Mist curled through the forest, clinging to the trees and the earth like a living thing. The pack moved in quiet formations, practicing maneuvers under Nyra's watchful gaze. Silver constructs shimmered in the dim light, a testament to her mastery of the Blood Moon's power.
Nyra paused mid-step, a sudden chill running through her veins. Images flashed before her eyes — ruins, hidden corridors, and a figure cloaked in darkness, smirking. Her bloodline visions had grown sharper, revealing Lucien's next move before it happened.
"Kael," she whispered, urgency lacing her voice. "They're coming. He's targeting the outer territories. The Shadow Wolf… it's scouting for him, guiding his attack."
Kael's golden eyes narrowed, shifting partially into his wolf form. "Then we meet them on our terms. The pack is ready, but we need strategy. Fast."
Nyra raised her hands, silver light pulsing like a heartbeat. "Form defensive lines near the cliffs and river. Use the terrain. Let them think they have the advantage… then we strike."
As the pack took positions, the mist thickened. From within it, the Shadow Wolf emerged first, eyes glowing red, moving with unnerving intelligence. Behind it, a small force of Lucien's elite shadow wolves slithered into view, silent and deadly.
Nyra's pulse surged. "Hold steady," she commanded. "Remember your training."
The Shadow Wolf darted forward, testing the pack's defenses. Nyra's silver constructs met it with precision, striking hard enough to push it back but carefully — she wanted it alive, observing, learning.
Suddenly, a figure leapt from the shadows — one of Lucien's lieutenants, faster and more lethal than any wolf Nyra had faced. The pack responded immediately, coordinated and precise, but Nyra felt a twinge of unease. This attack was different — personal.
She focused inward, letting the Blood Moon flow through her fully, silver energy forming a massive wolf, its roar echoing across the forest. She struck with both strategy and raw power, forcing the lieutenant to retreat, but the Shadow Wolf lingered, circling, studying her moves.
Kael stepped beside her, muscles taut, fangs bared. "They're testing us… finding weaknesses," he growled. "We can't let them."
Nyra nodded, glancing down at the faint trail glowing in the mist — a hint from her visions. "I see it," she said softly. "A hidden path. Lucien is planning something… bigger. We need to intercept him before he reaches it."
The pack tightened their formation, moving silently toward the hidden path, silver energy guiding their way. The Shadow Wolf watched from the mist, a cunning grin in its eyes — knowing the real battle was about to begin.
Kael's hand brushed hers, grounding her amidst the tension. "Ready?" he whispered.
Nyra's pulse surged. "Always."
The Blood Moon hung high above, casting its silver and crimson glow over Shadowfang territory, illuminating a path fraught with danger — and the promise of a confrontation that would test everything she had learned.