Chapter 129 Chapter 118

Chapter 129 Chapter 118
Nathaniel
The battlefield was chaos - howls of wolves clashing with guttural snarls from Andromeda’s forces, the scent of blood heavy in the air. The enemy came in waves, a tide of rogues and corrupted wolves hell-bent on tearing us apart. The pack fought as one, our wolves surging forward with ferocity and precision.
I was in the thick of it, my gray wolf streaking through the melee. My claws tore through flesh, my jaws snapping down on the neck of an enemy wolf before tossing its limp form aside. There was no time for hesitation. The battlefield demanded every ounce of focus, every fragment of strength.
My wolf roared within me, his instincts sharp and primal. Protect the pack. Protect everyone.
I darted past Conor, his russet fur matted with blood, but his movements sharp and controlled. Together, we flanked a massive rogue, forcing it into submission before dispatching it with brutal efficiency. Conor’s green eyes met mine briefly before we surged forward to meet the next threat.
The enemy numbers were staggering, but we held our ground. The pack moved like a living organism, each wolf instinctively covering the others, our training holding strong even in the face of overwhelming odds. But Andromeda’s forces were relentless, and every fallen enemy seemed to be replaced by more.
A high-pitched yelp cut through the din, drawing my attention. I turned to see one of the warriors pinned beneath a hulking rogue, its jaws snapping dangerously close to her throat. Without thinking, I launched myself at the beast, slamming into it with enough force to send it sprawling. I stood protectively over the young wolf, baring my teeth in a feral snarl that sent the rogue fleeing into the chaos.
Stay behind the line, I linked him sharply, my tone leaving no room for argument. He nodded, his eyes wide with fear and gratitude, before retreating to the safety of the defensive formation.
Conor appeared at my side, his chest heaving as he growled low in his throat. They’re trying to break through the southern flank again. We can’t hold them much longer unless reinforcements arrive.
Hold the line, I replied, my voice steady despite the pounding of my heart. We can’t let them breach. Grace will send support as soon as she can.
But even as I said it, doubt gnawed at me. The pack was spread thin, and every second felt like a test of endurance. My thoughts briefly flickered to Grace, back at the pack house, her sharp mind guiding our forces. I trusted her implicitly, but I couldn’t shake the worry that lingered at the edges of my mind.
I pushed those thoughts aside as another wave of enemies surged toward us. My wolf bared his teeth, his muscles coiling with raw power as I leapt into the fray once more.
The chaos of battle roared around me, every sound amplified - the clash of teeth and claws, the howls of pain and rage, the sharp commands cutting through the din. Blood slicked the ground beneath my feet, and the metallic scent filled my nostrils as I slashed through another rogue. My wolf growled low in my mind, a steady presence urging me forward.
My link flared to life, Grace’s voice cutting through the haze. Nathaniel, she said, her tone tight but controlled, I’m heading to the infirmary.
The words made my heart falter mid-beat. What’s wrong? I demanded, slashing at an opponent without breaking stride. Are you hurt?
No, she replied quickly, though her voice carried a strain that set every nerve on edge. The contractions are getting closer. Mia is in charge of intel now. She’s sharp, you can trust her.
My blood ran cold, the realization crashing over me. Grace was going into labor, in the middle of a battle. You shouldn’t be alone, I said, my voice firm despite the battle raging around me. Someone needs to stay with you.
I’m not alone, she replied, her strength seeping through the bond. The medics are with me. You need to stay out there, Nathaniel. The pack needs you.
A rogue lunged at me, its snarling maw snapping inches from my face. I ducked low, spinning and driving my claws into its side. The beast collapsed with a pained yelp, and I stepped back, panting, as the next attacker closed in. Grace, if anything happens—
I’ll link you, she interrupted. But for now, focus. Win this fight, Nathaniel. We need to end this.
Her link cut out, leaving me with a mixture of relief and worry that churned in my chest like acid. I couldn’t allow myself to think about Grace now. Not with so many lives depending on me here, on the front lines.
I linked Mia. Mia, you’re leading intel now. Keep me updated on all movement and reinforcements.
Yes, Beta, Mia replied crisply. We’ve spotted another wave heading toward the eastern border. I’ve already sent reinforcements to support Conor’s team.
Good, I said, slicing through another rogue’s flank with a growl. Keep the reports coming. And make sure the southern patrols don’t falter.
The fight pressed on, an unending tide of rogues and minions pushing against us. I moved as one with the pack, a gray wolf darting among streaks of red and brown.