CHAPTER FORTY-THREE

Elena's POV

From the shadows, Darius appeared, his eyes gleaming with a dark ferocity. I tried to stabilize myself by gripping Stephen's arm, but my heart was pounding in my chest.

Stephen stepped forward protectively and snarled, "Darius." "What is it that you want?"

Darius grinned, hate shining in his eyes. Isn't it clear, younger brother? I am here to complete the task we began.

Stephen's voice was sharp and his hands clenched. "This is not something you will win."

With a chilly laugh Darius glanced at me. "We'll check into that. I've begun dismantling your pack already. You're the next to come.

I forced a deep swallow as my dread gave way to rage. Are you doing this to gain power? Would you destroy all in the name of dominance?

Darius spoke softly and narrowed his gaze. Power isn't the only factor here. It has to do with legacy. You've ruined the opportunity for our family to dominate, Stephen.

Stephen shouted, "You're wrong," his body quivering with wrath. "Our family's purpose was to defend, not to destroy."

Darius stepped forward, his face tough. "You've been frail all along. You always let your feelings to get in the way. But that's no longer the case.

With a warning in his voice, Stephen moved ahead of me. "Darius, you're not going to approach her any further."

Darius grinned cruelly as his lips twisted. "You have no power to stop me."

Stephen gave a roar and instantly transformed into a wolf, his enormous frame tensing up with anxiety.

Darius made no hesitations. He moved at the same speed as the shadows, his black fur disappearing. He snarled and surged at Stephen, their bodies slamming together so violently the floor trembled.

"Stephen!" I let out a scream, feeling a wave of panic as I witnessed them tearing into one another with sharp claws and cracking teeth.

Darius was unrelenting, his blows well-planned and nasty. However, Stephen did not back down and battled back with similar vigor.

I saw the two brothers fight, and though I wanted to intervene, I was paralyzed with terror and could not move.

"This cannot be won by you!" Darius growled, his voice resonating through the mind-link in my consciousness.

In response, Stephen snarled, his voice full of resolve. "I refuse to allow you to take this from me."

Their wolves were a whirl of fur and claws as they battled once more. Every second that went by, I could feel the tension building as the sound of their growls and snarls filled the air.

"Cease!" With a quivering voice, I yelled. "This isn't how things are meant to be!"

However, they continued. With his teeth bared and poised to strike, Darius pushed Stephen to the ground, his eyes blazing with rage.

"No!" I let out a shriek, lunging ahead while my heart raced in my chest.

I grabbed a fallen wood and used all my effort to swing it at Darius's head before he could bite Stephen. Stephen was knocked off balance by the hit and fell hard to the ground.

Shaking from weariness, Stephen scrambled to his feet. "Elena"

I sprinted over to him and touched his arm, shaking hands. "Are you alright?"

Despite his pale visage, he nodded. "I'll be alright,"

Darius struggled to his feet and changed back into a human, his eyes blazing with rage. "You think you can stop me, Elena?" he said with a sarcastic, venomous tone. "You're unaware of the power I possess."

I gave him a scowl as my dread gave way to rage. Power is not the issue here, Darius. This has to do with family.

With a nasty laugh and disdain in his eyes, he laughed. "A family? Do you still believe that matters? You and Stephen won't be able to stop me from tearing this pack apart.”

Stephen spoke in a low, angry voice. "You're not correct."

Darius's gaze flickered. "Who am I? Stephen, look around you. Your pack is starting to fall apart. And nothing will remain after I'm finished.

Darius's final words resounded in the darkness as he turned and vanished into the shadows before we could respond. "Get ready, everyone. Now is when the real battle begins.

As his words sank in, I stood motionless and shook all over. I whispered in a terrified voice, "He's not done."

Stephen sighed, his face serious. "No, he isn't. And we must be prepared.

The atmosphere was tense and full of uncertainty when the group assembled in the great hall again the following morning. Fear was evident as soon as word of Darius's threat circulated swiftly.

Leila addressed the group, her voice acerbic, "We need to act now." "Darius will not give up. He is coming to get us all.

The previous older wolf, Marcus, spoke up once more. How about we do what you suggest? Even with our previous border fortifications, it wasn't sufficient.

Leila's gaze became gloomy. "Defenses are not all we need. Allies are necessary.

"Who is going to assist us?" With his arms folded, Ethan mumbled. "It's not like the other packs are aligned to fight our battles."

With a firm yet steady voice, Stephen took a step forward. "We are fighting for more than just ourselves. Darius desires total control. The other packs will fall just like us if they don't realize that.

The group glanced at one other nervously, their apprehension evident.

Leila's voice was harsh as she crossed her arms. "There is nothing for us to do. To the other packs, we extend our hand. We demonstrate what is to come.

"And in case they say no?" Marcus questioned; his tone doubtful.

Stephen had a determined look in his eyes. "Then we fight by ourselves."

His comments sent shivers down my spine, but I knew he was right. We were eager for assistance to arrive. No matter what, we had to be prepared to take on Darius.

Leila groaned and lowered her voice a little. "We'll get in touch with the other bundles. However, we must be ready for the worse.

Stephen gave a nod. "Achieve it. Moreover, confirm that the patrols are doubled. We won't have much time with Darius.

Stephen turned to face me, fear on his face as Leila and the others made their way to execute the plan. "Are you alright?"

My heart continued to race from the fight the previous evening as I forcefully gulped. "I'm not sure. Stephen, I'm afraid. Darius isn't going to give up.

Stephen moaned and drew me in. "I am aware. But together, we'll confront him. He can't take this away from us, I promise.

I nodded, but the terror was still there. "What if our strength is insufficient?"

With a determined voice, his eyes softened as he stared at me. "We have sufficient strength. We must be.

I tried to take support in his words by leaning into him, but the doubt persisted. Out there, Darius was strategizing his next move. Additionally, time was running out.

A loud crash and several growls and snarls came from outside the room just as the tension inside was starting to release. I knew immediately what was going on, and my heart sprang into my throat.

Stephen said, his voice strained, "They're here." "It is starting."