Tolu stared at the dagger, the weight of its meaning settling over him like a thick fog.
His uncle had sent this.
Ajala's expression remained unreadable as he turned the weapon in his hands, the runes glowing faintly under the moonlight. The Palam warriors stood in tense silence, their eyes darting between the weapon and their young leader.
Bashir finally spoke, his voice low. "This isn't just a warning. It's a declaration."
Tolu's fingers twitched. His uncle wasn't just threatening him—he was marking him as prey.
His pack members stiffened as a sudden wind swept through the clearing, rustling the trees like unseen hands. A familiar, primal rage bubbled beneath Tolu's skin, but he forced himself to stay calm.
"Ajala," he said, voice steady. "What does this mean?"
Ajala exhaled. "It means your uncle knows you're alive." He tossed the dagger onto a nearby rock, where it landed with a sharp clang. "And he isn't going to wait for you to come to him. He's coming for you."
A hush fell over the gathered warriors.
Kemi, standing beside Tolu, crossed her arms. "Then what do we do?"
Tolu met her gaze, determination burning behind his golden irises.
"We prepare."
---
A Lesson in War
The Palam Pack's training grounds were nothing more than a wide-open field surrounded by towering trees, but tonight, it felt different.
The warriors had gathered, their bodies tense, their eyes filled with resolve. The battle with the hunters had left a mark on them all.
Tolu stood at the center, his pack around him.
Ajala, arms crossed, studied them before speaking. "You are all strong. But strength alone will not save you." His golden eyes locked onto Tolu. "You, especially, need to sharpen your instincts. Your uncle will not come alone."
Tolu nodded. "Then teach me."
Ajala's smirk was faint, but it was there. "We start now."
With a swift movement, Ajala lunged forward, his claws extending.
Tolu barely had time to react before a blinding force slammed into him, sending him skidding across the dirt.
Pain shot through his ribs, but he rolled back onto his feet, exhaling sharply.
Ajala straightened, cracking his knuckles. "Lesson one: never assume your enemy will wait for you to be ready."
Tolu wiped dirt from his mouth, his gaze sharpening. "Got it."
The warriors circled around them, eyes watching closely. This wasn't just training—it was a test.
And Tolu refused to fail.
---
The Blood Moon's Omen
Hours later, the warriors were exhausted, their bodies aching from combat drills. Tolu had taken hit after hit, but with each blow, his body adapted. He was learning faster than before.
As they finally rested, a scout rushed into the clearing, breathless.
"Alpha—look at the sky."
Tolu followed his gaze upward.
The moon was no longer its usual silver.
It was red.
A Blood Moon.
A shiver ran through the warriors. Blood Moons were rare, but when they appeared, war followed.
Ajala's jaw tightened. "Your uncle is making his move."
Tolu's fingers curled into fists.
"Let him come."
---
A Shift in the Pack
As the night deepened, Tolu sat with his packmates around the fire, the heat licking at their faces.
Bashir, who had been silent for most of the night, finally spoke. "Tolu… If your uncle really is coming, do you think we're ready?"
Tolu glanced around at the faces of his pack—his family.
Jide sat with his arms crossed, silent but ever watchful. Zainab sharpened her blade, her face unreadable. Kemi's gaze was fixed on him, unwavering, trusting.
"No," Tolu admitted. "We're not ready."
Bashir snorted. "I was hoping for a lie."
Tolu chuckled despite himself. "I don't need to lie to you, Bashir. But the truth doesn't mean we stop fighting."
Bashir nodded slowly. "Then we keep training."
A chorus of agreement rose from the pack.
They would fight. And they would win.
---
A Visitor in the Night
As the pack began to disperse for the night, a low howl echoed through the trees.
Tolu stiffened.
Ajala's gaze flicked toward the darkness. "That's not one of ours."
The warriors sprang into action, drawing weapons, preparing for an attack.
Then, from the shadows, a lone wolf emerged.
It was a massive creature, its fur a deep shade of black, eyes glowing an eerie silver. Unlike normal wolves, its body shimmered slightly—a sign of something unnatural.
Ajala inhaled sharply. "A Phantom Wolf."
Murmurs rippled through the warriors. Phantom Wolves were legendary, rarely seen and even more rarely controlled. They were messengers, sent only by the most powerful beings.
The wolf stepped forward and then… shifted.
Before them now stood a man, his long dark cloak billowing slightly. His silver eyes glowed in the dim firelight.
"I have come with a message," he said, voice like cold steel.
Tolu stepped forward, his muscles tensed. "Who sent you?"
The man's lips curved into a faint smile. "The one who waits for you."
Ajala's expression darkened. "You mean Olumide."
The Phantom Wolf tilted his head. "He is… interested in the boy." His gaze settled on Tolu. "You are more than what you believe, child. And there are those who fear you because of it."
Tolu clenched his jaw. "If my uncle fears me, then he's right to."
The man chuckled. "Bold words. Let us see if you can back them up."
And with that, he vanished, leaving behind only the whisper of the wind.
Tolu exhaled slowly.
Ajala's voice was low. "This was just the beginning."
Tolu met his gaze, resolve burning in his chest.
"Then let's finish it."
---
A Whisper in the Wind
Long after the Phantom Wolf had vanished, Tolu stood alone beneath the blood-red moon, his thoughts racing. The fire had died down, leaving only embers that pulsed like a heartbeat.
Then—a whisper.
At first, it was indistinct, carried by the wind. But as Tolu listened, the words became clear.
"He is watching… waiting…"
A chill ran down his spine. He turned sharply, scanning the trees, but saw nothing.
Yet, deep in his soul, he felt it—his uncle's gaze upon him, even from afar.
The war had already begun.
And there would be no turning back.