Thunder Before the Storm:
The night before the battle was always the most silent. Even the wolves barely howled.
Elizabeth stood on the edge of Crimson Ridge, cloaked in a white and gold armor that shimmered like moonlight. Behind her, Lucian readied the vanguard Gamma Kieran and Beta Jaxon led flanks to the east and west, and Saelith stood among the spellcasters.
Elizabeth breathed deeply. The air was thick with blood and ash. Her golden wolf stirred.
"They are here."
She turned toward the hills. Shadows moved like liquid. Rogues, twisted and clawed, advanced in ranks. Behind them, a dark figure emerged: Selene.
The traitor wore a crown of thorns, her aura pulsing with corrupted magic. Her voice echoed across the ridge.
"Sister. Let us finish what fate began."
Lucian stepped forwa
