A sudden burst of force pierced the cave air as Kai, a mixture of black fur and ruffled hair, crashed into Joren. The Beta's fearful whimper was soon muted by Kai'Snap, which caused ripples in the cave' floor. Lyra observed with fascination and terror, her guardian establishing his authority over the situation, his silver eyes sparkling with a wild, possessive fury.
The cave trembled with Kai's whispering, "Get out!".
And she's mine! ".
Alpha Rhys won't let him live, as Joren was pinched and choked.
With a brow on his face, Kai exclaimed: "Let him come and learn the ways of Shadowfen!" with ease.
Howling and snaring noise outside the cave was intensifying. More Silvermoon wolves. The sound of heavy paws and the crunching of leaves was heard by Lyra. Both were sounds from her heart. They were closing in. The confrontation was more than just a conflict; it was an assault, aimed at intentionally overthrowing Kai's territory. All of it was due to her contribution.
Lyra felt a fiery and sharp rush of guilt.' Her status as a human who was turned away brought about war to the group that had given her shelter. But beneath the remorse she felt that strange, raw force within her flickered again with fiery defiant infusion. Her eyes remained impeccably sharp, sensing the distinct, metallic scent of Rhys's wolf. He was here.
The Beta was left shivering as Kai released Joren and the sound of his release was heard, "Go!". This isn't his land. ".
Despite his efforts, Joren did not flee. He smiled and sported a triumphant wink. "He is already present, Alpha." What could be going on? He sensed her. ".
A deep, familiar growl that was stronger than any other echoed from the cave entrance. The imposing white wolf approached, its fur shining like moonlight and its eyes a striking blue. Rhys.
Lyra gasped. He appeared larger and more powerful than what she had envisioned. He gazed at Joren with a sharp and cold stare, then focused on Lyra with both utter shock and then intense possessive fury in his eyes. His wolf scent, which was once pleasant, now had a strong bite of smoke.
Kai wasted no time in moving forward, putting himself between Lyra and Rhys, an unobjectionable challenge. He was prepared to fight with his black fur ruffled, his body visibly broken.
Rhys whispered, "I am her Shadowfen Alpha," while the cave envelops him with a low, dangerous sound. He paid no attention to Lyra, disregarding Kai's protective position for a moment. "My beloved." (Laughter) A runaway. You harbor a trespasser. ".
Kai screamed with his head shaken in a fierce frenzy. "She ran for safety.". She's under my protection. The Fates felt it was necessary to sever your relationship with her. She isn't yours. ".
The air swayed with pressure, enough to choke.'... These two wolves, full of pure power and primal fury at heart, were about to tear apart. The feeling of Lyra was like a prize, or pawn, trapped between two natural forces.
Lyra was visibly distressed as Rhys scoffed at her, his eyes filled with contempt. "You might as well bring about war in your country for this," he said.
Rhys' words, intended to inflict harm, provoked a surge of intense anger among Lyra. Why? Weak? After what she'd endured? Following her recent experience, she felt a surge of intensity. What did this suggest? Its fiery core of energy flared up, becoming hotter and stronger than ever. The regenerative heat in her arm raced. She wasn't weak. Not anymore.
The power in Lyra's voice remained unwavering, leaving her speechless and composed. She exclaimed, "I am not weak!".
She gazed into Rhys's eyes, her darkened state ablaze. "You leave me alone," she said. You broke the bond. I owe you nothing! ".
Despite her best efforts, Rhys was taken by surprise and fell silent. Neither she nor him had anticipated her speaking or challenging him.
Before the alphas could engage in real life, a piercing, inhumane whimper emerged from deep within the forest, leaving Alphas' fur and Lyra feeling primal fear. The sound emanated from a sinister, unintelligent desire, unlike any other animal's howl.
Rhys's head snapped, his proud pose paused before he looked up. There was a primal fear in his blue eyes that not one anticipated battle but rather an unknown.
"This isn't the cry of a wolf," Kai stated with wide open eyes, his voice heavy with caution. "Something...something ancient...".
Outside, the pack of Silvermoon wolves began to make a low, fearful whine. Invading forces were once so bold, but now they seemed hesitant and uneasy, with their aggression replacing confidence.
A silhouette emerged from the shadows of the forest.. Not a bear, not even a wolf, but something tortoise and macabre with long legs and bright red eyes. Others of its kind were positioned behind it, traveling at unsteady speeds. Lyra had never seen anything like it, they were more akin to nightmares.
Joren's expression was reminiscent of "Skinner-kin," but his fear had finally taken hold. "They pursue.".
They devour wolves. ".
The young Rhys gave a frustrated snarl, his focus shifting between Lyra and the creepy terror he was encountering. This wasn't the adversary he anticipated. This was not a territorial conflict. What happened? This was something far worse.
Skinner-kin in front of him repeated the shriek, with blood running down his face and then lunging back. Why? The creature avoided the Silvermoon wolves by maintaining its red eyes fixed on the cave, towards Lyra. It knew about her. It wanted her.
Kai did not hesitate. His fierce roar attracted the creature, with shades of black that blended in with his natural surroundings. After being shocked, Rhys joined the fight, his white fur contrasting with Kai's dark complexion as they both confronted the monstrosity.
The fight was brutal, chaotic. Snarls, tearing claws and the sickening crunch of bone were heard, along with the alien shrieks of the Skinner-kin.' Lyra was left in shock as these ancient evils launched their attack.'... They had a quick, powerful, and seemingly limitless speed.
One of the Skinner-kin broke through, slid past the combating Alphas, its red eyes flashing brightly towards Lyra. It sprinted, its sharp claws protruding towards her. But when she cried, it was too late.
Uncontrolled, overwhelming ancient might within Lyra erupted before it could reach her. The Skinner-kin were engulfed by a pure, shimmering silver light that had vanished from her. After being completely vaporized, the creature let out a scream of pain and destruction, leaving behind only traces of burnt flesh.
Kai and Rhys, along with the other Silvermoon & Shadowfen wolves, looked on in disbelief as they gazed at Lyra. The silence was broken only by Lyra's ragged breathing and the sound of her own heart racing. She trembled and looked at her hands for the silver motes that were left in the air where the creature had been. She had done that.
Her eyes met Rhys's. With a light complexion, his face exuded an almost blackness, while his blue eyes shone with terror and glaring fear. He'd called her weak. He'd rejected her. The power she exhibited was far greater than his own, and it had the potential to wipe him out.
Kai was the subject of her attention. With a frozen stare and wide open eyes, his expression was an intricate blend of surprise, wonder, and force. He had experienced the devastating impact of her strength beyond mere observation. With a raw intensity, his gaze no longer solely protective but deeply aware caused her to experience chills. Although there were still some Skinner-kin, the game had transformed. Why?