tidal wave through my body as I danced sideways, narrowly dodging a swipe from one of the attackers. My heart pounded—hearts racing in battle wakes something in me.

Lucian charged the nearest enemy, fists cracking with a satisfying impact. "Stay together!" he shouted as the punch landed.

"Right!" I agreed, heart pounding. My focus suddenly honed in, Angel stirring within me, that power wanting out. "We can't let them scatter!”

Another attack came rushing at me, this time a woman with wild locks and a deadly glint in her eye. "You think you can stop us?" she asked, lunging in my direction. I ducked in the nick of time, the air rushing past me as she only just missed my head.

"Not today!" I yelled as I turned on my heel and kicked her in the stomach, sending her staggering back for a moment of daze.

"Nice one!" an omega called out, dodging a blow from another of the attackers. "Keep going!"

In the middle of all the chaos, I managed to spy Lucian, who had two attackers facing off against him. A good fighter, but from the look on his face, I could tell it was taking a ton of effort for him to hold them off.

"Lucian!" I cried, but he hardly had a chance to turn his head before the attacker charged at him. I could feel that seething power in me again, calling for me to take it. He couldn't die out there alone!

"Back off!" I yelled as I ran toward him. I managed to plunge into the charging attacker, sending him sprawling onto the floor. "I got your back!"

"Thank you, Clark!" Lucian smiled at me, even now. "I knew I could count on you."

Together, we fought side by side, in perfect harmony as we took down one enemy after the other. The clearing became chaotic, but somehow we were holding on.

"You think you can stand up to the Silver Fang Pack?" he shouted. "You're nothing but pests."

"Pests that are about to put you down," I countered, my heart thudding heavily in my chest. "You won't win!"

With that, Vance launched himself at me, roaring, and I scarcely managed to avoid him. The sound of the air whistling past my ears almost drowned out the sound of his long strides as he sped past me, instantly changing direction toward Lucian.

"Look out!" I cried. But before the warning could reach him, Vance's fist plowed into Lucian's side and knocked him to the ground.

"Lucian!" I cried, panic vibrating through me. I hurried to his side, and Vance rushed behind me, his figure towering over us, an ugly grin plastered on his face.

"Your pal over there is out for the count, and you will be next," Vance taunted.

"Not if I can help it!" I yelled, feeling a linchpin of burdening strength flow through me like electricity.

"Is that so?" laughed Vance, my furious eyes wide. I sprang to my feet, intent upon the surge rushing through me.

"I want to see what you got!"

An inhuman growl ricocheted through my throat, grounding me fully as I charged at him. My instincts took over; I ducked under one punch and wove around the others with lightning speed, finally landing a solid blow on his jaw. Vance stumbled backward, shock riddled across his face.

"Get her!" he yelled, and the remaining attackers rushed for me. Fear flooded in, but I dismissed it as I concentrated on my inner strength.

"Together!" I shouted to my people, and my heart ramped up again as we fought side by side. Together we could do more, and I could feel the energy of the pack fueling my own resolve.

In the heat of battle, I noticed the girl I had seen earlier again just on the edge of the clearing. "Do not let them win!" she yelled, slicing through the cacophony. "So much is at stake!"

My attention returned to Vance as my heart raced once again. "We will not let you take what is ours!" I declared, adrenaline surging through my veins.