Chapter 5 5

Dark clouds gathered overhead, the scent of rain thick in the air. The river had put enough distance between them and the search party, but Alina knew it wouldn't be long before her father sent more men. Time was slipping through her fingers, and every second wasted brought her closer to capture.

Cole crouched beside the dying embers of their small fire, tossing another handful of dry leaves into the weak flames. "If you're serious about taking back Blackwood, we'll need more than just the two of us."

"I know." Alina tightened her grip on the knife she had scavenged from his pack. "There are wolves still loyal to my mother's bloodline. Some of them won't hesitate to stand against my father."

Cole gave her a skeptical glance. "And the rest?"

"They'll need convincing."

A slow smirk curved his lips. "I assume you have a plan?"

A plan wasn't enough. She needed an army.

"There's a pack hidden in the mountain passes to the west," she said. "Outcasts, rogues-wolves with nowhere to go. My father exiled them for refusing to submit."

Cole leaned back, arms crossing over his chest. "You think they'll just welcome you with open arms?"

"They don't have to welcome me. They just have to want revenge."

Silence stretched between them. The fire crackled, small sparks drifting into the night air.

Cole studied her for a long moment, then exhaled. "Then we head west."

Dawn barely touched the sky when they left the safety of the hollowed tree. Each step brought them deeper into unfamiliar territory, where the dense forest began to thin, giving way to rocky terrain. The climb was steep, jagged stone jutting from the earth like broken bones.

Alina pushed forward, ignoring the ache in her legs. The wind howled through the cliffs, carrying distant howls that made her pulse quicken. They weren't alone.

Cole reached the top first, scanning the landscape below. "There." He pointed toward a clearing nestled between the ridges. "Smoke."

A camp... Alina swallowed the lump in her throat. If the outcast wolves saw them as a threat, this meeting would end in bloodshed.

Cole's hand found the hilt of his knife. "Let's hope they're in the mood to negotiate."

The first sign of danger came in the form of glowing eyes.

A dozen figures emerged from the shadows, their scent wild and untamed. They weren't like the structured packs of the Blackwood lands-these wolves carried themselves like survivors, hardened by exile and betrayal.

A man stepped forward, his presence commanding. Scars crisscrossed his arms, a testament to countless battles. "You have five seconds to explain why you're here."

Alina didn't flinch. "I'm Alina Blackwood, daughter of Alpha Markus."

Murmurs rippled through the group. Tension thickened.

The man's golden eyes narrowed. "You expect that name to mean something to us?"

"It should," she said. "Because the Alpha who exiled you is about to lose his throne."

The air shifted. Wolves exchanged glances, uncertainty flashing across their faces.

The man took a step closer. "You want to overthrow your own father?"

Alina held his gaze. "I want justice. Not just for me, but for every wolf he's cast aside."

A deep chuckle rumbled in the man's chest. "Justice?" He spat the word like a curse. "There's no justice in this world, girl. There's power. Strength. And right now, I don't see much of either in you."

Cole's stance shifted beside her, tension coiling in his muscles. "Then maybe you're blind."

The man's smirk didn't falter. "Bold. But boldness doesn't win wars." He turned his back. "Go home, princess."

Alina's blood burned.

"I'm not leaving without warriors." Her voice rang through the clearing, steady and unwavering. "If you want proof of my strength, name your challenge."

The man paused. Slowly, he turned, interest sparking in his eyes. "You want to fight for our loyalty?"

"I'll fight whoever you choose."

The wolves around them stirred, excitement flickering in their expressions.

The man's smirk widened. "Very well. You fight me."

The circle formed quickly, wolves gathering around with eager anticipation.

Cole pulled Alina aside, his grip firm on her arm. "This is reckless."

She met his gaze. "It's necessary."

His jaw clenched, but he released her. "Then don't die."

The man stepped forward, rolling his shoulders. He moved with a predator's grace, completely at ease. "Name's Garrick," he said, amusement lacing his tone. "Try not to bore me."

Alina tightened her stance, muscles coiling. The moment the fight began, she knew brute force wouldn't win this. He was bigger, stronger. She needed to be faster.

Garrick lunged... She dodged left, barely avoiding his fist as it crashed into the dirt where she had been standing. A second swing came, and this time she ducked, using his own momentum against him as she twisted and struck at his ribs.

The hit landed, but he barely flinched.

A grin split his face. "Not bad."

He moved faster than she expected, grabbing her by the waist and slamming her into the ground. The impact sent pain shooting through her back, but she gritted her teeth, refusing to stay down.

Garrick loomed over her. "Yield."

Alina spat blood onto the dirt. "Not a chance."

Laughter rumbled through the gathered wolves. She rolled to her feet, drawing in a deep breath. If she couldn't match his strength, she had to end this another way. When he lunged again, she didn't dodge... Instead, she feinted left, forcing him to commit to his attack. The moment his weight shifted, she spun and drove her elbow into his throat.

Garrick staggered... Alina didn't hesitate. She swept his legs out from under him, sending him crashing to the ground.

Silence followed. Then, laughter. Garrick coughed, rubbing his neck. "Well, shit." He pushed himself up, shaking his head. "You're either fearless or suicidal."

She wiped the blood from her lip. "So, do I have your warriors?"

Garrick studied her, then exhaled. "You have mine." His gaze swept over the others. "And anyone else with the guts to follow her."

The murmurs turned into murmured agreements. Alina felt her pulse steady. The first step had been taken. The war for Blackwood had begun.