The days of fragile peace had been short-lived. The town, still feeling the aftermath of their tentative truce with the pack, was caught off guard when the air shifted once more. A wave of unease passed over the people, the calm before the storm growing thicker with every hour. It had been quiet, too quiet.

Ethan and Lila had spent the past few days trying to adjust to the newfound unity, hoping it would hold. But deep down, both of them knew better than to believe it would last. The rogues were still out there, still hungry for power, and Ethan's protective instincts were on high alert, always scanning, always waiting.


And then, it happened. The unmistakable sound of a howl pierced the silence, sharp and chilling. It was a sound that cut through the night like a knife, sending an immediate ripple of panic through the town.

'Ethan," Lila breathed, her voice shaking as she grabbed his arm.

His heart raced as he turned to her, his face pale with the realization of what was happening. The rogues were here.


'We have to protect them," he said quickly, his voice taut with urgency. 'Stay close to me."

But Lila didn't need to be told. She had proven herself countless times before, and she wasn't about to back down now. Without another word, she turned, ready to fight by his side.


The sound of footsteps pounding the earth, the rustle of wolves moving in the shadows, grew louder as the rogue pack closed in. The town's defenses, which had been hastily erected, were no match for the fierce onslaught of the rogues. It wasn't just a battle for the land anymore. It was a battle for survival.

Ethan's instincts kicked into overdrive as he shifted, his body rippling with power, claws extending, muscles tensing. He didn't hesitate. He couldn't. His love for Lila burned in his chest, the fire of it fueling him as he charged into the fray. The town was under attack, and he would defend it with everything he had.

The roar of battle reverberated through the air as the fight between the town's defenders and the rogue pack escalated. Ethan and Lila, side by side, fought with a ferocity that matched the wolves around them. Their bodies moved as one, each shift, each swipe of their claws, a testament to their connection. Every moment was a blur, a chaotic dance of aggression and survival.

Ethan's heart pounded in his chest, the weight of the battle heavy on him. He fought with everything he had, his mind fixated on keeping Lila safe. His gaze flicked to her in the middle of the chaos—her fur matted with sweat and blood, her eyes fierce as she tore through the rogues with precision and strength. His heart surged with pride, but the fear never left. Not when every breath could be their last.

A rogue lunged at Lila from behind, teeth bared, claws extended. Ethan's instincts screamed at him to protect her, and before he could think, he darted forward, using his body as a shield. With a powerful swipe of his paw, he sent the rogue sprawling to the ground, his fangs sinking into its neck with a growl of defiance.

Lila didn't hesitate. She spun around, her jaws snapping, tearing into another rogue who had been circling her. The rogue let out a scream of pain, but she didn't stop. She couldn't. The fight wasn't just about survival; it was about proving that they wouldn't be intimidated. That they weren't going to back down.

The battle raged on, each moment more intense than the last. The rogues were relentless, their attacks vicious, but Ethan could feel their energy faltering. They were losing ground, and it was only a matter of time before they'd retreat. But that didn't mean the danger was over. Not yet.

Ethan's ears flicked as he caught the sound of more footsteps pounding across the ground, more rogues rushing in to reinforce the ones already attacking. His muscles tensed, and he looked over at Lila, locking eyes with her. She nodded, as if reading his mind, and without a word, they sprang into action, their movements synchronized in a way only wolves who shared a deep bond could.

They fought with relentless precision, each attack a calculated strike, each movement a careful counter to the rogue's aggression. Ethan felt the connection to Lila more strongly than ever, their movements flowing as one, protecting each other without needing to speak. In the middle of all the chaos, in the heart of the battle, they were united.

A rogue Alpha appeared from the shadows, eyes gleaming with malice as he locked onto Ethan. The air seemed to crackle with the intensity of their standoff. Ethan's breath came in heavy gasps as he sized up his opponent, claws unsheathed, body tense and ready for the fight of his life.

The rogue Alpha snarled, a low growl rumbling in his chest. 'You think you can protect this town?" he taunted, his voice a deep rasp. 'You're too weak. All of you."

