The Frostholm Pack palace was in an uproar. Rowena’s arrival and the information she brought with her caused panic. Although it seemed unbelievable, Ivan’s safety was the priority. The Frostholm Pack couldn’t stand idly by when the life of one of their most important pillars was at stake.
“Can you vouch for your information, Rowena?”
Rowena nodded repeatedly. “I swear, Alpha. The Nimbria pack is going to kill Ivan. So, you must act quickly before it’s too late.”
There were no more questions from Kendrick. Instead, he turned to Graham and gave the order. “Assemble the warriors immediately, Graham. Head to the west side of the Amerotha Forest at once.”
“Yes, Alpha.”
Graham hurried away. Gathering the best team he could, he set off for the western side of the Amerotha Forest with mixed emotions. On the one hand, Rowena’s information seemed unbelievable. It was hard to believe that the Nimbria Pack would attack again after their recent defeat. On the other hand, he could sense a strong reason behind the possibility. It made sense that the Nimbria Pack would seek an opportunity for revenge as soon as possible after Bethany’s death.
To the Frostholm Pack, Ivan was a great hero, but to the Nimbria Pack, he was the opposite. So, Graham had only one hope-that Rowena’s information was wrong.
Unfortunately, reality told a different story. Graham was immediately confronted with a gruesome sight when he arrived on the western side of the Amerotha Forest. It was clear to him that Ivan was surrounded by the Nimbria pack. Even Connor had joined the attack on Ivan.
Ivan was cornered. He was in bad shape, covered in wounds and dripping blood.
Graham acted quickly. He ran and changed into his wolf form and gave orders to the warriors of the Frostholm Pack’s palace without saying a word. They all shifted as well and launched a coordinated attack on the Nimbria Pack.
The arrival of Graham and the Frostholm Pack Palace’s warriors was an unwelcome surprise for Connor. He growled and was forced to release his bite on Ivan’s neck and jump away to avoid Graham’s attack.
Graham didn’t give Connor a moment to catch his breath. Driven by the natural instinct to protect the pack and fueled by the bond of friendship, he charged forward without a trace of hesitation. His fangs were ready to strike and his eyes blazed with uncontrollable rage. He ignored the fact that his opponent was an Alpha. His primal instinct set every nerve in his body on fire, ready to destroy Connor!
But the Nimbria pack didn’t stand idly by. Once they realized that Connor was Graham’s target, they shifted their priorities. They no longer focused on Ivan, assuming that their mission for the night had been accomplished. Ivan was powerless. He wouldn’t survive until daybreak. So now their focus was on protecting Connor.
Marcus stepped forward, intercepting Graham’s attack with precision and effectiveness. He delivered a blow that forced Graham to retreat.
The warriors of the Nimbria Pack, aware that Connor was in danger, quickly closed ranks. They formed a tight defense around Connor, becoming a living shield, willing to sacrifice their lives to protect their Alpha.
Graham growled, realizing that it was getting harder and harder to defeat Connor. Nevertheless, he would not give up easily. He signaled to the warriors of Frostholm Palace to continue their attack.
The Frostholm Palace warriors responded immediately, launching a new wave of attacks against the Nimbria Pack. But Marcus and the Nimbria Pack warriors fought fiercely, holding their ground around Connor with all their might.
The battle intensified. Every move and attack had a significant impact on the battlefield. Graham kept looking for an opening to strike Connor, but Marcus was always there, ready to block.
In the midst of the chaotic battle, Graham knew that time was running out and that Ivan needed to be evacuated for medical attention as soon as possible. His resolve hardened-Connor had to be defeated that very night.
Graham’s hope received a boost soon after. Ferdie arrived with a group of Frostholm warriors. They assessed the battle and immediately joined Graham in the fight.
The Nimbria pack began to falter. Some had already fallen and died horribly, prompting Marcus to take action. He devised a rescue plan.
Marcus howled, and Gilbert caught the signal. He leaped forward and caught the Frostholm warriors’ attention with a sudden, powerful attack. The Frostholm formation became disorganized, giving Marcus the opportunity to continue strategizing.
All forces were mobilized. Marcus led the remaining Nimbria warriors in a coordinated defensive maneuver. He then ordered most of the warriors to retreat slowly while maintaining their defense around Connor.
Graham, on the other hand, saw the change in strategy and understood Marcus’ intentions. But he didn’t want to give Connor and his pack a chance to escape. So, he called on all the Frostholm warriors to push harder, forcing the Nimbria pack into an even tighter corner.
Marcus wasn’t about to give up so easily. He quickly ordered some warriors to distract the Frostholm warriors. His actions were well supported by Gilbert’s cunning maneuvers. As a result, several Frostholm warriors were deceived, creating a small gap for him and Connor to retreat further.
Connor growled, realizing they could not hold out much longer. Without hesitation, he barked orders for them to begin their escape, moving quickly and taking advantage of the dense darkness of the forest.
Graham was faced with a difficult choice. His desire to end the fight was tempered by his concern for Ivan’s condition. He ordered Ferdie to continue tracking Connor and the Nimbria pack, at least to make sure they had truly left the Amerotha Forest.
Graham returned to human form and hurried to Ivan. His pace slowed as he approached. The two warriors tending to Ivan looked regretful. Their faces were downcast and they shook their heads slowly.
Graham was at a loss for words. His throat felt dry. He could only remain silent, as did the other warriors. No one spoke as grief spread through their hearts.
Their mourning was disturbed by a faint rustling that was heard moments later. Everyone turned to the source of the sound. Graham immediately prepared himself.
“Who’s there?”
*