Chapter 3 3

The heat of the fires that broke out in different parts of the forest seemed to burn with every step Rage took. The shouts of the warriors, the footsteps of their feet, and the crackle of falling branches from the burning trees mixed in the air, carrying a cruel kind of tension. This was no ordinary battle-rogue werewolves used fire as their weapon, and they seemed to know how to use it effectively to cause mayhem.

Rage and Lupe rush to the center of the fire. At every turn, Rage worried, not only for the warriors who might be caught in the flames but for the entire forest that Karuk's plans seemed to destroy. Rogue werewolves not only fight with strength, they also use nature itself as a distraction and intimidation.

"Rage," Lupe whispered as she felt the air, "we have to find the source of the flames. There's something wrong here-it's not natural."

Rage nodded, knowing Lupe was right. The fire seemed to have a direction, it seemed to be deliberately spread in areas with more wood, aiming to destroy the very heart of their territory.

"Topaz!" Rage yelled as he looked for his beta. When he saw it, he immediately gave the order. "Send additional forces to the northern part of the forest. The fire must be contained before it spreads throughout the area."

Topaz followed quickly, knowing that every second counted in this battle. It ran away, followed by several warriors to take care of spreading the orders.

Amidst the commotion, Rage felt another wave of energy that seemed to come from the east. He stopped, felt it, and realized it wasn't a typical rogue energy. There are deeper forces at work, as if there are shadows spreading behind the flames.

"Lupe, there's something else here," Rage said, his eyes wide as he traced the source of the strange energy one by one.

Lupe responded immediately, using her keen sense to track the energy. "It's mixed with magic, Rage. It doesn't just come from rogues. There's another force commanding them."

Along with their observation, a small group of rogues suddenly appeared from the darkness, seemingly holding something on fire. Rage immediately rushed forward, his sword in hand, and in one swift motion felled the first of them. But before he could reach the others, they threw the things they were holding onto the fire, further spreading it.

Lupe stopped quickly, looking at the thing the rogues had thrown. "That spreads the fire," he whispered, his eyes shining with understanding. "They use ancient magic to control the fire."

"It means they have a plan," Rage replied, and in an instant, he knew what needed to be done. "We need to find the person who ordered them before the situation gets worse."

Rage and Lupe wasted no time. They ran in the direction of the fire, following the trail of rogues who were throwing magical objects. They know they cannot continue in this situation; they have to stop the source of the fire to save their herd.

As he ran, Rage felt his heartbeat continue to accelerate. This is not just a simple battle of swords and fangs-it is a battle for their land, for the very nature they protect.

In the middle of the forest, in a small open area filled with fallen trees, they found a group of rogues gathering. In the middle of the group is a wolf they know well-Karuk, the former alpha who is now full of hate and rage. He crouched before a magical altar, holding an ancient crystal that glowed the color of fire.

"He spreads the fire!" Lupe whispered, her eyes burning with anger.

Rage stared at Karuk, feeling the depth of evil surrounding him. They couldn't wait any longer. They need to act.

"Let's rush him," Rage said, and in an instant their bodies moved with speed and agility that seemed to exceed that of the average wolf.

But before they could reach Karuk, a fire suddenly flared up in their path, as if there was a force preventing them from approaching. In the blink of an eye, several rogue werewolves appeared from behind the trees, ready to protect their leader.

"We can't fight them all at once," Lupe said as she dodged an attack. "We need to split up-I'll take care of the rogues, you take care of Karuk."

Rage felt a wave of trepidation in his chest, but he knew Lupe was right. He nodded, and before he could think twice, Lupe charged at the rogue werewolves, using his speed and strength to take them down.

Rage quickly rushed at Karuk. He knew he couldn't flake anymore. With every step, he felt the weight of their fight-not only for his herd, but for all of nature.

As he and Karuk drew closer, he noticed her smile, a smile full of challenge. "Rage Howl," Karuk said, his voice deep and cold. "I've been waiting for you for a long time."

Rage didn't answer. He rushed forward, sword in hand, but before he could reach Karuk, he released a wave of fire energy that stopped him. Rage stepped back, feeling the heat that seemed to burn through the air.

"Did you think you could take me down just like that?" Karuk asked as he raised his hand, still holding the burning crystal. "I am the king of fire now, Rage. You cannot defeat me."

But despite his words, Rage didn't give up. He knew he had to end it, not for himself but for everyone who depended on him. He stood up again, straightened his sword, and with a deep sigh, charged at Karuk again.

With every move, Rage felt his strength seem to grow stronger. Not only because of his power as an alpha, but because of the love and trust Lupe left him. He gives her a reason to fight. Every beat of his heart screamed Lupe's name, and this strengthened him to continue the fight.

With one quick move, he managed to dodge Karuk's fire and charged at the enemy from the side. Karuk was surprised by Rage's speed, and before he could regain his defense, Rage hit him in the arm, knocking the crystal out of his hand.

The crystal fell to the ground, and with it fell the fire that was burning all around. Karuk stared at Rage, anger and shock in his eyes.

"You can't control fire," Rage said, his voice cold and full of determination. "Because you do not know how to use its true power. Fire is not only a force of destruction, but a force of life-and now, I will take it from you."

Before Karuk could answer, Rage rushed in again, pushing

he fell to the ground. He grabbed the crystal and stomped on it, destroying the piece of magic that had caused the fire. In an instant, all the fire around them seemed to disappear, and the rogue werewolves began to retreat.

Lupe stood up from where he was, still holding the last rogue he had taken down. He was looking at Rage, I could see the pride and love in his eyes.

"We're done," Lupe said as she approached Rage. "We did it."

Rage nodded, and even though he was tired from the fight, the smile never left his face. "I couldn't do this without you, Lupe. You give me strength."

Lupe grabbed Rage's hand, squeezing it tightly. "And you're the one who gives me reason to keep fighting. We'll get through it all together."

As they walked out of the burning area, the forest remained silent, peace seemed to be returning after the fierce fighting. But they know it's not over yet. Karuk has fallen, but the war is far from over.

That night, while walking back to their camp, Rage and Lupe knew they had an even bigger challenge to face. But despite all this, they know they will fight together, not only for their herd but for all of nature. And in their love, they find the true strength to continue their fight.