Ethan's eyes narrowed, his lips curling back into a snarl. 'You'll regret underestimating us."

With a roar, the rogue Alpha lunged, his teeth bared in a deadly arc. Ethan met him head-on, their bodies colliding in a violent crash. The force of it rattled Ethan's bones, but he didn't flinch. His jaws snapped, catching the rogue's shoulder and sinking in deep, but the Alpha twisted away with surprising speed.

They circled each other, each waiting for the other to make the first move. Ethan's pulse thudded in his ears as the rogue Alpha studied him, his eyes gleaming with vicious intent. This wasn't just a fight for survival—it was a battle for dominance.

The rogue Alpha lunged again, and this time, Ethan was ready. He sidestepped, his body fluid and fast, and brought his claws down across the rogue's flank, the sound of ripping flesh filling the air. The Alpha howled in pain but quickly recovered, spinning around to face Ethan with a renewed fury.

Lila, too, fought with a desperation that mirrored his own. Her movements were swift and calculated, her mind sharp as she tore through the ranks of the rogues. But no matter how skilled she was, the enemy was too many. Her heart raced with fear, not for herself, but for Ethan, for their future. She couldn't lose him—not now, not when they had just begun to carve out a life together.

She caught his gaze again across the battlefield, a fleeting look, but it was enough. She knew what he was thinking. And she felt it too—the same drive, the same fire. They had to survive this. They had to win.

And just when it seemed like the battle was turning in the rogues' favor, the town's defenders rallied. The wolves who had stayed behind to guard their homes shifted into their true forms, joining the fray with a ferocity that matched their attackers. The balance began to tip.

But as the battle raged on, Ethan and Lila found themselves in the center of the chaos, fighting side by side, their strength in unity becoming their greatest weapon. It was more than just a fight for survival now. It was a fight for their future, for everything they had fought so hard to protect.

As the night wore on, and the rogues began to retreat, their numbers dwindling, Ethan and Lila stood victorious—but battered. They were both covered in the marks of battle, but as the last of the rogues retreated into the shadows, they knew that this fight was far from over.

Their bond had been tested, and they had passed—together. And as they stood, bloodied and exhausted, their hearts still beat as one.

Ethan reached for Lila, his hand shaking slightly as he cupped her face, his thumb brushing across the bloodied line on her cheek. She smiled up at him, her breath heavy but steady.

'We're not done yet," he whispered, his voice low, but full of conviction.

Lila nodded, her eyes shining with unwavering strength. 'But we will be, soon."



As the dust settled from the battle, a heavy silence descended over the clearing. The air, once thick with the sounds of battle, now held a somber stillness. Ethan stood amidst the aftermath, his body sore and bruised, but the worst of the fight was over. The rogues had been driven back, but their scars remained—physically and emotionally.

He scanned the field, his heart still racing, eyes seeking Lila. She was standing near the edge of the clearing, her fur matted with the remnants of the battle, her gaze distant but determined. Despite her own exhaustion, she was checking on the injured, helping those who were hurt, offering her strength where it was needed.

Ethan's gaze locked on one of the pack members—Jared, a younger wolf who had been badly injured in the battle. His side was torn open, blood staining the earth beneath him. He was in pain, barely conscious, but his eyes still held the fire of the fight. Ethan's stomach churned with the sight, his protective instincts kicking in. But he didn't have to act—Lila was already there.

Without hesitation, she knelt by Jared's side, her pendant glowing faintly against the night. The silver piece pulsed with a soft, ethereal light, a quiet hum filling the air. Ethan felt a pull towards her as she gently placed her hands over the wound, her fingers tracing the jagged edges where the flesh had been torn apart.

Lila's face was serene, but her eyes were full of fierce concentration. She whispered something, her voice soft but clear. Ethan couldn't hear the words, but the energy around her shifted, the air thick with an otherworldly warmth. The pendant glowed brighter, and the glow began to transfer to Jared, the light wrapping around the wound like a healing force.

