Chapter 2 The Final Stand

Elena's POV

The earth parted beneath those red-eyed beasts, and I plunged through the darkness. Around me, stone fragments and dirt rained down. In a desperate attempt to stop my descent, I gripped the ground while my hands scraped across the hard rock. Above me, a deep growl resounded, piercing and ravenous.

With a crack that took my breath away, I crashed against the subterranean floor. Hot, violent pain erupted through my ribcage. Gasping for air, I lay motionless for a heartbeat. The moonlight strained through sharp fissures in the stone above me.

A cry of rage erupted from the shadows. The wild wolf had also fallen into the abyss. The hollow chamber was filled with their snarls. Claws ringed me, scraping the stone.

I tried to concentrate by pressing my back against the chilly wall. My vision became hazy. My chest twisted like a dagger with each breath. But now I couldn't give up.

Above me came wild yells that I could hardly identify. The adversary had tracked my pack through the crumbling ground. With fear in their eyes, they looked over the brink. They felt betrayed by their fear.

I pulled myself to my feet on shaky legs. I had blood dripping from my lip. I gritted my teeth and made myself get up. I would still defend them.

A wolf sprang out of the darkness to attack me. In the low light, its fangs shone brightly. I lowered myself into a low position and confronted it. I flashed my blade free.

Steel sank his teeth into sinew and fur. With a yelp, the wolf fled. I didn't stop. One more lunged toward me. My blade twisted and went through its shoulder.

With a howl, the beast ran away into the night. I stumbled, my eyes racing. Every motion was ablaze. But I refused to give in.

The pack pulled their claws back from the edge of the hole above. They observed me fighting. Their hesitancy made my heart ache.

My voice was harsh with command as I yelled. "Now help me!" I sobbed. My voice sounded like stone. My pack wavered, caught between duty and terror.

On a rope, a warrior fell into the pit. He thumped down next to me. Lifting his sword, he slashed a wolf across the throat. It twitched and dropped.

More warriors slid down as more ropes unfurled. They surrounded me in a circle. Despite their weak links, they remained steadfast. I had a glimmer of hope.

We drove the wolves toward the edge of the pit together. Through chilly air, my blade sang. Blades clashed, warriors yelled. Step by shaky step, we drove the enemy back.

I was charged by a huge wolf with fierce eyes and golden fur. I had never seen one so big. Inches from my face, its teeth snapped. Its hot breath touched me.

I lifted my blade high, deflecting its blow. The force pushed me back. My arms ached. My shoulder was gouged by the wolf's claws.

I pushed it back with a side kick. My arm shook. The wolves squatted, poised to leap once more. I dared to look up.

Jace seemed pale and struck when I saw him at the edge. To beckon me back, he held up his hand. Guilt blazed in his eyes. He remained still.

I felt a strong rage as I looked directly into the beast's eyes. I did this for my pack. For Jace. For my departed friend. I ran.

My blade made contact. The cry of the wolf pierced the atmosphere. At my feet, it fell apart. Blood gathered beneath its corpse.

The remaining wolves dispersed back into the darkness. They broke their will. Above, the pack let out a roar of triumph. I didn't smile, though.

I felt a horrible ache shoot up in my side. I stumbled and gripped my wound. I swayed as my vision became blurry. The corners of my thinking began to darken.

Struggling to keep aware, I fell on one knee. I applied pressure to the gushing gash with trembling hands. My skin was pricked by the icy stone.

The warriors were astonished and silent as they watched. In their hands, their ropes loosened. In their eyes, I saw recognition. One of them was me.

Jace slid as quickly as he could down a rope. His face was a mask of sadness when he landed next to me. He lowered himself on his knees and embraced me.

"Elena," he said in a tremulous murmur. "I-" He was unable to complete. His cheeks glistened with tears.

I gazed up into his eyes, which were storm-gray. My heart grew weaker. I started to say something. Only a whisper, though.

"Keep them safe," I exclaimed. I spoke softly and frantically. "Keep our pack safe."

Jace's face turned white. He shook his head while shedding a few tears. "No," he stifled. "I can't let you go."

I managed a melancholy little nod. I became hollow as my vigor faded. There was a tilt to the cavern.

Jace placed his hand directly on the cut in my side. Under his palm, an intense heat blossomed. Before I saw it, I sensed it.

There was a faint glimmer under his fingers. Like moonbeam silk, soft. Before my eyes, the wound was sewn, seam by seam, of silver.

I looked in disbelief at Jace. The bright wound drew his attention. The pack gaped in amazement as they watched. Whimpering, the renegade wolf withdrew into the shadows.

I extended my hand to touch the light. It dissipated after one pulse. Tears burned in my eyes as my chest heaved. I felt alive and stronger.

But then the ground shook violently. The cavern roof was covered in dust. Above, the ropes moaned. The walls were cracked.

"Leave us!" Jace yelled, his voice trembling with dread. He gathered me up in his embrace. I clung to him while closing my eyes.

With a thunderous roar, the cavern broke apart. The rocks fell like rain. Ropes snapped and frayed. From above, darkness swept in.

Jace encircled me with his cloak and ran in the direction of a faint flash of light. My chest roared with my heart.

The ceiling collapsed as he jumped through the opening. Everything was buried behind us by stone and earth. Covered with blood and dust, I strained for breath.

We lay outside the pack's boundary in the starry woodland. I was gently placed on the ground by Jace. His fingers were shaking as he combed the dust out of my hair.

I grabbed him as soon as I opened my eyes. His warm breath touched my cheek as he leaned in close. I attempted to grin, but the ache returned.

The night sky was suddenly torn by a howl. The rogue wolves weren't the cause. It was more horrible, darker, and deeper.

Jace tensed up and gazed into the forest. The color faded from his face. My body begged me to take a break while I fought to sit up.

"What is it?" My voice was husky with anxiety as I whispered.

He didn't respond. He moved his hand to his blade's hilt. His eyes widened in fear.

Eyes from the woods shone back at us in the moonlight. Many and as pale as frost, but not as red as previously.

Something growled deep in the shadows. Then another. And yet another. The forest glowed around us in spectral patterns.

My voice failed me when I tried to call out. With a stern face, Jace pressed a finger to his lips. The animals walked around us, motionless and silent.

In my ears, my heart thumped. I extended my hand to grasp Jace's. "Stay close," he muttered, tightening his hold.

Blades of moonlight danced on the silver fur of the beasts as they stepped forward. Power crackled in the air.

I prepared myself for another battle. But one wail stood out loud and clear above the others.

My blood froze. That voice was not new to me. My heart stopped as I gazed into the darkness.

The ancient alpha of the pack was standing at the edge of the clearing, staring at me. His eyes were opaque, his fur veiled.

He raised his head and let forth a cry. With warning and sorrow, the sound reverberated across the forest. The wind made my name shiver.

I realized then that this was no coincidence. The last stand was only getting started.