The night was colder than usual, the Blood Moon hanging high and ominous above Shadowfang territory. Nyra stood at the head of the pack, silver veins glowing faintly beneath her skin, her eyes fixed on the distant ridge where movement signaled the enemy's advance.
Kael was at her side, his golden eyes scanning the forest. "Stay focused," he murmured. "This isn't just a test. Lucien's scouts are watching — every move we make matters."
Nyra inhaled deeply, channeling her Blood Moon energy. Her control had improved significantly, but this was different. This was real combat, and failure would mean lives lost.
"Pack, positions!" Kael's voice rang out, commanding and steady. Wolves obeyed instantly, spreading across the terrain like shadows themselves. Nyra raised her hands, shaping silver energy into barriers and traps, her wolf constructs circling the perimeter to anticipate attacks.
A sudden howl shattered the night. From the shadows, the shadow wolf appeared, flanked by a small group of rogue wolves. Its red eyes glowed with malice, scanning Nyra like a predator measuring prey.
Nyra's veins flared, silver light streaking across her arms. "Now, Kael!" she shouted.
Kael leapt forward, partially shifting into wolf form, fangs flashing. His claws tore into the rogue wolves attempting to flank them, every movement precise and lethal.
Nyra focused, sending her silver wolf constructs forward to intercept the attackers. Sparks of energy lit up the night as her magic collided with the enemy. The shadow wolf lunged at her, moving with supernatural speed, testing her control.
"Focus on me!" Kael shouted, dodging the shadow wolf's strike and grabbing her wrist. The touch anchored her, grounding her energy. "Breathe, Nyra. Command it, don't fight it."
Nyra closed her eyes, centering herself. Slowly, the silver constructs merged into a single colossal wolf, shimmering with focused energy. It surged forward, colliding with the shadow wolf in a burst of silver and darkness.
The forest shook under the impact, and wolves scattered to avoid the shockwave. Nyra's heart pounded, but she kept control, guiding her energy with precision. The shadow wolf hissed, red eyes narrowing, before retreating into the darkness with a warning growl.
Kael caught her as she stumbled, his hands steadying her. "You did it," he whispered, pride and relief mingling in his voice. "You led the pack… and you controlled your power under pressure."
Nyra's chest heaved, adrenaline coursing through her. "It was… terrifying," she admitted. "I could feel it trying to break me, to take control."
Kael brushed hair from her face, lips brushing her temple in a rare intimate gesture. "And you didn't let it. You're stronger than you know, Nyra. And you're mine — nothing will ever change that."
The pack rallied behind them, eyes full of respect and cautious admiration. Even the skeptics were silenced, witnessing the heir's strength and leadership firsthand.
But the victory was temporary. From the distant ridge, a howl echoed — sharper, darker, more deliberate. The shadow wolf had retreated, but its master, Lucien, was watching, planning the next move.
Nyra tightened her fists, silver energy flaring around her like liquid fire. "Then we prepare for him," she said, voice steady. "And when he comes… we'll be ready."
Kael's hand found hers, gripping tightly. "Together," he said.
Nyra nodded. Their bond pulsed in sync with the Blood Moon above, a promise of power, love, and unbreakable unity.
The forest held its breath, waiting for the war to truly begin.