Logan's POV
I stepped back, still in my wolf form, muscles flexing beneath my thick fur. “Get ready. We leave at dawn. No more talk of doubt or fear. This is not a choice; it’s our duty.”
I turned away, my steps heavy as I exited the command room, my mind focused on the mission. I had a brother to rescue, and nothing would stop me.
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The sun was just beginning to rise as we assembled at the forest's edge, the air thick with the anticipation of battle. Soldiers stood in their armor, the sound of clinking metal breaking the morning silence. I positioned myself at the front, scanning the horizon, my thoughts on Aaron.
There was no going back. We were committed.
“Let’s move out,” I commanded, my voice steady and firm.
Ahead, Xaden stepped from the shadows of the trees, tall and imposing in his armor.
“I was handling something in the east,” he said, his deep voice cutting through the soldiers' preparations. “But it seems you’ll need all the support you can get.”
I nodded briefly, my jaw clenched. “It’s good to have you with us, brother,” I replied, trying to set aside the weight of the moment, though emotions churned within me. We both understood what lay ahead.
Xaden moved closer, lowering his voice. “We must ensure no one is left behind. Ryker or anyone else they’ve taken. We’ll burn the forest if necessary.”
I locked eyes with him, and for a brief moment, we understood each other. We were past logic and compassion. This was war. If it meant everything to bring Aaron back, I would do it.
“Listen up!” I shouted, stepping forward to speak to the men. The soldiers were already on edge, shifting nervously, but I needed them focused. “We’re not just fighting to win—we’re fighting for our own. For the pack. No one gets left behind. We don’t just attack; we defend every inch we take.”
I turned and signaled for Xaden to join me. The alpha stood firm, his hands resting on his sword, ready for action.
“We’ll divide into two groups,” I continued, my voice echoing through the trees. “Xaden’s group will take the left flank. Move quickly, but stay close. No one wanders off. Hold that ground and eliminate any threat. My group will take the right, moving slowly but steadily. If we face resistance, we push through. No mercy.”
The soldiers nodded, agreement spreading among them.
“Let’s remember,” I said, raising my voice to eliminate any doubt. “This isn’t a game. It’s life or death. We won’t give them a chance to regroup. We finish this before they can react.”
The men straightened, their expressions hardening. They were prepared.
“We move out together,” I declared, my words filled with determination. “We hit them hard, strike fast, and leave nothing behind. When we attack, we move like wolves. Relentless. Unstoppable.”
Xaden moved forward, his voice calm but filled with a dark promise. “What if they try to escape?”
“They won’t,” I replied fiercely. “Not when they realize what’s coming for them.”
A low growl emerged from Xaden, a deep sound that seemed to vibrate through the trees. He was more than just the leader of our pack; he was a true force of nature. His few words held great power, and I needed that strength now more than ever.
“Let’s end this,” Xaden declared, his tone final.
The soldiers stood ready, their armor shining in the soft morning light. I felt adrenaline rush through me, igniting a fire in my stomach. This was the moment. The final push. We were ready to reclaim everything.
I took one last look at Xaden, then focused on the horizon. The road ahead was unclear and dangerous. But with him by my side and our pack behind us, I was confident we would overcome anyone who dared to oppose us.
“Let’s go!” I yelled out with a strong command.
As we neared the large wooden gates, the clanging of armor and muffled voices reached us from afar, indicating that the pack’s warriors were gearing up for battle. We had no intention of negotiating or offering a chance to surrender.
I signaled for Xaden’s group to fan out, their movements fluid and practiced, each soldier quietly taking their positions as we approached the gates.
“Stay close,” I ordered in a low growl, my tone firm and unwavering. "We break through the gates without warning. The first one inside, shoot anyone who moves. No hesitation."
Xaden gave a single nod, his dark eyes shining with fierce determination. "We strike quickly and powerfully."
We were nearly there, close enough to hear the faint scraping of metal—the guards at the gates, unaware of the impending assault. I gestured to my soldiers, and we got into position. Each man understood his role. They had trained for this moment. No words were necessary.
With a swift, decisive gesture, I signaled to Xaden. Without hesitation, he yelled, "Attack!"
The gates flew open, our force shaking the wood. The guards at the front were thrown into chaos, weapons drawn, their faces showing shock and fear. But before they could react, the first wave of my soldiers charged—quick and precise. Arrows sliced through the air, striking two guards in the heart before they could even respond.
“Shoot them all!” I barked. “No mercy!”
Chaos broke out. The enemy soldiers scattered in panic, but it was too late. Xaden’s team had already flanked them, moving with the skill of wolves on a hunt. My group surged forward, weapons ready, cutting down anyone who dared to block our path.
Every action was intentional and practiced. The blood of the first few foes soaked the ground, and my soldiers moved like shadows—quick, lethal, and unstoppable. No one was spared.
I heard the cries of the enemy, some trying to regroup while others sought to escape, but I was unyielding. I caught sight of a soldier attempting to flee, his armor clinking as he turned. Without hesitation, I hurled my sword, and it struck deep into his back. He fell to the ground with a final, gasping breath.
My soldiers pressed on without pause, eliminating anyone who stood in our way.
"Secure the perimeter!" Xaden commanded, his voice piercing through the chaos. “Prevent their escape!”
Xaden’s orders were followed without question. The enemy had no chance to regroup. We had them cornered.
A man with a spear lunged at me from the side, targeting my chest. I dodged his attack, the spear grazing past me, but before he could recover, I slashed my blade across his throat, silencing him instantly. His body hit the ground with a sickening thud.
“Anyone who resists,” I growled, “will fall!”
The sounds of battle were overwhelming now. The clash of metal, the cries of the dying, and the steady thud of our boots on the dirt filled the air. My soldiers were efficient, taking down every enemy soldier with ruthless accuracy. We didn’t take prisoners—this was not a battle; it was an execution.
Every part of the compound was cleared by my men, leaving no survivors. Any pack members who tried to resist faced the same outcome. One soldier attempted to block a blow with his sword but was quickly overpowered as I plunged my blade into his chest.
“Secure the gates!” I commanded. “Ensure they can’t get out!”
A group of my soldiers rushed to the gates, positioning themselves to prevent any reinforcements from entering. It wasn’t just about defeating them; it was about cutting off their escape. We were sealing their fate.
As the battle continued, I scanned the chaos, looking for a familiar face. There, in the midst of the turmoil, I saw him—Aaron’s former pack member, a tall man with broad shoulders, trembling as he raised a bow. He was supposed to guard the prisoners.
I moved swiftly, my steps purposeful. The man noticed me, his eyes widening in fear as he realized what was about to happen. He reached for his quiver, but it was too late. My sword was already slicing through his throat before he could shoot.
He fell silently to the ground, and I wiped my blade clean before turning back to the fight. My soldiers were almost finished. Just a few more to eliminate.
The sounds of the last enemies falling echoed in the air, signaling the end of the battle. I stood among the bodies, my chest heaving, the adrenaline still coursing through me. It was over. We had taken the pack gates, eliminated most of the enemy soldiers, and now we were close—so close to finding Aaron.
Xaden appeared next to me, his armor stained with blood, his expression blank. “The gates are secure,” he said, his voice steady but content.
“Good,” I replied, scanning the battlefield. “Now we look for Aaron. Make sure no one gets away.”