STILL ENEMIES

The rogues, their eyes fixed on Athena's helpless form, crept closer, their paws making barely a sound on the forest floor. Sheila's whisper seemed to echo in their minds: "Athena's under the old oak, alone and vulnerable."

With a chorus of snarls, the rogues pounced, their teeth bared and ready to strike. Athena, still reeling from Scarlett's drugged touch, didn't stand a chance.

The first rogue, a burly wolf with a scar above his eye, landed on Athena's chest, pinning her to the ground. The others followed, their jaws snapping wildly as they tried to get a grip on her.

Athena's eyes fluttered open, her gaze unfocused and confused. She tried to struggle, but her limbs felt heavy and unresponsive. The rogues' hot breath washed over her, their growls growing louder as they sensed victory.

Just as all hope seemed lost, a fierce cry echoed through the forest, followed by the sound of crashing underbrush. The rogues' heads jerked up, their ears perked in surprise ... as a figure burst int