The First Strike

The day began in an unsettling calm. The pack had spent weeks preparing for Vance’s inevitable attack, yet as the sun climbed higher in the sky, the eerie silence only heightened their anxiety. Kyla stood at the window of the pack house, her gaze fixed on the distant treeline. The forest seemed still, too still. Beside her, Damian studied the horizon, his body tense and ready for action.

The pack grounds were bustling with activity. Warriors were stationed at strategic points along the perimeter, and the younger wolves had been assigned to protect the elders and the children in the underground shelters. Everyone was on high alert, waiting for the first sign of danger.

“Kyla,” Damian said softly, pulling her attention away from the window. His voice was calm, but she could hear the underlying tension. “I need you to stay inside today. No matter what happens, promise me you’ll stay here.”

Kyla looked up at him, her heart pounding. “Damian, I want to help. I can’t just sit here while eve