27

474 17 1
                                    

Kay raced through the trees. All around roots and branches moved to obstruct the way. New growth sprang to life and thickened over forest floor. The hum of tiny wings zipping the only thing to give away the cause. Kay had always enjoyed her time in the woods with her fairy friends and the comforting chime of their laughter. But today their unusual silence was a harsh reminder of the gravity of the situation and brought no solace. Even working together they did not have time to complete a full perimeter around Rock Creek's clearing before the first wolves began to draw near.

Kay could feel them before she could see them. The pounding of their feet sent vibrations through the earth which seemed to thrum under her now bare feet (she had long since ditched her shoes to get a better connection with the earth to heighten her powers). Waiting as long as she dared, to fortify what defenses they'd made, Kay climbed up into a tree and stole silently through the canopy to try to get behind the enemy. The fairies would do their job in the front, bending the trees unseen. But Kay did not have the cloak of invisibility like they did. It would be hard for her to maneuver if she was caught in the midst of the army. So, she'd make her way back behind them and attack their flank. The more she and the Fay could deal with in the woods, the less her Pack would have to face head on. And with any luck, she'd be able to remain hidden and keep the secret of her powers safe.

The Fay waited patiently for Kay to signal with the wind that she was in position before they began their attack. And as the sudden, cool breeze swept over the rouges below they had no idea what was about to begin.

———

Alaric and his warriors, along side the Rock Creek warriors, waited in quiet anticipation. The women and children had already been evacuated and only a few healers and those fit to fight stayed behind. They had planned on setting up sentries along the pack border but with Kay's warning they all pulled back to the hill that boasted Rock Creek's town. Silver Fang snipers were set up strategically on rooftops and in upper rooms facing all directions. Alaric and the rest were on the ground with Alpha Myers and his men. Tension was high as they all waited on edge for the first sign of Bardolf and his men. Alaric was especially anxious as his mind raced with concern for his mate. His heart said that Bardolf didn't have her, he would know if he did, but she should have been back by now.

Evening shadows stretched long and the last light was beginning to fade from the sky when finally the silence was broken by a frightening cacophony of sound! Howls, yips, and screams erupted from within the woods! And as the men on Rock Creek's hill looked out from their vantage point, they got the sense that the very trees seemed to be moving!

Unsure of what was going on, the men around Alaric began to grow even more restless. At last, amidst the seemingly endless dissonance piercing through the twilight, enemy Weres finally began to break through the tree line surrounding them. A chorus of gasps sounded around Alaric as roots and branches shot out of the woods, dragging and flinging wolves back in. Their terrified screeches lingered in the chilly air.

Shaking himself from the shock Alaric linked his snipers to be ready... the war had officially begun.

———————

Hey! Short chapter, I know. But hopefully the lack of words is made up for in content. As always, thanks for sticking with me! Comment, vote... oh, and stay tuned, I may have an exciting announcement coming up! We'll see if it works out ;)

Caught in the crossfire Where stories live. Discover now