The next day unfolded in quiet, controlled chaos. Everyone was focused, the weight of the impending mission heavy but manageable. It wasn’t just training and preparing for a fight; it was about being mentally sharp and emotionally steady. The rogues wouldn’t hesitate to exploit the slightest weakness.
Mal and I spent the morning double-checking gear. The weapons were basic-daggers, batons, even reinforced gloves-but anything with silver was prioritized. It wasn’t lethal in small doses, but it could still inflict a lot of pain and slow a rogue down.
“Got your silver dagger?” Mal asked, holding hers up to inspect the blade.
I patted my belt where it hung securely. “Always.”
She smirked. “Good. No offense, but if you get cornered out there, you’re more ‘brains’ than ‘brawl.'”
“Is that your polite way of calling me dead weight?” I shot back with mock offense.
“No,” she said with exaggerated patience. “It’s my way of saying stick to what you’re good at. Thinking fast, keeping people grounded. Leave the clawing to the rest of us.”
“Gee, thanks for the vote of confidence,” I said dryly.
“Anytime,” she replied, tossing me a small silver-edged knife from our supply pile. “Backup. Just in case.”
I caught it and tucked it into my boot. “I’ll be sure to remember that the next time you’re about to do something reckless and need saving.”
Her smirk faltered. For just a second, guilt flashed across her face, but she quickly smoothed it over. “Touche.”
By the time the sun began its slow descent toward the horizon, we were as ready as we’d ever be. The air in the den was charged with anticipation, everyone restless and eager to prove their worth. Even Logan, who usually exuded calm confidence, seemed tenser than usual. His jaw was set, his arms crossed as he addressed us one last time.
“You’ve got your assignments,” he said. “Stick to them. No going rogue-pun intended. If you see something unexpected, report it. No solo heroics.”
His gaze swept over the group, landing on me for a heartbeat longer than necessary. Was that a warning just for me? Probably.
He exhaled and added, “Remember why we’re doing this. This is our home. Our family. We don’t give it up. Not to them, not to anyone. Let’s move.”
The pack split into three teams, each one taking a different route toward the rogue territory. Logan led the largest group-Mal, Liam, and several of the strongest fighters. I was paired with a smaller scouting team tasked with circling wide and approaching the rogues from the east, catching them by surprise.
As the forest shadows stretched long and dark, I felt a ripple of unease twist in my stomach. The plan made sense, and Logan had thought of every contingency. But battle was never that simple.
I followed close behind Evan, a wiry, sharp-eyed wolf with a knack for spotting trouble before it happened. He was quick, deliberate, and eerily silent as we moved through the thick undergrowth. Every now and then, he glanced back, checking to make sure I was keeping pace.
“You good, Audrey?” he whispered when we paused to scout ahead.
“Fine,” I replied. “You?”
He grinned faintly. “Oh, I’m great. Nothing like hunting down a bunch of bloodthirsty maniacs to really spice up your evening.”
His humor was strained but appreciated.
Mal’s team would be flanking from the other side by now. Logan was likely already closing in on the rogues’ base with his group. Our job was simple: recon and disruption. If the rogues tried to flee east, we’d cut them off.
Simple. But not easy.
It wasn’t long before we found signs of their presence. The first clue was the faint smell of charred wood-smoke curling lazily above the tree line. The rogues had lit a fire, either to cook or as a signal to their scattered members.
Evan crouched, motioning for us to stay low. “Looks like their camp’s just ahead.”
I inched closer, peering through the trees. Sure enough, a clearing stretched ahead, illuminated by the flickering glow of a large fire at its center. Figures moved around it-some in wolf form, others human.
“What do you think?” I whispered.
Evan frowned, his sharp features tightening. “Can’t see Logan’s group yet. Let’s hold position and wait for the signal.”
We crouched in the shadows, watching, counting. There were at least ten rogues in the camp, though a few seemed younger and less experienced than the ones we’d faced the other night. Still, even inexperienced rogues were unpredictable.
Minutes stretched into eternity. I tightened my grip on the silver dagger Mal had given me, my palms damp with nerves.
Then, just as I was about to suggest moving in closer, chaos erupted.
Logan’s team burst through the far side of the clearing, their coordinated attack swift and devastating. Mal was among the first to engage, a blur of gold fur as she collided with one of the rogues, sending them tumbling into the dirt.
“Now!” Evan hissed.
We charged into the fray, catching the rogues off-guard as planned. The clearing became a whirlwind of snarling wolves and flashing steel, each side fighting with desperate ferocity.
I managed to dodge the first rogue that lunged at me, their claws swiping inches from my face. Years of training kicked in, and I ducked, slashing upward with my dagger. It wasn’t a clean hit, but it was enough to force them back.
Evan had my back, taking down a second rogue with terrifying efficiency. His speed was a blur, his movements precise and calculated.
But even with the element of surprise, the battle was far from over. These rogues fought like cornered animals-vicious and unrelenting.
In the chaos, I caught sight of Logan grappling with what looked like the leader. The rogue was massive, with a scar running down the side of his face, and he fought with an intensity that matched Logan’s.
“Logan!” I shouted as the rogue gained the upper hand, pinning him to the ground.
Before I could reach him, Mal intercepted, launching herself at the rogue with a feral snarl. Her strength was unmatched, but the rogue was relentless, clawing at her even as she forced him back.
“Stay back, Audrey!” Logan’s voice rang out, strained but commanding.
I hesitated, torn between listening to him and doing something to help. But the momentary distraction cost me-another rogue slammed into me from the side, knocking me to the ground.
I hit the dirt hard, the wind rushing from my lungs. The rogue was on me in an instant, their weight crushing me as they bared their teeth.
Panic surged, but so did adrenaline. I fumbled for my dagger, bringing it up just as the rogue lunged. The blade sliced into their side, and they yelped, rolling off me long enough for me to scramble back to my feet.
“Audrey!” Mal’s voice was sharp, and I turned just in time to see her throw the scarred leader off Logan.
Her movements were wild, almost frantic, and for a moment, I thought she might lose control. But then she found her footing, her golden eyes locking onto mine briefly before she lunged at the rogue again.
The battle raged on, brutal and unforgiving. And for every moment I spent fighting, I knew one thing: this wasn’t the end. The rogues were strong, but so were we. We’d survive this-together.