CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE

Elena's pov

With eyes that glowed with a raw, terrible force, the silver wolf loomed over Darius. Everything froze for a second, not even the rogues moving. The tension was heavy and oppressive, and I could feel it in the air.

Darius fought to his feet, his wolf shape quivering with pain and rage. He growled, "This isn't over!" but his voice was weaker and more frustrated.

Breathing heavily, Stephen stood next to me, staring at Darius. "Darius, it's over. You've lost.

Darius's eyes flashed with rage as he roared. "Little brother, do you believe this makes a difference? Do you believe that a benefactor will come to your aid?

Stephen's voice was calm yet angry as he transformed back into a human. "I don't require rescue. It's you who has lost control.

With its eyes fixed on Darius, the silver wolf growled softly. I could sense the power emanating from it as it watched and waited. There was something more about this wolf than others.

Blood trickling from his wounds, Darius transformed back into a human. He gazed at Stephen, his eyes wild and desperate. "I'll return, Stephen. I'll destroy everything you've created.

Stephen's voice was icy and his jaw was clinched. "If I stop you first, no."

Darius's face contorted in rage as his eyes shifted to the silver wolf. With a trembling voice, he said, "You think this changes anything?" "Did you believe you've succeeded?"

My voice trembled with a mixture of rage and terror as I took a step forward. "Darius, it's over. Put an end to this.

His eyes were filled with hatred as he sneered. "Elena, you have no idea what's about to happen. It's not only about us. This is more significant than either of us.

Stephen stepped closer, growling. "You're not correct. This is about family and the pack. You've gotten lost, Darius.

Fury twisted Darius's face, but before he could react, the silver wolf moved, its body a blur of movement, silent and swift. It appeared before Darius in a flash, its eyes blazing with strength.

I noticed terror in Darius's eyes for the first time.

"What are you, exactly?" His voice trembled as he muttered.

The silver wolf remained silent. Instead, a low growl vibrating from deep within its chest revealed its teeth. Darius stepped back, his face whitened with terror.

Darius said, "You won't stop me," although his voice was now softer. "You can't."

Stephen took a step forward and spoke firmly. "Darius, it's over. Get out. And don't return.

Darius's hateful demeanor changed as his eyes shifted to Stephen. "You're going to regret this."

We stood in the quiet of the battlefield as Darius transformed back into his wolf form and vanished into the darkness without saying another word.

Nobody moved for a second. When the rogues saw their leader turn back, they paused, doubt shining in their eyes.

Leila transformed back into a human, speaking to the flock in a chilly tone. "We haven't finished yet. Reject them!

The rogues were overpowered by the pack's newfound strength as they charged forward. With their snarls fading into the distance, the surviving attackers dispersed and vanished into the forest.

It was done. For the time being.

With a grateful gaze, Stephen turned to face the silver wolf. "Who are you?"

After giving him a long look, the silver wolf changed into a human. My throat tightened each breath.

She was the one.

The enigmatic stranger who appeared to know more about the prophecy than anybody else the woman who had previously saved us.

"My name is Selene," she added in a steady, quiet voice. "And I've been keeping an eye on you for a while."

Stephen squinted his eyes. "Why? Why assist us?

Selene stared at me and her eyes softened. Because power isn't the only aspect of the prophecy. It has to do with equilibrium. And that balance is currently in danger.

My heart was beating fast as I swallowed hard. "What do you mean?"

Selene took a step forward, intensity shining in her eyes. There are other threats than Darius. Others are forces that have been awaiting the ideal opportunity to act. And that time is approaching.

Stephen's mouth clenched. "What forces are they?"

Selene's face grew serious. "Older ones. centuries-old powers that have been latent. They demand control now that they are waking up, unfortunately.

Her words made my blood run cold. "What are they seeking?"

Selene's words was soft as her eyes shifted to me. "The child is what they want."

My palm automatically went to my tummy as a rush of anxiety swept over me. "No. I refuse to let them to.

Selene's eyes grew softer. That's the reason I'm here. to keep you safe. It won't be simple, though. Our adversaries are strong forces. They will do everything it takes to achieve their goals.

With a determined voice, Stephen took a step closer. "We'll battle. Our family will not be taken by them.

Selene nodded, but her face was serious. "I'm sure you will. However, you must be ready. This battle is not yet over.

Pale but resolute, Leila stepped forward. "What are we going to do?"

As she spoke, Selene's eyes burned dimly. "We assemble our allies. We bring the packs together. We can't win this battle by ourselves.

Stephen sighed, displeasure evident in his voice. "The other packs refuse to pay attention. We already have their backs turned.

With a firm voice, Selene remarked, "They'll listen now." "Because they are powerless." They will be the next to fall if we do.

Even though the worry was still bothering me, I nodded. "How can we persuade them?"

Selene's eyes become stony. "By demonstrating what's about to happen." The destiny of our species is at stake in the prophecy, not just a child. There won't be a future if we do nothing today.

As he gazed at me, Stephen's eyes were full of resolve. "We'll take any necessary action. For our child, for us.

Selene gave a signal. Then we get started. We are running out of time.

However, as Selene was about to finish, a low, eerie howl resounded in the distance across the trees. It wasn't a rogue. Something else was involved. Something even worse.