Caleb's POV
The journey back to Blackwood Hollow was slow and silent. Elena hadn't spoken much since they left the Oracle's cave, her mind clearly spinning with the weight of her newfound mission. Caleb couldn't blame her. Uniting the packs wasn't just a monumental task—it was practically impossible.
He kept his senses sharp, scanning the forest for any signs of danger. The old lands were rife with memories of betrayal, their energy a lingering scar on the land. Caleb didn't trust the quiet, especially not with Elena by his side.
"We should camp for the night," he said as they reached a small clearing.
Elena didn't argue, simply nodding as she dropped her pack near a tree.
"I'll gather wood," Caleb said. "Stay here and keep an eye out."
She gave him a weak smile. "I think I can manage that."
---
Elena's POV
As Caleb disappeared into the trees, Elena sank onto a fallen log, her thoughts a whirlwind. The Oracle's words echoed in her mind: Unite the packs, or all will be lost.
How could she, a human—or at least she thought she was human—convince a bunch of werewolves to work together? She barely understood their world, let alone the deep-rooted conflicts that divided them.
Her fingers brushed the pendant around her neck, a gift from her mother before she passed. It was warm to the touch, pulsing faintly as if alive. The sensation comforted her, reminding her she wasn't entirely alone in this.
The sound of footsteps broke her reverie. She looked up to see Caleb returning with an armful of firewood.
"Everything okay?" he asked, setting the wood down and arranging it into a pile.
She nodded, though her expression betrayed her uncertainty. "I just…don't know where to start."
Caleb struck a match, lighting the fire. The flames danced between them, casting his face in shadows. "One step at a time," he said. "We start with the closest pack and see where it leads."
"Which pack is that?"
"The Silverclaw Pack," he said, his tone serious. "They're strong, but their alpha, Viktor, isn't exactly welcoming to outsiders."
Elena frowned. "Do you think he'll listen to me?"
Caleb hesitated. "It's hard to say. But we'll figure it out together."
---
The Morning After
By dawn, they were back on the trail, heading toward Silverclaw territory. The air was crisp, the forest alive with the sounds of birds and rustling leaves.
Caleb walked ahead, his movements as fluid as a predator's. Elena couldn't help but admire his quiet strength, even as questions about his past gnawed at her.
"What's Viktor like?" she asked, breaking the silence.
Caleb glanced back at her. "He's…demanding. Ruthless, even. But he respects strength. If you can prove you're worth his time, he might listen."
"And if I can't?"
Caleb's jaw tightened. "Then we leave. I won't let him hurt you."
Elena's heart warmed at his protective tone, though she couldn't shake the fear curling in her stomach.
---
Silverclaw Territory
By midday, they reached the edge of Silverclaw territory. The scent of wolves was strong here, the air tinged with a wild, primal energy.
"Stay close," Caleb said, his voice low. "And whatever you do, don't show fear."
Elena nodded, her heart pounding as they ventured deeper.
It wasn't long before they were intercepted. A group of wolves emerged from the shadows, their eyes gleaming with suspicion.
"What business do you have here?" one of them growled, his voice rough and commanding.
Caleb stepped forward, his stance calm but firm. "We need to speak with Viktor."
The wolf snorted. "And why should we let you?"
Caleb's eyes darkened, a low growl rumbling in his chest. "Because it's not a request."
The wolf hesitated, clearly weighing his options. Finally, he motioned for them to follow.
---
The Silverclaw Alpha
The Silverclaw camp was a sprawling network of cabins nestled in a valley. Wolves of all shapes and sizes roamed the area, their eyes narrowing as they caught sight of Elena.
She held her head high, refusing to let their scrutiny intimidate her. Caleb walked beside her, his presence a steadying force.
They were led to a large cabin at the center of the camp. Inside, a towering man with silver-streaked hair and piercing blue eyes awaited them.
"Viktor," Caleb said with a nod.
The alpha's gaze swept over them, lingering on Elena. "You bring a human into my territory?"
"She's not just a human," Caleb said, his tone firm. "She's here on the Oracle's orders."
Viktor's eyes narrowed. "The Oracle? Why would the Oracle concern herself with a human?"
Elena stepped forward, her voice steady despite the fear curling in her stomach. "Because I'm not just a human. I'm connected to this world in ways I don't fully understand yet. And I need your help."
Viktor studied her for a long moment, his expression unreadable. "You've got guts, I'll give you that. But guts won't get you far here."
"Maybe not," she said. "But the Oracle said the packs need to unite. If we don't, something terrible will happen."
Viktor leaned back in his chair, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "And you think you're the one to unite us? A girl who doesn't even know what she is?"
Elena's cheeks flushed, but she held her ground. "I don't have all the answers, but I'm willing to fight for this. For all of us."
Viktor's smirk faded, his expression turning serious. "You've got spirit. I'll give you a chance to prove yourself. But if you fail…"
He didn't need to finish the sentence. The warning in his eyes said it all.
---
A Test of Strength
That evening, Viktor called the pack together in a wide clearing. Wolves gathered in a circle, their eyes gleaming with curiosity and anticipation.
"If this girl wants our help, she needs to earn it," Viktor announced. "Elena, step forward."
She glanced at Caleb, who gave her a reassuring nod. Taking a deep breath, she stepped into the circle.
Viktor motioned to one of his wolves, a burly man with a scar across his cheek. "Ivan, you'll be her opponent."
Elena's heart sank. She wasn't a fighter, and she certainly couldn't take on someone like Ivan.
"I'm not a werewolf," she protested. "How am I supposed to fight him?"
"You're resourceful," Viktor said. "Figure it out."
The crowd murmured, their excitement palpable.
Caleb stepped forward, his voice low but firm. "This isn't fair, Viktor."
"Life isn't fair," Viktor replied coldly.
Elena took a deep breath, her mind racing. She didn't have the strength to overpower Ivan, but maybe she didn't need to.
---
The Fight
As Ivan lunged at her, Elena dodged, using her smaller size to her advantage. She darted around him, avoiding his blows and searching for an opening.
The crowd jeered and cheered, their voices a chaotic roar.
Elena spotted a branch on the ground and grabbed it, using it to deflect Ivan's next attack. He snarled, his frustration evident.
"You're quick," he said, circling her. "But that won't save you."
Elena gritted her teeth, determined to prove him wrong.
As the fight wore on, she began to notice his movements growing sluggish. She realized he was tiring, his strength working against him.
Summoning her courage, she feigned left, then darted right, slamming the branch into the back of his knees. Ivan fell to the ground with a grunt, and the crowd erupted in shouts.
Viktor raised a hand, silencing them. His eyes met Elena's, and for the first time, she saw a glimmer of respect.
"You've earned my attention," he said. "Let's see if you can keep it."
---