The night sky shrouded the battlefield in a menacing veil of darkness, lit only by the pale light of the moon. The air was cold, piercing, filled with the scent of wet earth mixed with the stench of blood and death. Every snarl and roar that echoed seemed to be a reflection of the deep hatred between the two packs as they fought mercilessly.
In the midst of the brutal battle, where fangs and claws clashed wildly, the night grew even darker, making every breath heavier. The gleam of fangs ready to tear, eyes glinting sharply in the darkness, created a chaos that haunted the shadowy illusions.
Kendrick felt a different kind of coldness, sharper and more cutting than the usual night wind. He looked up, staring at the moon in the sky as if searching for a sign. His instincts flared, telling him something was wrong.
Jemma felt the same. She jumped out of the battle circle, clearly feeling the growing tension, like a rope tightening around her neck. Her legs trembled, not from exhaustion, but from a sudden fear that had crept in for no clear reason. Her heart pounded hard, each beat carrying an ominous feeling that could not be ignored.
Then came the sound, a cry that pierced the cold night and the brutal battle, the high-pitched, terrified wail of a baby echoing across the battlefield. The sound shattered everything, stopped all movement, and drew everyone’s attention.
The battle was no longer their concern. All focus shifted to a wolf of the Nimbria pack, carrying a bundle of baby blankets in his jaws-Usher.
Usher struggled, his distress palpable, conveyed by his constant howling. Kendrick, Jemma, and the entire Frostholm Pack froze in an instant. They were struck by a fear that had crept in mercilessly. All their courage and unyielding determination was replaced by a deep horror, far deeper than they had ever imagined.
Kendrick and Jemma locked eyes. They were connected by their bond, communicating.
No, Kendrick. Don’t let anything happen to Usher. Please.
Kendrick stood frozen. Jemma’s fear and anxiety mirrored his own. He couldn’t let anything bad happen to Usher. He would do everything in his power to protect him, no matter what. But the situation was anything but simple. He could clearly sense where the current scenario was heading.
The atmosphere of the battle had changed. Connor began to feel the nearness of victory that had previously eluded him. Arrogance swelled in his chest; his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. The tide had turned, and he knew that control of the battle was entirely in his hands.
With a swagger in his step, Connor signaled the wolf holding Usher hostage to keep a safe distance, further out of Kendrick and Jemma’s reach.
Connor felt triumphant as he watched Kendrick and Jemma caught in a devastating dilemma-act and risk losing their son, or wait and allow the Nimbria Pack to destroy the Frostholm Pack.
Two agonizing choices, and that was exactly how Kendrick felt. Usher and the glory of the Frostholm Pack were the two most important things in his life. He couldn’t choose one and lose the other.
Time was ticking away. Kendrick couldn’t afford to think while Connor began to signal commands to the entire warriors of the Nimbria Pack. It was clear that Connor intended to end the battle as soon as possible.
Kendrick looked around at the entire warriors of the Frostholm Pack. He noticed that they were all silent, motionless, their eyes filled with deep concern. They didn’t want to risk the life of the future heir of the pack. So, they were powerless when the battle resumed.
Connor let out a long howl, commanding the warriors of the Nimbria Pack to attack again. His howl echoed, followed by the roar of a charge that surged with greater fury. Their charge was thunderous. They moved swiftly, ready to crush the Frostholm Pack, now under immense pressure.
Among them were Marcus and Ronan, who didn’t hesitate to seize the opportunity. They knew this was the moment. Every second was a chance for them to hit the Frostholm Pack with full force.
Bethany joined them. Initially overwhelmed by Jemma, she found the momentum to turn the tide. She launched an attack on Jemma, who was no longer focused on the fight.
Jemma’s eyes were focused solely on Usher. She paid no attention to the scratches and bites Bethany was inflicting on her. She couldn’t concentrate when her mind was consumed with worrying about Usher’s safety. In the end, she became an easy target for Bethany.
A victorious grin spread across Bethany’s lips as she saw Jemma helpless under her attack. Her confidence soared, fueling her to unleash a barrage of attacks that ensured Jemma wouldn’t have a chance to recover.
Jemma was truly backed into a corner. Her condition grew worse, prompting Kendrick to consider rescuing her. Connor, however, gave Kendrick no opportunity to help her.
The wounds became more numerous and deeper. The blood flowed more freely. Jemma’s body couldn’t hold out much longer. Her breathing became labored and her movements stiff. She resigned herself to her fate.
Bethany had no intention of prolonging Jemma’s life. So, she leapt at Jemma, intending to deliver the final blow. In her mind, victory was already hers. But something unexpected happened.
With a keen sense of the situation, Ivan didn’t want the Frostholm Pack to lose Luna in such a tragic way. So, he made a very risky decision. He lunged at Ronan, sending them both tumbling. At a precise moment, he managed to claw at Ronan’s belly, tearing through his flesh.
Ronan howled in pain and Ivan quickly ended his attack. His priority now was to save Jemma.
Ivan leapt high, his front legs outstretched, and tackled Bethany, who was about to strike Jemma.
Bethany was thrown off balance. Her body rolled on the ground and just as she tried to get up, Ivan was suddenly on top of her. Ivan’s fangs were at her throat. There was no hesitation in Ivan’s eyes as he squeezed harder, making sure she couldn’t move at all.
The scene was not lost on Connor’s watchful eyes. He growled, sending a threat to Ivan. If Ivan so much as hurt Bethany, Usher would suffer the consequences.
*