The night sky burned crimson with the light of torches. Howls rose from the forest, hundreds of rogue voices converging like a storm. The final assault had begun.
Kieran stood at the gates, Alpha aura radiating like wildfire. His voice boomed across the fortress: “Tonight, we fight not just for survival, but for our future! For our home!”
The pack roared in answer, though tension simmered beneath it. All eyes darted, knowingly, to Elias.
Elias swallowed hard. He felt their doubt like daggers—but he also felt Kieran’s hand brush his arm, warm and steady. “Stand with me,” Kieran whispered, low enough for only him to hear.
Elias nodded. “Always.”
The gates shuddered as rogues slammed against them. Then, with a splintering crack, the enemy poured in. Chaos erupted—claws, steel, and blood.
