AFTER THE RETREAT

Akira and Brody fled through the forest, their paws pounding against the earth as they desperately sought to escape the chaos they had unleashed. Akira's mind reeled with anger and humiliation, her pride wounded from being bested by Athena.

"How could you let them get the upper hand?" Akira snarled at Brody, her teeth bared.

Brody kept pace beside her, his tail between his legs. "I didn't expect that gray wolf to show up," he muttered. "We need to regroup and come up with a new plan."

Akira's eyes narrowed. "You're useless, Brody. I should have never trusted you."

Brody's ears drooped, but he said nothing, knowing better than to cross Akira when she was in a rage.

As they ran, the forest grew denser, the trees twisting into gnarled, sinister shapes. Akira led the way, her knowledge of the terrain guiding them deeper into the shadows.

Finally, they reached a clearing, a dilapidated den hidden behind a screen of foliage. Akira stormed inside, Brody following meekly.

The den was dimly li