Chapter Five: Closer Than Ever

The howl reverberated through the tunnels, low and mournful, like the sound of something ancient and broken. Alex froze, his senses sharp as his heart thundered in his chest. Kara stiffened beside him, her hand gripping the crossbow strapped to her shoulder.

“That’s too close,” she muttered, her voice barely above a whisper.

Alex nodded, his eyes scanning the shadows. “Way too close.”

The sound had come from somewhere inside the perimeter of their territory. That wasn’t just a warning. It was a challenge.

“We need to move,” Alex said.

Without waiting for a reply, he turned on his heel and sprinted toward the source of the sound, his claws itching to extend. Kara was right behind him, her boots echoing against the tunnel walls. The den’s air, usually damp and stagnant, felt electric now, charged with the promise of violence.

As they neared the main chamber, Alex skidded to a halt. The pack was already gathering, their voices a cacophony of confusion and fear.

“What’s going on?”

“Was that a rogue?”

“How did they get this close?”

Alex pushed through the crowd, his sharp eyes darting toward the entrance. The main door, thick steel reinforced with chains, was still shut, but the faint scent of something wild lingered in the air.

Lucas appeared moments later, his expression thunderous as he took in the commotion. “What’s going on?” he demanded, his voice cutting through the noise like a blade.

“Rogues,” Alex said, stepping forward. “That howl came from inside the perimeter. They’re here.”

Lucas’s amber eyes locked on him, sharp and angry. “And how do you know it wasn’t just a stray? Or your paranoia talking?”

Alex bristled but kept his voice calm. “The scent is fresh, and it’s not one of ours. We don’t have time to argue about this, Lucas. If they’re bold enough to come this close, we need to act now.”

For a moment, Lucas said nothing, his jaw tightening as he weighed his options. Then he turned to the pack.

“Everyone, arm yourselves,” he barked. “Patrol teams will sweep the perimeter. No one goes alone. And if you see a rogue take it down.”

The pack scattered, their movements frantic as they prepared for a fight.

Lucas turned back to Alex, his expression hard. “You’re with me. If you’re so sure about this, you can prove it.”

Alex’s claws flexed at his sides, but he nodded. “Fine.”

The tunnels felt colder as Alex and Lucas led the first patrol team through the winding passageways. Kara followed close behind, her crossbow ready, her sharp eyes scanning every shadow.

The scent of the rogue grew stronger as they moved deeper into the tunnels, a pungent mix of blood and decay that made Alex’s stomach churn.

“They’re playing with us,” Kara said quietly, her voice tight. “Trying to make us nervous.”

“It’s working,” Alex muttered, his claws extending as the scent grew sharper.

Ahead of them, the tunnel split into two paths. Lucas gestured for the team to split up, sending half down the left passage while he, Alex, and Kara took the right.

The air grew heavier as they moved forward, the faint sounds of dripping water echoing around them. Then, Alex heard a faint, scraping noise, like claws dragging against a stone.

He held up a hand, stopping the group in their tracks. “Hear that?”

Lucas narrowed his eyes, his ears twitching. “It’s close.”

They crept forward, their footsteps silent. The tunnel opened into a small chamber, its walls lined with old pipes and broken machinery. In the center of the room, a figure crouched over something, its back to them.

The rogue was large, its fur matted with blood and dirt. Its shoulders heaved as it tore into what looked like a torn pack of meat, its claws ripping through the plastic.

Lucas stepped forward, his growl low and threatening. “You’ve got some nerve coming here.”

The rogue’s head snapped up, its amber eyes wild and bloodshot. It snarled, rising to its full height, its body trembling with tension.

Alex moved to Lucas’s side, his claws extended. “This doesn’t feel right,” he said softly.

Lucas ignored him, taking a step closer to the rogue. “Leave. Now. Before I tear you apart.”

The rogue let out a guttural laugh, the sound echoing in the chamber. “So this is the great Crescent Fang pack,” it rasped, its voice low and mocking. “You’re softer than I expected.”

Before Lucas could respond, the rogue lunged, its claws flashing in the dim light. Lucas dodged, his movements fast and precise, but the rogue was quicker than it looked.

Alex sprang into action, intercepting the rogue with a slash of his own claws. The force of the blow sent the rogue stumbling back, but it recovered quickly, its snarl turning into a feral grin.

“You think this is the end?” it growled, its voice dripping with malice. “This is just the beginning.”

The rogue lunged again, its movements wild and frenzied. Alex ducked under its swipe, countering with a blow to its ribs. Kara fired her crossbow, the bolt embedding itself in the rogue’s shoulder.

The rogue howled in pain, its body twisting as it struggled to stay upright. Lucas seized the opportunity, slamming the rogue into the wall with a bone-crunching impact.

The rogue collapsed to the ground, coughing and gasping for air. Alex stepped forward, his claws still extended.

“Who sent you?” he demanded.

The rogue laughed, blood dripping from its lips. “You’ll find out soon enough,” it rasped. “But by then, it’ll be too late.”

Before Alex could react, the rogue slammed its claws into its own chest, its body convulsing violently. Within moments, it went still, its eyes glassy and lifeless.

Alex stared down at the body, his mind racing. Whatever was coming, it was bigger than he’d thought.

Lucas let out a frustrated growl, his fists clenching at his sides. “Damn, rogues. Always full of riddles.”

Alex didn’t respond. His attention was focused on the rogue’s final words, the weight of them settling heavily in his chest.

This is just the beginning.

He glanced at Kara, who was already watching him, her expression grim. They didn’t need to say anything. They both knew this wasn’t over.

Not by a long shot.