SHADOW OF THE ALPHA

embers in the moonlight, and their snarls tore through the clearing like a death knell

wolves mid-leap, his body twisting with inhuman speed. The sound of flesh striking fl

roared, his voice

er a root, but managed to regain her footing. Her heart pounded as she darted

d, his voice smooth and taunting. "This for

circled Ash, snarling and snapping, while the other struggled to its feet, blood dripping fr

curious expression. "I recognize you," he s

as on the wolves, his body coil

c, isn't it? You protecting her, of all peo

warring within her. The man's words hit like a

ing about?" she deman

his attention never wa

nt. "Oh, she doesn't know. How deligh

his hands curled into fi

of motion, launching himself at the man. The two collided with a force that sent shock

tion, their bodies a blur of shadows and silver light. The wolves joined the fray, snappi

wasn't just strong-he was something else entirely. His movements were too flu

g as Ash gained the upper hand. "You'll reg

back. The wolves lunged at him, but Ash spun, grabbing one by the scruff and hur

pression twisting into a snarl. "This isn'

disappeared into the shadows, the re

heaving and his fists still clenched. Th

he asked, his vo

legs felt like jelly. "What... w

sion drained from his body. "That was a scout. They're part of a

u?" Lyra's voice was

opping to the ground. "I'm

much, but hearing him say it was a differ

y with guilt. "I was part of Kael'

hy

ine. He believes in power above all else. Streng

ep forward. "And now

you," he s

know whether to feel comforted or terrified. Before she

eyes narrowing. "We need to

toward the path. Lyra followed

d taller, their branches clawing at the sky, and the air grew colder. T

g?" she asked, str

rby," Ash replied. "We'll

eel the danger pressing in on all sides, and

n hidden among the trees. It was old and weathered, but the

ecked the windows. Lyra sank onto

?" she asked, her

grim. "Now we wait. The rogues won't stop, b

ed. "Warde

Ash sai

gling to keep up. Werewolves, magi

f her, his silver eyes meeting hers. "I know this is a

ered. "Why do yo

and pulled out a small, worn locket. He opened it, revealing a fa

That's... that

A long time ago. I owe her every

had always spoken of secrets she couldn't share, of a past she ref

d ask more, a loud

body tense. "Stay here,"

toward the door. The bang came again, loude

" she w

ession unreadable. "No matter wh

he darkness and leaving Lyra alone wi