A few years ago.
The night was not as usual; it felt thicker than before, as if the darkness conspired with the slowly approaching terror. It created a tension that pierced through, shaking the bones to their deepest core.
A cold wind blew, carrying a strange whisper, delivering an unseen omen. All the sounds of the forest had become menacing, every rustle of leaves sounding like footsteps haunting the surroundings.
Darkness loomed, ominous shadows seemed alive, lurking in the most hidden corners. The night air felt heavy with threats creeping in from all sides, waiting for the right moment to burst forth and slaughter.
Above, the full moon hung with an undeniable limitation. Its light was dim, not enough to dispel the shadows that crept closer and closer. Each shadow moved quickly, unpredictably, bringing a sense of fear that promised suffering.
Dry twigs snapped underfoot. Underbrush rustled. The ground was trampled, framing solid footprints that showed strength everywhere.
The sound of footsteps grew louder, echoing through the silent trees. The heavy, calculated rhythm made the situation seem frozen, forcing every heartbeat to race faster.
Closer and closer. The footsteps grew stronger, sounding a wordless warning that could not be ignored. Then a flash of eyes emerged from the dense darkness.
Those eyes pierced the night with a menacing glow, watching with unmistakable intent. Each look radiated a promise of death, an irrevocable decree they would fulfill that night.
The Nimbria pack attacked so suddenly. They came like a storm on a still night. The heavy sound of footsteps, the bloodthirsty howls of wolves, and the terrifying clash of bodies merged into a terrifying symphony of chaos.
The consciousness of the Frostholm pack was abruptly shattered. Reality hit them hard, confronting them with an unexpected nightmare.
Flames filled their vision. Angry screams and cries of pain echoed and mingled with the gasping breaths, sending waves of panic through the area.
Dust and leaves flew through the air, lifted by the wild movements of the raging battle. Growls and howls echoed back and forth, deafening, chests tight and minds racing.
The guards of the Frostholm Pack stood bravely. They fought fearlessly to defend the front line, ensuring that not a single member of the Nimbria Pack could enter Frostholm territory.
The battle raged fiercely. The warriors of the Nimbria Pack attacked with a well-planned strategy. They overwhelmed the Frostholm guards, though their assault had yet to fully penetrate the front line. With coordinated tactics, however, they sought to exploit every gap, launching wave after wave of attacks to slowly drain the Frostholm guards of their strength. Confidently, they believed that sooner or later the Frostholm defenses would weaken. All they had to do was wait for the right moment to strike harder.
The Frostholm pack was well aware of this. That’s why they sent a message to the palace. They might not be able to hold out much longer. They needed help as soon as possible.
At the palace, the news of the Nimbria pack’s attack caused an uproar. Everyone panicked, and the Alpha, Kendrick Thorne, quickly called in his trusted lieutenants. They gathered to discuss defensive strategies and plan a rescue operation. One of Kendrick’s top priorities was to ensure the safety of the Luna-Jemma Lumina Vale-and their one-year-old son, Usher Thorne.
“What’s the situation at the border now?”
Odin Ramos, the head of the guards, replied. “The situation is still under control, Alpha. The guards are holding the line, but the pressure is mounting. The Nimbria pack is attacking with increasing intensity, and while we can hold them off for now, we are concerned that we may be pushed back. The guards have had to move from several strategic positions to adapt to their coordinated attacks. We need reinforcements as soon as possible.”
It wasn’t the news Kendrick wanted to hear, as the hardening of his expression showed. “Make sure communication with the other outposts remains intact. Do not lose complete control of the border,” he said, turning to the warrior leader. “What about your troops, Ivan?”
“Fully alert, Alpha,” Ivan replied firmly to Josh Rutherford. He looked at Kendrick with a determined look. “We are ready to strike at any moment. Give me the order and the warriors will assist at the border.”
Kendrick nodded. “Take the warriors. Make sure no member of the Nimbria pack sets foot in our territory. You two…” He looked alternately at Odin and Ivan. “… guard the border no matter what.”
“Understood, Alpha.”
Kendrick watched Odin and Ivan walk away with hope. In his heart he prayed that they would do their job well. For if not, destruction lurked over the Frostholm Pack at any moment.
The sudden attack by the Nimbria pack was extremely detrimental to the Frostholm pack. It forced Kendrick to reluctantly send Frostholm’s forces to the border. He couldn’t let the lives of his pack members be wasted; he had to protect them, but that didn’t mean it was without risk.
The palace had lost half of its defenses, a truly vulnerable situation. Kendrick was well aware of that, and while he hoped the Nimbria pack would not breach Frostholm’s defenses, that didn’t mean he would risk the safety of the two people he loved most.
“Bruce.”
Bruce Martin, the deputy guard leader, stood ready. “Yes, Alpha?”
“Take Luna and Usher and evacuate with Ayla. Ensure their safety at all costs.”
Bruce nodded. “Understood, Alpha.”
Immediately after receiving the order, Bruce left. Meanwhile, Kendrick stayed with the beta Graham Forsythe.
Kendrick took a deep breath. He had to push aside his concerns for Jemma and Usher’s safety. He reminded himself again and again that they were in good hands. Bruce would protect them even at the cost of his own life. Even if something bad happened to him, he trusted that Ayla would help Jemma raise Usher. Ayla would not let Jemma and Usher down. She would also make sure that Usher learned and understood the history of the Frostholm pack.
Now Kendrick didn’t have to think about his personal fears. Together with Graham, he focused on the attack by the Nimbria pack. They continued to monitor the current situation at the border, closely watching every movement of the enemy.
Kendrick and Graham discussed tactics under the time constraints. They examined every point of defense and studied the attack patterns of the Nimbria pack, trying to understand their strategy to anticipate their next move. Kendrick had sworn an oath.
“They will remember this attack with deep regret.”
*