The Loss of a Leader

The battlefield lay in ruins, the air heavy with the scent of smoke and blood. As the dust settled, the reality of their loss struck like a physical blow. The cries of the wounded echoed through the trees, mingling with the anguished howls of their pack members. Julie stood frozen, staring at the lifeless body of Elara, the leader of the Silverfangs. Her heart shattered as she took in the sight of her friend, the fierce warrior who had fought bravely alongside them.

"No…" Julie whispered, her voice barely audible above the chaos. "Elara, no!"

Viktor rushed to her side, his expression grim. "We have to move, Julie. We can't stay here. The enemy might regroup."

Julie shook her head, tears blurring her vision. "But Elara… She can't be gone! She was our strength!"

Viktor placed a hand on her shoulder, grounding her in the moment. "I know it hurts, but we need to focus. The pack is vulnerable without a leader. If we don't act now, we risk losing everything."