The clearing became a storm of snarls and flashing claws as Magnus's wolves clashed with Kael's pack. Selene's heart pounded as she gripped her staff, her mind racing to remember every move Kael had taught her. The air was thick with the scent of earth and blood, the cries of wolves mingling with the sharp cracks of breaking branches.
Kael stayed close to Selene, his wolf form a blur of silver as he fought with unmatched ferocity. Each strike was precise, each movement calculated, but Selene could see the strain beginning to take its toll.
"Behind you!" she shouted as a rogue lunged at Kael's exposed side.
Kael spun with lightning speed, his claws slashing through the air. The rogue fell, but not before leaving a shallow gash across Kael's shoulder.
Selene felt her chest tighten as she saw him falter, but he quickly regained his footing.
"Stay with me," he growled, his voice strained but steady.
Selene nodded, gripping her staff tighter. She stepped forward to defend him, swinging the weapon with all her strength as another rogue charged at them. Her strike connected, the wolf yelping as it stumbled back.
Kael shifted back to his human form momentarily, his blue eyes locking onto hers. "You're doing great," he said, his voice filled with pride.
Selene's heart swelled at his words, but the moment was short-lived.
Magnus stepped into the clearing, his golden eyes gleaming with malice.
"Kael," he called, his voice carrying over the chaos. "Let's end this."
Kael turned to face him, his expression hardening.
"Stay here," Kael said to Selene, his tone leaving no room for argument.
"Kael—"
"Trust me," he said, his gaze softening for a brief moment before he shifted back into his wolf form and charged toward Magnus.
---
The two Alphas collided with a force that shook the ground, their snarls tearing through the night. Magnus was larger, his dark fur rippling as he fought with brutal strength. But Kael was faster, his movements a blur as he dodged Magnus's strikes and countered with his own.
The battle between them was unlike anything Selene had ever seen. It wasn't just physical—it was a clash of wills, of dominance and determination.
Selene wanted to stay back, to let Kael handle it as he'd asked, but when she saw Magnus gain the upper hand, her instincts screamed at her to act.
Kael landed hard on the ground, Magnus pinning him with a triumphant snarl.
"You were a fool to challenge me," Magnus growled, his teeth inches from Kael's throat.
Selene didn't think. She grabbed a fallen branch and ran toward them, swinging with all her might. The branch connected with Magnus's side, the force of the blow making him stumble.
Magnus turned to her, his golden eyes blazing with fury.
"Stay away from her!" Kael roared, surging to his feet and slamming into Magnus with renewed strength.
Selene scrambled back as the two Alphas continued their fight, her heart pounding as she watched Kael drive Magnus toward the edge of the clearing.
---
Meanwhile, Damon emerged from the trees, his wolf form battered but standing. He limped toward Selene, his sharp eyes scanning the battlefield.
"Nice swing," he said, shifting back into his human form.
Selene managed a shaky smile. "Thanks. Are you okay?"
"I've been worse," Damon replied, his gaze flicking to Kael and Magnus. "But he's going to need backup."
Damon started toward them, but Selene grabbed his arm. "Be careful," she said, her voice trembling.
Damon smirked, though there was a softness in his eyes. "I always am."
---
Kael and Magnus continued to trade blows, their snarls growing louder with each strike. Kael's strength seemed to waver for a moment, but the sight of Selene watching from the edge of the clearing fueled his resolve.
Magnus lunged, his teeth aiming for Kael's throat, but Kael twisted at the last second, slamming Magnus into a tree with bone-shaking force.
"You've lost," Kael growled, his claws digging into Magnus's shoulders.
Magnus laughed, blood dripping from his jaws. "Not yet."
With a sudden burst of strength, Magnus threw Kael off, sending him crashing to the ground.
Damon appeared at Kael's side, his wolf form bristling as he stood between Kael and Magnus.
"This ends now," Damon snarled.
Magnus smirked. "Very well. Let's finish it."
---
The pack rallied as Magnus's wolves began to retreat, their morale breaking as they saw their leader falter. Kael rose to his feet, his blue eyes blazing with determination as he stood alongside Damon.
Magnus snarled, but it was clear he was losing. His movements were slower, his strength waning as Kael and Damon pressed their advantage.
Selene watched in awe as Kael delivered the final blow, his claws striking Magnus with a force that sent him crumpling to the ground.
Magnus shifted back into his human form, his body battered and bloodied. He glared at Kael, hatred burning in his golden eyes.
"This isn't over," Magnus rasped, his voice weak but defiant.
Kael loomed over him, his voice cold. "Yes, it is."
Magnus's pack fled, leaving their leader behind as Kael stepped back, his chest heaving.
The clearing fell silent, the battle won, but the cost was clear.
---
Kael turned to Selene, his expression softening as their eyes met. "Are you okay?"
Selene nodded, tears streaming down her face as she ran to him. She threw her arms around him, holding him tightly despite the blood and dirt that covered them both.
"You did it," she whispered, her voice breaking.
"We did it," Kael corrected, his arms wrapping around her.
Damon approached, his usual smirk returning despite his injuries. "Well, that was fun," he said. "Let's not do it again anytime soon."
Kael chuckled softly, though his eyes remained fixed on Selene.
For the first time in what felt like forever, the future didn't seem so uncertain.