Every breath was drawn with expectancy in the deep calm before the storm. As Leah stood next to Jacob, her heart thumping like a battle drum, her fingers clenched around the hilt of her blade. The night air buzzed with tension between the two opposing armies.
Gwen's black eyes gleamed with hatred as she took a measured step forward. "You were always a fool, Jacob," she said with a sneer. "You allow emotion to influence your decisions. You will now lose everything.
Jacob held his ground, his eyes unblinking. "No, Gwen. I can see well now. Your desire for power and your avarice will be your downfall.
Gwen made a single angular motion to her warriors. Swords clashed and claws hit flesh as her warriors let out a battle cry, breaking the silence. The war was on.
Leah rushed quickly, slicing down the first opponent to lunge at her, her blade glittering in the torchlight. The Barduff warriors fought around her with unwavering resolve, their devotion to Jacob more steadfast than ever.
"We need to break their front line!" said Samuel, fighting close to Jacob, over the commotion.
Leah seized the chance and dashed in the direction of a vulnerable flank. She advanced with unflinching determination, driving her sword into the center of the enemy's formation. She was strong not only because of her training but also because of her close relationship with her pack.
Behind her came the sound of a snarling rage. She dodged Gwen's blow with a quick spin. Leah felt the full power of her opponent's wrath as their swords collided in a shower of sparks.
With wild eyes, Gwen spat, "You don't belong here." "You think you can take what should have been mine?"
Leah resisted, gritting her teeth. "Gwen, I never stole anything from you. You lost everything by yourself.
Leah gave Gwen a strong shove that knocked her back. However, Gwen persisted, hitting repeatedly with lethal accuracy. Leah struggled until she finally found her opening, matching her blow for blow with everything she had.
Leah's blade struck its target with a last, devastating blow. Gwen collapsed to the ground with a cry, her eyes widening in surprise. At the sight of their fallen leader, the remaining foes appeared to falter, and the battlefield appeared to come to a halt.
Jacob spoke loudly and clearly as he moved ahead. "It's finished. You will be spared if you put down your weapons."
The remaining fighters let their swords fall, one by one, and accepted their fate. They won the war.
Leah let out a breath, triumphant despite the pain in her body. Looking around at her pack, she realized that despite the darkness they had encountered, they had come out stronger than before.
Jacob glanced to her, adoration and relief shining in his eyes. "You battled with courage. This is our collective victory.
Leah nodded as the realization of their victory weighed heavily on her. Now that the storm was over, Barduff Castle could finally be at peace.