The wind howled through the Martian dunes like a mourning spirit, carrying with it the scent of iron and impending violence.
Ares stood at the edge of the den's highest ridge, staring out toward the distant human settlement of Delta-3. The sky was darkening—not just from nightfall, but from the arrival of something far more ominous.
Earth Federation dropships.
They hovered above the horizon like carrion birds, sleek and deadly. Their presence meant only one thing—this wasn't a diplomatic mission. It was an invasion.
Kael approached silently, his golden eyes reflecting the red light of the dying sun.
"They're coming," Ares said without turning.
Kael nodded grimly. "We need to move fast."
Ares finally looked at him. "We need allies."
Kael stiffened. "You mean the humans?"
"I mean the ones who still have a choice," Ares replied. "Not all of them will follow the Federation blindly. Some will see what's happening here. And some… might help us stop it."
Kael exhaled sharply. "That's a dangerous gamble."
"It's the only one we've got."
---
Elsewhere – Human Outpost Delta-3
Dr. Sophia Patel paced inside her lab, her mind racing. Outside, the atmosphere was tense—soldiers had been deployed, weapons armed, and orders issued. Commander Linh Reyes stood by the main terminal, reviewing reports on the Federation's incoming forces.
"They're not asking for permission this time," Reyes muttered. "They're taking control."
Sophia stepped forward. "Then we need to act before they do."
Reyes turned to her, arms crossed. "And what exactly are you suggesting? We declare independence from Earth?"
"No," Sophia said quickly. "But we make a choice. We decide who we stand with."
Reyes raised an eyebrow. "You think we should side with the wolves?"
"I think we don't have a choice," Sophia replied. "If the Federation gets what they want—if they take Ares or destroy him—they'll use whatever they find in those ruins to control Mars. Maybe even Earth."
Reyes studied her carefully. Then she tapped her comm unit. "I want a secure line to the underground network. Now."
Moments later, a familiar voice crackled through the speaker.
"This is Elias Voss. I assume this isn't a social call."
Reyes leaned forward. "We need to talk about the wolves."
There was a pause.
"You're making a dangerous move, Commander."
"We're already at war," Reyes said. "The question is—who's on our side?"
---
Back at the Werewolf Den – Council of War
Inside the central chamber, Ares addressed the gathered leaders of the remaining loyal packs.
"The Federation wants me," he said plainly. "They believe I hold the key to the ruins beneath Olympus Mons. If they get their hands on me—or worse, if they activate that power without understanding it—we won't just lose Mars."
He let the weight of his words settle over the room.
"They'll turn this world into a weapon."
Renn's faction had fractured the pack, but not all had sided with him. Those who remained were hardened warriors—survivors. They had fought for generations to carve out a place on this hostile world.
Now, they faced extinction.
Kael stepped forward. "We cannot fight them alone. But we may not have to."
Murmurs spread through the crowd.
Ares continued, "There are humans who understand the truth. Who know what's at stake. If we can convince them to stand with us, we have a chance."
One elder scoffed. "Trust humans? After everything they've done to us?"
Ares met his gaze. "After everything they've survived with us."
Silence followed.
Then Kael spoke again. "We send envoys to Delta-3. Tonight."
Ares nodded. "And we prepare for war."
---
At Delta-3 – The First Contact
The meeting took place under strict secrecy—no Federation surveillance, no public record. Inside a reinforced bunker beneath the outpost, representatives from both sides sat across a metal table.
On one side: Commander Reyes, Dr. Patel, and a handful of high-ranking officers.
On the other: Ares, flanked by two werewolf scouts—one male, one female, both battle-worn and wary.
Reyes studied Ares carefully. "You expect us to believe you're the key to saving Mars?"
Ares didn't flinch. "I expect you to believe what your own people have ignored for decades. That we weren't born here by accident. That we were created. And that now, we're being hunted because of it."
Reyes exchanged a glance with Sophia.
Patel leaned forward. "The Federation doesn't want peace. They want control. If they unlock the ruins, they'll use whatever's inside to dominate Mars—and possibly Earth itself."
One of the officers frowned. "And you expect us to trust you instead?"
Ares stood slowly. "No. But I expect you to understand that we're your only alternative."
There was a long silence.
Then Reyes extended her hand.
"Then let's make sure they never reach the ruins."
Ares clasped her hand firmly. "Agreed."
---
Meanwhile – Rogue Wolf Territory
Renn watched the holographic feed from his hidden command post, his expression unreadable.
"They're forming an alliance," his second-in-command, Vex, reported. "Werewolves and humans."
Renn smirked. "Good. Let them think they've won."
Vex frowned. "You're not worried?"
"Oh, I am," Renn admitted. "But fear makes people reckless. And recklessness leads to mistakes."
He turned to face his most trusted warriors. "We strike first. We hit the den. We hit the outpost. And we show both sides that this war belongs to us."
Vex hesitated. "And Ares?"
Renn's smile faded. "He's the prize. Bring him to me alive."
---
Later That Night – Preparations Begin
Back at the den, Kael addressed the assembled warriors.
"The Federation is coming," he declared. "The rogues are coming. And soon, so will the storm."
A murmur of unease rippled through the crowd.
Ares stepped forward. "We've spent too long fighting each other. Not anymore. Tonight, we unite. Not just as wolves. Not just as humans. As Martians."
Kael placed a hand on his shoulder. "Then let them come."
Outside, the wind howled louder than ever.
And somewhere beyond the ridgeline, war was already arriving.