The forest lay quiet under the full Blood Moon, yet an unnatural tension hung in the air. Even the wind seemed hesitant, brushing gently against trees that had survived centuries of storms.
Nyra stood at the edge of the central ridge, silver aura flaring faintly as her senses stretched outward. The air shimmered with a strange energy — darker than night itself, but pulsing, alive, and watchful.
Kael stepped beside her, golden eyes glowing. "They're close. I can feel it — something huge. Not wolves… something older, sharper, smarter."
Fenrir and a contingent of Ashfang scouts arrived silently, their movements cautious. "Our northern scouts report large shadows moving swiftly through the trees. Packs are fleeing. Something unnatural leads them."
Nyra clenched her fists, chains of silver energy flickering faintly around her. "Then we meet it before it reaches the pack."
The ridge shuddered as the first of the shadows appeared — massive, hulking shapes moving with terrifying speed. Their eyes glowed a deep crimson, and their bodies shimmered with dark energy that twisted the forest around them. Wolves and humans alike would have sworn the shadows were alive with malevolent intent.
Kael growled low, stepping in front of Nyra. "Stay close. We do not underestimate them."
The shadows advanced with inhuman coordination. When one lunged, Nyra extended her hands, sending a web of silver lunar chains that snared its limbs. The creature roared — a deep, bone-chilling sound — and pulled free, almost tearing the chains apart.
Kael's claws ignited with golden flame, and he launched into the shadows, slashing through the nearest assailant with explosive power. Wolves around him moved like a tide, coordinated strikes amplified by Nyra's Blood Moon guidance.
Fenrir's Ashfang warriors attacked the flanks, trapping the shadows between two forces, but each blow was met with resistance — the shadows' strange energy healed them almost as quickly as they were injured.
Nyra's aura flared brighter. "Kael! Focus the Alpha pulse while I bind their leader!"
Kael's roar echoed across the forest as golden flames surged outward. The shadows faltered momentarily, giving Nyra the opening she needed. She raised her hands, chains of lunar energy weaving together in intricate patterns. A massive shadow, larger and darker than the rest, struggled against the silver bonds but could not break free.
The remaining shadows paused, sensing the leader bound. Nyra's voice carried over the battlefield. "Shadowfang does not bow! We are united, and we fight for our pack!"
The remaining shadows retreated, dissolving into the trees and mist. Only the bound leader remained, writhing against the lunar chains, its crimson eyes fixed on Nyra and Kael.
Kael stepped forward, aura blazing. "This isn't over," he growled.
Nyra nodded, chains flickering as the leader's energy pulsed dangerously. "No. This is only the beginning. Whatever this creature is… it won't stop until it understands Shadowfang is not prey."
The Blood Moon above gleamed bright, illuminating the forest and the victorious pack. Wolves roared in triumph, but their eyes held vigilance — the threat that stalked the shadows was real, and more were likely coming.