The forest was alive with chaos as Elena sprinted back toward the heart of the Blood Moon Hunt. The howls of wolves echoed through the trees, mingling with the snarls and cries of battle. The crimson light of the Blood Moon cast an eerie glow over the land, turning the world into a shadowy, blood-soaked nightmare.
Elena's heart pounded as she ran, her silver fur glinting in the moonlight. She could feel the moon's energy coursing through her, giving her strength and clarity. The trial had changed her—she was no longer the scared girl who had stumbled into the forest weeks ago. She was the last Silverclaw, and she had a pack to unite.
As she neared the Stone Circle, the sounds of the hunt grew louder. The packs were in disarray, their alliances shattered as they turned on each other. Wolves clashed in the shadows, their growls and snarls filling the air.
Elena skidded to a stop at the edge of the clearing, her breath coming in short, sharp bursts. The Stone Circle loomed ahead, its massive stones standing like sentinels in the moonlight. In the center of the circle stood Kael, his powerful form towering over the others.
He was surrounded.
The Nightfangs had him cornered, their eyes glowing with malice as they closed in. Draven stood at the front, his scarred face twisted into a cruel smile.
"You've always been a fool, Kael," Draven sneered. "Did you really think you could protect her?"
Kael bared his teeth, a low growl rumbling in his throat. "I don't need to protect her. She's stronger than you'll ever be."
Draven laughed, a harsh, grating sound. "We'll see about that."
Elena's chest tightened as she watched the scene unfold. She couldn't let Kael face them alone.
With a snarl, she charged into the clearing, her claws slashing through the air. The Nightfangs turned, their eyes widening in surprise as she lunged at them.
"Elena!" Kael's voice was filled with relief and fear.
Elena didn't respond. She focused on the fight, her movements swift and precise. She ducked under a wolf's claws and raked her own across its side, drawing blood. The wolf howled in pain and staggered back, but another took its place.
The fight was brutal, each strike fueled by raw emotion. Elena's body ached with every movement, but she pushed through the pain, her determination unwavering.
Kael fought beside her, his powerful form a blur of motion. Together, they held off the Nightfangs, their combined strength turning the tide of the battle.
But the Nightfangs were relentless. Draven lunged at Elena, his claws slashing through the air. She dodged, but his teeth grazed her shoulder, drawing blood.
Elena let out a yelp of pain, but she didn't back down. She focused on the moon's energy, letting it fill her with power. With a snarl, she lunged at Draven, her claws slashing across his chest.
He staggered back, his eyes wide with shock. "You're stronger than I thought," he admitted, his voice a low growl.
Elena didn't respond. She pressed the attack, her movements swift and precise. Draven fought back, but he was no match for her newfound strength.
With a final, powerful strike, Elena knocked Draven to the ground, her claws at his throat.
"Yield," she growled, her voice steady.
Draven's eyes narrowed, but he nodded. "I yield."
The clearing fell silent as the other wolves watched, their eyes filled with a mix of fear and respect. Elena stood tall, her silver fur shimmering in the moonlight.
"The Blood Moon Hunt is over," she declared, her voice echoing through the night. "The packs will no longer tear each other apart. We are stronger together."
The wolves hesitated, their growls fading into silence. Then, one by one, they bowed their heads in submission.
Elena's chest tightened as she looked out over the packs, her heart pounding with a mix of fear and resolve. She had done it. She had united the packs.
But as the crimson light of the Blood Moon faded, she knew the real challenge was just beginning.