The sun hung low over Elderhaven as an unfamiliar howl echoed through the valley. Kaito, standing atop the half-built watchtower, narrowed his eyes at the distant figures emerging from the tree line. Liora stood beside him, her wolf ears twitching at the sound. She already knew who they were.
“They came,” she muttered, gripping the wooden railing tight enough to splinter it.
The beastkin delegation strode into the village, a dozen strong. Towering warriors with sharp eyes and lean muscles, their fur-lined cloaks shifting in the wind. At their head was Fenrik, the wolf-kin alpha, his dark fur streaked with silver. His yellow eyes locked onto Liora, and for a moment, the world seemed to shrink around them.
The villagers whispered among themselves, wary but curious. Kaito stepped forward, extending a hand in welcome. “Elderhaven greets you.”
Fenrik ignored him, instead addressing Liora. “You abandoned your pack.”
She met his gaze, unflinching. “I found a new one.”
The beastkin around them growled, a few gripping the hilts of their weapons. Fenrik let out a dry chuckle. “Is that so? Then prove it.”
Trial of the Pack
Kaito exhaled slowly, already sensing where this was going. Beastkin culture prized strength and loyalty above all. If Liora wanted them to acknowledge Elderhaven as her new home, she would have to fight for it.
“Name your challenge,” Liora said, stepping forward.
Fenrik tilted his head. “Single combat. You win, we recognize Elderhaven as your pack. You lose, you return with us.”
Kaito’s jaw clenched. He knew better than to interfere with beastkin traditions, but he hated the idea of her being forced into this. “Liora, you don’t have to—”
She glanced at him, offering a small smile. “I do.”
The village gathered in a circle at the training grounds. The dirt beneath their feet smelled of fresh earth, kicked up by countless sparring matches. Liora stretched, rolling her shoulders. Fenrik stood across from her, rolling his neck until it popped.
“No holding back,” he warned.
Liora smirked. “Wouldn’t dream of it.”
The fight began with a blur of motion. Fenrik lunged, claws flashing, but Liora was faster, ducking under his strike and retaliating with a sharp kick to his ribs. He grunted, barely moving an inch before swinging again. This time, she wasn’t fast enough. His claws raked across her arm, drawing thin lines of blood.
If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.
Kaito’s hands curled into fists, resisting the urge to step in. This was her fight.
Liora bared her teeth in a grin, wiping the blood off on her tunic. “That all you got?”
Fenrik chuckled. “Not even close.”
He surged forward, tackling her to the ground. They rolled, grappling for control. Liora managed to twist, pinning him for a brief moment before he threw her off. She landed on her feet, panting but determined.
Then she shifted.
Her limbs lengthened, muscles rippling as thick fur spread across her skin. Her canines lengthened into fangs, her hands sprouting claws sharper than steel. Her tail bristled as she let out a deep, rumbling growl.
The beastkin delegation murmured among themselves. Even Fenrik looked surprised.
“Good,” he said, cracking his knuckles. “Now we’re talking.”
They clashed again, more feral this time. Claws met claws, fangs snapped at throats. The fight was no longer a contest of skill but raw, primal strength. The village watched in tense silence, eyes wide at the sheer brutality of it.
Minutes stretched into eternity until, finally, Liora struck a decisive blow. She twisted mid-air, landing a powerful kick to Fenrik’s jaw. He stumbled, dazed. Seizing the moment, she lunged, slamming him to the ground and pressing a clawed hand against his throat.
“Yield,” she growled.
Fenrik stared up at her, chest rising and falling. Then, slowly, he nodded. “I yield.”
A silence fell over the crowd before it erupted into cheers. The beastkin warriors, though defeated, nodded in respect. Liora stepped back, allowing Fenrik to rise.
“You’ve grown stronger,” he admitted. “Stronger than I expected.”
She wiped sweat from her brow, returning to her human form. “And Elderhaven is my home.”
Fenrik glanced at Kaito, then back at her. “Then I acknowledge your new pack.” He turned to his warriors. “We honor the pact.”
Forging a New Alliance
That evening, the village celebrated. Fires burned bright, roasting meats and filling the air with savory scents. The beastkin mingled with the villagers, exchanging stories and drinks. Even Fenrik seemed to relax, sitting beside Liora as they watched the festivities.
Kaito approached with two mugs of mead, handing one to Liora. She took it with a tired grin.
“You did good,” he said.
She chuckled. “You sound surprised.”
“Not surprised,” he admitted. “Proud.”
A rare moment of silence stretched between them before Liora took a deep breath. “Kaito… I need to tell you something.”
He raised a brow. “Go on.”
She looked into her drink, then back at him. “To beastkin, a pack isn’t just family. It’s everything. And when we choose a mate…” She hesitated. “It’s for life.”
Kaito blinked, processing her words. “Are you saying—”
Liora downed the rest of her mead in one go, then pointed at him. “You. Me. We’re bonded now.”
He nearly choked on his drink. “Wait, what?!”
She smirked, standing up. “Good night, mate.”
Kaito watched her leave, his mind scrambling to make sense of what just happened. Seren and Elara, sitting a few feet away, exchanged amused glances.
Seren took a sip of her wine. “You really are clueless, aren’t you?”
Elara giggled. “I think it’s adorable.”
Kaito groaned, rubbing his temples. “This is going to be complicated.”
Seren smirked. “Oh, you have no idea.”
As the festival continued, Kaito couldn’t shake the feeling that his life had just taken another unexpected turn. But one thing was clear—Elderhaven had just gained a powerful new alliance. And with it, new challenges were sure to come.