Page 35 of Night with a Gamma
“Focus, Lenore,” Agatha instructs, her voice firm but encouraging. “You must channel the energy within you, but do so with intention. Remember, the darkness will always seek to sway you. You must be stronger than it.”
Lenore nods, determination etched on her features. “I will,” she replies, her voice steady. “I won’t let it win, High Priestess.”
As I watch her struggle, I can see the flickers of doubt creeping back in. I step closer to Wren, resting a hand on her shoulder. “She’s trying her best,” I say quietly.
Wren nods, her gaze fixed on her sister. “I know, but I can see the fear in her eyes. I just wish she could see how much we believe in her.”
Agatha continues to guide Lenore, urging her to harness the energy around her. “Feel the ground beneath you, the air around you. Let it flow through you, but do not let it consume you.”
Lenore takes a deep breath, her eyes closing as she attempts to center herself. For a moment, there is a stillness in the air, a sense of anticipation hanging over us all. But just as she begins to draw upon her magic, a sudden crackle of energy surges through the clearing, causing the hairs on the back of my neck to stand on end.
“Everyone, stay alert!” I call out, my instincts kicking in as I scan the perimeter for any signs of danger. The air feels charged, electric, and I can sense that something is off.
“Wren, stay close,” I urge, my eyes darting around the clearing.
Lenore’s concentration falters, and the energy she was trying to summon dissipates, leaving her standing there, vulnerable and exposed. “What’s happening?” she asks, panic rising in her voice.
Agatha steps forward, her expression shifting to one of concern. “Something is coming. I can feel it.”
Before I can respond, the air is split by a distant howl — an ominous sound that sends a chill down my spine. The rogue wolves are on the move, and I can feel the tension in the air shifting, the balance of power tilting dangerously.
“Prepare for battle!” I roar, my voice cutting through the chaos as the warriors spring into action. “Form defensive lines!”
Wren grips my arm tightly, her eyes wide with fear. “What do we do?”
“Stay close to me, and let’s find a vantage point,” I reply, my heart racing. “We need to assess the situation and protect the pack.”
As we move swiftly through the clearing, I can see the warriors rallying together, their faces set with determination as I hear the tale-tell noise of bones cracking and I watch them shift. The sound of howling grows louder, echoing through the trees, a harbinger of the chaos about to unfold.
“Lenore!” Wren calls, her voice rising above the din. “Stay with us! We need you!”
Lenore nods, her expression shifting from fear to determination as she steps forward, ready to fight alongside her sister. “I won’t let you down,” she vows, her voice steadying as she takes a deep breath.
As the howling reaches a crescendo, the first rogue wolves burst through the treeline, their eyes glinting with malice. The air crackles with tension, and I can feel the adrenaline surging through my veins. This is it — the moment we’ve been preparing for.
“Warriors, to the Gamma and Beta’s sides!” Wyatt roars, rallying the pack as we form a defensive line. “We stand together! Protect our home!”
The rogues charge forward, and the battle erupts in a flurry of fur, claws, and magic. The air is filled with the sounds of growls and shouts, the clash of bodies colliding in a whirlwind of chaos.
Wren fights at my side, her fire magic flaring to life as she launches spells at the oncoming enemies. I can feel her energy radiating beside me, a beacon of strength amidst the tumult.
“Keep pushing!” I shout, fending off a rogue with a swift strike. “We can’t let them break our lines!”
Lenore stands her ground, her magic flickering as she summons energy to defend against the onslaught. I can see the determination in her eyes, the flicker of the sister Wren once knew.
“Focus, Lenore!” Wren calls, her voice cutting through the chaos. “Use the Earth’s energy around you! Don’t let the darkness take hold! Drown the rogues if you have too.”
Lenore nods, her brow furrowed in concentration. She raises her hands, and the air around her shimmers with power as she channels her magic. I can see the flicker of uncertainty in her eyes, but she stands firm, ready to defend her family.
The battle rages on, each warrior fighting with every ounce of strength. I can feel the energy of the pack surging around me, a collective force against the encroaching darkness.
“Push them back more!” I yell, my voice hoarse as I shift swiftly to take on another rogue, tearing into its flank with fierce determination. The taste of blood fills my mouth, but I can’t allow myself to falter. The safety of my pack and mate is at stake.
As the fight continues, I glance back at Wren and Lenore, who are standing together, casting fire orbs and water spells to fend off the rogues. There’s a bond between them that ignites a flicker of hope within me — a unity that transcends the darkness that threatened to tear them apart.
“Together. Now!” Wren cries, her voice fierce and unwavering. “We can do this!”
Lenore nods, her determination shining through the chaos. “I won’t back down!”
