Page 87 of My Fated Mate

I can sense the energy in him. His presence is the anchor for the eclipse, the reason the moon is hidden from sight.

Hatred and determination mix a fiery cocktail within me.

He's responsible for all this chaos, the fear, the potential loss of everything we hold dear. We have to stop him.

"So, it's you?" Kain growls, his voice low and dangerous. A flicker of recognition crosses his features, quickly replaced by a cold fury.

Varis throws his head back and lets out a chilling laugh, the sound echoing through the clearing like the screech of a dying bird. "Indeed, Kain," he rasps, his voice distorted by the hood. "Fancy meeting you here after all these years."

There's a history there, a tangled web of betrayal and banishment. I remember the tales. Kain's pack had the misfortune of knowing Varis before he became the twisted creature standing before us.

The laughter fades, replaced by a cold, arrogant smirk. "You cast me out," Varis continues, gesturing towards the green glow swirling around him. "Deemed me unworthy of your precious pack. Well, look at me now. Bathed in power, the darkness, my loyal companion."

His words drip with venom, a bitter testament to the years spent honing his dark craft. My fists clench, the urge to lash out at him burning strong within me.

He's the reason the moon is hidden, the reason my power lies dormant.

He's the architect of our current misery.

A tense silence settles over the clearing before Varis raises his hand, the green light intensifying. "And now," his voice resonates with power, "I will use this darkness to claim your lands and plunge them into eternal night!"

He lunges forward, a dark wave of energy radiating from his outstretched hand.

We react instinctively.

Kain lets out a furious roar, transforming into his massive wolf form in a blur of fur and fangs.

Thorne, eyes blazing with righteous anger, shifts as well, his coat shimmering like molten gold.

The battle explodes in a cacophony of snarls, growls, and the clash of claws against magic.

With a feral roar that echoes through the clearing, I launch myself into the fray.

Varis, momentarily distracted by Kain's relentless assault, turns towards me with a surprised sneer.

His arrogance is my opening.

As he raises a hand to unleash another blast of dark energy, I slide beneath it, using the momentum to propel myself towards him.

He throws his weight back, attempting to backhand me away, but I anticipate the move. Twisting mid-air, I bring my knee up, connecting with his exposed abdomen in a sickening crunch.

A surprised grunt escapes his lips as he doubles over, momentarily stunned.

Kain seizes the opportunity, launching himself at Varis with renewed vigor. Their forms collide, the sound of snapping teeth and tearing flesh filling the air.

Thrilled by the momentary advantage, I press my attack. Landing behind Varis, I grab a handful of his cloak and yank him backward.

He stumbles, his hood falling back to reveal a face contorted with rage and surprise.

Years of practicing dark magic have etched lines around his eyes and hollowed out his cheeks, but beneath it all, I recognize the arrogant sneer I remember from whispers and campfire stories.

Before he can react, I launch myself at him again. This time, I aim for his exposed throat, hoping to land a crippling bite. He throws his arm up in a desperate block, the force of my attack sending him staggering back.

The fight erupts into a frenzy of claws, teeth, and frantic strikes.

Varis may be wielding powerful dark magic, but his arrogance leaves him open to my primal attacks. Every blow I land fuels my determination.

But Varis isn't about to go down easily.

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