Chapter 4

The forest erupted into a frenzy of chaos as the rogue wolves lunged at them with bared teeth and snarling growls. Xienma, her eyes blazing with newfound power, raised her hands and unleashed a shimmering barrier of light that repelled the attackers. The wolves yelped in pain as they were thrown back, their shadows flickering like dying flames. Cassie, emboldened by her own magic, summoned vines from the forest floor that snaked through the earth, ensnaring the wolves and binding them tightly. The vines glowed with a soft, ethereal light, pulsing with the same magic that flowed through Cassie's veins.

Xavier, fighting alongside them, felt a surge of strength and determination. His love for Xienma fueled his every move, and he fought with a ferocity he had never known. He dodged the snapping jaws of the wolves, his movements fluid and precise, as if guided by an unseen hand. The battle raged on, and for a moment, it seemed as though victory was within reach. The rogue wolves, weakened and disoriented, struggled against the magical bindings that held them captive.

Just as the trio began to believe they had turned the tide, a chilling laughter echoed through the trees. The sound was like ice water down their spines, and they turned to see Drax emerging from the shadows. His face was a twisted mask of malice, his eyes burning with a dark, malevolent fire. He stepped into the clearing, his presence casting a pall over the battlefield.

"Well, well, well," Drax sneered, his voice dripping with contempt. "Look at you, little Xienma. You've found your power, but it's too little, too late."

Xienma's heart pounded in her chest, but she refused to show fear. "You won't win, Drax. We'll fight you to the end."

Drax's laughter grew louder, more sinister. "Fight me? You don't even know who you are, do you?"

Xienma's eyes narrowed, and she felt a surge of anger. "I know exactly who I am. I'm the she-wolf of the prophecy, and I won't let you or anyone else harm those I care about."

Drax's smile widened, and he took a step closer. "Oh, Xienma, you have no idea. Your power is a gift, but it's also a curse. You see, you're not just any she-wolf. You're the last in a long line of ancient guardians, the most powerful of your kind. But there's a dark secret about your lineage, a secret that will change everything."

Xienma's heart skipped a beat, and she felt a cold chill run down her spine. "What are you talking about?"

Drax's eyes gleamed with triumph. "Your mother, Xienma. She was a traitor to our kind. She betrayed the pack and ran away with a human. You are the product of that forbidden union, a half-breed, a wolf less omega. Your power is tainted, and it will consume you if you're not careful."

Xienma's world spun, and she felt a wave of nausea wash over her. She looked at Xavier and Cassie, their faces a mix of shock and concern. Ana's growl echoed in her mind, a fierce and protective sound that grounded her. "I don't believe you," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Drax's smile faded, and his eyes narrowed. "Believe it or not, it's the truth. And now, you have a choice to make. Embrace your true power and join me, or face the consequences of your lineage. The choice is yours, Xienma."

Xienma's mind raced, and she felt a deepening connection with Ana, her spirit wolf. She knew that she had to confront this truth, to embrace her power and make the right choice. But she also knew that she couldn't do it alone. She looked at Xavier and Cassie, their eyes filled with love and support, and she knew that together, they could face anything.