Returning to camp after a tense encounter with Aric, Rage and Lupe feel the weight of the new threat they face. Although they successfully dealt with the rogue werewolves, the danger brought by Aric Bloodfang's treacherous ambition could not be denied. Rage asks himself what the leader of the Bloodfang Clan is up to. But despite all his thoughts, he knew one thing never changed—Lupe, who was always by his side, was the pillar of his courage.
As they walked the path back to the center of the camp, Rage was silent but Lupe could feel the weight of his thoughts. He knew how Rage's mind worked—when there was a new challenge, Rage would be the first to find a way to protect everyone. But Lupe also knows that sometimes, Rage needs to be reminded that he doesn't have to carry everything alone.
"Rage," Lupe whispered as she grabbed his hand, they stopped for a moment in the middle of their walk. "I know you are thinking deeply. I can feel the weight you carry. But remember, you are not alone. I am here, our herd is here. Together we will face whatever comes."
Rage looked into Lupe's deep eyes, as if reading every word in her heart. He had never doubted their relationship, and now, he felt again how deep the love and trust he had for Lupe. "Thank you, Lupe," Rage said deeply, full of emotion. "I have to remember that I don't have to take it all in. I'm with you, always."
They continued on their way, but this time, their steps were lighter. Arriving at the camp, they are met by Topaz and Sylvia, who are both worried about what they have been through. "How are the rogues?" Topaz asked, her voice full of tension.
"We drove them out," Rage replied, but his tone spoke volumes. "But there's another problem. Aric Bloodfang has appeared, and it looks like he's preparing for a bigger challenge."
Topaz frowned, and Sylvia seemed to be thinking deeply. "Aric?" Sylvia asked. "If what I'm hearing about his plans is true, he may have a deeper plan than he's showing."
"You're right," Lupe replied. "We can't underestimate Aric. He wants to conquer not only the rogues but also the hordes. We have to be ready."
Rage, Lupe, Topaz, and Sylvia meet again to discuss their next steps. They agreed to gather more in-depth information about Aric and his movements. They knew it couldn't be done lightly, because the presence of a powerful leader like Aric could bring chaos to the entire herd.
"We need spies," said Sylvia, known for her connections in various parts of the land. "I have friends in some parts of the forest who can provide information about what Aric is doing. Let's not just rush in without knowing his full plan."
"That's a good idea," Rage agreed. "We need to get the whole picture before we act."
After their meeting, the warriors split up to begin preparations. Topaz took the lead in planning the camp's defense strategies, while Sylvia worked to coordinate with her spies. Meanwhile, Rage and Lupe return to their home to rest, but Aric's threat is still on their minds.
When they arrived inside their home, Rage sat down next to Lupe, resting quietly as he looked out into the distance. Lupe could feel Rage's fatigue, not only in his body but also in his heart. He held his wife's hand and let the warmth of their love give him strength again.
"Rage, we don't know what will happen in the next few days," Lupe whispered while looking at the stars outside their home. "But I am sure of one thing—I will not leave you. Whatever comes, we will fight together. Together we will succeed."
Rage smiled, and even though he was tired, he could feel the warmth of Lupe's love. "I don't know how I'll handle all of this without you. But as long as I'm with you, I know we can. Nothing can stop us."
A few more days passed, and as the Howl Clan continued to prepare, reports came in from Sylvia's spies. With each news that comes, Aric's intentions become clearer. He wants to conquer not only their herd, but also neighboring herds by using the rogue werewolves as his soldiers.