The days following the alliance were a blur of preparation. The crypt beneath the old church buzzed with activity as wolves, witches, and hunters worked together to forge a plan against the Eclipse Order. Strategies were debated, weapons sharpened, and alliances solidified.
But beneath the surface, tensions simmered. Old rivalries between species didn't dissolve overnight, and the stakes of their mission weighed heavily on everyone.
Elijah paced the center of the crypt, his mind racing as Marcus and Sophia argued over the next steps.
"We can't wait for them to strike again!" Marcus growled, slamming his fist on the table. "We need to take the fight to them, catch them off guard!"
Sophia shook her head, her fiery hair swaying. "If we charge in blind, we'll play right into their hands. We need more intel. Alaric's retreat wasn't just a loss—it was a setup for something bigger."
"Enough!" Elijah's voice cut through the rising tension, silencing the room. His yellow eyes burned with authority as he addressed the group. "We're not here to fight each other. We're here to fight them. And Sophia's right—this isn't just about brute strength. If we don't know what we're up against, we'll lose before the battle even starts."
Marcus grumbled but conceded with a sharp nod.
Sophia shot Elijah a grateful look. "I can track Alaric's magic signature," she said, pulling a map from her satchel. "It's faint, but I think I can pinpoint where they've retreated. If we send a small team, we can gather the intel we need without drawing too much attention."
Elijah nodded. "Good. Lucas, you're with me. Sophia, can you manage the spell here?"
"I can, but…" Her expression was hesitant. "Be careful, Elijah. If Alaric's waiting, this could be a trap."
Elijah met her gaze, his resolve unwavering. "I know. That's why I'm going."
Hours later, Elijah and Lucas crept through the dense forest on the outskirts of Ashwood. The trees here were older, their branches twisted like gnarled hands reaching for the sky. Sophia's tracking spell had led them to an abandoned quarry, its jagged cliffs casting long shadows in the moonlight.
"This place gives me the creeps," Lucas muttered, his wolf form prowling close to Elijah's side. "You sure this is it?"
Elijah sniffed the air, his heightened senses picking up faint traces of rogue wolves and something darker. "This is it. Stay alert."
They moved silently, their eyes scanning the quarry for signs of movement. As they approached the edge of a crumbling building, Elijah froze. Voices.
He motioned for Lucas to stay back as he crept closer, peering around the corner. Below, a group of rogues was gathered in a rough circle, their attention focused on a figure at the center.
Alaric.
The rogue alpha paced, his voice low but commanding as he addressed the group.
"The Unseen Alpha is a threat, but he's also an opportunity," Alaric said, his words dripping with malice. "The Eclipse Order sees him as a weapon, but I see him as a pawn. If we can turn him—if we can bend him to our will—there's no one who could stand against us."
Elijah's blood ran cold, but he stayed hidden, listening as Alaric continued.
"And if he refuses…" Alaric's lips curled into a cruel smile. "We'll make an example of him and his little pack. Fear is a powerful tool, and soon, all of Ashwood will learn what happens when they defy us."
Lucas shifted beside him, a low growl rumbling in his throat. Elijah held up a hand, signaling him to stay quiet.
"We need to get back to the crypt," Elijah whispered, his mind racing. "Sophia needs to know—"
Before he could finish, a sharp whistle pierced the air.
"I was wondering when you'd show up," Alaric said, his red eyes locking onto Elijah's hiding spot. "Did you really think you could sneak into my territory unnoticed?"
The rogues turned as one, their forms shifting into hulking wolves. Elijah and Lucas barely had time to react before they were surrounded.
"Elijah Greyson," Alaric said, his tone mocking as he approached. "The great Unseen Alpha. I was hoping you'd come. Saves me the trouble of hunting you down."
Elijah raised the Moonfang Blade, its glow cutting through the darkness. "You talk too much, Alaric."
Alaric laughed. "And you think you're a hero. But tell me, Elijah—how well do you really know your pack?"
At his words, a figure stepped out from the shadows, their movements hesitant but familiar.
"Sophia?" Lucas said, his voice filled with disbelief.
Elijah's heart sank as Sophia emerged, her expression conflicted.
"I…" she began, her voice trembling. "Elijah, I didn't have a choice."
"You've got to be kidding me," Lucas growled, his claws digging into the dirt.
"Sophia," Elijah said, his voice calm despite the storm raging inside him. "What did you do?"
Alaric smirked. "Oh, she's been very helpful. Your little witch here gave us everything we needed—your plans, your allies, even the location of your precious crypt. By now, my rogues are already tearing it apart."
Sophia's eyes filled with tears. "I didn't mean for this to happen. Alaric threatened my coven—my family. I couldn't let him destroy them."
Elijah's grip on the Moonfang Blade tightened, but he kept his voice steady. "You made a mistake, Sophia. But it's not too late to fix it."
Alaric scoffed. "You think she'll betray me again? She's mine now, Elijah. Just like you will be."
With a roar, the rogues charged. Elijah and Lucas fought back with everything they had, the Moonfang Blade carving through the darkness. Sophia stood frozen, torn between the two sides.
"Make your choice, Sophia!" Elijah shouted, his voice cutting through the chaos. "Who are you fighting for?"
Time seemed to stand still as she raised her hands, green fire sparking to life.
Then she chose.