“How about that? Any movement from the Frostholm Pack?”
On a hill not far from the border of the Frostholm Pack’s territory, Torin stood tall, his back straight as he looked out over the valley below. The hill was strategically placed, offering a wide view of the surrounding area-from dense forests to grassy plains bordered by towering trees. From there, he and the Nimbria pack could clearly see every movement of the Frostholm pack without being easily detected.
Around Torin, the warriors of the Nimbria Pack moved silently, checking all preparations and making sure no detail was overlooked. The tents were set up discreetly, blending into the natural surroundings and giving the illusion from a distance that the hill was free of suspicious activity. In addition, a variety of high-tech equipment was used to anticipate any surveillance by the Frostholm Pack.
Torin certainly reaped many benefits from the hill. As a defensive camp, it was a natural fortress that was difficult to attack. Its topography offered protection against sudden attacks.
The cold wind hit Torin’s face, carrying the scent of damp earth and wind-blown leaves. He looked far to the east, over the vast expanse of the Frostholm Pack’s territory.
The view reminded Torin of the past, of the war that the Nimbria Pack had almost won. They had failed then, but not this time. He was determined to ensure that victory would be within the Nimbria Pack’s grasp.
Torin’s spirit surged. His wolf soul howled with enthusiasm. His fighting spirit ignited, boiling his blood. Heat spread from his chest and coursed through his veins. He realized that the war against the Frostholm Pack would never be just a war.
It wasn’t just about glory and pride; it was more than that. The Nimbria Pack wanted to dominate the Frostholm Pack, but Torin had his own motivations that drove him to want victory. He wanted to avenge Bethany’s death. By any means necessary, he would make the Ushers feel the pain of losing a loved one, just as he had before. He would kill them one by one and make Usher watch.
“As you predicted, Alpha. The Frostholm pack has taken the bait and is currently gathering strength to face the attack from the southwest.”
James Forbes’ answer-Beta of the Nimbria Pack-caught Torin’s attention. He smiled and asked again, “Are you sure?”
“Yes, Alpha,” James answered without hesitation. Then he explained his observations. “The Frostholm pack has been on high alert since last night’s attack. They seem to be fortifying their perimeters and beginning to prepare for a counterattack.”
Torin’s smile widened. The information fueled his enthusiasm even more. The prospect of victory was already in sight. “It seems they fell into our trap,” he said, pleased, but only briefly. Moments later, something crossed his mind. He turned to James. “Wait. Are you sure they are really deceived, or is it the other way around?”
“I confirmed it, Alpha.” James clearly explained the current situation. “Storm and Alvin seem to be among them. They are leading their warriors with full force.”
Torin grinned. Of course, he recognized the names Storm and Alvin as the leader and deputy leader of the Frostholm warriors. Their presence indicated that the Frostholm Pack was indeed planning a counterattack in the southwest. In other words, their decoy attack had successfully fooled the Frostholm Pack, and their trap was working.
“Good. Victory is almost ours,” Torin said, nodding in satisfaction. However, he would not overlook the most critical aspect of the cunning plan. “Make sure that communication with the warriors in the south is maintained. They must strike at the right time to wipe out the Frostholm Pack completely.”
James nodded. “Understood, Alpha.”
It was only a question of time. Torin was confident that the Nimbria Pack would receive good news within a few hours. Tomorrow, when the sun rose, he was certain that there would be no Frostholm Pack left on this earth.
Torin lifted his eyes and stared at the full moon. “The sixteenth, the last day for you, Frostholm Pack.”
Such were Torin’s hopes. Soon his dreams and fantasies would come true. He would finish Connor’s fight and avenge Bethany. But what happened next was beyond his expectations.
At that very moment, Torin was preparing with Mireya. Their plan was to join the core warriors of the Nimbria Pack, who were standing by in the south, and ambush the Frostholm warriors who had been lured to the southwest. Suddenly, James rushed in in a panic. He brought news that stunned them.
“What did you say?”
James swallowed, bracing himself for Torin’s wrath. “Our core warrior camp has been attacked, Alpha. They are currently overwhelmed by a sudden attack from the Frostholm Pack.”
“Impossible,” Mireya said incredulously. She asked James for confirmation. “Didn’t you say that Storm was leading the Frostholm warriors to the southwest?”
“Yes, Luna,” James nodded apologetically. Then he explained the situation. “Storm led the attack to the southwest. Alvin was with him. However, it seems that the Frostholm Pack was aware of our plan.” That was the only reasonable explanation for the current anomaly. “They pretended to be fooled by our decoy attack and sent Storm to the southwest, while Luna Vione unexpectedly led a raid on the southern flank.”
Torin gaped, almost unable to breathe. He shook his head several times. “So, you’re saying Vione attacked our core warriors?”
James lowered his head. His eyes were closed as he nodded in confirmation of Torin’s question.
“That’s completely absurd!” Torin roared. His blood was boiling with uncontrolled rage. “How could she have attacked our camp? Are our warriors so stupid that they couldn’t recognize the attack?”
“Sorry, Alpha, but Luna Vione used extreme tactics. Our warriors didn’t realize the ambush until it was too late,” James continued carefully. “She used guerilla tactics to deceive our warriors.”
“Damn it,” Torin growled, clenching his fists. He pounded on the table until it cracked. His anger was overwhelming. “I never expected Vione to interfere. After all, she was once the leader of the Frostholm Warriors.”
Torin’s emotions erupted uncontrollably. Unable to contain his anger, he vented it on the objects around him. The vision of victory that had filled his mind was now replaced by the bitter possibility of failure.
The Nimbria Pack was on the verge of defeat. The war would once again be won by the Frostholm Pack. Not only would Torin not be able to complete his plan to expand Nimbria’s power, he wouldn’t be able to avenge Bethany.
“Like father, like daughter.”
A voice suddenly came from the entrance of the tent. Torin and the others turned to see Connor, who still had a look of hatred on his face.
“Once, Ivan Josh Rutherford deceived my warriors with guerrilla tactics, and now Vione Celestie Rutherford is doing the same to yours, Torin.”
Torin gritted his teeth. “I will not forgive her. I will see to it that she dies by my hand. Especially since Ivan was the one who killed Mama. I will kill them all.”
Connor nodded several times as he approached Torin. Then he patted Torin’s shoulder, as if to revive his spirit. “You need not worry. Vione’s attack and the Frostholm Pack’s reaction were unexpected, but that doesn’t mean it’s all over here.” He looked meaningfully at Torin. A confident smile spread over his face. “There is no full moon tonight. Luck is on our side.”
*