Slowly, as if time itself had momentarily paused, the blood-stained wound began to close. The edges of Jared's torn flesh knit together before their eyes, the jagged gashes smoothening as though the injury had never been. The glow faded, and Lila withdrew her hands, exhaustion written across her face, but a quiet satisfaction in her eyes.

As the healing energy from Lila's pendant gradually faded, the clearing around them seemed to hold its breath, as though the very earth was waiting for the moment to pass. Ethan kept his eyes on her, his heart still thundering from the surge of magic he had just witnessed. Her hands, though now resting at her sides, still seemed to pulse with the lingering warmth of the power she had wielded, a glow that had wrapped itself around Jared's injury, knitting his flesh back together in a matter of moments.

Jared, now fully conscious and slowly pushing himself upright, looked at Lila with an expression of awe and disbelief. His breathing was steady now, and the sharp pain that had once consumed him was gone. He flexed his arm, testing the newly healed muscle. 'I don't know how to thank you," he said, his voice rough but filled with gratitude. 'That was... that was incredible."

Lila's smile was gentle, almost shy, as she looked down at her hands, her fingers still trembling slightly from the exertion. 'You don't need to thank me," she replied, her voice quiet, as though the act of healing had drained her in ways she couldn't fully explain. 'We're a pack. We take care of each other."

Ethan felt a surge of pride for her—pride and worry. Her selflessness, her ability to heal not only physically but emotionally, was something he admired deeply. But as her energy visibly waned, a deep concern rooted itself in his chest. He could see the way her shoulders sagged slightly, the slight pallor of her skin. The toll of using her power was evident, and he couldn't shake the feeling that this was just the beginning.

As Jared, now fully healed, turned to rejoin the others, Ethan reached out, gently grasping Lila's arm. 'Are you okay?" he asked, his voice low, laced with concern.

Lila nodded, but there was a distant look in her eyes, a shadow of exhaustion she hadn't fully shaken off. She turned her head to meet his gaze, offering a small smile. 'I'm fine," she said, but the truth was clear to him in the way her body had slumped, her chest rising and falling with deeper breaths. The magic of the pendant, while powerful, wasn't limitless. It took something from her every time she used it, and Ethan knew that no amount of healing was worth her own well-being.

He guided her to sit on the ground, just outside the clearing, away from the bustle of the pack tending to their injuries. The cool night air washed over them, and the chirping of crickets replaced the distant sounds of the battle's aftermath. The stars twinkled overhead, but Ethan barely noticed them. His focus was entirely on Lila.

'You don't have to heal everyone," he said softly, his voice full of tenderness. 'You've already done so much."

She shook her head, her gaze turning to the pendant still resting against her chest. 'I couldn't just leave him, Ethan. I know the risks, but when someone is in pain... when I can help... it's hard not to." She paused for a moment, her hands resting lightly on her lap. 'I don't think I could live with myself if I didn't at least try."

Ethan understood her completely—he always had. But that didn't make it any easier to watch her push herself past her limits. He knelt down in front of her, his hand gently cupping her face, making her meet his eyes. 'Lila... you don't have to save everyone. You're not alone in this. I'm right here with you. We all are."

Her eyes softened as she reached up to touch his hand, her fingers warm against his skin. 'I know," she whispered. 'But I just... I don't want to be the one who's helpless. Not when I know I can do something."

Ethan wanted to tell her that it was okay to need help, that it was okay to lean on others, but the words caught in his throat. Instead, he simply pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead, a promise to always be there to support her, even when she couldn't see it herself.

Her breath steadied as the warmth of his touch seemed to offer her comfort, her fatigue slowly melting away in the safety of his presence. She leaned into him, her head resting on his shoulder as she closed her eyes, a small, contented sigh escaping her lips. The night was still, and for the first time since the battle had begun, the tension in the air seemed to loosen—if only for a moment.

Lila's pendant, now dimmed but still resting against her chest, had brought healing to their pack, but it had also revealed something deeper to Ethan. She was more than just the girl he loved—she was powerful, a force in her own right. But that power, like all power, came with its price. And he vowed that, no matter what it took, he would never let her bear that burden alone.

