During a moment of shared quiet, Elara felt a subtle, almost imperceptible shift in the distant mental pulse of her birth pack. It wasn't just the Moonshadow Pack, but a broader, more ancient connection. She closed her eyes, focusing, and saw fragmented visions: a glimmer of moonlight reflecting off obsidian, the scent of ancient earth, and a faint, resonant hum that felt older than the Moonshadow Pack itself.
She shared this with her mother, Lyra, who listened intently. "That," Lyra whispered, her eyes wide, "is the Whisper of Moonlight. Our ancestors spoke of it. It means your power, Elara, is growing beyond just our pack. You are reaching the very wellspring of the Moon Goddess's magic, connecting to the primal energies of all shifters. It is a sign of immense power, and of a destiny far greater than any of us imagined." It meant that Elara could potentially tap into a deeper source of strength, one that could be the key to defeating Vipera and securing true peace.
Vipera, emboldened by Roric's betrayal and the perceived weakening of Maddox's alliance, launched her most daring strike yet. Not against a border, but against a vital supply route deep within River Pine territory, aiming to cut off resources and cripple their ability to wage war. Her serpent shifters moved with unnerving speed and stealth, utilizing their unique abilities to traverse difficult terrain and strike with deadly precision.
Elara sensed the attack moments before it began, a cold, reptilian presence slithering through the mental pathways. She immediately projected the warning to Maddox and his strategic teams, allowing them to redeploy forces, though not entirely prevent the ambush. The ensuing battle was swift and brutal, with the serpent shifters proving to be incredibly agile and difficult to pin down. While the attack was ultimately repelled, it highlighted Vipera's growing boldness and the grave danger her unique abilities posed.