"Heart of Stone, Heart of Gold "

*Chapter 12: Rescue at Dawn*

Asher paced back and forth, his eyes flicking to his phone every few seconds. Thalia and Xander had been gone for weeks, and neither of them was answering their phones. A cold knot of worry twisted in his stomach. He knew something was terribly wrong.

"Come on, pick up," Asher muttered, dialing Xander's number for what felt like the hundredth time. The call went straight to voicemail again. He slammed his phone down in frustration.

Just then, a faint voice echoed in his mind. "Asher, we need help. It's Xander. We're in trouble."

Asher's eyes widened. Xander was reaching out to him telepathically, something he only did in emergencies. He closed his eyes, focusing on the connection. "Where are you?" he thought back urgently.

"Elias has captured us," Xander's voice was strained, almost a whisper. "We tried to escape, but he's too strong. You need to come quickly."

Asher's heart pounded in his chest. He knew Elias was dangerous, but he hadn't realized just how much. He had to act fast.

He immediately called for a pack meeting. The entire pack gathered in the meeting hall, a mix of curiosity and concern on their faces. Asher stood before them, his expression grave.

"Thalia and Xander left because they discovered something about Thalia," Asher began, his voice steady despite the turmoil inside. "They found out who Thalia really is. The myth about the moonstone and the moon goddess is true. Thalia's violet eyes are a sign that she is the most powerful, strongest, and rarest wolf with an unknown ability unlike any other wolf."

Gasps and murmurs of shock filled the room. The pack members exchanged worried glances, the gravity of the situation sinking in.

"Elias has captured them because of this," Asher continued, his eyes burning with resolve. "They were trying to locate the moonstone when Elias ambushed them. We're going on a rescue mission. I need all of our fiercest warriors to step forward. This mission won't be easy, but we can't let Elias win. We leave at dawn."

A group of the pack’s strongest warriors stepped forward, their faces set with determination. They were ready to fight for their leaders.

Asher stood at the edge of the training ground, watching the young warriors sparring. He couldn't help but feel a mix of pride and concern. These teenagers had shown remarkable progress, but now they were about to face their biggest test yet.

"Listen up," Asher called out, his voice firm but encouraging. The young warriors immediately stopped their training and gathered around him, their eyes filled with determination. "With the alpha and the main warriors gone, it's up to you to protect the pack. I know you're ready for this."

He walked among them, placing a hand on each shoulder, feeling the tension and resolve in their muscles. "Remember your training, trust each other, and stay vigilant. The pack is counting on you."

Asher's gaze fell on his son, Silas Blackthorn, standing a bit apart from the others. Silas had always been a bit of a wild card, resembling his uncle with his bad boy persona and reluctance to follow authority. But Asher knew that deep down, Silas had the heart of a leader.

"Silas," Asher said, his voice softening as he approached his son. "This is your moment. You're a Blackthorn, and one day you'll be an alpha. I need you to step up and lead."

Silas looked up, uncertainty flickering in his eyes. "What if I mess up, Dad?"

"You won't," Asher replied, gripping Silas's shoulder firmly. "I believe in you. Make me proud."

Asher turned back to the group. "Stay strong & protect the pack.

As he left to join the warriors heading to save Thalia and Xander, Asher couldn't shake the worry gnawing at him. But he had to trust that Silas would rise to the occasion. The pack's future depended on it.

The night settled over the pack's territory like a heavy cloak, the air thick with tension. The pack members were unaware of the impending danger, going about their evening routines with no hint of the storm about to break.

Out of nowhere, the peace was shattered by the sound of approaching footsteps and the chilling howls of the enemy wolves. Panic spread like wildfire as the pack scrambled to understand what was happening.

This attack was a surprise, orchestrated by Elias from afar. He had sent members of the Darkmoon pack, hoping that Asher would be caught in the fray, knowing that Thalia and Xander were already captured.

Silas, Asher's teen son, was watching over the pack with the other teen trainees. His heart raced as he quickly assessed the situation. He had to act fast. Rallying the young warriors, he prepared them for the unexpected battle. This was Elias's twisted game, a cruel test that would push them to their limits.

As the enemy wolves breached their defenses, Silas fought with a fierce determination. The battle was intense, each moment a struggle for survival.

In the chaos, Silas's thoughts drifted to his father, Asher. He knew they had to win this fight, not just for their own survival, but to give Asher a fighting chance to rescue Thalia and Xander from Elias's clutches. With a powerful cry, he led the teen trainees into the fray, their collective strength pushing back the Darkmoon attackers.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the enemy wolves began to retreat. Silas stood tall, his chest heaving with exertion. He turned to the teen trainees, his eyes blazing with determination. "We stand together," he declared, his voice strong and unwavering. "No matter what challenges come our way, we will face them united."

---

With Xander and Thalia's lives on the line, Asher coerced the warriors and himself to take their wolf forms. Pushing through, even though they were days ahead of them, there was no time to stop and rest. Still in communication with his brother telepathically, they arrived within the hour, catching Xander and Thalia's scent and busting through Elias' territory.

Asher's heart pounded with a mix of fear and determination. His mind was a flurry of thoughts, but he pushed them aside, focusing solely on the mission at hand. He could feel the resolve of his packmates, their unity giving him strength. The scent of his brother and Thalia grew stronger, guiding them through the unfamiliar terrain.

"We're close," Asher communicated to Xander. "Hold on, we're coming."

As they got closer to Xander and Thalia's scent, the pack burst through Elias' dungeon, guarded by many other Darkmoon members. The Blackstone members attacked, snarling and tearing them apart, causing the Darkmoon members to also transform. The dungeon echoed with the sounds of the fierce battle, growls and yelps filling the air.

Asher's eyes locked onto the figures of Xander and Thalia. The sight fueled his determination, and with a powerful howl, he led the charge, his packmates following suit. The clash between the packs was intense, each side fighting with everything they had.

Elias, stunned not knowing Asher came, roared for everyone to retreat. Too many of his members were injured. Like the coward he is, he shouted, "This isn't over, Blackstones! I will find that moonstone, control Thalia, and reign over all packs!" He ended with a menacing laugh.

After Elias was fully out of view, Asher ran towards his brother and Thalia, freeing them from their bondage. Embracing his brother, Xander turned to Thalia to ensure she was okay, but the look on her face told a different story - complete bewilderment. Everything that had surfaced left Thalia feeling a strange sensation inside.

Everything building up inside her, before she knew it, Thalia let out the most blood-curdling howl that shook everyone to their very core. No one had ever experienced such a powerful thing in their lives. Her eyes, the brightest hue of violet anyone had ever seen, glowed terrifyingly.

Everyone around jumped back in fear, including Xander, who isn't easily startled. He was afraid of what might happen next.

Xander, despite his usual calm demeanor, could feel his heart pounding in his chest. The air was thick with anticipation and fear. Asher took a cautious step towards Thalia, his voice trembling, "Thalia, it's okay. We're here. You're safe."

But Thalia's eyes remained fixed, glowing with an unearthly intensity.