Chapter 198: Under The Full Moon

Brenda’s POV

Tension was palpable in the camp. Eyes leaping to the dark sky, wolves whispered. Even though the full moon shone brightly, there wasn't much optimism tonight. It had the feel of combat.

With the Moonstone in my hand, I stood on the tall rock. Damian was by my side, solid and dependable. I turned to face my pack, the wolves I had vowed to defend. They had trust and terror on their faces.

I spoke louder. "Hear me out!"

The murmurs ceased. Everyone looked at me. Despite my thumping heart, I remained upright.

"Darkness is on its way," I declared. It seeks to destroy us and all we hold dear. However, we are wolves! For the family, we fight. We struggle for liberty!

The crowd let forth a howl. Then another. Their voices soon rattled the air.

The Moonstone was raised by me. Its light illuminated the darkness. "This stone is hope, not simply magic. And we won't ever fall as long as it shines!

With a deep and powerful voice, Damian took a step ahead. "Brothers! Sisters! We battle together tonight. Don't be afraid. No turning back. Only triumph!

The group let forth a roar. Under the moonlight, wolves moved, their fur rippling. Warriors equipped themselves with bows and silver blades.

Out of breath, Lila rushed toward me. "They're coming quickly, Brenda."

I looked at Damian. His eyes were blazing, and his jaw was clenched.

"That's it," I said.

For a brief while, his warmth grounded me by taking my hand. He declared, "We fight together."

I squeezed his fingers. "With each other."

I then returned my attention to my pack. "Places!" I yelled. "Keep the young safe! Hold on!

The earth shook under our feet. The forest was filled with distant howls, low and twisted, unlike our own.

A shiver ran down my back. The adversary was close.

"Mother Moon, lead us," I said to myself as I looked at the full moon.

Then the black mist came rolling in. Sucking the trees, cold and thick. The first shadows emerged, tall, hideous beasts with fiery eyes.

The army of the dark had come.

Like thunder, the first attack struck. Black fire glowed on the teeth of a shadow wolf that lunged at the front line. It was greeted by our warriors with gleaming blades and claws. Sparks were flying. The snow was smeared with blood.

"Remain on the line!" I ran forward and screamed. Beams of light sliced through the mist as the Moonstone burned in my grasp. Shadows burnt and hissed where the light touched.

"Brenda!" Through the confusion, Damian's voice was audible. His blade was flashing like lightning as he battled three shadow wolves simultaneously.

"I'm present!" I slammed the Moonstone down on the floor and roared. An explosion of light threw adversaries backwards.

However, more arrived. Dozens. Hundreds. A fury of teeth and claws erupted throughout the jungle. Under the bright moon, wolves fought, their howls mingling with shrieks.

At me, one of the shadow animals jumped. I spun and plunged my blade deep into its chest as I dodged. As it crashed, black smoke streamed forth.

"Damian!" I yelled once again, trying to find him in the confusion. I saw him, his blade spilling black blood, standing but bleeding.

“Battle on!” he yelled.

My group battled like monsters. But it didn't stop with the enemies. Two more rose for each shadow that fell.

Then there was a thunderous roar and the sky split wide. A huge figure, taller than any wolf, covered in blackness, with eyes like molten gold, emerged from the mist.

I went cold. I gasped.

With terror in his voice, Damian said, "The Shadow Lord."

The weapon, a sharp spear blazing with dark energy, was lifted by the beast. The Moonstone shook in my hand as if it were terrified.

"Brenda!" It was too late as Damian ran toward me.

The spear was thrown by the Shadow Lord. It struck my heart directly as it soared through the air faster than lightning.

I made an effort to move. Too sluggish.

Before the spear of darkness struck the ground at my feet and ripped the earth wide, the last thing I saw was Damian's face, which was a mixture of fear and rage.

Light burst forth. Darkness cried out. A tempest of fire and shadow swept the planet away.