Chapter 27

An ancient, gleaming dagger was raised high in Draven's hand, its tip pointing directly at Ariel's heart, ready to—

"NO!"

Orion's roar echoed, fiercer than any wolf's. Instantly, he lunged forward, his Alpha speed extraordinary, ignoring danger, ignoring all strategic considerations. Pure rage consumed him, his eyes glowing gold, the wolf within him churning, ready to slaughter anyone who stood in his way.

However, before Orion reached the gate's threshold, Alena acted. A cold premonition pierced her; she knew Draven wouldn't kill Ariel—not yet. The young girl was a tool, not merely a victim. Using the last of her strength, Alena channeled the primordial lunar energy pulsating within her. Not to attack, not to destroy, but to divert.

From her outstretched palm, a blinding burst of silvery light erupted—not fire, not a shockwave, but a dazzling, cold pure energy beam. The light struck precisely between Draven and Ariel, creating a momentary visual wall, severing the connection between them, and leaving a sharp scent of ozone in the air.

Draven recoiled, startled by Alena's unexpected power. The ancient dagger was mere inches from Ariel, but he could not proceed. His fiery red eyes narrowed at Alena, a mix of intrigue and fury in them. The old woman beside him, with sunken eyes radiating dark energy, spat in a hoarse ancient tongue, as if cursing.

That brief momentum was all Orion needed. He tore through the fading silver light wall, hurtling towards Draven and Ariel. Two of Draven's warriors guarding nearby blocked him, but Orion's rage gave him brutal strength. The first blow shattered one warrior's jaw, the second stumbled back with a broken neck.

Liam and Lena, following close behind Orion, immediately confronted Draven's other warriors who reacted to the chaos. The clang of metal clashed with growls, blood beginning to splatter on the damp rocks.

"Ariel!" Orion shouted, reaching the stone pillar where his sister was bound. He ripped the ropes with brute force.

Draven, his cruel sneer returning, took a step back. He knew he had underestimated Alena. "An interesting Luna," he said, his voice calm despite the chaos erupting around him. "A channeler of primordial moon. You don't kill, but you divert. Fascinating. But Ariel's destiny is sealed."

He made no attempt to physically stop Orion. It was as if Ariel's abduction was merely the beginning. The ritual, the chanting, continued from the depths of the cave, growing increasingly deafening.

"Orion, we can't fight here!" Alena shouted, her dark eyes scanning their surroundings. She could feel the thick pulse of ancient power, a black aura emanating from an unseen altar. "Too many of them! And the ritual—it hasn't stopped!"

Orion embraced a still unconscious Ariel, her small body limp in his arms. He looked at Alena, understanding the implications. They had to retreat. Draven had won this round.

"Liam, Lena! Retreat!" Orion commanded, his voice rumbling over the commotion. "We're running! Now!"

With Ariel in his arms, Orion turned and ran back, towards the cave entrance they had used. Liam and Lena formed a strong rear guard, deflecting every attack from Draven's warriors, buying valuable time for their Alpha and Alena.

Zara, breathless, also ran, trying to catch up. She saw Alena stepping back, her eyes still fixed on Draven. The enemy Alpha merely stood at the gate's threshold, a satisfied smirk etched on his face, as if he was allowing them to leave, knowing their destruction was only a matter of time.

They exited the cave, plunging into the darkness of the dense forest. The cold night air felt refreshing after the stuffiness of the cave, but danger still lurked. The ancient chant was still faintly audible, drifting through the trees, haunting them.

"We need to be fast!" Alena said, dizziness striking her again from her exertion. "Draven will pursue. He won't let us go so easily."

Orion nodded, moving at high speed, holding Ariel tightly. "Which way? We need to get away from the river. He'll block that route."

"I sense another path," Alena said, pointing north, through dense thickets and slippery rocks. "There's a gap in their defenses that way. Away from the main patrols. More dangerous, but more unexpected."

They took the path Alena indicated. The terrain was rough and unforgiving, forcing them to leap across small ravines, crawl under giant tree roots, and climb steep, moss-covered cliffs. Liam and Lena ensured no tracks were left behind. Zara struggled to keep up, gasping for breath.

Alena felt her energy draining, every step a struggle. However, fear of Draven and Ariel's fate gave her strength. She knew Draven was lurking, waiting for the right moment to strike.

Suddenly, Liam stopped. He raised a hand, signaling the others to freeze. His keen wolf eyes scanned the darkness ahead.

"What is it, Liam?" Orion whispered, his voice low and tense. He pulled Ariel closer to his body.

"Sounds," Liam whispered. "Many. Not from Draven's pack. There's another pack."

Tension peaked. They had just escaped one danger, only to fall into the arms of another. Orion growled softly, cursing fate.