Chapter 95: The Siege Anna POV

“They’re close,” Lucas whispered beside me, his voice tense with strain.

I nodded, my eyes scouring the darkness. Thalion had stationed troops throughout the perimeter, their sharp eyes shining faintly in the moonlight. My fingers flexed, and I could feel the strange energy pouring through me, a force that was both foreign and familiar.

"Are you prepared for this?" Lucas touched my hand and asked.

I looked up into his concerned eyes. "No," I said, "but that's irrelevant. We must battle them because they are here."

A howl pierced the night before he could reply, sending a shiver down my spine. It was followed by another, and another, until the sound of wolves howling together filled the air.

With a grim expression, Thalion walked forward and remarked, "They're signaling their attack. Go to your places, everyone!"

The camp came alive with activity. Warriors sprang into defensive positions around the central area, moving quickly. Thalion led Lucas and me to the front line, where the woods gave way to a wide field of moonlit grass.

Lucas pointed to the ridge and said, "There."

I felt my stomach sink as I followed his gaze. Gleaming eyes pierced the darkness as shadowy creatures emerged from the treeline. Oliver's soldiers advanced in unison, their positioning accurate and intimidating.

"Remain on the line!" With his voice echoing the mounting tension, Thalion let out a growl.

Suddenly, a swirl of fur and claws charged toward us, the first wave of attackers. The crash of bodies and snarls reverberated around the area as the old pack confronted them.

For a moment, I stood motionless, observing the mayhem. Wolves battled valiantly, their movements a blur of aggression and despair.

"Anna, get moving!" A rogue lunged at me, but Lucas yelled and pulled me back.

It was instinct. A flash of energy erupted from my uplifted fists, striking the rogue and sending it flying backward. Before it could recover, it struck the ground hard and lost consciousness.

Lucas replied, "Good shot," in a tone that was equal parts proud and relieved.

However, there was no time to rejoice. We were attacked by another rogue, and I was prepared this time. I willingly allowed the energy within me to take shape by focusing on it. From my palm, a tendril of light sprang forth, encircling the rogue and tossing it aside like a rag doll.

"Go on!" From somewhere close, Thalion yelled. "Don't stop!"

He was engaged in combat with two of Oliver's warriors when I turned around, and his motions were accurate and fluid. I could see the strain on his face, but he was keeping up.

Standing by my side, Lucas resolutely fought off a rogue. I saw him kick the rogue's side with great force after ducking beneath a swoop of claws.

He shouted, "Anna, pay attention!" and jolted me out of my reverie.

I returned my focus to the fight, directing my energies to launch another assault. Now, the strength came more easily, coursing through me as if it had always been there. I defeated rogue after rogue, my confidence growing with each victory.

However, the conflict was far from over.

I turned to see a huge wolf emerge from the treeline as a thunderous roar broke through the commotion. Oliver was the one. His eyes blazed with a fearsome ferocity, and his black fur shone in the moonlight.

Lucas murmured, "Anna," in a quiet, desperate voice.

With my heart racing, I answered, "I see him."

Unlike the others, Oliver did not charge. He walked slowly and methodically while keeping his eyes on me. Everyone turned to look, and the violence around us seemed to pause.

Oliver growled, his voice low, "So, this is where you've been hiding. I must say, I'm amazed. I didn't believe you were capable of fighting."

The electricity in me surged at his proximity, and I tightened my fists. *Oliver*, I'm not the same girl you left behind. I'm not afraid of you anymore.

He let out a deep, ominous laugh. "Brave words. Let's see if your actions match them."

He surged at me before I could respond, his enormous body quickly reducing the space between us. I lifted my hands and conjured a luminous shield that deflected his blow. I staggered backward at the force of the impact, but I managed to maintain my position.

In an instant, Lucas stood beside me, his teeth bared as he turned to face Oliver. "You must first pass through me."

Oliver scoffed. "With pleasure."

Lucas ducked just in time as Oliver swung a huge paw at him. Their movements were a blur of power and speed as they clashed. I was horrified to see Lucas struggle to keep up with the alpha's physical prowess.

"Lucas!" I yelled, but I felt paralyzed. Oliver's power was oppressive, and his presence overwhelming.

“Stay back, Anna!” Lucas shouted in a strained tone.

But I couldn’t just stand by and watch. I closed my eyes and concentrated on my inner energy. Now, it was more powerful than ever. I sensed it growing, threatening to spill over.

When I opened my eyes, the environment appeared clearer and more vibrant. Lifting my hands, a beam of light erupted, hitting Oliver in the chest. With a howl of agony, he staggered back as the light surrounded him.

Lucas seized the opportunity to strike, delivering a powerful blow that knocked Oliver to the ground.

However, it was not enough. Oliver sprang up, fury blazing in his eyes. "You'll pay for that," he growled.

With renewed vigor, the battle resumed around us, the sounds of combat merging into a frantic symphony. I knew this couldn't continue indefinitely.

"Lucas," I said, my voice wavering. "This has to stop."

With a stern grimace, he nodded. "Together."

We stood side by side, facing the alpha who had followed us everywhere. I realized this was our only chance, and my energy was burning brighter than ever.

I grabbed Lucas's hand as Oliver charged at us once again. The night was illuminated by our collective surge of power, a dazzling burst of energy and light that shook the earth beneath us.

Oliver vanished as the light dimmed, leaving us to wonder where he had gone.