One thing that motivated Vione was the hidden camp on the south side where the core warriors of the Nimbria Pack were stationed. In other words, if she and 100 warriors from the Frostholm Pack could eliminate them, control of the war would shift. The Frostholm Pack would have a chance to win the battle.
That’s why Vione was determined to ensure that the ambush would be carried out with precise calculation and meticulous planning. It had to succeed so that Storm could more easily defeat the Nimbria warriors on the southwest side.
Vione stared at the warriors unblinkingly, emphasizing every word she spoke. “We must move quickly and precisely. Don’t leave the slightest gap.” She took a breath. “I and five teams will lead them into the Eresca Valley, while you…” She turned to the other five teams. “… must be ready to ambush them. Do you understand?”
A hundred warriors answered in unison, “Yes, Luna.”
Vione and the hundred warriors left the barracks soon after. They changed into their wolf forms and moved quickly towards the southern side of the Amerotha Forest. Their movement was swift, leaving no trace or sound to reveal their presence. They skillfully used the cover of night, eliminating any chance of being detected by even the sharpest eyes and most trained senses.
Their knowledge of the terrain gave them a distinct advantage, especially for Vione, who had spent her childhood exploring the Amerotha forest. They were familiar with the steep and difficult trails, as well as the secrets of the forest hidden behind dense trees and sheer cliffs. With this knowledge, they moved nimbly, following hidden paths known only to them.
Vione gave the signal as they approached the area where the core warriors of the Nimbria Pack were hiding. She ordered the five teams to take their positions and prepare for the stealth attack.
They moved with agility, so swiftly, as if gliding with incredible speed and grace. Then they disappeared into the darkness of the night. They remained still, motionless, their breathing imperceptible. Their focus was on every movement of the enemy, watching closely to seize the opportunity to strike.
Vione made the first strike. Her target was a warrior who happened to stray from the circle of the hidden camp. She lunged; her fangs aimed directly for his neck. The warrior died before his body hit the ground, and she disappeared once more into the shadows of the trees.
The warriors of the Frostholm Pack followed soon after. They spread out, capturing the core warriors of the Nimbria Pack according to their planned attack pattern. After that, they hid behind large rocks, crevices in the ground, and dense bushes. The scene seemed calm again, as if there were no signs of a recent attack.
The silence lulled the core warriors of the Nimbria Pack into a false sense of security. Little did they know that the silence and calm surrounding them was an ominous warning. By the time they realized that something was wrong, it was too late.
This time, Vione and the Frostholm warriors did not attack stealthily. Instead, they made themselves known. They attacked openly, but also retreated into the darkness to avoid counterattacks.
The core warriors of the Nimbria Pack were overwhelmed. They had not expected a sudden ambush, especially since there had been no warning from the defense camp.
Battle broke out. The core warriors of the Nimbria Pack tried their best to defend themselves and counterattack. But they were continually pushed back, and Vione did not waste the opportunity.
Phase one of the plan was complete. Vione howled, and the five teams stationed in the Eresca Valley prepared with eager anticipation.
Vione and her five teams continued to press forward, attacking relentlessly, leaving the core warriors of the Nimbria Pack no choice but to retreat into the Eresca Valley. There they attempted to escape, but another ambush awaited them.
This time, the core warriors of the Nimbria Pack were completely trapped. Surrounded on all sides, all they could do was hold out as long as possible, hoping for a miracle.
And that miracle came as the night turned into a new day. The moon in the sky was no longer full, and the miracle the Nimbria warriors had hoped for came to pass.
The attacks of the Frostholm warriors slowed. Their movements were no longer as swift and agile as before. Moreover, their attacks lost their coordination and precision. They looked exhausted, as if their strength had been drained.
Vione growled. She sensed that something was wrong with the Frostholm warriors. She jumped away from the battlefield to observe the situation.
The Frostholm warriors showed unusual signs. Not only were their movements and attacks disjointed, but there was something far worse going on.
Vione saw it in the eyes of the Frostholm warriors. There was a flicker of fear. The courage that usually burned within them had vanished, replaced by a deep anxiety, as if something had crept into their minds.
They were trembling. They seemed unwilling to fight. Even when they tried to hold their formation, it was done with imprecision.
There was something terribly wrong with them, Vione thought. She was sure that the Nimbria pack, known for its cunning, had sabotaged the Frostholm warriors.
Vione couldn’t take any chances. She couldn’t continue the attack while the Frostholm warriors were in such a state. So, she howled and ordered everyone to retreat.
The decision weighed heavily on Vione, but she reassured herself that the ambush hadn’t been a total failure. After all, they had already eliminated more than half of the Nimbria Pack’s forces.
Vione’s first priority now was to return to the palace. She had to find out what had happened to her warriors. She also hoped that Storm’s attack had been successful.
But an unwelcome sight greeted Vione. On her way back to the palace, she saw from afar that Storm’s condition was no different from that of her own warriors. Storm and the others were being pushed back, facing the same situation they had encountered in the Eresca Valley.
Vione’s suspicions of the Nimbria Pack grew. She was increasingly convinced that the Nimbria Pack had done something-whatever it was-to sabotage and weaken her.
Vione silently vowed to find the root of this strange phenomenon. But for now, her focus was on helping to defend the Frostholm Pack. She joined the others, fought bravely, and gave her all in the battle.
Vione’s claws glistened in the faint moonlight. She pounced on her enemies with deadly attacks, leaving no room for the Nimbria warriors to advance. She fought relentlessly, but it seemed to be in vain.
The battle was no longer even. The Frostholm Pack was being pushed back, and the Nimbria Pack had gained the upper hand, especially as one by one the Frostholm Pack’s pillars began to fall.
The situation was becoming increasingly unfavorable for the Frostholm Pack, and there was little Vione could do to change it. No matter how hard she fought, it was impossible for her to face all the Nimbria warriors alone.
Vione panted heavily. Her body was soaked with sweat and blood. She began to feel exhaustion. Her strength slowly drained away. But she pushed on until a long, haunting howl stopped her cold-Usher was dead.
*