Chapter 33. The Howl of Battle

ASTRID

A few hours later, I awoke to the sound of screams and the unmistakable clash of swords. My heart pounded as I bolted upright, disoriented and weak. My body ached from the silver chains that had burned into my skin, but the sounds demanded my attention.

I looked at them, struggling to open my eyes as night. They erupted into chaos. The rogue wolves who had captured me were now locked in fierce combat with another group—one far more organized and deadly.

The new arrivals fought with an almost frightening precision, their swords slicing through the wolves. They moved as one, each strike synchronized, each blow perfectly timed. I could barely keep up with their movements as they danced around their enemies, efficiently cutting down the rogues.

"Get back! Protect the Alpha!" one of the rogues shouted, his voice tinged with panic as he swung his sword wildly. He was met with the steely gaze of a man who looked like he had seen a thousand ba