Damien materialized at her side, his obsidian fur still matted with gore from the vicious clash. "We dealt the Shadowpack a heavy blow, but they will retaliate tenfold for this transgression."

Elara felt the weight of his words like a physical burden, her shoulders sagging beneath the enormity of the task ahead. "Then we must strike first, while the memory of their defeat still burns fresh."

"Wise words, daughter of the moon."

The deep, resonant voice caused them both to whirl around. Emerging from the tree line came the blazing spirit of the ancestral alpha, his luminous shape dazzling the eye.

Elara dipped her head in solemn respect. "Ancient one,...