Chapter 113:
The border was quiet when we arrived, but I could feel the tension in the air, a palpable unease that settled over the gathered wolves. Silas stood just beyond our territory, a shadow among his wolves, his figure tall and imposing in the dim moonlight. His eyes gleamed with a predatory glint, his stance calm and controlled, a stark contrast to the barely contained fury I sensed beneath the surface.
He took a step forward, his gaze fixed on me, and I could see the smirk playing at the corners of his mouth.
“Alpha Elara,” he called out, his voice smooth but carrying an edge of malice.
“You’ve certainly given us an enthusiastic welcome.”
I held my ground, my voice steady.
“You crossed our borders uninvited, Silas. I did what any Alpha would to protect her pack.”
He laughed, the sound low and mocking, and his wolves shifted around him, their stances tense, ready.
“Is that what you call it? A show of strength? You may have won a skirmish, but don’t let that victory go to your head. Talon Pack is no match for my wolves, and you know it.”
“Then why haven’t you attacked?” I replied, meeting his gaze without flinching.
“You came here tonight to talk, not to fight. Why?”
His smile faltered, a flash of annoyance crossing his face before he regained his composure.
“You’ve bought yourself time, Elara, but that’s all. Your little display was impressive, I’ll admit. But this unity you’re so proud of?” He sneered, his tone dripping with disdain.
“It won’t last. Wolves are loyal only as long as they feel safe, as long as they think they have something to gain. The moment they see a real threat, they’ll turn on you.”
Dante’s voice cut through the silence, calm but laced with steel.
“Is that how you see it, Silas? Because you’re wrong. Talon Pack is stronger than you’ll ever understand. We fight for each other, not out of fear but out of loyalty.”
Silas’s gaze flicked to Dante, his expression darkening.
“Ah, Dante. The prodigal wolf, back in the fold. Tell me, does it feel good to grovel for forgiveness? To cling to a pack that banished you?”
Dante’s jaw tightened, but he kept his composure, his voice unwavering.
“I returned because this is my family. And unlike you, I know what loyalty means.”
Silas laughed again, his gaze cold and calculating.
“Loyalty is a weakness, one that blinds wolves to opportunity, to power. But I don’t expect you to understand that. You’ve always been a follower, Dante. And you, Elara,” he said, turning his attention back to me, his smile cruel, “you’re a fool to think you can hold this pack together. The first sign of real danger, and your wolves will abandon you.”
His words stirred an anger within me, but I forced myself to stay calm. I would not let him see even a flicker of doubt.
“You underestimate us, Silas. We’re not like you. Talon Pack is united, not by fear, but by trust. And when you come for us, you’ll see just how strong we are.”
Silas’s expression hardened, his smirk disappearing.
“Bold words. But words alone won’t protect you. When I come, I will show you what true strength looks like. I will tear through your pack, through your allies, until nothing remains.”
He took a slow step forward, his gaze cold and unyielding.
“This is your last chance, Elara. Surrender, and I might consider letting some of your wolves live. Defy me, and I will leave nothing but ashes behind.”
I met his gaze, feeling the weight of the decision pressing down on me. But there was no hesitation, no doubt. My answer was clear, my voice steady as I spoke.
“We will never surrender. Talon Pack will stand, and we will fight with everything we have. You may threaten us, but you will not break us.”
