Streak And Pack

Chapter 15 - Vanquish

They sneaked into the Lycan territory when the clock striked midnight. Amaris insisted to come with them even though she is still in a bit of pain. Zarina was leading them but they are grouped into three for safety, keeping distance from the other groups, avoiding the possible clash of scents that will alarm the Lycans and the possibility of being caught in one place altogether. In Zarina's group, she has Faelyn and Myndill. In Merlara's group, she has Matrius and Cleona. In Akila's group, he has Amaris and Lexer. Farkas was left to stay and guard the kingdom with the assistance of Quamara and Ertha.

The three groups hid behind three big trees, one for each group.

"This is unusual. They are silent. Not even a scouting Lycan warrior in sight." Lexer whispered, enough for each groups to hear. "Don't tell me they found out about our plan." Zarina whispered back. "Let's hope they don't." Merlara said.

"Stick to the plan, okay? Our group will head to where Maia's body is. We're going to retrieve her." Matrius said. "We will be looking out for Delaneia and Dracyian. Make sure that they don't interfere." Faelyn said. "And our group will take down some warriors who stand on the way." Lexer said. "Keep your ears open for any roar or howl as it is the signal to run away and that something bad happened to one particular group, but I hope it doesn't come to that." Zarina stated. All of them nodded.

Merlara began charging towards the kingdom stealthily with Matrius and Cleona.

Zarina was about to charge but Akila held her arm. "Zarin-" "Stay focused, Akila. Lexer, take care of Amaris. Let's go." Zarina said without looking at him and Zarina charged towards the kingdom with Faelyn and Myndill. "Please stay safe." Akila muttered and charged in a different direction towards the kingdom. Zarina heard what he said, but she acted like she didn't so that Akila won't think too much about it and won't be too distracted.

Merlara's group successfully entered the kingdom, heading to the hallway where Maia's body can be found. They remember the location because that is where Delaneia stood to block the hallway when the Ailurans and Lycans helped Zarina to escape her execution.

Zarina took rounds, searching every windows stealthily, looking for Dracyian and Delaneia. It wasn't long when they found the two lead Lycans, sitting in a certain room, not moving. They are facing the windows and Zarina can only see their suits. They remained there, standing and watching the two. They feel like something's wrong but it wasn't a surprise for them.

Akila's group also successfully took some guards down, one by one, without noise. There were guards outside and they noticed that the guards looked more alarmed than usual.

Time passed by and they felt like they are successful with the stealthy entry.

However...

It wasn't long when a howl was heard, coming from the other side of the kingdom walls.

Zarina began thinking.

"Amaris and Lexer are the only Lycans we are working with. That only means..."

Zarina tried to shift but she realized that she doesn't know how to yet. She asked Myndill and Faelyn to shift and follow where the howl came from.

Zarina arrived at the scene, only to find Amaris and Akila, held by Dracyian and Vossler, while Delaneia faces Lexer who is obviously furious.

Dracyian laughed. "Look at the so-called powerful Ailuran. Tell me, don't you know how to shift?" He grinned, holding a dagger against the skin of Amaris' throat. Zarina snarled. "Oh, what a cub. Disappointing. I expected so much from you." Vossler scoffed.

"Release them." Lexer snarled. "I don't want a fight. You're outnumbered so just let go of my friends." Zarina growled. "Is that so? What about these Lycans surrounding you now?" Dracyian said, pointing at the Lycans that are beginning to surround them.