Chapter 16: The Battle Begins.

The tension was almost palpable in the air of the night as the two rival werewolf packs crouched deep inside the forest; an eerie glow caressed by the moon could be seen. Chloe and Liam steeled their hearts at the center of their pack, sharpening their senses for the inevitable clash. Months of old grudges and territorial feuds had brought them to this boiling point. Diplomacy was exhausted—only bloodshed could settle the score now. Liam's jaw clenched, muscles coiled, for the test of strength and courage looming before them. But in his eyes, Chloe's eyes raced with fear and adrenaline; she had never seen the like: raw power and aggression emitted from such primal forces. But she could not let fear take hold—not now, at least not when her pack had to depend on her unbroken will. They faced each other until a guttural growl emanated from the werewolves. Instantaneously they began to charge, with gnashing teeth and slashing claws, in a frenzied, chaotic rush. Her heart pounded as she