I won't let anything happen to Kael or our pack," I assured my father, determination burning within me.
Lord Ravenswood's face contorted in worry. "Talia, you're wolfless, weak. You can't lead our army... You'll be hurt"
My smile hid the sting of his words. "Don't worry, Father. I've prepared for this moment."
I rose, my eyes locking onto his. "I've gathered every able-bodied woman in our pack. Those with pups stayed behind, caring for our young. The rest stand ready, armed and fierce."
My father's expression turned skeptical. "Women? In battle?"
I stood tall, Adhya's presence stirring within me. "They're warriors, Father. Trained and loyal. Together, we'll defend our pack."
With a resolute nod, I turned to leave.
"Wait, Talia!" my father called, his voice laced with concern.
I faced him. "Father?"
His eyes searched mine. "Be careful. Your... limitation—"
I interrupted, my voice firm. "Is not a weakness. I've learned to adapt."
With a final glance, I exited the chamber, joining my assembled forces.
Women from all walks of life stood before me, determination etched on their faces. Some clutched bows, others swords.
"Today, we fight for our pack!" I rallied them. "For our families, our freedom!"
The battle cry echoed through the corridors as we marched toward the battlefield.
As we charged onto the battlefield, the enemy lines trembled. With a unified cry, my pack transformed into wolves. I joined them, my body contorting, fur bursting forth.
Gasps echoed through the chaos. Eyes widened in shock.
"They said she was wolfless!" someone yelped.
My wolf towered over the others, majestic and powerful. Snowy fur glistened in the sunlight, and my scar shone like a badge of honor.
Adhya, my wolf, roared, unleashing pent-up fury.
The enemy faltered, taken aback by my transformation.
I sprinted forward, leading the charge.
Clashes erupted everywhere. Snarls, growls, and snapping jaws filled the air.
I targeted the enemy's alpha, a hulking beast with razor-sharp claws.
Our wolves collided, fur flying.
Adhya's strength surged through me.
We bit, clawed, and wrestled.
The alpha stumbled.
My pack rallied.
Together, we drove the enemy back.
But the battle raged on.
Kael's fallen form lay nearby.
I howled.
Ryker's voice echoed in my mind as I reminced his proud voice promising me to wait.
"Be strong, Talia!, I love you and I'll wait for you to come back!"
Hope flickered.
The enemy regrouped.
Their alpha recovered.
A fresh wave assaulted us.
With renewed ferocity, I charged forward, Adhya's power coursing through me. My pack followed, taking down enemy wolves left and right.
Kael's fallen form beckoned me. I fought my way to him, adrenaline fueling my strength.
As I reached his side, I saw he was alive, though battered. Relief washed over me.
Now, to finish this.
I targeted the enemy alpha, the source of the pack's aggression.
Our wolves clashed, teeth bared.
I bit down hard, ripping into his shoulder.
The alpha yelped, stumbling.
Victory within reach, I pressed my advantage.
With one final blow, I struck true.
The alpha crumpled, defeated.
As he transformed back into human form, my jaw dropped.
Ryker... No, it wasn't possible.. right? It had to be a misunderstanding..
Lay wounded, his eyes locked onto mine, filled with confusion.
He didn't recognize me.
"Ryker...." I whispered, my voice barely audible.
Kael stirred, groggily opening his eyes.
"Who is this?" he asked, eyeing Ryker warily.
I hesitated.
How could I explain?
As I stood over Ryker, my wolf form towering, his eyes narrowed in confusion.
"Who...are you?" Ryker asked, wincing in pain.
I remained silent, Adhya's presence pulsing through me.
Kael struggled to his feet, eyeing Ryker warily. "What's going on?"
Ryker's gaze flicked between us, his expression guarded.
"I don't understand," Kael said, taking a step back. "You're...the enemy alpha."
Ryker's jaw clenched. "That's not...my choice."
I growled softly, warning Ryker to be cautious.
Kael's eyes darted to me, mind linking he asked. "Talia, what's happening?"
I remained in wolf form, unsure how to reveal my identity.
Ryker's gaze locked onto mine, searching.
For a moment, I thought he recognized me.
But his expression remained puzzled.
"Why did you attack us?" Kael demanded.
Ryker's lips pressed into a thin line. "I won't explain anything...yet."
My pack gathered around, uneasy.
Ryker's eyes never left mine.
"Talia, transform back," Kael urged. "We need to understand."
I hesitated.
Revealing my identity to Ryker, here and now?
What if he rejected me?
Adhya sensed my turmoil.
With a deep breath, I began to transform.
As I took human form, Ryker's eyes widened.
"Talia?" he whispered, incredulous.
Our eyes locked.
The air thickened with tension.