Always And Forever | ENG ✓

Chapter Twenty-Three: The Face of Power

The figure on the platform radiated a malice that seemed to freeze the air around it. Every instinct in me screamed to charge forward, to rip apart the thing that had sent the creatures to destroy us, but the calculating smile on its shadowed face made me hesitate. This wasn't an ordinary enemy. This was something far worse-something far more dangerous.

The battlefield around us surged with chaos. My pack fought fiercely, their unity unmatched, but the creatures were relentless, their numbers overwhelming. Even with our coordinated assault, I could feel the weight of the fight pressing down on us. And yet, none of that mattered. Not now. My focus was on the figure, the one who had orchestrated it all.

Dean's voice cut through the din of battle. "Finley! We've got to keep moving!" He was at my side, his fists bloodied but his stance steady, ready to follow wherever I led.

But I couldn't look away from the figure. Its glowing eyes locked onto mine, and I could feel the challenge in its gaze. This wasn't just a battle of strength. It was a battle of wills.

"Stay with the pack," I said to Dean, my voice low but firm. "I'm going after it."

Dean's jaw tightened, his hand gripping my arm. "Not alone. You can't."

"I have to," I replied, shaking my arm free. "This ends with me."

He didn't argue further, but the worry in his eyes was clear. "Be careful."

I nodded, turning toward the platform. With each step I took, the figure's presence seemed to grow heavier, like a storm bearing down on me. My white fur glistened with sweat and blood as I shifted into my wolf form, the power of the transformation surging through me like a wildfire. If this creature thought it could intimidate me, it was about to learn just how wrong it was.

The platform loomed before me, its jagged edges illuminated by the flickering fires around it. The figure remained motionless, its cloak billowing despite the stillness of the air. As I approached, it spoke, its voice a chilling echo that seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere.

"You've come far, little wolf," it said, the mocking edge to its tone grating against my nerves. "But this is where your journey ends."

"Not today," I growled, my voice low and full of defiance.

The figure laughed, the sound deep and resonant. "Such arrogance. Do you think your power alone will save you? You are nothing but a child playing at being an Alpha."

The insult stung, but I refused to let it show. "You've underestimated me. And you've underestimated my pack."

With a snarl, I leapt onto the platform, my claws digging into the stone as I faced the figure head-on. Up close, its features were still obscured, but I could see the faint outline of a humanoid form beneath the cloak. Its glowing eyes burned into mine, and for a moment, I thought I saw something ancient and primal staring back at me.

The figure raised its hand, and a wave of energy shot toward me. I barely had time to dodge as the ground where I had been standing exploded, sending shards of stone flying in every direction. The force of the blast knocked me back, but I landed on my feet, my instincts sharper than ever.

"You'll have to do better than that," I snarled, lunging forward.

The fight that followed was unlike anything I had ever experienced. The figure moved with an unnatural speed, its strikes precise and devastating. But I was faster. Stronger. My wolf form gave me an edge, and every time it attacked, I countered with a ferocity that left it momentarily stunned.

Around us, the battle continued to rage, but I could hear the faint howls of my pack rallying, their strength growing as they began to push the creatures back. Their trust in me, their unity, fueled my resolve.

The figure unleashed another blast of energy, but this time, I was ready. I dodged to the side and launched myself at it, my jaws snapping shut on its arm. The cloak tore as I bit down, and for the first time, I saw a flicker of hesitation in its glowing eyes.

"You're stronger than I thought," it admitted, its voice quieter now, almost contemplative. "But strength alone won't save you."

Before I could respond, the figure twisted its arm free and struck me with a force that sent me sprawling across the platform. Pain radiated through my side, but I forced myself to stand, my legs trembling beneath me.

"You're wrong," I said, my voice steady despite the pain. "Strength isn't what makes me powerful. My pack does."

With a deafening howl, I called to my pack, their voices rising in unison as they turned their attention to the platform. The creatures that had once seemed unstoppable faltered, their confidence wavering as the pack surged forward, overwhelming them with sheer numbers and determination.

The figure's gaze flickered to the battlefield, its confidence faltering for the first time. It could see what I already knew-we weren't just a group of wolves. We were a family. And we weren't going to fall.

"This isn't over," the figure said, its voice low and filled with anger. It stepped back, its form beginning to fade into the shadows. "You may have won this battle, but the war is far from finished."

I lunged forward, but it was too late. The figure vanished into the darkness, leaving behind only the faint scent of ash and decay.

The battlefield fell silent as the last of the creatures were defeated. The pack stood together, battered but victorious, their howls echoing through the night. I shifted back into my human form, the exhaustion hitting me like a wave, but the sight of my pack-their faces filled with pride and relief-gave me the strength to stand.

Dean approached me, his expression a mix of concern and admiration. "You did it," he said quietly. "We all did."

I nodded, my gaze shifting to the platform where the figure had disappeared. "This isn't over," I said, my voice firm. "They'll come back. And when they do, we'll be ready."

Dean placed a hand on my shoulder, his grip steady. "We'll stand with you, Finley. No matter what comes."

For the first time, I believed him. The pack was stronger than ever, united by the bonds we had forged in battle. And though the war was far from over, I knew we would face it together.