They sat in silence for a while, the world around them still recovering from the battle, but in that moment, it was just the two of them—bound by love, by strength, and by the unspoken understanding that they were each other's anchor.

Finally, Lila stirred slightly, lifting her head from his shoulder. She gave him a soft, tired smile, one that spoke volumes more than words could. 'Thank you, Ethan," she said quietly.

He nodded, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. 'Always," he whispered, and though the weight of what they faced still loomed, in this moment, with her beside him, he felt like they could overcome anything.

As the minutes passed, the weight of the world seemed to settle around them, the intensity of the battle and the aftermath momentarily slipping away. In the stillness of the night, the only sounds were the occasional rustle of the trees in the wind and the distant murmurs of the pack as they tended to their injuries and regrouped. Ethan and Lila sat side by side, the glow of her pendant dim but still lingering, casting a soft light over the two of them.

Lila shifted slightly, her eyes still tired but with a newfound determination in them. She glanced at Ethan, her hand slipping into his. "We can't keep doing this," she said, her voice quiet but resolute. "I can't keep pushing myself like this. The pendant... it's powerful, but it's not infinite. I don't want to hurt anyone by overusing it."

Ethan squeezed her hand, his thumb brushing over the back of her knuckles. He understood her hesitation, but he knew that her heart—her heart was bigger than anything the pendant could give her. It was something that had always drawn him to her, something he cherished more than any magic. 'You're not alone in this, Lila," he said firmly, his voice low and reassuring. 'I know you want to help, but you don't have to do it alone. Let us—let me—be there for you, too. Let us protect you, as much as you protect us."

Lila's gaze softened, and she leaned her head against his shoulder again. 'I know. I just... sometimes it feels like everything rests on my shoulders, like the pack is relying on me. I can feel it in the air, Ethan. The tension. The fear. They need something to believe in, something to trust."

'They trust you because of who you are, not just because of what you can do," Ethan said, his voice steady. 'And they trust me, too. We're in this together, every step of the way. And you don't have to carry that burden alone anymore. We can face whatever's next as a pack. As a team."

Lila let out a soft breath, her eyes fluttering closed as she absorbed his words. She felt the sincerity in them, in the way he said "together." She had never felt more certain of their bond, even with everything still uncertain ahead. They had faced battles, challenges, and fears, but this—this was something she had never experienced before. For the first time, she felt like the weight she carried could be shared.

The night grew quieter around them as the sounds of the pack settled into a lull. Ethan noticed how the moonlight shone brighter as it rose higher, bathing the clearing in a silvery glow. He could feel the connection between him and Lila, stronger than ever, like the world had shifted and realigned itself. In that moment, there was only the two of them, and nothing else mattered.

'I've always known you were strong, Lila," Ethan said softly, breaking the silence. 'But what you did tonight—what you continue to do for all of us—it goes beyond strength. It's more than just power. It's who you are."

Lila turned her head to look at him, meeting his gaze with a warmth in her eyes that mirrored the depth of his feelings. 'And you," she whispered, 'you make me feel like I'm not alone in any of this. No matter what comes next."

Ethan's heart swelled with emotion as he pulled her closer, his hand resting gently against the back of her head. 'You never will be," he promised, his voice thick with love.

They sat in silence again, but this time, the silence felt comforting, like the calm before the storm. They both knew that their battle was far from over, but for the first time, they were truly prepared for it. They had each other, and that was a power stronger than any force they would face.

And as Lila's pendant continued to softly pulse against her chest, Ethan couldn't help but feel a sense of quiet hope—hope that, no matter how dark the path ahead seemed, their bond would light the way.




The aftermath of the rogue attack left the pack weary, but the quiet moments were short-lived. The night had passed, and with it, the weight of what had been lost settled heavily on the pack's collective shoulders. Though many were recovering, there was a palpable tension in the air, as though everyone knew that the war was far from over. The town was still uneasy, the pack still divided, and the rogues—always lurking in the shadows—were far from defeated.

