Always And Forever | ENG ✓

Chapter Twenty-Eight: Storming the Fortress

The morning came with a heavy sky, the sun hidden behind thick clouds that cast the forest in an ominous gray light. It felt fitting-an eerie backdrop to what we were about to do. The pack gathered at the edge of our territory, their movements sharp and precise as they prepared for the attack.

This was it.

We had trained, planned, and pushed ourselves to the limit. Now, we would see if it was enough.

I stood at the front of the group, my white cloak a stark contrast against the darkened forest. Dean was at my side, his gaze scanning the horizon with a sharp focus that matched my own. Ace moved among the wolves, offering last-minute instructions and encouragement, his calm presence steadying the younger ones who looked nervous.

"We're ready when you are," Ace said as he approached, his voice low but firm.

I nodded, taking a deep breath to steady my nerves. My wolf stirred inside me, its instincts sharp, its energy coiled like a spring. This was more than a battle. It was a reckoning.

"Everyone knows the plan," I said, my voice carrying over the assembled wolves. "We hit fast, we hit hard, and we don't stop until that fortress is nothing but rubble. Watch each other's backs. Protect your packmates. And remember-this isn't just about survival. It's about stopping them before they can destroy everything we hold dear."

The pack let out a low growl of agreement, their eyes glowing faintly in the dim light.

Dean stepped forward, his voice cutting through the tension. "Stick to your roles, and we'll come out of this alive. The White Alpha leads us, and we follow. Always."

A surge of pride swelled in my chest at his words, and I met his gaze with a nod of gratitude.

"Let's move," I said, turning toward the forest.

The journey to the fortress was silent, every wolf moving with practiced stealth. The trees seemed to close in around us as we approached, their twisted branches reaching out like skeletal hands. The closer we got, the more oppressive the air became, the dark energy from the summoning circle pulsing faintly against my skin.

When we reached the edge of the clearing, the fortress loomed before us-a massive structure of stone and wood, its walls jagged and uneven. Fires burned in pits along the perimeter, casting flickering shadows that danced eerily across the forest floor. The creatures patrolled the area, their glowing eyes scanning the darkness with unnatural precision.

Ace signaled for the pack to halt, his hand raised in a silent command.

"This is it," I whispered, my voice barely audible. "Everyone in position."

The wolves moved with practiced ease, splitting into their assigned groups. The flanking teams disappeared into the shadows, their movements silent as they prepared to strike from the sides. Dean stayed close to me, his presence a steady reassurance as we readied ourselves for the frontal assault.

I closed my eyes for a moment, drawing in a deep breath as I felt the power of my wolf rise within me. My senses sharpened, my body thrumming with energy. When I opened my eyes, the world seemed brighter, clearer, every detail etched in perfect clarity.

"Now," I said, my voice firm.

The attack began with a deafening howl that shattered the stillness. The flanking teams struck first, their sudden assault drawing the creatures' attention as planned. Shouts and snarls erupted across the clearing, the sound of battle rising like a storm.

Dean and I charged forward with the main group, our movements fluid and precise as we tore through the enemy's front lines. The creatures were fast and powerful, but we were stronger. Every strike, every bite, was a reminder of what we were fighting for.

I shifted mid-battle, my wolf form bursting forth in a surge of raw energy. My white fur gleamed in the firelight, and the sight of me seemed to send a ripple of fear through the enemy ranks.

"Protect the Alpha!" one of the creatures snarled, its voice guttural and filled with panic.

But I was beyond needing protection.

I lunged at the nearest creature, my claws raking across its chest as I knocked it to the ground. My jaws closed around its throat, and with a sharp twist, I ended it. The power of the wolf coursed through me, and I moved with a speed and precision that felt almost otherworldly.

Around me, the pack fought with relentless determination. Dean was a force of nature, his strikes precise and devastating as he cut through the enemy ranks. Ace led one of the flanking groups, his calm, calculated movements ensuring that every blow landed with maximum impact.

We were winning.

But then, the air shifted.

A deep, resonant hum filled the clearing, vibrating through the ground beneath us. The creatures faltered, their movements growing more erratic as the energy from the summoning circle intensified.

I turned toward the center of the fortress, my breath catching as I saw it-the figure.

It stood atop a raised platform, its cloak billowing as the summoning circle below it pulsed with a dark, menacing light. The power radiating from the circle was overwhelming, and I could feel it pressing against me like a physical force.

The figure raised its hands, and the ground beneath us shook violently. A massive, shadowy form began to rise from the center of the circle, its outline barely visible in the flickering light. Whatever it was, it was ancient. And it was waking.

"Finley!" Dean shouted, his voice cutting through the chaos. "We have to stop it!"

I nodded, my resolve hardening. "Ace, take the flanking teams and hold the perimeter! Dean, you're with me!"

We charged toward the platform, cutting through the creatures that stood in our way. The energy from the summoning circle grew stronger with every step, and I could feel my wolf straining against the force, its instincts screaming to fight.

When we reached the base of the platform, the figure turned to face us, its glowing yellow eyes burning with malice.

"You're too late," it said, its voice echoing with a chilling finality. "The ancient one is already waking."

I let out a powerful howl, the sound carrying through the clearing like a war cry.

"We'll see about that," I growled, my voice filled with defiance.

The battle wasn't over. It was just beginning.