Chapter Forty Three

Chapter Forty Three

KAIDA'S POV

The quiet before the battle felt heavier than I had anticipated. The sound of crickets and rustling leaves was the only thing we heard as we moved through the forest as one. With our scents masked, and our footsteps muted we stealthily approached Elara. Our warriors continued to move forward; they were prepared, each with commitment in their eyes, and with anxiety etched all over their face. Everyone was on edge, and I couldn’t blame them. We were marching into the lion's den with no knowledge of what to expect there. But we couldn’t afford to hesitate.

I looked around the familiar forest with a wistful expression on my face. I knew this forest like the back of my hands. As a kid, I used to sneak out to play with the normal wolves. A part of me wondered if they were still alive. My heart sank at the thought that they all might be dead. If they were, then that only served as a motivation to make Elara pay for her sins.

My heart grew heavier the closer we got to the pack grounds. I looked ahead where Thoran was. A symbol of strength and power. His steps did not falter and he continued to moved forward with focus. I knew that I was not the only one drawing strength from him. Both the pack warriors and allied warriors alike were looking up to him for hope and guidance. But I knew the mate I had, deep down he was worried for his people. I sent thoughts of comfort and courage to him through the mate bond.

As we entered the Nyx pack territory, I had expected the tension to grow stronger but then the light of the moon fell on us for a brief second, as though the moon goddess herself was trying to inform us that she was with us. I felt as the mood shifted from apprehension to determination. We were ready. Thoran gave the signal, and everyone fanned out, disappearing into the shadows.

Thoran came to stand beside me before he wordlessly gave me a nod. Together we went in search of Elara. The surprise attack was underway. Although most of the the warriors belonging to the rogue pack were in their lair, we had already prepared to battle a number of rogues which we knew would remain to protect Elara.

Suddenly, we heard shouts of alarm emanating from around us. Since we no longer had to be quiet, we abandoned stealth. Instead, we amplified our thorough search for Elara.

We moved as one, and with purpose as we struck down the rogues before they could organise themselves or go on the offensive. We also sent the guards running for their lives. Thoran and I refrained from going after the guards. There was no point in fighting men who had no will to fight. They had only been following Elara out of duty and fear rather than respect. The air was filled with snarls, growls, and wolves tearing into each other. The fight was as brutal and animalistic as I had expected. I felt the adrenaline surge through me. This was exactly what I needed to face Elara. The dagger Meena gave me was safely tucked away in my suit.

Thoran was momentarily distracted by two wolves who had sprung up from nowhere. I knew he could take them with no problem, but I still could not help but be concerned for his safety. I was still contemplating joining him in the fight when I saw her. “Elara.” I snarled out. She was still as beautiful as I remembered, but even her beauty had a sinister vibe to it. Despite the fact that the pack grounds had become a chaotic battlefield, the witch observed the clash of warriors with a leisurely air. The confidence with which she carried herself made my blood boil.

I lost all rationality at that moment, and didn't even noticed when I shifted to my wolf form and galloped towards her at full speed. With wide jaws, I lept at her at the last moment, but suddenly she extended two fingers and flicked it to the side. To my surprise, my wolf was flung in the direction of her hand, and I hit the trash can with a loud crash.

That was not enough to take me down however, within the next second, I was back ony feet, in human form this time and with my suit equipped. Elara regarded me with a cold, calculated look. “Kaida.” She called in a mocking voice. “What a surprise. I would say it's a pleasant surprise, but we both know I'd be lying.” She tilted her head slightly to the side. “Though I suppose it was only a matter of time.”

I narrowed my eyes at her. I needed to be careful around her. The woman before me was a conniving witch. “I'm here to bring an end to your atrocious behaviours, Elara.”

Elara laughed mirthlessly. “You? What exactly can you do, Kaida? I am a powerful witch.” She said thunderously. “I have brought several Alphas to their knees, their packs laid to waste. What can you do? You, who is unable to save even her father.” The accusation in her words was like a slap to me.

I gritted my teeth as I had the following words against my better judgement, “what are you talking about?”

Elara laughed deviously. “You don't know? Luther is ill, Kaida. Remember Luther? Your father?”

I snarled. “Shut up! What did you do to him?”

“Me?” Elara asked in mock innocence. “Your father is on his death bed and that's what you're concerned about? How would little Tricia feel if she heard that? Do you even care that your step-sister has been held captive by me?” Her expression turned bitter. “It's her punishment for daring to help you.”

“She is your daughter!” I cried in disbelief.

Elara's gaze turned bored. “She was just a means to an end. Besides, no daughter of mine would ever betray me.”

Unable to continue listening to her vile words, I let out a deadly snare and reached for her with my claws extended. Abruptly, I found myself surrounded by rogues. They not only surrounded me, but they stood between Elara and I, their threats clear.

Elara glanced at me with a knowing smirk. “Did you really think I wouldn't find out about this attack?”