It was in these fragile moments of peace that the elder, an ancient figure who had always guided the pack with wisdom and strength, revealed something that none of them had anticipated. She had called for a gathering, summoning all the pack's leaders to a secluded area in the woods, where the trees were thick and the scent of earth and moss mingled in the cool, early morning air.

Ethan and Lila arrived quietly, both sensing the weight of the moment. There was an unusual stillness around them, a sense that things were about to change. As they approached the clearing, they saw the elder standing by an ancient stone, her back to them, but her head turned slightly, as though she had been waiting. Her eyes met Ethan's, and then Lila's, and there was something in them—an understanding that passed silently between them.

'You have both come far," the elder spoke, her voice carrying the weight of centuries, but there was a softness in it too. She was not as strong as she once had been, her body frail, but her mind was sharp as ever. 'I can see the future of this pack in you, Lila. In both of you. The bond you share, the strength of your hearts, is what this pack needs to survive."

Lila looked at the elder, confusion and apprehension swirling in her chest. 'What do you mean?" she asked, her voice hesitant. 'What do you need me to do?"

The elder smiled gently. 'You will guide them, Lila. You will be the future. But there is a price for that." She stepped forward, her movements slow, and placed her hand over Lila's pendant, the glowing stone pulsing softly beneath her fingers. 'I have lived for many years. And now, it is my time to pass on that responsibility. But before I go, I need to protect you."

Before anyone could react, the sound of rustling in the trees broke the quiet, a sharp cry cutting through the morning air. The rogue pack had found them. It was sudden, brutal, and without mercy.

Ethan's protective instincts flared as he immediately moved to shield Lila, but the elder raised her hand, her eyes full of resignation. 'No," she whispered. 'This is my choice."

With one final, decisive motion, the elder summoned a burst of energy, a powerful force that rippled outward like a wave, pushing the rogues back, but in the process, she was struck. The energy drained from her, and she fell to the ground, blood staining the earth beneath her.

Lila rushed to her side, panic surging in her chest. 'No! You can't—" But the elder's hand lifted weakly, stopping her.

'Lila... You are the future," the elder murmured, her voice growing faint. 'You must protect them... protect him." She looked at Ethan, her gaze full of meaning. 'You two... together... are the heart of this pack now. It's time."

With her final words, the elder's hand slipped from Lila's, and the life faded from her eyes.

The forest around them seemed to hold its breath, the weight of the elder's sacrifice hanging heavy in the air. The pack, watching from the shadows, understood what had just happened. The elder had given everything to ensure the future of the pack would be in capable hands—and those hands were Lila's.

Ethan knelt beside Lila, pulling her close as she let out a shaky breath, her body trembling from the emotional weight of the moment. He held her tightly, unwilling to let go, as if his presence could shield her from the grief that was consuming her. She buried her face in his chest, her shoulders shaking as the loss of the elder hit her hard. The woman who had been a mentor, a guide, and now... a martyr.

'I'm so sorry," Ethan whispered, his voice thick with emotion. He could feel the weight of her grief, and it felt like a crushing burden. 'I'm so sorry you had to lose her."

Lila's breath caught in her throat, her fingers gripping his shirt as though she were afraid of losing him too. 'She gave everything. She protected us," Lila said through tears. 'She believed in me. She knew what I could do... and now I have to live up to it. I have to lead them. I can't fail her."

'You won't," Ethan said firmly, his voice steady despite the turmoil in his heart. 'You've never failed anyone. You will lead them, Lila. You have me, and you have all of us. The pack will follow you."

Lila's heart pounded as she turned toward the pack, her pulse quickening with the weight of her declaration. It was a promise, and while she was still raw from the loss of the elder, there was no turning back now. The pack needed her, and she couldn't afford to doubt herself any longer.

Ethan's hand lingered on her shoulder, his quiet strength a beacon for her in this moment of overwhelming change. The pack stood in formation, their eyes all focused on her, waiting for her to lead. She could feel their collective energy—their trust, their resolve, their fear—but it was their belief in her that steadied her shaking hands.

'I'll lead you," she repeated, louder this time, her voice carrying with a confidence that surprised even her. 'And we will protect our home. Our people. We won't let what happened to the elder be in vain."

