Always And Forever | ENG ✓

Chapter Twenty-Five: The Figure's Next Move

Someone else pov

Far from the pack house, deep within the shadows of the forest, the figure stood atop the fortress it had constructed. The fires burning in the crude pits cast flickering light across the jagged walls, revealing the creatures that prowled restlessly below. Despite their monstrous forms, they moved with eerie coordination, responding to an unseen command.

The figure surveyed the scene, its glowing yellow eyes narrowing as it assessed the damage from the battle. The wolves had been stronger than anticipated, their unity more formidable than it had predicted. But it wasn't surprised. Strength born of desperation was always potent. It was the very thing it sought to exploit.

"Report," the figure commanded, its voice echoing through the empty air.

A smaller creature stepped forward, its hunched form trembling as it spoke. "The White Alpha and her pack... they held the line. We lost the outer defenses, but the wolves retreated before they could penetrate the inner sanctum."

The figure turned slowly, its presence alone enough to make the creature shrink back in fear. "Held the line?" it repeated, its tone icy. "Do you think that matters? Their success is irrelevant. They've only delayed the inevitable."

The creature whimpered, bowing its head. "Of course, Master. Forgive me."

The figure dismissed the creature with a wave of its hand, returning its attention to the horizon. The fortress was only the beginning. The construction had progressed faster than expected, and soon, the next phase would be ready. It had gathered its forces, built its army, and prepared the way for what was to come.

But the White Alpha was a complication. The figure hadn't foreseen her transformation, hadn't anticipated the sheer force of her will. She was no ordinary wolf-her power was something ancient, something primal, and it posed a threat to the plan.

"It doesn't matter," the figure said to itself, the words a low hiss. "Even the strongest wolf can be broken."

It turned to the largest of the creatures, a monstrous beast with thick, corded muscles and glowing red eyes that burned brighter than the rest. This was its prized creation, its weapon of choice. The beast was twice the size of any wolf, its claws sharp enough to tear through stone, and its loyalty was absolute.

"When the time comes, you will face her," the figure said, addressing the creature. "The White Alpha will fall, and with her, the rest of the pack will crumble."

The creature growled low in its throat, its massive form radiating raw power. It was eager to fight, eager to destroy.

"Let the wolves think they've won," the figure continued, its voice dripping with malice. "Let them feel safe, feel strong. When we strike again, they will know the futility of their resistance."

The fortress below was a hive of activity, the creatures working tirelessly to prepare for the next stage. At the center of the construction, hidden from view, was the figure's true masterpiece-a summoning circle etched into the earth, its intricate lines glowing faintly with an unnatural light. The air around it hummed with energy, a dark power that seemed to pulse with each passing moment.

The summoning was almost complete.

Soon, the creature it had called forth would awaken-a being older than the forest itself, a force of destruction that would obliterate anything in its path. The figure's army was strong, but this... this would be unstoppable.

"Let them prepare," the figure said, its voice rising with quiet triumph. "Let them gather their forces. When the ancient one rises, there will be nothing left for them to fight for."

The figure turned its gaze to the direction of the pack house, its glowing eyes narrowing. "Enjoy your brief victory, White Alpha. It will be your last."

Back at the pack house, a quiet unease had settled over the wolves. Though they had won the battle, the scars of the fight were still fresh. Finley stood on the front steps, her arms crossed as she stared into the forest. She couldn't shake the feeling that something was coming-something far worse than anything they had faced before.

Ace joined her, his expression grim. "The scouts report increased movement near the fortress. They're up to something."

"I know," Finley replied, her voice quiet but steady. "We need to find out what it is."

Ace hesitated for a moment, then spoke. "Do you think... it's possible they're building something more than just defenses? Something... bigger?"

Finley didn't answer immediately, her mind racing as she considered the possibilities. The figure wasn't just creating an army-it was orchestrating something far more sinister. And whatever it was, it would change everything.

"We'll find out," she said finally, her voice filled with determination. "We have to."