Chapter 5: The Shadow Rises

Adira’s POV

The weight of their gazes filled the room. Some looked ready to rip me to pieces, while others gaped in disbelief. My chest constricted, but I didn't back down.

"After everything, how dare she come back here!" An elder slammed his hand down on the table and growled.

There was a scream, "She is a traitor!"

According to a younger warrior, "She saved Caspian." "Isn't that worth something?"

I looked at Caspian, who was standing at the head of the table, his face unreadable and silent. For a little moment, his eyes locked with me, but he remained silent. I clenched my hands at my sides.

With a forceful voice that broke through the background disturbance, I stated, "I didn't ask to come back." "But I won't apologize for surviving; fate brought me here."

A muscular fighter growled. By what means are they surviving? What else are you concealing besides your abilities?

My chest erupted in anger. "You believe I desired this?" I revealed the glowing mark by removing my cloak. The room was filled with gasps. "This is not what I requested. But whether you like it or not, it has become a part of who I am.

The stress increased. While some were uncomfortable, others appeared to relax, yet gossip persisted.

"Enough!" Caspian spoke loudly. There was silence in the room. "We take care of this later. We are currently concentrating on the rogue threat.

A scout, panting, rushed into the room as if called. "Alpha! There are hundreds of rogues coming from the east!

There was anarchy. The warriors rushed to get ready. Caspian turned to face me, his face piercing. "This is not the end of it."

A shriek of terror rang out through the night as I stepped outdoors, and a shadow passed across the moon. The rogues were here.

There was anarchy on the battlefield. In a flurry of snarls, claws, and blood, wolves collided. My heart raced as I precisely retaliated after dodging a rogue's blow. Caspian battled close by, his moves quick and deadly.

"Be mindful of your left!" Slashing at a rogue who was lunging for him, I yelled.

Caspian smirked as he looked at me. "I was in control of that."

I rolled my eyes and muttered, "Yeah, you did."

As we battled one after the other, an unspoken rhythm developed between us. We seemed to be on the same side for the first time. My chest constricted at the concept, but I couldn't think about it just now.

"Adira!" I was brought back to reality by Caspian's bark. He gestured to a gang of rogues around a young fighter. I charged without thinking and quickly dispatched two rogues.

Eyes wide, the warrior staggered back. "Serena, I mean, Adira thank you."

I helped him stand up and advised him to stay focused. "We'll overcome this."

At my side, Caspian emerged with a sad appearance. "We're just about keeping them at bay. I was surprised by how well-organized they are.

The air changed before I could react. There was a disturbing presence on the battlefield. I turned to see her, Seraphina and my mark blazed on my chest. Standing at the edge of the clearing, she exuded strength with her dark aura.

"Adira," she called in a cool, smooth voice. "We need to talk now."

Beside me, Caspian stiffened. He insisted, "Who is she?" but I was unable to look away. I knew the battle had just begun when Seraphina's eyes met mine.

As Seraphina drew closer, the battleground appeared to disappear. Her magnetic presence was frightening. Around us, wolves hesitated, uncertain whether to attack or run.

"Adira," she said, a ruthless smile forming on her lips. "You've become stronger. But with these... mortals, you're squandering your talent.

I growled and stepped forward, saying, "Don't you dare." "My people are these."

The sound of her laughter was cold. "Your folks? Aren't they sick of you? They would prefer that you die.

"That is irrelevant," I retorted. "I refuse to accompany you."

She squinted. "Child, you're doing something wrong. You'll discover your actual potential with my help. We can control all the packs and eliminate the rogues if we band together.

Her remarks struck a nerve I didn't want to acknowledge, so I hesitated. Caspian moved ahead of me and said in a harsh tone. "She won't accompany you anywhere."

Seraphina's lips curled in contempt as her eyes shifted to him. "Ah, the powerful Alpha. So blind, but so protective. She is not your property.

I stepped next to Caspian and declared, "I don't belong to anyone." "And I will not allow you to ruin this pack."

Her face grew serious. "Then you give me no options."

She held up her palm and the air crackled with energy. A burst of evil power sped toward us before I could even react. The earth where we had stood exploded in flames as Caspian quickly pushed me aside.

Each spell was more destructive than the last in our intense combat. Despite Seraphina's tremendous might, I resisted giving up.

We both fell to the ground, struggling to breathe, after a final collision of energy. Blood trickled from Seraphina's lips as she grinned. "Adira, this isn't over. Not by any means. She then disappeared into the darkness, leaving me to deal with the destruction she had wrought.

The battle's aftermath was chaotic. The smell of blood permeated the air as pack warriors cared for the injured. Caspian came toward me, a strained look on his face.

His voice was low as he said, "We need to regroup." "Seraphina will not give up until she achieves her goals."

With my head racing, I nodded. She talked about discovering my actual potential. Even so, what does that mean?

Caspian paused, his worried eyes darting. "I'm not sure. We simply cannot afford to wait and find out, though.

I heard comments and suspicious looks coming my way as we moved through the camp. When the pack learned who I was, they were still in shock. While some wolves observed me curiously, others completely avoided me.

More to myself than to Caspian, I said, "I never wanted any of this." "All I wanted was to fit in."

He came to a halt and looked at me. "Yes, Adira, you belong. Regardless of their acceptance, you have demonstrated your worth today.

I was moved by his remarks, but I still had my concerns. Seraphina, what about her? She won't stop till she achieves her goals.

Caspian's mouth clenched. We'll stop her after that. Together.

A frightened scout lunged into camp before I could reply. "Alpha! They're invading the Alpha's quarters, Lyric and Donovan!

I felt a rush of adrenaline. "We must leave right away."

Caspian nodded, his features tightening with determination. "Remain near."

The noises of warfare grew louder as we ran through the camp. The air crackled with anxiety as we got closer to the Alpha's quarters. I felt a chill of dread creep into my gut as I realized Lyric was there. It was time to face the traitor who had thrown us into disorder.