Shadows in the Forest

Lyra took the lead as Selene moved ahead, her confident stride cutting through the dense forest like she owned it. Lyra didn't trust Selene yet, there was something too smooth about the woman's demeanor, but that didn't mean she wouldn't use the information Selene claimed to have.

Atlas followed close behind, his posture tense, clearly weighing their next move. Lyra glanced over her shoulder at him. "Are you just going to stalk silently the entire way, or are you planning to contribute?"

Atlas raised a brow. "You seem to be handling it just fine. I'd hate to steal your thunder."

Lyra smirked, though her gaze remained sharp. "Don't flatter yourself, Atlas. You couldn't steal my thunder if you tried."

Selene glanced back at them, amusement flickering in her icy blue eyes. "You two always like this?"

"Always." Lyra replied coolly, ignoring Atlas's muttered protest. She wasn't about to let anyone let alone him, distract her from what was happening.

As they walked deeper into the woods, the air grew colder, the shadows darker. Lyra's instincts prickled. She knew better than to assume they were alone. Her hand rested on the hilt of her dagger, the blade gleaming faintly in the moonlight.

"Why don't you just spit it out?" she finally asked Selene, her tone curt. "What's this big secret you're dying to share?"

Selene slowed her pace, her expression shifting into something more serious. "The weapon isn't just any weapon," she said, her voice low. "It's an artifact. One that was lost centuries ago. Whoever wields it… let's just say, they won't have to worry about loyalty or alliances anymore."

Lyra narrowed her eyes. "You're talking about mind control."

Selene gave a short nod. "Among other things. The weapon amplifies power, any kind of power. Strength, influence, fear. Imagine an Alpha wielding it. Or worse, a rogue with no moral compass."

Atlas swore under his breath. "And you're saying the traitor is after this thing?"

"Not just the traitor.." Selene said grimly. "There's a whole network of rogues looking for it. The traitor is just the tip of the iceberg."

Lyra's stomach churned at the thought. This wasn't just a fight for dominance and, it was a battle for control of every pack in the region.

"Why tell us this now?" Lyra asked sharply. "What's your angle?"

Selene hesitated for the first time, her gaze flickering to Atlas. "Let's just say I have a personal stake in this. And I know you two are stubborn enough to get the job done."

Before Lyra could press her further, a low growl echoed through the forest.

Lyra froze, her ears straining to pinpoint the sound. It came again, closer this time, deep and guttural, unmistakably wolf.

"We're not alone." Atlas muttered, already shifting into his wolf form.

Lyra followed suit, her body tensing as her wolf instincts kicked in. Her senses sharpened, the scent of pine and earth, the rustle of leaves, the metallic tang of blood on the breeze.

Selene crouched low, her eyes scanning the darkness. "They've been tracking us. Stay sharp."

The first wolf lunged out of the shadows, its teeth bared in a snarl. Lyra met it head-on, her claws raking across its side as she twisted to avoid its snapping jaws. She moved with precision, her every step calculated, every strike deliberate.

Atlas was a blur of motion beside her, his powerful frame taking down two wolves at once. But more were coming, at least six, maybe more.

Lyra let out a warning growl, her teeth flashing as she held her ground. "Selene, you better be worth the trouble!"

Selene joined the fray, her movements fluid and deadly. For all her arrogance, she could fight, and Lyra grudgingly admitted she might be useful, if they survived this.

The fight was brutal and relentless, the forest echoing with growls and snarls. Lyra's muscles burned, but she refused to give an inch. She was a Beta's daughter, trained to lead, to protect, to win.

One of the rogues lunged at her, its fangs aiming for her throat. Lyra twisted sharply, her claws sinking into its side. She slammed it into the ground, pinning it with a growl that promised death.

"Who sent you?" she snarled, her voice a mix of human and wolf.

The rogue didn't answer, its eyes filled with defiance and fear. Lyra growled again, her claws pressing harder.

"Answer her," Atlas barked, his own opponent subdued under his weight.

The rogue let out a choked whimper, finally breaking. "We were sent to delay you!"

Lyra's heart sank. Delay them for what?

Before she could demand more, the rogue twisted free, its desperation giving it strength. It bolted into the darkness, disappearing before Lyra could stop it.

The others scattered as well, leaving the three of them panting and bloodied in the aftermath.

"This isn't over," Selene said grimly, her eyes scanning the trees. "They're buying time. We need to move."

Lyra wiped the blood from her face, her jaw tightening. She wasn't about to let some rogue pack get the upper hand.

"Then let's move." she said, her voice hard. "We're not stopping until we find out who's behind this."