Chapter 165 Nick of Time

Chapter 165 Robed Enemies
Lyra POV

The forest blurred around us as we raced toward the border, my paws pounding against the earth in perfect rhythm with Gabriel's larger form beside me. The pack mind was chaotic with fear and determination, but I kept my thoughts focused, projecting calm authority through our bond.

"We will protect what's ours," my wolf snarled in agreement.

As we approached the border, I slowed, signaling the others to do the same. The scent of blood and something else—something ancient and wrong—filled my nostrils, making my hackles rise.

"Careful," I warned through the pack bond. "Stay low and quiet."

We crept forward through the underbrush, following the sounds of pained howls that echoed through the trees. When we reached a dense thicket overlooking a small clearing, I stopped, taking in the scene before us.

My blood turned to ice.

A circle of figures in black robes moved with eerie synchronization, surrounding two central figures—one in red robes, one in white. They advanced slowly, methodically, like a living noose tightening around our territory. Scattered across the ground were the bodies of fallen wolves—some were Dominic's soldiers, others from my own pack. Their lifeless forms lay broken and discarded like forgotten toys.

"Moon Goddess protect us," someone whispered through the pack bond.

From the shadows to our left, a wolf—one of Dominic's—lunged at a black-robed figure. The figure turned with inhuman speed, catching the wolf mid-leap. There was a sickening crack as the robed one twisted, snapping the wolf's neck with terrifying ease before tossing the body aside.

The figure hadn't even bothered to shift.

They are strong. Too strong.

I felt dread pool in my stomach. These weren't normal wolves. Whatever they were, they possessed strength beyond anything I'd encountered before.

I tensed, ready to leap into the fray, but Gabriel's massive form blocked my path.

"Wait," he urged, shifting back to human form. I followed suit, wincing as my bones realigned and skin stretched.

"They might be here for you," Gabriel whispered, his eyes never leaving the scene below. "Let me talk to them first."

"And if they attack you?" I hissed.

"Then you'll have valuable information on how they fight." His expression softened slightly. "Trust me, Lyra. Just this once, let me protect you first."

I wanted to argue, but the strategic part of my brain knew he was right. "Fine. But I'm coming in if things go south."

While we spoke, I reached out through the pack bond to my warriors who were watching and waiting from various hidden positions around the clearing: "These enemies are here for me, not you. I will fight to protect our pack with my last breath. If you wish to retreat, I won't hold it against you. If you choose to fight, prepare for the worst..."

The immediate response warmed my heart despite the dire circumstances:

"We stand with our Alpha!"

"To death and beyond!"

"Your battle is our battle!"

Gabriel squeezed my hand once before stepping out of our hiding place, walking confidently toward the robed figures. I watched tensely, ready to shift at the first sign of trouble.

"Gentlemen," Gabriel called out, his voice carrying across the clearing. "You're trespassing on Wave Crest territory. State your business."

The figures paused their advance, the circle breaking slightly as they turned toward Gabriel. The one in white robes stepped forward, slowly lowering his hood.

My breath caught. "Kade," I murmured under my breath, the shock of recognition striking me forcefully.

Gabriel's posture stiffened. "Kade!" he growled, the name sounding like a curse on his lips.

Kade's lips curled into a smile that never reached his eyes. "You know why I'm here, old friend."

Gabriel crossed his arms. "Enlighten me."

Kade's smile faded gradually, his expression hardening. "Where is the White Wolf?"

"White Wolf?" Gabriel's voice remained steady, but I could see the tension in his shoulders. "What white wolf? And who are these people? Are they from the Council?"

The figure in red robes stepped forward, lowering his hood as well. I recognized him immediately—Malcolm, the Council member who had presided over my hearing that I had attended days earlier.

"Don't play dumb, Gabriel," Malcolm said coldly. "You know exactly what we're talking about." His gaze swept the tree line, as if searching for something—or someone. "Iron Oak Pack's destruction was our doing, and we suspect you've heard a thing or two about it. We didn't find the White Wolf then, but we are certain she's here now."

My mind reeled at his words. Iron Oak Pack. My old pack, my family, my home. It was the Council who had destroyed my pack. It was Malcolm. Had Kade and Malcolm been conspiring together all this time?

"They killed our family," my wolf snarled, rage building like a storm inside us.

I studied the black-robed figures surrounding Malcolm and Kade, counting at least fifteen of them. Handling one was challenging enough, let alone this many... And who knew how many more were hidden in the shadows? Did we truly stand a chance?

I knew with gut-wrenching certainty that even if I surrendered myself, they wouldn't spare my pack. They would slaughter everyone, just as they had done to Iron Oak.

From my hiding place, I sent another message through the pack bond: "I'm going to create a distraction. When I do, attack from all sides. Pair up in twos or threes, target the black robes first. They're the muscle. Don't hold back, and don't hesitate."

Gabriel was still engaged in verbal sparring with Malcolm and Kade when movement caught my eye. Two black-robed figures emerged from the trees on the opposite side, dragging something, no, someone between them.

"Alpha Malcolm!" one called out. "We found the White Wolf attempting to flank our position!"

My heart stopped as I saw who they were holding: Isabella, bound with wolfsbane vines, her mouth gagged, unable to shift or call for help. Her eyes were wide with terror and pain as the poisonous plant burned her skin.

Malcolm's cold smile returned as he looked at Gabriel. "It seems we have no further need for discussion." He gestured dismissively at the other wolves. "Take the White Wolf. Kill the rest."

Kade's gaze lingered on Isabella, his expression unreadable. He seemed to be contemplating something, perhaps wondering how things had progressed so smoothly.

But I couldn't wait any longer. They would kill Gabriel, kill my pack, and take Isabella. For what purpose, I couldn't imagine, but it couldn't be good.

I burst from the underbrush, my human form standing tall and unafraid. "I am the White Wolf! You took wrong guy!" I shouted.

All eyes turned to me. Malcolm and Kade both stared, clearly assessing me and Isabella. Kade pointed directly at me, speaking to Malcolm. "That's her."

Malcolm's eyes narrowed as he looked between Isabella and me, confusion briefly crossing his features before his mask of control returned. "Get her!" he commanded, pointing at me.