A Promise Against the Darkness

Malakai’s massive wolf form lunged toward Darius, their snarls and growls filling the air as the two locked in a fierce sparring match. Claws scraped against the ground, and the thudding sound of their bodies colliding echoed through the clearing. Darius countered Malakai’s attack with a sharp snap of his jaws, but Malakai was faster, his dark, hulking figure moving with terrifying precision. His eyes, flickering between blue and black, betrayed the storm of rage building inside him, the same fury that would fuel him for the inevitable battle at sunrise.

From a distance, Amani watched, her heart in her throat. She stood with Archer and Maggie, their forms shadowed by the trees, far enough away to avoid being a distraction, but close enough to see the intensity of Malakai’s movements. He was pushing himself hard—too hard—and she could sense the weight of his determination, the ferocity of his resolve.

“He doesn’t understand,” Amani muttered, her voice barely above a whisper. Her gaze r