The next day, at around five in the morning, before dawn, every member of the rebellion gathered around the table one last time. They'd helped gather the ingredients for River's potions the previous night, and the latter was able to make just enough for everyone after a little struggle.But as expected, a huge amount of her magic was used for the potions, forcing her to rest till the morning while everyone else got ready for battle. Gonzalo and Sofia brought out the maps once again, going over the battle tactics and objectives in the dimly lit room. "Before we begin the main attack, we'll need a diversion. Something big enough to draw out as many of the pack's soldiers as possible." Sofia remarked sharply, using a red marker to draw a fire at a part of the woods surrounding the pack. "So, I suggest we make a fire. A big one. This will effectively draw out some pack soldiers from the pack house, allowing us to incapacitate them first with the potions. Then, we'll tie them up and assig
Within a few seconds, the potion began taking effect. The two soldiers staggered, losing their balance. Soon, they fell to the ground with a loud thud. "The potions are a success!" Old Man Thomas yelled out triumphantly, before giving River a light pat on the back. "Good job, River. Looks like your plan to avoid violence is going to work out after all." River smiled back at old man Thomas but the happy moment was cut short by Sofia's alarmed voice. "We have more company." She growled, readying her hands on her sword. Gonzalo did the same, his eyes fixed on seven incoming soldiers. "It's the traitors!" One of the soldiers snarled, pointing at Gonzalo and River. Sofia scoffed, a smirk creeping on her face. "Hmph. It's barely even a fair fight." "Attack them! Kill the others but capture Gonzalo and River alive. Alpha Echo will be pleased." One of the soldiers who seemed like the leader ordered his men, disdain flashing through his eyes. And with that, the soldiers charged at
Slowly but surely, the rebellion was gaining the upper hand. The pack soldiers tried fending them off, but many of them were subdued and dragged off toward the pack house. Surprisingly, the rebellion was able to get a few of the pack soldiers to join their cause through the confession of the two rogues they captured. These pack soldiers helped them in dragging their sleeping comrades to a secluded building, where they would be kept until River and her team had been able to capture the fake Echo. Speaking of River and her team, they were now at the front of the pack house. However, it was heavily guarded by heavily armed soldiers. Gonzalo snarled as he threw his sword to Sofia who caught it with ease. Then, with a howl, he began shifting into his wolf form. River watched as her mate ran past them with lightning speed in his wolf form, his targets the soldiers ahead. "Let's back him up, guys!" Sofia roared, as she brought out her small shield. Sprinting forward, she used it to bloc
River and Gonzalo gritted their teeth, their gaze focusing on the source of the claps. They knew that face all too well. "Well, well, well." Echo–or rather–the rogue disguised as her, chuckled, her eyes unwavering from the couple. "Look who decided to willingly offer themselves to me. At least now I wouldn't have to give myself the burden of sending my men to search for you. So, thank you for that."River frowned. For someone who just watched most of her men being taken down so easily, this rogue seemed so calm. As if she was unbothered by them. "You phony!" Gonzalo snarled, bringing out his claws. "We're aware of your deceit. You're not the real Echo. Your reign on this pack ends today!" The fake Echo arched a brow, looking at Gonzalo like he were a raving dog. She chuckled, a cold smirk flashing across her face as she slowly inched closer to them. River wasn't taking any chances, tensing up to ready a spell. She was already getting drained as it was, but she didn't care. She woul
Gonzalo was mortified. He knelt there, his body covered in blood. Sofia's blood. She'd taken the fall for him. She'd sacrificed herself to save him. She'd helped him and River all this while. Sheltered them when they had nowhere else to go. And now she was dead...The fake Echo laughed hysterically, staring coldly at Gonzalo. "I had only one of those quivers. Consider yourself lucky that you didn't go out with it. Unfortunately, none of you are leaving here alive."Gonzalo gritted his teeth. He wished he could just rush up to her and rip out her vocal cords. However, no sooner had those words left the rogue Echo's mouth, than when he heard a scream. "Die!" It was River. She spread out her arms, gathering a spell. Then with a clench of both fists, she sent a huge wave of pure magic energy towards the witches.The wave contained her rage. Her pain. Her guilt. Her sorrow. But most of all, it contained the unbridled power of her magic.The wave was all-consuming, as it crashed into the s
The battle for the IronClaw pack finally ended, with the rebellion capturing most of the pack's soldiers and keeping all of them within the pack's house. As for the other soldiers, they believed the rebellion's words about their Alpha being a fake. These soldiers helped with securing the citizens of the pack, maintaining order, and preventing a riot from happening. In the pack house, Gonzalo and the surviving members of the rebellion were gathered. The air was solemn and everyone had a saddened look on their faces. They all knew Sofia one way or the other. A fearless leader. A fierce and decisive force in this rebellion. She would be greatly missed, but right now they had other problems to face."Release us! You traitors!" One of the soldiers snarled, struggling to get himself out of the chains that bound him and his brethren. "You lot ought to be ashamed of yourselves. You're a disgrace to your kind and your pack! The Alpha ought to have your heads on stakes and place them at the o
River walked down the stairs, each step she took resounding around the room. Her eyes were unwavering from the fake Echo, who became tense under her gaze. The soldiers began cursing her, almost instantly. "It's the witch! The one who attacked the Alpha." One of them sneered."By the moon, it is her!""I saw her during the battle. She used her magic to help the rebellion. Traitor!"However, she ignored all those words, her steps never faltering. Just as she entered the room, Gonzalo rushed to her, holding her close to him. She frowned but then her eyes softened when they met with his."Pequena, what're you doing down here? I told you, we'll handle this. You need to rest and regain your strength and your magic." His voice was pleading, as he gazed at River with worry in his eyes. Her resolve faltered, but not for long. She gave Gonzalo a decisive look before speaking. "I'm fine, my love. Besides, I'm not the only one who needs rest. We all do. However, I needed to come here to ensure
The first order of business for River, Gonzalo, and the rest of the rebellion after the fake Echo was imprisoned, was settling into the pack. Rain and the woman left in Old Man Thomas's cabin to watch her were brought to the pack, reuniting parents and daughter. The pack members, however, were solemn. To them, River had forcefully taken the pack under her reign and was an evil witch bent on ruining them. River had to talk sense into them. So, on the day after the battle for the IronClaw pack, she ordered every wolf in the pack to gather together at the town center. Many people were hesitant, some even thinking it was a trap. But with the pack soldiers' help, all the civilians were peacefully rounded up, and guided to the town square.At the town square, all the people began murmuring among themselves, gossiping and trying to guess their fate."I heard that the witch placed the soldiers under her mind control spell, that's why they're suddenly so loyal to her." A man spoke out loud t