CHAPTER SIXTY-ONE

Elena's POV

As we came out of the tombs, the air still buzzed with a slight touch of evil energy. The shadow seemed to be observing, anticipating the next action. The cold that had crept into my bones would not go away.

With a determined expression on his face, Stefen turned to approach Kieran. "We are at a loss for options. We need the support of every pack if we are to stop him.

Kieran looked up, nodding. "Agreed. We have never encountered an opponent like this one. None of us have a chance if the packs don't stand together.

Leila brushed dirt from her clothing and transformed back into a human. After that, let's begin interacting with the other alphas. They need to realize what's truly at risk.

As I looked about at our group, I could feel the burden of duty bearing down on me. What if they don't pay attention? if the prophesy is not believed by them?

Stefen touched my shoulder in a comforting manner. "They must. We will force them to see.

Kieran's eyes were dark and thoughtful as he crossed his arms. "The packs are separated. Many people will stay out of a fight they believe they can avoid.

A wave of frustration washed over me. "Then we must demonstrate to them that they cannot avoid it."

With a stern gaze, Leila nodded in accord. "Elena is correct. We are eager for them to make their own decisions. The renegade commander will not wait for us.

Stefen's eyes glowed with determination. Then, we'll begin with our most powerful allies. Others will follow if we can win over even one significant pack.

Kieran gave a slow nod. We may have the North Ridge Pack join us. Their alpha has never backpedaled from a challenge and appreciates strength.

With a query in his eyes, Stefen turned to face me. "Elena, do you think you're prepared to face them?"

The answer was obvious in my heart, yet I hesitated. Indeed. For us all, and for our child.

Leila touched my arm in a comforting manner. Then let's go right to the point. We have tasks to complete.

There was a sense of expectation in the quiet as we moved through the woodland. Even though I could feel the mission's weight bearing down on me, I resisted letting dread stop me. Stefen remained nearby, his presence a constant consolation.

With a hushed voice, Kieran broke the silence. "The North Ridge Pack can be difficult at times. Royce, their alpha, respects authority but expects allegiance. He will want to know the precise amount of danger he is taking.

I nodded, my determination unwavering. "We'll be honest with him. He will join us if he realizes what we are fighting for.

A little smile tugged at Leila's lips as she snorted. "I don't trust him as much as you do."

Stefen gave her a contemplative look. "Royce has never been dependable. However, we must seize the opportunity if he is willing to assist us.

We quickly arrived at the boundaries of North Ridge area when the forest cleared. A patrol of wolves approached before we could proceed, their gaze cautious as they absorbed us.

One of them shifted, taking a cautious step forward. "Explain your situation. Uninvited guests are not entertained at North Ridge.

With a calm voice, Kieran spoke out. Our purpose for being here is to talk to Alpha Royce. All the packs are involved in a life-or-death situation.

The wolf nodded but had a doubtful expression. "Hold on a minute. I will inform him.

Stefen's hand tightened around mine as he vanished into the forest. "Remain near. Royce is... picky about guests.

The wolf reappeared a short while later, guiding us more into their domain. Royce was waiting for us beside a big bonfire, evaluating each of us as we got closer with his piercing eyes. I could understand why Kieran had described him as tough because of his strong aura.

"Alpha Stefen." With a neutral yet curious tone, he said, "Alpha Kieran." His eyes lingered on me with a trace of distrust. "And the Luna." What a crowd.

Stefen nodded, his tone stern yet courteous. We need your assistance, Royce. There is an encroaching darkness that is unlike anything we have ever encountered.

Royce crossed his arms and arched an eyebrow. "You say darkness? Enemies have existed forever. Why is this different?

Kieran took a step forward. "This enemy wants to fulfill a prophecy that could destroy us all, not gain control over packs."

With a chilly, contemptuous chuckle, Royce laughed. "Foretelling? Are you requesting that I unite my group around a fairy tale?

Anger shot through me, but I pushed myself to keep my cool. The story isn't a fairy tale. Royce, everyone is in danger because of this prophesy. He will come for you next if you don't accompany us.

He looked at me, evaluating. "What makes you credible?"

Stefen had a deep, menacing voice. "Because we've witnessed his abilities." He has power that we have never seen before. If he is successful, all werewolves will be in risk, not just our packs.

Royce thought on this, his face doubtful. "You bring threats and stories to my land, and you expect me to put everything on the line for you?"

Leila snarled and moved forward. It goes beyond words. He has already assaulted us and will continue to do so until he gets his way. Are you prepared to put your pack at risk by doing nothing?

Royce's eyes became stony. "Warrior, you forget yourself. Threats don’t sit well with me.

Leila was stopped when Stefen put a hand on her arm. "Royce, we're not here to threaten. We are here to request your assistance. We have a chance to stop him if you stand with us.

Royce remained motionless for a long time, staring at each of us in turn. With a grudging but resigned face, he finally sighed.

"All right. I'll think about your partnership. However, you will answer to me if this prophetic foolishness proves to be nothing more than gossip.

With a solemn gaze, Kieran nodded. "You have my word. This danger is real and not as far away as you may assume.

Royce's eyes were fixed on me. "I'll be keeping a careful eye on you, Luna. You will be held accountable for more than just your own pack if your statements are not credible.

I refused to back down and looked him in the eye. "Then watch as much as you like. You'll see that I'm being honest.

His eyes shifted to Stefen and he grinned. "Alpha, your Luna has fire. For your benefit, I hope she is capable.

Stefen's pride flared in his eyes. She does. You will also be able to view it when the time arrives.

Royce nodded once more and waved us away. "Get ready. We'll be observing.

I experienced a wave of relief and lingering stress as we departed North Ridge area. An ally has been secured, but there are still many to go.

With a sardonic voice, Leila sighed. "Well, that went more smoothly than anticipated."

Kieran's face brightened as he laughed. "Royce was always difficult to persuade. But when it matters, he will battle hard.

With a gentle voice, Stefen put a hand on my shoulder. Elena, you did a good job. He will change his mind.

I nodded, feeling more determined than ever. "Stefen, we'll get the packs together. We must.

A warning howl resounded from the woods as we turned to depart. We were running out of time, and the shadow was closer than we thought.