Dawn barely touched the horizon when the alarms sounded.
Shouts echoed across the compound, and the bond pulsed sharply beneath my skin, screaming warnings. This was no lone attack—shadows moved with precision, coordinated, deadly. Lyris's influence lingered, even if she herself wasn't present.
Kael shifted instantly, fur bristling. "Multiple packs. Organized. They know our weaknesses—or think they do."
Riven's fists flared, green energy pulsing in anticipation. "Then let's show them they miscalculated."
Solen's calm swept over the pack, grounding nerves and stabilizing energy. "Anchor… tonight, your strategy will determine who survives."
I inhaled, letting the threads of the bond extend, touching every wolf. Focus, loyalty, courage. Anchor us all. Let fear not guide us.
The first wave of attackers struck, shadows twisting into living shapes, claws gleaming under the weak dawn. Kael intercepted with precision, wolf instincts and strength synchronized perfectly with the bond. Riven cut through attackers, energy pulsing like a living blade. Solen moved like shadow and steel, guarding weak points, directing the pack.
The Alpha sons faced not just danger, but responsibility. Their choices now defined their leadership potential and loyalty.
"Kael!" I shouted. "Take the eastern flank and protect the scouts! No hesitation!"
"Understood!" His growl was steady, unyielding.
"Riven, contain the center! Do not let them split the pack!"
Riven's energy flared, walls of green light erupting, repelling multiple attackers at once. Sweat ran down his forehead, but he stood unbroken.
Solen's calm was surgical. "Watch the rear! They aim to disrupt supply lines and morale. Protect the pack's heart."
I extended the threads outward, anchoring not just protection but coordination, linking every Alpha son, every guard, and every wolf willing to fight. The bond pulsed, alive, humming with precision.
Then the enemy shifted tactics. Shadows broke into smaller packs, targeting the weak and untrained. Kael roared, intercepting a group, claws flashing, eyes sharp. Riven's energy flared explosively, cutting another set down.
And then one shadow leapt straight for me. I felt it before I saw it—speed unnatural, intent lethal.
Kael reacted instantly, but the threads of the bond pulsed violently. "Anchor!" he shouted.
I twisted midair, letting the bond absorb the impact. Pain shot through my chest, sharp and burning, but the threads flared outward, pushing the attacker back.
The pack rallied around me, instincts sharpened, loyalty tested.
I saw Riven falter slightly, his energy lagging under the relentless assault. Threads shot out instantly, anchoring him, steadying his focus. Solen was next to intervene, guiding both Alpha sons through the chaos.
The attackers regrouped, but the bond pulsed stronger, connecting us, synchronizing attacks and defense. The pack moved as one, every wolf anticipating movements, supporting each other, their hearts and instincts united.
"Anchor, flank left!" Kael shouted, eyes scanning. "They're splitting!"
I obeyed, sending threads to redirect wolves, control energy, and maintain formation. My own strikes joined the flurry, precise, powerful—every movement calculated to protect, repel, and dominate.
Hours passed—or it felt like hours. Sweat, blood, and energy mingled, but the bond never wavered. The Alpha sons fought not just for survival, but for loyalty, honor, and the trust I had anchored in them.
Finally, the attackers faltered. Coordination broke. Shadows collapsed under the pack's synchronized might. The threads of the bond flared one last time, protective, victorious, anchoring victory.
The clearing fell silent, save for heavy breaths and the hum of the bond.
Kael leaned on me briefly, gray eyes fierce. "You… anchored everything tonight. We followed because we trusted you. Not just the bond—YOU."
Riven's green energy dimmed slowly, fists unclenching. "And we didn't falter. Not once. Because you made us believe."
Solen inclined his head, calm and approving. "You've proven yourself—not just as a leader, but as a strategist and warrior. The pack will follow you into any battle."
I exhaled slowly, letting the threads pulse through every wolf, alive and protective. "Tonight, we fought not just to survive, but to lead. Loyalty, courage, and trust—these are our weapons as much as claws and strength."
Astraea whispered softly through the threads, proud and approving: Anchor, the pack has seen your command. Strength is not enough; strategy, unity, and courage define leadership. You have proven all three.
I looked over the pack, faces marked by exhaustion but shining with resolve. "Rest for now," I said quietly. "Tomorrow, we train. The world outside will continue to test us, but we will meet every challenge… together. Always."
The sun rose fully, silver and gold streaking over the horizon. The pack stood united, stronger, and wiser. The Anchor had not only survived another trial—she had orchestrated victory, anchored loyalty, and forged her Alpha sons into warriors capable of standing by her side.
And beyond the treeline, new threats would soon test us again. But the Anchor and her pack were ready.