The Five Howls of Fate

er the day's lessons, found themselves lingering outside their parents' study. They hadn't planned it-at lea

hey strained to hear the low voices of Alpha G

her violet eyes darting nervously

as mischievous as ever. "Besides, don't yo

d, leaning casually against the wall

ver eyes narrowing. "I can't hea

ering forgotten as Griffin's deep

. "Azeala is growing bolder. She's already destroyed two neighboring

ed glance with Ridge. Azeala. The name was unfami

d what do you suggest we do? Go to war? Sacrifice li

rustration evident. "If we wait, she'll come to us on h

his sides. "War," he whispered, his voice

ed, his earlier bravado fa

d already piecing things together. "Someon

's birthday is in a month. They're about to experience their first shift. Do you r

aid, his voice firm. "If we don't act now, th

arely dared to breathe, their hearts pounding in unison.

en to them about the possibility of t

essings, if they come, could turn the tide in our favor. But it

n are strong, Griffin. I believe they will rise to

ing some of its earlier edge. "But hope alone won't p

e door, retreating down the hallway as quietly as they could. Once they were safely out of

usual bravado replaced by unease. "A wit

ks said simpl

his silver eyes blazing. "What ma

e tension in the air. "Father said it's only a m

inally spoke. "Do you think the Moon

s beyond what any normal werewolf possessed-had always been more

h it didn't reach his eyes. "I mean, look at us. If a

a small smile tugged at he

st shot back, earning a

a joke. We need to be ready. If there's even a chance that this

making sure we're at our strongest when

nally, something we

ared determination. The threat of Azeala loomed over them, a shadow they couldn't ignore

for the quintuplets-a place where they could be themselves, challenge each other, and prepare for the roles they'd someday fulfill. Today, the

hone their skills in private. Each of them felt a sense of

n the clearing. Ash rolled his shoulders, a confident smirk tugging at his l

arrowing. "Keep dreaming, big brother.

he and the others were watching. He was leaning casually against a tree, his a

head. "Nah, my money's on Ash. Sorry, Bro

aised an eyebrow. "You never have any fait

ievous grin spreading across h

led, his gaze fixed on

te, aiming a punch at Brooks's midsection. Brooks dodged quickly, his body twisting to avoid the blow, and he countered with a

let eyes focused intently on her brothers. "Don't let

ck, creating space between himself and Ash, his lean frame moving like wate

h interest. "But keep an eye on his shoulders!

brief glare. "Thanks for the help, Ridge," he mutt

gs fair," Ridge replied w

ipping past Ash's guard and landing a punch to his ribs. Ash grunted in pain,

he ground with a forceful throw. Brooks land

"Told you! Brooks, you really gotta

a determined look in his eyes. He didn't hesitate-he moved in again, this time aiming

ered, her voice filled w

his feet and grabbing Brooks in a bear hug, lifting him clear o

asked, his voice st

a sudden twist, he managed to free one arm, landing an elbow

rmination. Brooks's lip was split, and Ash's cheek was reddened

nd stepping forward. "You two are gonna end up b

d beside her. "This was supposed to be

both cracked a grin. "Yeah, yeah," Ash said, rubb

touched his split lip. "Same

ping a hand on Brooks's sh

, a grin on his face. "All right,

gleaming. "I will. I need to put you i

dened. "Oh, this

her fight with Ash, there was no brute force to contend with-Forrest was quick, unpredictable, and

because I'm tiny," Opal

"I wouldn't dre

ayful grin still on his face as he feinted a punch and quickly twisted to aim a kick at her side.

dge called from the side. "She

, his hands moving quickly, attempting to grab her wrist, but Opal was faster. She twisted her body, using his momentum

ith triumph as she stood over him. "Told you,

e. "You know, it'd be nice if just on

in that?" Opal re

a note of pride. "Good one, Opal. But don't get too

g onto Ash. "Maybe I'll get my chance

l smile. "That's enough for today. We need to stay focus

training returned, and Opal nodded, stepping away from Forrest and offering him a

aid, her tone softer.

g into something more serious. "We will be

trong, but we need to be more than that. We need to work together, lear

g the early morning light. "We're strongest as

siblings. "Then let's make a pact. No more holding back.

ing each of her brothers' in turn. They all nod

trees, casting a golden light over them. For now, they were ready. They would fight,