The night was heavy, thick with tension.
The treeline ahead shimmered faintly with shadow energy—Lyris had prepared, of that I had no doubt. The pack moved in formation behind me, Alpha sons aligned, every wolf attuned to the threads of the bond. My heart pulsed in rhythm with theirs, alive, protective, focused.
Kael's gray eyes met mine, resolute. "Anchor… are we ready?"
Riven's green energy flared, fists coiled. "We've trained, we've strategized, we've anchored. Now we strike."
Solen's calm swept over the pack, anchoring nerves and focusing energy. "Anchor, the threads of loyalty and coordination will guide us. The test is not just strength—but precision, unity, and foresight."
I exhaled, letting the bond pulse outward, threads stretching through every wolf, every Alpha son. Focus, courage, unity. Anchor us. Lead us.
The first shadows attacked without warning, twisting and darting with unnatural speed. Wolves leapt, claws slashing, teeth snapping. Kael intercepted immediately, gray fur a blur of controlled strength. Riven's energy flared, slicing through attackers with precision, shielding weaker pack members. Solen moved like water, anticipating every strike, guiding the pack's movements with calm efficiency.
Then Lyris stepped forward from the shadows, silver eyes gleaming. Her aura crackled with dark energy, sharper, more focused than before. "So, the Anchor finally decides to strike first. Bold… but foolish."
Kael growled low. "She underestimates the bond. She always does."
Riven's fists ignited, energy coiling tightly. "Then let's show her what unity looks like."
I raised my hand, threads flaring bright. "Positions! Eastern flank, intercept the shadows. Center, hold formation and control energy. Rear, defend the pack's heart and supplies. Alpha sons—coordinate every move. No hesitation. No mistakes."
The pack surged forward as one. The bond hummed, alive and protective, linking every heart, every muscle, every instinct. Wolves moved as extensions of each other, anticipating attacks, covering weaknesses, striking with lethal precision.
Lyris lunged at me directly, speed like a blade. Threads shot out instantly, wrapping her in controlled force, redirecting her energy while protecting the pack. Pain flared across my chest, sharp, but the bond absorbed it, steadying me.
Kael intercepted a strike aimed at Riven, moving with uncanny synchronicity. Riven cut down attackers from behind, energy blazing, precise and controlled. Solen neutralized a trap near the supply line, movements calm, exact, unerring.
The Alpha sons faced not just battle, but accountability. Their loyalty, precision, and cooperation were tested under extreme pressure. One misstep could fracture the pack.
A shadow struck Kael's flank, claws tearing through air. I reacted instantly, threads wrapping around him, absorbing the blow, redirecting force. Kael's eyes met mine, trust evident. Anchor…
I nodded, letting the threads pulse through him, steadying and reinforcing focus. Riven intensified, energy blazing, while Solen maintained calm control over the formation.
The attack escalated, waves of shadows striking from every direction. The bond pulsed with urgency, linking every wolf, channeling courage, coordination, and precision. No hesitation, no weakness.
Then Lyris screamed, caught in the synchronized push of the pack. Her attack faltered under the combined force, threads redirecting, weakening, and stabilizing the battle. The tide turned.
And then, through the threads, I felt her presence—not Lyris, but the Moon Goddess herself. Anchor, the test continues. Lyris reveals only a fragment of the challenge. The pack's unity and your choices will define what comes next.
I let the bond pulse sharply, anchoring every wolf. "Tonight, we strike decisively—not for vengeance, but for survival and control. The threads of loyalty and unity will guide us. Every wolf fights as one, and no shadow can divide us."
The pack surged, synchronized, precise, unbreakable. Wolves moved in perfect alignment, instincts and training merged, striking as a single entity. Lyris faltered, her attacks splintering under the force of unity.
The clearing fell silent, sweat and energy heavy in the air. Wolves panted, muscles trembling, energy dimming, but the bond remained alive, protective, unbroken.
Kael exhaled, gray eyes unwavering. "We've struck together. You anchored more than loyalty tonight—you anchored destiny itself."
Riven nodded, fists unclenching. "We follow because we trust you. Not just the bond—you."
Solen inclined his head. "Leadership, strategy, unity, courage… you've proven all. But the Moon Goddess's final plan begins now. Be vigilant."
I let the threads pulse through the pack, alive, protective, unbreakable. "Tonight we struck first, but the real challenge is only beginning. The Anchor and her pack will not falter. Always."
The moon shone high and silver, casting light over the pack. Wolves shifted, muscles tense but ready, eyes bright with determination. The first strike had been made, but beyond the treeline, shadows whispered of trials, revelations, and the Moon Goddess's ultimate plan—waiting for the moment the Anchor would lead her pack into destiny's ultimate test.