Chapter 3 TMR

62 DAYS BEFORE THE CRIMSON WAR

The sun was setting as the rogues approached the town, their shadows stretching long and dark across the ground. The air was still and silent, save for the sound of their paws against the earth. And then, a piercing howl broke the silence, sending a shiver down the spine of every person in the town. The rogues' snarls grew louder, and then, they were upon the town with a deafening roar, the rogues burst into the town, shattering windows and tearing down fences.

They swarmed through the streets, snapping at anything that moved. People screamed and ran for cover, while the rogues tore through houses and shops, sending possessions and furniture flying. The smell of smoke filled the air as buildings were set ablaze. And as the humans huddled together in terror, the rogues howled with glee, their eyes gleaming with bloodlust.

Shane, the leader of the rogues scammed through the houses, while clawing out the heart of one of the humans they had seen.

His eyes caught on one of the men running for his dear life and in one swift moment, he dashed forward and launched directly at the moving man.

He grabbed the man by the neck, as he was stricken with fear. Shane's scar was a thing of worry and his ever-puffy red eyes made him a full monster.

"Where is your leader?" Shane asked shaking the innocent man. Seeing the young man was hesitant to speak, Shane used his claw once more and plucked out contents from the man's belly, while leaving him to his pool of blood.

"Please, don't hurt anyone anymore! I am here" They all looked up to an old man, who was filled with anxiety. Shane had a smile on his face as he noticed the man's fear and couldn't wait to feast on it.

The moment Shane stood before the town head, his eyes cold and unforgiving, he declared. "From this moment on, everything you own belongs to us," he snarled. "You will give us what we want, or there will be consequences." The town head trembled, his face pale with fear. "We don't have anything to give you," he stammered. Shane's lip curled into a sneer. "You will find a way," he growled. "Or there will be blood." He walked closer to the town head, sizing him up and down, licking up his lips in the process

"You have till the full moon to meet our requirement" He finished up and turned around, ordering the rest of the soldiers to leave with him, while the town head and everyone watched.

While they were all gone, the Town head, summoned one of his spies.

"Go to the neighboring pack and speak to Damien" Shane said to two of his spies. "Tell him of what has happened here and ask for his help." The spies nodded and disappeared into the night, their paws barely making a sound. The town head could only hope.

Meanwhile, in the neighboring pack, Logan was sitting by the fire, deep in thought. He had been feeling restless all day, as if something was about to happen when the spies arrived. He noticed they were out of breath and allowed them catch up their breathing pattern.

"What is the matter?" He demanded.

"Our town has been attacked by Rogues and help is needed." Logan became alarmed by the news; he knew there was something that needed to be done.

He called on some of his pack soldiers, who were patrolling around. He needed no permission from his father before he could do what needed to be done.

Logan stood, determination in his eyes. He turned to his pack and spoke with authority. "We must go to the neighboring town, and offer our assistance," he said. "There is trouble there, and we must help." His packmates nodded, ready to follow their leader into battle. And so, they set off, their paws pounding against the earth.

When they arrived at the scene, Logan and the pack soldiers were dismayed by the amount of havoc that had been reigned on the town by the rogues.

"I am sorry if we came too late chief", Logan explained.

"The rogues have caused so much damage, and they've taken whatever they wanted. They even threatened us and we had to give in." Logan listened intently, his expression hardening. He knew that he had to put an end to the rogues' reign of terror. "We will take care of this," he said, his voice resolute. "You and your people will be safe." He assured and Logan realize this battle was going to be a full-blooded battle and he needed to be equipped.

When Logan returned, he gathered the elders and warriors together, he explained the situation. "We cannot allow the rogues to terrorize this town any longer," he said. "We must take action and show them that we will not tolerate their behavior." The elders and warriors nodded; their faces set with determination. "We will fight alongside you," one of the elders said. "It is our duty to protect our allies, and we will not stand by and do nothing." Logan felt a surge of pride and gratitude, and he knew that with their help, they would prevail.

He returned to his chamber after the meeting, to observe his customary silence, when he heard a knock on the door.