Under the shroud of a moonless night, the River Pine forces moved like shadows through the Whisperwood. The air was cool and damp, carrying the scent of pine and rich earth, underscored by the taut anticipation of battle. Elara, positioned near Maddox and Finn at the head of the main assault group, closed her eyes, her mind reaching out. The ghostly map of the rogue lair solidified in her thoughts, overlaid with the live movements of their own warriors.
She could feel the subtle shifts in the rogues' patrols, their shielded mind-links creating faint, almost imperceptible static against her enhanced senses. Their numbers were significant, just as she'd foreseen, but they were also complacent, relying on the natural defenses of the Whisperwood and the belief in their impenetrable lair.
"Forward group, bear right," Elara projected into Maddox's mind, a clear image of a rogue patrol turning a corner just ahead. "Two wolves. They're heading for the northern watchpoint."
Maddox subtly shifted his hand, relaying the silent command to the lead warriors. They melted into the undergrowth, veering off to intercept the unsuspecting rogues. A moment later, a faint, muffled thud echoed through the trees, followed by silence. The first engagement was over, swift and clean.
The preemptive strike was a carefully orchestrated dance of stealth and precision. River Pine's warriors, guided by Elara's real-time intelligence, moved deeper into the rogue territory, neutralizing sentries, and securing key positions around the main encampment. Elara was a constant presence in Maddox's mind, a quiet voice of warning, a flicker of an image pointing to a hidden trap or a vulnerable point in the rogues' defenses. She felt the surge of adrenaline as skirmishes erupted, the heat of battle flaring even from a distance.
As they approached the main lair, a rogue howler, finally sensing the intrusion, let out a piercing cry that shattered the night's quiet. The encampment erupted into chaos. The element of surprise was partially lost, but the initial groundwork had been laid.
"Now!" Maddox roared, shifting into Shadow, his powerful silver wolf tearing through the last vestiges of cover.
The River Pine pack, followed by their smaller contingent of allies, burst into the clearing. The battle was fierce, chaotic, and brutal. Rogues, disoriented and caught off guard, scrambled to defend their stronghold. Growls, snarls, and the sickening thud of bodies filled the air. Elara, remaining in her human form, used her abilities like a conductor, guiding the flow of the battle, redirecting warriors to areas of weakness, pinpointing rogue leaders. She felt the strain, the energy draining from her with each powerful projection, but the desperate need to protect Maddox and her newfound pack drove her on. This was the first strike, and it was a crucible for her burgeoning power.