Alpha Eric's Promise, Protecting those he loves

The Plan in Motion

The following day, the council gathered to discuss their next move. The air in the room was thick with tension, and the wolves around the table spoke in tones, each voice laced with urgency.

"We've identified a pattern in the rogue attacks," Ryker said, spreading a map across the table. "They've been targeting our supply routes, trying to cut off our resources. If we don't act soon, we'll be facing a full-blown siege." He said.

Olivia pointed to several locations marked on the map. "We've set up patrols in these areas, but the rogues are getting bolder. We need to send a strike team into the heart of their territory before they can launch another attack."

Eric leaned forward, his gaze intense. "We can't afford to wait for them to come to us. We need to catch them off guard." He said.

Ella studied the map, noting the positions of the rogue camps they had scouted earlier. "They know where their main base is located. If they can infiltrate it and take out their leadership, they might be able to disrupt their plans."

Ryker nodded, his jaw clenched. "It's risky, but it's our best shot."

Olivia glanced at Ella. "We'll need a team of our best fighters—wolves who can move quickly and quietly. We can't risk a full-scale battle until we know more about their numbers." She said.

Eric met Ella's gaze. "You'll lead the mission." He said.

Ella wasn't surprised, but the weight of the responsibility still settled heavily on Ella's shoulders. Leading an offensive strike meant putting everything on the line, but she knew it was the only way to turn the tide in our favor.

"I'll gather the team," Ella said, determination fueling her words. "We leave at first light."

The sun had barely risen when they set out, a small but formidable group of warriors by Ella's side. Ryker, Olivia, and a handful of elite fighters flanked her as they moved through the forest, the scent of damp earth filling the air.

They traveled in silence, each of them focused on the mission ahead. Every step brought them closer to the rogue camp, and with it, the risk of discovery. But they couldn't afford to be cautious now. The time for subtlety had passed.

As they neared the camp, Ella signaled for the group to halt. The rogue's territory stretched out before then, the faint glow of their fires flickering in the distance. They could see their sentries patrolling the perimeter, but they didn't seem to be expecting an attack. Good.

"We'll split into two groups," Ella whispered. "Olivia, you take the left flank. Ryker, you're with me. We'll hit them from both sides." she said.

They all nodded, and they moved into position. Ella's heart pounded in her chest, but her focus remained steady. This is it—the moment they'd been waiting for.

On Ella's signal, they struck.

The camp erupted into chaos as they descended upon them, their wolves tearing through their ranks with swift, brutal efficiency. The rogues were caught off guard, scrambling to defend themselves, but they were already inside their defenses.

As Ella fought her way through the camp, her mind raced with one singular goal: finding Daniel. If she could confront him—if she could stop him—they might have a chance to end this war before it consumed them all.

But as the battle raged around Ella, there was no sign of her brother.

And that's when she realized something was wrong.

The rogues were fighting, but not with the desperation of an army protecting their leader. It was as if they were buying time, delaying us. Distracting us.

Ryker must have sensed it too, because he was suddenly at Ella's side, his eyes wide with realization. "This isn't their main force," he growled. "It's a decoy." He said.

Before Ella could respond, a deafening howl echoed through the night, and Ella felt a chill run down her spine.

Daniel had been one step ahead of us all along. She said.

As they regrouped in the aftermath of the raid, bruised and bloodied, but still standing united.