The first light of dawn painted the sky in hues of pink and gold as Artemis led the strike team through dense underbrush. The air was thick with tension, every shadow a potential threat.
Elara moved beside her, the Beacon's subtle pulse syncing with their heartbeats—an invisible shield wrapping around the team.
"Almost there," Artemis whispered. Her claws retracted, but the power thrumming beneath her skin was ready to ignite at a moment's notice.
Ahead, the Hunter supply convoy rumbled through a narrow canyon, unaware of the ambush waiting in the trees.
Lyra gave the signal. Silent arrows flew, taking out the lead scouts before they could sound the alarm.
Chaos erupted.
Artemis sprang forward, claws extended, moving with lethal grace. Mutated Hunter beasts lunged, but she tore through them like a force of nature.
Elara stayed close, her hands glowing as she wove protective wards, keeping the team safe from sonic blasts and shadow strikes.
"Artemis!" Elara shouted, diving to shield her as a massive Hunter lunged with serrated claws.
Artemis twisted midair, slashing the creature's leg before driving her claws into its chest. It shrieked, collapsing at her feet.
The convoy was in ruins within minutes.
But as the last Hunter fell, Artemis caught Elara's eye—a fierce, wild spark burning in them both.
Later, as they regrouped beneath the heavy canopy, Artemis pulled Elara close.
"Today was more than a battle," she said quietly. "It was a promise—to protect this world, and you."
Elara smiled, heart pounding. "Together. Always."
They held each other there, surrounded by the soft glow of the Beacon and the whispering forest—a moment of peace in the storm.