Forever Luna

ultimatum

noun ~ a final, non-negotiable demand backed by a threat

PHOENIX

The moment I gave the order, the world exploded.

The forest vanished beneath a tidal wave of fur, claws and blood. Hundreds of wolves surged forward as one, the ground trembling beneath their weight. The roar that followed shook the trees themselves, echoing across the kingdom's borders like the opening chime of judgement.

I hesitated my attack, my hand still looped through Nova's. She blinked up at me, her green eyes blurred in a shadow of understanding. Hesitation would be a disadvantage, and any seconds wasted standing here were seconds given to the enemy.

I'd never struggled to let go of something so much before. I'd charge into battle with all my might, with no care for anything behind me. But Nova had torn my heart open and exposed my insecurities to the world, and ruined all of that. In the best of ways.

Her hand squeezed mine back before slipping out of my grip. She didn't hesitate another moment, shifting into Celimene and charging to her left. I watched her go for a moment longer, her dark fur blending with the shadows effortlessly.

Pride blossomed because the old Nova would've held on. The old Nova would've stayed home.

This Nova was a warrior. A beast concealed in a pretty package.

A luna.

Shaking out my muscles, I launched straight for Apollo. Nothing else mattered now except him. He wasn't even fighting; six wolves surrounded him for defence whilst my pack and others crowded around him.

Six wolves.

I could take on six wolves without breaking a sweat.

His eyes found mine across the battlefield, and for the briefest moment I thought he would stand his ground. I charged ahead, remaining in my human form as I held his eye contact. I was fast and smooth, barrelling over and through the hordes of fighters to get to him.

But then the bastard smiled, and my glare hardened. And just when I was close enough to take down his defence wolves, something shifted. Several wolves surged between us instantly, creating a living wall of teeth and muscle. Pollux vanished with him, swallowed by the mass of bodies as Apollo retreated deeper into his army.

I snarled, about to shift into Ares when a grey wolf slammed into my side.

I barely felt it, sliding across the ground in my fur with the crazed wolf steadily behind me. It was a female, and she was either stupid or brave to take such a direct attack. Because she wouldn't live to see the next breath.

My jaws closed around her throat and I tore through the flesh before we even hit the ground. Blood coated my muzzle, but before I could charge ahead, another wolf lunged. Then another, and another... They all joined in, all eager to take me down.

But every second I spent fighting them was another second Apollo gained. And another second Pollux remained in his hands.

Nova. I reached for her through the bond. Stay with Sean like we agreed.

The reply came instantly, and I felt her frustration as she fought off a wolf of her own.

'Don't you dare, Phoenix.' She snapped. 'If you take him on alone, I'll kill you myself.'

Despite everything, I almost smiled. I know you will.

Then the bond dissolved beneath a wave of violence that came my way. A black wolf leapt for my neck, but I shifted my weight and met him head-on. Bone cracked beneath my jaws, and his body hit the ground and never moved again.