The Hunt Begins

The morning sun shining on the treetops, casting dappled light across the training grounds. The packs gathered in uneasy silence, their breaths visible in the crisp air. Lyra stood in front of the rogues, her commanding presence impossible to ignore. Atlas was nearby, a quiet force of control as he surveyed his pack with steady eyes.

Today wasn't just about strategy or brute strength—it was about instinct.

"Listen up!" Lyra called out, her voice clear like ice. "You've trained for battles, you've fought in skirmishes, but none of that matters if you can't rely on your instincts. Today, we HUNT."

Murmurs rippled through the group. A hunt was a rare occurrence, especially one combining two packs. Some of the Alpha's wolves bristled, clearly uncomfortable working alongside the rogues, but Lyra ignored them. She had no time for petty grievances.

Atlas stepped forward, his calm voice cutting through the tension. "This isn't just about catching prey. It's about working together. You rely on the wolf within you, but you also trust the wolves around you. We're stronger as a pack."

Lyra resisted the urge to roll her eyes at Atlas's composed demeanor. While he exuded an almost infuriating calm, she preferred to keep the energy sharp, the stakes high. It was a balance she hated to admit worked well between them.

"Split into groups." Lyra commanded. "One rogue, one pack wolf in each. No exceptions."

The grumbles were audible, but no one dared argue. She watched as the wolves paired off, some with more enthusiasm than others. Atlas's quiet nod of approval didn't go unnoticed.

"Lyra." Atlas said as the groups moved into position. "You and I should lead the charge."

"Well obviously!" she replied with a chuckle.

The Hunt:

The forest came alive as they moved through the underbrush, their senses sharpening. The scent of damp earth and faint traces of prey filled the air. Lyra crouched low, her pink eyes narrowing as she scanned the area. Atlas was beside her, his movements fluid and precise.

A faint rustle ahead caught her attention. She raised her hand, signaling the others to stop. Her sharp eyes caught sight of a young deer grazing in the clearing.

Atlas leaned closer, his voice barely above a whisper. "Take the lead. Let's see if the rogues can live up to their reputation."

Lyra shot him a challenging look but didn't respond. She motioned for her group to spread out, their movements silent as they circled the clearing. The deer remained oblivious, its head dipping to nibble on the grass.

With a growl low in her throat, Lyra signaled the attack. The wolves surged forward, a coordinated blur of motion. The deer bolted, but it didn't stand a chance. Within moments, the rogues and pack wolves had it surrounded, their combined strength bringing it down quickly and cleanly.

Panting, Lyra straightened, wiping her hands on her pants. The others gathered around, some grinning with triumph, others still casting wary glances at their new allies.

"Not bad." Atlas said, his voice laced with approval.

"Ha! Not bad? Not bad??" Lyra shot back, her tone teasing. "That was flawless."

Atlas chuckled, a rare sound that caught her off guard. "havn't seen that in awhile." she muttered to herself

Lyra smirked, but her gaze softened as she watched the wolves work together to divide the kill. For a moment, the tension seemed to ease, replaced by a tentative camaraderie.

Old Wounds:

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, the groups returned to the compound, the spoils of their hunt carried between them. Lyra and Atlas walked side by side, their silence comfortable for once.

"I know I said this before but.. you really have changed" Atlas said suddenly.

Lyra glanced at him, one eyebrow raised. "Founding a way to break this awkward silence huh?"

"I mean it." he said, his expression serious. "You're... different. Stronger. Sharper. The Lyra I knew five years ago wouldn't have taken charge like that."

Lyra's steps faltered. "I didn't have a choice. I had to change. Now keep walking, I don't have time to chat."

Atlas's jaw tightened, and for a moment, the air between them felt heavy. "I never wanted you to leave." he said quietly.

Lyra laughed, but there was no humor in it. "hm, buuut you didn't seem to stop me when I left soo.."

The silence that followed was deafening. Lyra quickened her pace, putting distance between them. She couldn't afford to dwell on the past, not now, with so much at stake.

The Hidden Threat:

Later that evening, as the pack gathered for the evening meal, a scout arrived, his fur matted and his breathing ragged. He shifted back to human form, collapsing to his knees in front of the council.

"We found something!" he gasped. "Or someone. . ?"

Lyra and Atlas exchanged a glance before stepping forward.

"What is it?" Atlas demanded.

The scout looked up, his face pale. "A rogue. Not one of ours. They were spying on us."

Tension rippled through the room. Lyra felt a growl rumble in her chest, her wolf instincts flaring. Whoever this rogue was, they had answers.

Atlas's voice was steady but edged with steel. "Where are they now?"

"Detained." the scout replied. "But they're not talking."

Lyra's eyes gleamed with determination. "Then we make them talk."