Chapter 8 Shadows In The Darkness

A Fresh Danger The night appeared calm, yet Aeryn's instincts shouted differently. She positioned herself at the camp’s boundary, her gaze sweeping the treetops while the aroma of moist soil and smoldering ashes filled her nostrils. There was something amiss. Talon, Kael, and Riven were nearby—she could feel their presence. Yet their presence alone couldn't dispel the discomfort creeping down her backbone. A shape shifted in the distance. Aeryn tensed up, her fingers clenching into fists. “Who is it?” Quiet. Then—a faint sound of motion. Kael was at her side in a moment, his golden eyes shimmering in the faint light. "Do you sense it as well?" Aeryn acknowledged with a nod. "We're under surveillance." The Communicator Before Kael had the chance to reply, a silhouette appeared from the woods. A solitary wolf. No miscreants. Not an individual who hunts. However, none of them. Riven and Talon arrived in moments, surrounding Aeryn as the unfamiliar figure walked into the glow of the fire. He stood tall and slender, his travel-worn cloak lined with fur. His eyes, an unsettling ice-blue, fixed on Aeryn with piercing intensity. Talon let out a soft growl. "Please specify your purpose." The unknown person raised his hands in a sign of tranquility. “I arrive with a message.” "One that pertains to your Alpha." Aeryn stood up. “I’m paying attention.” The stranger's stare remained steady. “Another group is traversing the borderlands.” Robust. Merciless. "And they aren’t merely seeking territory." Kael grimaced. “So, what is it that they desire?” The unfamiliar person's lips formed a gradual, understanding smile. “They desire her.” The Alert Aeryn's wolf became agitated. “Who are those people?” The unknown person breathed out. “The Bloodfang Tribe.” The mention caused a wave of discomfort among the group. Talon's face grew somber. "They were eradicated many years back." The unknown person shook his head. “Not at all.” They were reconstructing. "And now, they possess an Alpha like none previously seen." Aeryn’s jaw clenched. "Why are they pursuing me?" The unfamiliar person paused. Then, slowly—intentionally—he locked eyes with her. "Since your Alpha asserts that you are his mate." Quiet. Talon's growl came right away. Riven's hands tightened into fists. Kael emitted a bitter laugh, shaking his head. “Not going to happen,” Kael replied evenly. Aeryn took a quick breath out, trying to calm her racing heart. "Where is he at this moment?" The unknown individual paused. “Nearer than you realize.” The words gave her a shiver down her spine. Aeryn straightened her shoulders. “After that, we’ll be prepared.” The unfamiliar person nodded, yet there was an inscrutable expression in his gaze. "Exercise caution, Alpha." Bloodfang doesn’t request more than once. With that, he turned around and vanished into the darkness. A Tempest Forming Kael muttered a quiet curse. "Like we didn't already have plenty of issues." Talon's hands remained tightly balled. “He will not take her.” Riven's tone was tranquil, yet resolute. “We will ensure it.” Aeryn inhaled deeply. They would arrive. However, she would as well. She had struggled for her position. She had battled for her friends. And if this Alpha believed he could take her— He would quickly discover the truth. Readiness for Conflict Aeryn positioned herself in the middle of the training area, observing her pack as they got ready. The word about the Bloodfang Pack traveled rapidly, unsettling even the most experienced fighters. A few were frightened. A few were keen for a confrontation. However, they were all gazing at her. She was their leader. The individual in charge. And she would not disappoint them. Kael propelled an adversary to the floor with effortless power, golden eyes shining fiercely. “They’re moving too slowly,” he said quietly while assisting the fallen warrior. "They must increase their speed." "They will be," Riven remarked, watching from the sidelines. “Fear hinders their progress.” We must concentrate on their energy. Talon, who had remained quiet all morning, finally broke his silence. “Alternatively, we eliminate the unfit.” Aeryn gave him a piercing glance. “We don't forsake our own.” Talon's face gave away no feelings. “Feeble connections lead to fatal outcomes.” She breathed out, moving nearer. “Next, we ensure that no weak links exist.” Talon maintained her stare for an extended moment before eventually offering a brief nod. The communication was unmistakable. They couldn't tolerate uncertainty. Bloodfang was not arriving. to discuss terms. They were arriving to assert their right. The Surprise Arrival As the sun started to lower behind the trees, a scout hurried into the clearing. “Alpha!” gasped the young wolf. "Someone is at the border." He hails from Bloodfang.” Quiet enveloped the scene. Kael popped his knuckles. "Looks like they didn't take long."