Elena's heart pounded as she watched Kael step into the clearing, his wolf form towering over the intruders. The three werewolves—members of the Nightfang pack—snarled in response, their eyes glowing with malice. The scarred man, clearly their leader, took a step forward, his voice a low growl.
"Kael," he said, his tone dripping with disdain. "Traitor. You think you can protect her? The Silverclaw belongs to us."
Kael's lips curled back in a snarl, his teeth bared. "She's not yours to claim, Draven. Leave now, or you'll regret it."
Draven laughed, a harsh, grating sound. "You always were a fool. You think you can take on all three of us?"
Elena's breath hitched as she crouched by the window, her mind racing. Kael was strong, but three against one were impossible odds. She clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms. She couldn't just sit here and watch. She had to do something.
But what? She had only transformed once, and even then, she hadn't been in control. The thought of facing the Nightfangs filled her with terror, but the thought of losing Kael—her only ally—was worse.
Taking a deep breath, Elena closed her eyes and focused on the moon's energy, just as Kael had taught her. The warmth spread through her chest, and she felt her body begin to change. The pain was sharp and immediate, but she gritted her teeth and pushed through it.
When she opened her eyes, she was in her wolf form. Her silver fur shimmered in the dim light, and her senses were heightened. She could hear the growls of the Nightfangs, smell the tension in the air.
Without hesitation, she burst through the cottage door and into the clearing.
Kael turned, his eyes widening in surprise. "Elena! I told you to stay inside!"
Elena ignored him, her gaze locked on Draven. She bared her teeth, a low growl rumbling in her throat.
Draven's eyes lit up with a cruel gleam. "Well, well. The Silverclaw finally shows herself."
Kael stepped between them, his body tense. "Elena, stay back. You're not ready for this."
But Elena wasn't listening. She lunged at Draven, her claws slashing through the air. Draven dodged, his movements swift and precise, but Elena pressed the attack. She could feel the moon's energy coursing through her, giving her strength.
The other two Nightfangs moved to intercept her, but Kael was there in an instant, his powerful form knocking one of them to the ground. The clearing erupted into chaos, the sound of snarls and growls filling the air.
Elena fought with everything she had, her instincts guiding her movements. She ducked under Draven's claws and raked her own across his side, drawing blood. He howled in pain and retaliated with a vicious swipe that sent her sprawling.
She scrambled to her feet, her chest heaving. Draven circled her, his eyes gleaming with malice.
"You're strong," he admitted, his voice a low growl. "But you're no match for me."
Elena didn't respond. She focused on the moon's energy, letting it fill her with power. She lunged again, this time catching Draven off guard. Her teeth sank into his shoulder, and he let out a roar of pain.
But before she could press her advantage, one of the other Nightfangs tackled her from the side. She hit the ground hard, the breath knocked out of her. The wolf pinned her down, its teeth inches from her throat.
Elena struggled, but she was no match for its strength. Just as she thought it was over, Kael appeared, his powerful jaws clamping down on the wolf's neck. The creature let out a yelp and released her, collapsing to the ground.
Kael turned to her, his eyes filled with urgency. "Run!"
Elena hesitated, but the look in his eyes left no room for argument. She turned and bolted into the forest, her heart pounding as she ran. Behind her, she could hear the sounds of
the battle fading into the distance.