Under the Skin

Chapter 25: Rage

The sanctuary buzzed with tension and worry. Night had fallen, and the moon hung high in the sky, casting an eerie glow over the compound. Estrella paced back and forth, her anxiety mounting with each passing minute. Kenai, Jonas, and the others were gathered, their expressions mirroring her concern.

"Kai and Lila should have been back by now," Estrella said, her voice tight with worry.

Kenai nodded, his jaw clenched. "They could be in trouble. We can't just sit here and do nothing."

"We should form a search party," Jonas suggested. "It's dangerous out there, especially with Viktor and his vampires on the prowl."

Estrella hesitated, torn between wanting to find them and needing to protect those still in the sanctuary. "Alright. Jonas, Kenai, you're with me. The rest of you stay here and fortify the defenses. If Viktor attacks, you need to be ready."

The group quickly mobilized, preparing for the worst. As Estrella, Kenai, and Jonas set out into the night, the others secured the perimeter, their senses heightened for any sign of danger.

Kai's POV

Kai's mind was a whirlwind of rage and despair. He had been searching tirelessly for Lila, his heart pounding with fear for her safety. The promise he had made to her echoed in his mind, driving him forward despite the exhaustion that weighed on him.

He prowled the streets, his senses on high alert. Every shadow seemed to hide a threat, every sound a potential enemy. He had to find her, had to save her from Risie's clutches. The thought of Lila in danger fueled his anger, transforming it into a burning rage.

"Risie!" he roared into the night, his voice filled with fury. "Show yourself!"

There was no response, only the cold wind whispering through the empty streets. Kai's frustration mounted, his fists clenched tightly as he continued his desperate search.

Estrella's POV

Back at the sanctuary, the atmosphere was tense. The werewolves left behind were on edge, their eyes scanning the darkness for any sign of movement. Estrella led her team through the city, their steps cautious but determined.

As they moved deeper into the night, a sense of foreboding settled over them. Estrella's instincts screamed that something was terribly wrong.

"We need to hurry," she urged, quickening her pace.

Kenai and Jonas exchanged worried glances but followed without question. They knew the risks, but the thought of leaving Kai and Lila alone out there was unbearable.

The Sanctuary

Meanwhile, at the sanctuary, the night grew darker and more ominous. The remaining werewolves huddled together, their eyes reflecting the fear they all felt. They knew they were vulnerable, that Viktor's forces could strike at any moment.

Suddenly, a faint rustling sound reached their ears. The werewolves tensed, their eyes scanning the shadows. The rustling grew louder, and then they saw them—the vampires, emerging from the darkness like wraiths, their eyes glowing with malevolent intent.

"They're here," someone whispered, panic creeping into their voice.

The vampires advanced slowly, savoring the fear they inspired. The werewolves braced themselves, ready to fight for their lives and protect their sanctuary.

Viktor's POV

From a distance, Viktor watched with a cold, calculating gaze. He had orchestrated this attack perfectly, waiting for the moment when the sanctuary was most vulnerable. With Kai and Lila missing, the werewolves were divided and weakened.

"This is our chance," he murmured to Risie, who stood beside him, her eyes gleaming with anticipation.

Risie smiled, a cruel, predatory grin. "Let's finish this."

As the vampires moved closer, the werewolves steeled themselves for the battle ahead. The sanctuary, once a place of safety and solace, had become a battleground. And as the first clash rang out into the night, it was clear that this was just the beginning.

The werewolves fought bravely, but the vampires' numbers and ferocity were overwhelming. Amidst the chaos, the absence of Kai and Lila was felt acutely. Estrella's team, unaware of the attack unfolding back at the sanctuary, continued their desperate search, their hearts heavy with worry and rage.

Kai's POV

Kai's rage burned hotter as the night wore on. He would find Lila, no matter what it took. And when he did, he would make Risie and Viktor pay for their cruelty. The battle for the sanctuary was about to begin, and Kai knew he had to be there to protect his pack.

As the first rays of dawn began to pierce the darkness, Kai's resolve hardened. The fight was far from over, and he was ready to unleash the fury that had been building within him.

The sanctuary would not fall. Not while he still had breath in his body.