Always And Forever | ENG ✓

Chapter Twenty-Seven: Rising to the Challenge

The weight of what we had learned pressed down on the entire pack. The map and Dean's report confirmed our worst fears: the figure wasn't just building an army-it was preparing to summon something far worse. The energy surrounding the summoning circle wasn't just dark. It was ancient, primal, and destructive.

But fear wasn't an option anymore. Action was.

In the days following the reconnaissance mission, the pack house became a hive of activity. Wolves moved with purpose, their steps quick but steady as they carried out tasks to fortify our defenses and prepare for what was coming. Supplies were gathered, weapons were sharpened, and every able-bodied wolf was thrown into training.

The battle to come would be unlike any we'd faced before, and we couldn't afford to be unprepared.

The morning after the council's review of the map, Ace gathered the pack in the main hall. His commanding presence silenced the room as he stood at the center, the map spread out on the large table behind him.

"We know what they're planning," he began, his voice steady and strong. "The figure is summoning something ancient, something powerful. If it rises, it won't just be our pack at risk-it'll be everything. Everyone. This isn't just our fight anymore. This is a fight for survival."

The murmurs that rippled through the room were low but tense. I stepped forward, raising a hand to quiet them.

"We've faced impossible odds before," I said, my voice carrying through the hall. "We've been tested, and we've come through stronger each time. This will be no different."

Dean joined me, his expression hard but resolute. "But we need every single one of you at your best. There's no room for hesitation, no room for fear. Whatever they're summoning, we're going to stop it. Together."

The pack's collective energy shifted. The fear in their eyes didn't disappear, but it was replaced with determination. They trusted us. And that trust fueled my own resolve.

The days that followed were grueling. Training sessions began at dawn and lasted until the sky was painted with stars. Wolves who had never picked up a weapon before were taught to wield them with precision. Patrol teams ran drills over and over until their movements were second nature. The younger wolves trained alongside the seasoned warriors, their resolve solidifying with every passing hour.

I threw myself into the preparations with everything I had. Each sparring session, each strategy meeting, each moment spent reassuring nervous pack members-it was all part of the larger effort to ensure we were ready.

But even as the pack grew stronger, the weight of leadership bore down on me. Every decision I made felt like a gamble, every word I spoke like a promise I might not be able to keep.

"You're doing fine," Ace said one evening as we sparred in the training yard. His strikes were sharp, his movements fluid, but he didn't push me harder than I could handle.

"'Fine' won't be enough," I replied, deflecting his strike and countering with a quick jab.

Ace smirked faintly, stepping back to reset. "You're stronger than you think, Finley. And they believe in you."

I paused, lowering my blade. "Do you?"

His smirk softened into something warmer. "Always."

In the quieter moments, I found myself walking the perimeter of the territory, checking on the sentries and watching the forest. The stillness of the trees felt like a lie, a mask hiding the storm that was coming.

Dean found me one evening, his steps slow as he approached. "Can't sleep?" he asked.

"Can you?" I countered, though my voice lacked its usual bite.

He let out a quiet laugh, leaning against the nearest tree. "Not really."

We stood in silence for a while, the weight of everything unspoken filling the air between us.

"You're doing good," Dean said finally, his voice low. "The pack... they're ready to follow you into whatever's coming."

I glanced at him, surprised by the sincerity in his tone. "Thanks. That means a lot."

He nodded, his gaze fixed on the treeline. "We'll get through this, Finley. We have to."

The night before the planned offensive, the pack gathered around the fire pit outside the pack house. It was a tradition my father had started-a way to bring everyone together before a battle, to remind them of the strength that came from unity.

The fire crackled and popped as wolves shared stories, their voices low but steady. Some spoke of past battles, of victories won and losses endured. Others simply sat in silence, drawing comfort from the presence of their packmates.

I stood at the edge of the gathering, watching as the flames danced in the eyes of those around me. These were my wolves-my family. And tomorrow, we would walk into the unknown together.

Dean joined me, a cup of water in his hand. "Ready for the speeches?" he asked, his smirk teasing but kind.

"I hate speeches," I muttered, though the corner of my mouth lifted in a small smile.

"You'll do fine," he said, his tone softening.

I took a deep breath, stepping forward to address the pack. The conversations quieted as every eye turned to me.

"We've come a long way," I began, my voice steady despite the weight of their attention. "And tomorrow, we face our greatest challenge yet. But we do so as a pack. As a family. No matter what happens, we stand together. Always."

The howls that rose in response sent a shiver down my spine, their sound filling the night with a fierce, unyielding strength.

We were ready.