Chapter 37 - The reconquest

KELLY THOMPSON'S POV

As the sun dips below the horizon, casting long shadows across the clearing, we gather our strength, readying ourselves for the fight that lies ahead. The villagers surround us, their faces a mixture of determination and hope, and I can feel the energy of the forest pulsing in response to our resolve.

"Tonight, we stand united," the elder declares, his voice resonating through the crowd. "We will confront the darkness that seeks to consume our worlds."

Jason stands tall beside me, the weight of the scepter heavy in his grip. Eden, now more resolute than ever, clutches his father's leg, his small form radiating a fierce bravery that belies his age. 

"We will not back down," Jason says, his voice steady. "We fight for our family, for our home, for every creature that calls this forest home."

The villagers erupt in cheers, their voices mingling in a powerful chorus that reverberates through the trees. The forest seems to respond in kind, the leaves rustling as if whispering encouragement.

"Gather the warriors," the elder instructs. "We will form a plan to strike at the heart of the North pack, and we will protect what is ours from the Black Faes."

As the villagers disperse to prepare, I turn to Jason, my heart racing with anticipation. "What's our strategy?" I ask, my mind racing with possibilities.

"We need to use the element of surprise," he replies, his brow furrowing in thought. "If we can get the North pack off guard, we stand a better chance. We should approach from the east, using the cover of the trees."

I nod, impressed by his tactical thinking. "And we can use the power of the scepter to shield Eden and ourselves from detection."

Jason's eyes gleam with determination. "Exactly. With the combined magic of the forest and our newfound allies, we can turn the tide in our favor."

As we finalize our plans, I can feel the weight of our past and the uncertainty of our future closing in around us. But amidst the fear, there's also a flicker of hope—a belief that we can reclaim our home and protect our son.

Hours pass in a blur of preparation. The villagers arm themselves with weapons forged from the forest's magic, while I help Eden practice using the scepter's power. He's a quick learner, and I can see the confidence growing in him as he feels the magic surging through his small hands.

Finally, as night falls and the stars twinkle overhead, we gather once more in the clearing. The atmosphere is electric with anticipation, and I can feel the energy crackling in the air.

"Tonight, we fight for our future!" the elder proclaims, raising a staff adorned with glowing crystals. "Let the spirits of the forest guide us!"

With that, we set off into the night, the forest alive with the sounds of our footsteps and the whispers of magic. The path ahead is fraught with danger, but with each step, I can feel our determination strengthening.

As we approach the borders of what was once our land -The South pack's land - but now annexed by North pack, the atmosphere grows tense. The trees are thick here, their branches twisting overhead like fingers grasping for something lost. 

"Stay close," Jason murmurs, his voice low and steady. I can sense the protective instincts surging within him as we draw closer to the enemy's stronghold.

Eden walks between us, the scepter pulsing with energy. I can feel the connection between us deepening, a bond forged through the trials we've faced together. 

As we reach the edge of our lost territory, I spot the flickering lights of their campfires in the distance. The scent of smoke hangs heavy in the air, mingling with the earthy aroma of the forest.

"Here we go," Jason whispers, his eyes narrowing as he surveys the scene. "Remember, we need to be quick and efficient. We strike hard and fast."

I nod, my heart pounding in my chest. "Let's do this."

With a shared look of determination, we surge forward into the darkness, ready to confront the enemies that threaten our family and our home. 

The first wave of warriors emerges from the trees, their eyes glowing with fierce determination. We are a united front, a force to be reckoned with as we charge toward the camp.

The element of surprise is on our side as we descend upon the unsuspecting North pack warriors. The clash of steel and the growls of wolves fill the air, and I feel the power of the forest coursing through me as I wield the scepter.

Eden stands beside me, his small hands gripping the scepter tightly. Together, we unleash a wave of magic, sending shockwaves through the ranks of the North pack and scattering them in all directions.

