Bab 44: Chapter 44: The First Strike
The tension in Silverfang territory was unbearable. Elara could feel it in her bones, the restless energy that pulsed through the land, like a storm waiting to break. The confrontation with Callum of the Crescens bloodline had set something into motion. There was no doubt now that the world was on the cusp of a war—one that would pit the Silverfangs against forces far beyond what they had ever encountered. The vampires had made their move, and the Silverfangs could no longer ignore the power struggle unfolding around them.
It was late in the night when the first signs of the Crescens' aggression appeared. The moon was full, casting a ghostly glow over the Silverfang village. The howls of the pack rang out, filling the air with the familiar, powerful rhythm of the wolves' call. But this time, the howls weren't just a signal of strength—they were a warning.
"We've spotted them," Rowen said, his voice tight, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the shadows. His heightened senses had already picked up the presence of the vampire scouts, their scent thick in the air. The Crescens had come, and they were ready for a fight.
Elara didn't hesitate. "Prepare yourselves," she said to her pack, her voice firm. "We don't know how many of them are out there, but we fight as one. The Silverfangs don't back down."
The pack gathered, their expressions set with determination. The warriors, led by Elara and Rowen, stood at the ready. Marek stepped forward, his hands glowing with arcane energy, while Erynn, always sharp and stealthy, melted into the shadows, her eyes scanning for any sign of movement.
And then, it came. The first strike.
The first Crescens vampire emerged from the trees with the speed and grace only a creature of the night could possess. His pale skin glowed under the moonlight, and his eyes—crimson and predatory—locked onto Elara with a feral intensity.
Without warning, the vampire lunged. Elara's reflexes kicked in, and in an instant, she was shifting into her wolf form, her claws extending as she met the vampire head-on. Her body moved like lightning, her strength enhanced by the power of the moon coursing through her. She slashed at the vampire, her claws raking through his chest, but he was fast—too fast. He twisted mid-air, his fangs snapping inches from her throat.
Rowen was there in an instant, his wolf form towering beside her, his fangs sinking into the vampire's shoulder. The vampire let out a hiss of pain but retaliated with a sharp kick, sending Rowen crashing into a nearby tree. The force of the blow shook the earth beneath them.
"Stay focused!" Elara shouted as she darted toward the vampire again, her claws flashing in the moonlight. She slammed into him, knocking him off balance. But he was strong—stronger than any vampire she had fought before. His speed and agility were beyond what she had expected.
Marek unleashed a bolt of magic, sending a burst of light into the night. The vampire staggered but recovered quickly, his eyes narrowing at the sorcerer. The Crescens were skilled in their own dark magics, and the moment Marek released another spell, the vampire countered with a wave of energy that crackled like dark lightning. The collision of their powers lit up the forest, but Marek stood his ground, sweat beading on his forehead.
"This won't end well if we don't act quickly," Marek grunted, his eyes darting toward Elara. "These vampires are no ordinary foes."
Suddenly, the sound of more vampires charging through the trees filled the air. Elara's eyes darted to the edges of the clearing, and she saw them—more vampires, emerging from the shadows, their eyes glowing, their speed almost too much to track.
"We're outnumbered!" Rowen snarled, shaking off the vampire's attack. He turned to Elara, his face grim. "We need to retreat—now."
But before Elara could respond, a large figure appeared before her. Another Crescens vampire, much larger than the rest, stepped forward, his eyes glowing a bright, fiery red. His presence was commanding, radiating an energy that made the air hum with intensity.
"So, the Silverfang Alpha leads the charge," the vampire said with a smile, his voice deep and mocking. "I've heard much about you, Elara Silverfang. But no matter how strong you are, you cannot stand against the power of the Crescens."
Elara met his gaze, her heart pounding. "I've faced worse than you. And I will not back down."
The vampire laughed, the sound echoing in the night. "You misunderstand. It is not about who is stronger. It is about control."
Before Elara could react, the vampire lunged. His claws were sharp, his speed blinding, and for a moment, Elara could see only the flash of his movement. He slashed at her, and she barely managed to dodge, her wolf form twisting to avoid the blow. But the vampire was relentless.
Rowen was there to back her up, but the vampire spun in the air, slamming Rowen into the ground with a powerful kick. The force of the blow left Rowen disoriented, but he quickly recovered, growling in defiance.
Elara fought back, her claws clashing with the vampire's as she blocked his attack. Their fight was intense—vampire and werewolf, each battling with an ancient ferocity that shook the earth beneath them. The vampire was strong, but Elara felt the moon's power within her, lending her the strength to stand her ground.
With a final burst of strength, Elara swiped at the vampire's chest, slashing through his clothing and leaving a gash deep enough to make him falter. The vampire hissed in pain but didn't retreat. Instead, he grinned, showing his fangs. "Impressive. But not enough."
Suddenly, a cry rang out from the trees. Erynn had struck from the shadows, her daggers flashing through the night. She had taken down one of the lesser vampires, but her work was far from over.
"Elara!" Rowen shouted, his voice tinged with urgency. "We need to finish this. We're losing ground."
Elara's heart pounded as she turned to face the large Crescens vampire. With a snarl, she gathered the last of her strength, channeling the moon's energy. She pounced, her body a blur of speed and ferocity, and with a single strike, her claws pierced the vampire's heart.
He let out a final, strangled gasp, his body crumbling to dust in the moonlight. The remaining vampires hesitated, their once confident movements faltering. The Silverfangs had struck a blow, but the battle was far from over. The Crescens would not simply retreat. They would regroup. They would adapt.
Elara stood tall, her breath ragged, her fur bloodied but her spirit unwavering. "This is only the beginning," she muttered under her breath. "The true fight is still to come."
As the last of the Crescens retreated into the shadows, Elara turned to her pack, her eyes filled with resolve. "Prepare yourselves. The Blackwoods will come. And when they do, we must be ready."
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone