As the night wore on, Asher finally slowed to a stop, his chest heaving with exertion. Aria slid off his back, her legs trembling with fatigue. Luna followed suit, her eyes wide with wonder.
Asher shifted back into his human form, his eyes gleaming in the moonlight. "We're here," he said, his voice low and husky.
Aria looked around, taking in the surroundings. They were standing at the edge of a clearing, surrounded by towering trees that seemed to stretch up to the sky. In the center of the clearing stood a large cabin, smoke drifting lazily from the chimney.
"Where are we?" Luna asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Asher nodded towards the cabin. "This is the pack's territory. You'll be safe here."
Aria felt a surge of trepidation. She didn't know anything about this pack or their intentions. But Asher's reassuring gaze calmed her nerves.
As they approached the cabin, a group of people emerged from the shadows. They were tall and muscular, with piercing eyes that seemed to see right through Aria.
"This is the alpha," Asher said, nodding towards a tall, imposing figure with piercing blue eyes. "Alpha Ryker, this is Aria and her sister, Luna."
Alpha Ryker's gaze locked onto Aria's, his eyes narrowing slightly as he took in her appearance. "Welcome, Aria," he said, his voice deep and commanding. "We've been expecting you."
Aria felt a shiver run down her spine as Alpha Ryker's words hung in the air. Expecting her? How did they know she was coming?
As they entered the cabin, Aria was struck by the warmth and camaraderie that filled the air. The pack was gathered around the fire, their faces lit up by the flickering flames.
Asher led them to a corner of the room, where a meal was laid out for them. Aria's stomach growled with hunger as she took in the spread. She hadn't eaten in hours, and the smell of roasting meat was making her mouth water.
As they ate, Aria couldn't help but notice the curious glances from the pack members. She felt like an outsider, a stranger in a strange land. But Asher's reassuring presence beside her made her feel a little more at ease.
Just as they finished their meal, a loud knock at the door echoed through the cabin. Alpha Ryker's expression turned serious as he rose to answer it.
Aria watched as he spoke to someone outside, his voice low and urgent. She couldn't make out what was being said, but the tension in the room was palpable.
As Alpha Ryker turned back to face them, his expression was grim. "It's the rogue pack," he said, his voice low and deadly. "They've been spotted in the area. We need to prepare for battle."
Aria's heart skipped a beat as the pack erupted into action, their faces set with determination. She knew that she and Luna were in the midst of something much bigger than they had ever imagined.