Chapter 9

Luka's pack signaled to each other and Ardolf knew he had to act fast if he wanted to protect Athena and himself from their savage attack. He drew his small knife, ready to face the pack head-on. While Luka’s pack were forming a circle to attack them from all angles, Ardolf was already familiar with their tactics and style as he was once the alpha of the Esteros pack so knows how they operate and their ways of attack.

Ardolf noticed they intent to use Athena as a leverage to get to him and make him surrender. He could sense their body language and movement with his werewolf heightened senses.

"Get back, Athena!" he shouted as he charged towards the pack. "I'll take care of them!"

Athena tried to protest, but Ardolf's quick movements had already put him in the thick of the fight. The pack members snarled and lunged at him, but Ardolf parried their attacks with ease. He moved swiftly, dodging their claws and delivering swift counterattacks with his knife.

Meanwhile, Athena stood back,