"Keep pushing!" Jason shouts, his voice a rallying cry as he leads the charge into the heart of the enemy camp. 

As we fight, I can see the fear in the eyes of the North pack warriors. They're not prepared for the strength and unity of our combined forces, and I can feel the tide beginning to turn in our favor. 

Moreover their commander-in-chief, Alpha Biansky'son -Harry-, nor their now 'witch' Betty Nord, Jason's ex-wife, seem not to be around. Hence the North pack warriors are rapidly and pretty easily destabilized.

But amidst the chaos, I can sense a shift—a darkness creeping in at the edges of our victory. The Black Faes have not forgotten us, and I know they will stop at nothing to reclaim what they believe is theirs: my son Eden -their so-called reincarnated King- as well as the scepter of convergence.

"Stay alert!" I call out to Jason and Eden, my instincts screaming at me to be cautious. 

Suddenly, a piercing howl echoes through the night, chilling me to the bone. The ground shakes beneath us, and I can feel the presence of the Black Faes closing in. 

"Fall back!" Jason commands, his voice filled with urgency. "We need to regroup!"

As we retreat, I can see the shadowy figures of the Black Faes emerging from the treeline, their eyes glowing with malice. They're here for revenge, and I can feel the danger pressing in around us.

"Eden, hold on tight!" I shout, shifting back into my wolf form, Shelly, as Jason does the same and let his wolf Jude take over. Together, we form a protective barrier around our son, ready to face whatever darkness lies ahead.

The battle rages on as we fend off the encroaching Black Faes, their twisted forms darting through the trees. But we are not alone—our allies fight valiantly by our side, their determination fueling our resolve.

As the night wears on, the tide of battle ebbs and flows, each side gaining and losing ground. I can feel the scepter pulsing with power, guiding me as I channel its magic to protect my family.

But as the Black Faes surge forward, I know that we cannot hold them off forever. We need to find a way to turn the tide once and for all.

And then I remember Lady Arianrhod's words—about the connection between Eden and the scepter. 

"Eden!" I call, my voice rising above the chaos. "You need to unleash your power! Use the scepter!"

Eden looks up at me, his expression a mixture of fear and determination. "But I don't know how!"

"Just believe in yourself!" I urge, my heart racing. "Feel the magic within you and let it guide you!"

With renewed purpose, Eden grips the scepter tightly, his small hands trembling with energy. I can see the glow intensifying as he closes his eyes, focusing on the magic coursing through him.

The Black Faes hesitate, sensing the shift in the air. 

"Now, Eden!" I shout.

With a burst of light, Eden unleashes the power of the scepter. A wave of energy surges forth, engulfing the Black Faes in a brilliant light. They howl in fury and pain, their forms disintegrating as the magic washes over them.

As the last echoes of their cries fade into the night, I feel a sense of victory wash over us. 

"We did it!" I exclaim, my heart soaring with pride. 

Jason shifts back to human form, pulling Eden into his arms as we embrace, relief flooding through us. 

But amidst our celebration, I know that this battle is just one step on a long journey ahead. We must remain vigilant, for the threats are far from over. 

As we gather our allies and regroup, I can feel the determination strengthening within us. Together, we will reclaim our home and protect our family, no matter the cost.

We are warriors, united by love and resilience, ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead. The bond of family and the strength of our allies will guide us through the darkness, and together, we will emerge victorious.

As the first light of dawn breaks through the trees, I feel a renewed sense of hope. We've faced the darkness and triumphed, but our journey is far from over. 

With our hearts united and our spirits strong, we will continue to fight for our future, ready to embrace whatever challenges come our way. 

The wind whispers through the trees, carrying with it the promise of new beginnings. And as we step forward into the light of a new day, I know that together, we will forge a path toward a brighter future. 

No matter what lies ahead, we will face it together—united by love, resilience, and the magic of the forest. 

And that, above all else, makes us unstoppable.