Chapter 8

As I became accustomed to the Northern Tribunal schedule, the days began to connect together. Training with Darius was exhausting yet fulfilling. Every morning, before dawn, I pushed myself to the utmost, determined to show my worth. The pack members looked at me with a mix of interest and distrust, but I didn't let that stop me. I was here to survive and, eventually, to exact my revenge. 

Despite my thorough preparation, I couldn't shake the impression that something was developing. There was a tension in the air, a feeling of unease that I couldn't identify. I frequently caught glimpses of Kloss overseeing the training fields, his gaze tracking my every movement. He was a constant presence, reminding us of the power dynamics at play.

Elara found me by the creek one evening, after a particularly intense session, where I frequently went to clear my thoughts. "Sheila," she said gently, approaching with a wary smile. "You're doing exceptionally well. The pack is beginning to respect you. I glanced at her, appreciating her kindness. "Thank you, Elara." "It matters a lot coming from you. She sat next to me, her gaze concentrated on the rushing river. "There's something I need to tell you," she remarked, her tone serious. "There are murmurs circulating among the bunch. They think Damian has been spotted approaching our borders."

My heart skips a beat. Damian??..!The mere mention of the name made me feel both angry and terrified. "What do you mean?" I inquired, attempting to keep my voice steady. Elara stared at me with a concerned gaze. "Some scouts have reported seeing him. They suspect he is plotting something. I tightened my hands as memories of his betrayal came flooding back. "He won't stop until he gets what he wants," I grumbled. "But neither will I." Elara stretched out and placed her hand on my shoulder. "You are strong, Sheila. Stronger than you realize. Whatever happens, you are not alone in this.

I nodded, grateful for her encouragement. But I knew deep down that this was my struggle to wage. Damian had once taken everything from me. I would not allow him to do it again.

Kloss POV

As I returned to the main hall after a day of supervising the pack's activities, I couldn't shake the uneasy sensation that had crept over the area. The news of Damian's presence near our borders were frightening. He posed a threat that needed to be dealt with quickly and firmly. I found Bollard waiting for me, his face rigid. "My Lord, we have received additional reports. Damian's forces are increasing. "He is preparing for something." I nodded, already devising a plan. "We must fortify our defenses and prepare for an attack. "I want scouts on every border, looking for any signs of movement." "Yes, my Lord," Bollard replied, bowing before leaving to carry out my commands.

I moved to the map on the table and traced the boundaries of our country with my finger. Damian was a cunning adversary, but I refused to allow him jeopardize my flock. Not again. As I studied the map, my thoughts turned to Sheila. Something about her caught my interest, particularly her strength and agility. She was a mystery that I meant to solve. But first, we had to address the imminent threat. The hall door creaked open, and I looked up to see Sheila standing there with determination in her eyes. "Kloss," she said, her voice firm. "I need to talk to you."

I nodded for her to enter, interested as to what she had to say. "What is it, Sheila?" Her gaze was steadfast as she stepped forward. "I heard about Damian. I'd like to help if he's preparing something." I raised an eyebrow, pleased with her courage. "You're courageous, Sheila. However, this is quite risky. You don't have to get involved. She only shook her head. "I do have to. Damian grabbed everything I had. I have something to settle." I examined her for a moment, evaluating my options. "All OK. However, you must obey my directions. This is my area, and there will be no rogue actions." "I understand," she stated. "Just tell me what to do."

Sheila's POV

Over the next three days, tensions in the Northern Tribunal rose. Scouts patrolled the borders day and night, and the pack remained on high alert. Kloss and I worked closely together to develop our strategy and prepare for the impending showdown with Damian. Every night, I lay in bed, unable to fall asleep, my mind running with anticipation of what was to come. My burning need for revenge overpowered the fear of facing Damian again. I needed to be powerful. I needed to be ready. Kloss called for  a conference in the main hall one evening as the sun rose over the mountains, spreading its golden rays over the landscape. The pack's key members assembled, determined with rigid faces.

"We've received word that Damian's forces are moving," Kloss stated, his voice stern. "They'll get to our borders by tomorrow. We should be ready for an attack." The tension in the room was evident. I looked around and saw the determination in the eyes of the pack members. They were prepared to defend their home and their family. Kloss went on to explain our strategy. "We'll separate our soldiers into three groups. One will guard the southern border, from which Damian is likely to strike. The second will remain here to protect our territory's center. The third will be a reserve force ready to deploy anywhere needed."

He turned to face me, his stare piercing. "Sheila, I want you in the reserve force. Damian is someone you know better than anyone else. Your insights will be useful." I nodded, glad for his trust in me. "I won't let you down." Kloss approached me after the conference ended and the pack members scattered to prepare for the next combat. "Be careful out there," he warned, his voice low. "Damian is a dangerous person. You shouldn't underestimate him. "I won't," I assured. "But I have to confront him. I have to finish this." Kloss nodded with a serious gaze. "Just understand you're not alone in this. "Together,we shall triumph."

I felt a sense of peace wash over me as I stood in by my window that evening. The Moon Goddess had given me a second chance, and I was determined to utilize it judiciously. The pack was ready the next morning. We gathered at the southern border, keeping an eye on the horizon for the first signs of Damian's men. I stood behind the reserve troops, my heart pumping in my chest. This is it. I was preparing for this moment. I took a deep breath, prepared for the impending battle.

The tension in the air became unbearable each passing moment.Then, in the distance, we saw them: Damian's men marching towards us with grim resolve. Kloss lifted his hand, suggesting that we should hold our ground. "Remember, we fight for our house and family. We will not allow them to take what is ours. The pack let forth a ferocious howl, reverberating across the highlands. I joined in, feeling the power of the pack surrounding me. We were ready. 

As Damian's soldiers approached, I noticed him at the forefront, surveying our ranks. When he spotted me, a cruel smirk appeared on his face. He believed he had won. But he was wrong.

The fight started with a thunderous boom when the two forces collided. I fought with everything I had, my senses sharpened and my motions accurate. 

Training with Darius had paid off. I felt faster, stronger, and more motivated than ever. In the midst of the turmoil, I spotted Damian approaching me. I braced myself, prepared for the confrontation. This was my moment. 

He approached me, his eyes filled with hate. "Sheila," he scoffed. "I see you've found a new pack to hide behind." "I'm not hiding," I said, my voice firm. "I'm here to end this." We surrounded each other as the conflict raged around us. I could sense the Moon Goddess' power within me, which gave me strength.

Damian charged at me, but I was ready. I evaded his blow and retaliated, my claws sweeping across his chest. He shouted in agony, but I refused to give up. I fought with a rage I didn't realize I possessed, fuelled by recollections of his treachery. Finally, I was able to pin him down, claws at his throat. "This is for everything you took from me," I murmured, my voice icy. He gazed at me with hatred in his eyes. "You think you can win?" he spit. "You're nothing without me." "I'm stronger than you'll ever be," I answered. And that was the end of him.

I felt a wave of relief flood over me as Damian's lifeless body slid to the ground. It had ended. The pack emerged victorious. Kloss discovered me in the thick of the chaos, his eyes shining with pride. "You did it, Sheila." My heart felt at ease as I nodded. "We did it." 

Although the war was over, my adventure had only just begun. I had found a new place, a new family, and a new purpose. And I was confident that whatever challenges lay ahead of me, I was prepared.