Into the Shadows

Kieran moved quickly, his long strides forcing Elena to jog to keep up. They left the estate through a back door, heading into the forest. The trees closed in around them, their branches twisting like skeletal fingers against the pale moonlight. Elena's heart pounded, not just from the exertion but from the adrenaline coursing through her veins.

"Stay close," Kieran said, his voice low and commanding. "And don't make a sound."

Elena nodded, clutching the small knife Kieran had handed her before they left. It felt inadequate against the threat of a werewolf, but it was better than nothing. She followed him deeper into the woods, her senses on high alert.

The forest was alive with sounds—rustling leaves, distant howls, and the occasional snap of a twig underfoot. Elena's flashlight was off, per Kieran's instructions, and she relied on the faint glow of the moon to guide her. Every shadow seemed to move, every sound made her jump.

"Where are we going?" she whispered after what felt like an eternity.

"Victor was spotted near the eastern border," Kieran replied, his eyes scanning the trees. "If he's planning an attack, we need to stop him before he reaches the town."

Elena swallowed hard. "And how do we do that?"

Kieran glanced at her, his expression unreadable. "We find him. And we end this."

Before Elena could respond, a low growl echoed through the trees. Kieran froze, his body tense. "Get behind me," he ordered.

Elena obeyed, her grip tightening on the knife. The growl grew louder, closer, and then a massive wolf emerged from the shadows. It was Victor, his dark fur bristling and his eyes glowing with malice.

"Kieran," Victor snarled, his voice a guttural mix of human and animal. "I see you've brought a snack."

Kieran stepped forward, his own eyes beginning to glow. "This ends now, Victor."

Victor let out a harsh laugh. "You think you can stop me? You're weak, Kieran. Always have been."

With a roar, Kieran shifted, his body contorting and expanding until he stood in his wolf form, silver-tipped and powerful. Elena watched in awe and terror as the two wolves circled each other, their growls filling the air.

The fight was brutal. Claws slashed, teeth snapped, and the forest echoed with their snarls. Elena stayed back, her knife at the ready, though she felt utterly useless. She wanted to help, but how could she possibly stand against a werewolf?

Victor lunged, catching Kieran off guard and sending him crashing into a tree. Kieran recovered quickly, retaliating with a vicious swipe that left deep gashes in Victor's side. But Victor was relentless, his attacks growing more frenzied.

Elena's mind raced. She couldn't just stand there and watch. Spotting a large branch on the ground, she grabbed it and charged at Victor, swinging with all her might. The branch connected with his side, causing him to yelp and stumble.

Kieran seized the opportunity, pinning Victor to the ground. But Victor wasn't done yet. With a surge of strength, he threw Kieran off and turned his glowing eyes on Elena.

"You're going to regret that," he growled, stalking toward her.

Elena backed away, her heart pounding. She raised the knife, her hands shaking. "Stay back!"

Victor lunged, but before he could reach her, Kieran tackled him from the side. The two wolves tumbled into the underbrush, their snarls echoing through the night. Elena watched, helpless, as the fight raged on.

Finally, with a powerful swipe, Kieran sent Victor crashing into a tree. Victor let out a pained whine before retreating into the shadows, his growl fading into the distance.

Kieran shifted back to his human form, breathing heavily. Blood dripped from a gash on his arm, but he seemed otherwise unharmed. He turned to Elena, his expression a mix of anger and relief.

"I told you to stay back," he said, his voice rough.

Elena lowered the knife, her hands still trembling. "I couldn't just let him kill you."

Kieran stared at her for a long moment before sighing. "You're either the bravest or the stupidest person I've ever met."

Elena managed a weak smile. "Maybe a little of both."