A soft murmur passed through the pack, their belief in her reaffirmed with each word she spoke. They might have lost their elder, but in Lila, they had found something else—a strength they hadn't known was possible. The elder had recognized her potential, and now the rest of them were seeing it, too.

'We will build something stronger," Lila continued, her voice growing firmer with each passing moment. 'We will rebuild our unity. We will face whatever challenges come our way—together."

The pack's low growls of agreement rumbled through the clearing, building into a chorus of determination. Even in the face of so much loss, they were ready to rise.

Ethan's smile was soft, but his eyes held a fire that made Lila's heart ache. He was proud of her. The love between them had always been there, but in this moment, it felt even deeper, more profound. He saw her not just as his mate, but as the leader the pack needed.

Lila stepped forward, drawing strength from the very people she would now lead. The future still loomed ahead of them, uncertain and filled with danger, but there was a spark within her now that hadn't been there before. A spark that told her she could face anything—if only she trusted in herself.

'Then it's settled," she said, her gaze sweeping over the pack. 'We heal, we train, and we prepare. The rogues will not take this land from us. This is our home, and we will fight to the last breath if we must."

A collective howl echoed in the distance, a signal from the pack that they were ready. Lila could feel the energy shift around them, a renewed sense of purpose filling the air. They were no longer just survivors of the rogue assault—they were a united force, ready to protect the future they were building together.

Ethan moved to stand beside her, his presence a constant reassurance. 'We'll face it all, Lila," he said softly, his voice full of quiet conviction. 'We'll face whatever comes next. As long as we're together."

The pack rallied behind them, and for the first time since the elder's death, Lila felt a glimmer of peace. The weight of the future was still heavy on her shoulders, but she was no longer burdened by it alone. The pack was with her. Ethan was with her.

And together, they would protect everything they had fought for.

The night was quiet, the stars shining down like silent witnesses to the promise Lila had made. The journey ahead was uncertain, but for the first time in a long while, Lila felt ready to face it—with Ethan by her side, and the pack standing strong around her.

As the night settled over the pack, a sense of calm descended on the clearing. The fire had burned down to embers, casting a soft, warm glow on the faces of the gathered wolves. The howls that had once felt like a threat now seemed like a distant reminder of the battle they had endured and the fight that was still to come.

Lila stood at the edge of the firelight, her hand still resting lightly on Ethan's arm. The warmth of his touch was a constant comfort, grounding her in the midst of the chaos. His presence beside her felt like a promise—one that she would never be alone, no matter what. She could sense his protective instincts flaring, but there was something else in his eyes too: a quiet admiration for the strength she had shown tonight.

"You did well," Ethan murmured, his voice low and sincere.

Lila turned to him, her heart skipping at the gentleness in his tone. "I don't feel like I did enough."

Ethan shook his head, his fingers brushing through her hair. "You did more than enough. You're leading this pack, Lila. And you're not alone. Not anymore."

Her heart swelled at his words, but the weight of what lay ahead still pressed on her chest. She couldn't let herself forget the reality they faced. But as she looked into Ethan's eyes, she knew that no matter the danger, they would find a way through it together.

The moon hung low in the sky, casting long shadows across the land. It was a peaceful night, but Lila knew peace was fragile, fleeting. She had a sense of urgency in her bones—a call to action that couldn't be ignored. The rogues were still out there, plotting, waiting. They wouldn't rest until they had what they wanted. But neither would she.

"I'll protect them," she whispered, more to herself than to Ethan. "I'll protect this pack."

Ethan's expression softened, his gaze full of quiet understanding. "I know you will. But let us protect you too, Lila. You don't have to bear this burden on your own."

The weight of his words settled in her heart, and for a moment, she leaned into him, allowing herself a brief respite from the weight of leadership. But even as the comforting silence enveloped them, she knew the time for rest was limited. The fight was far from over.

The moment was broken as one of the pack members approached, a young wolf who had been part of the scout team. His eyes were wide with urgency. "Alpha Lila," he called, his voice shaking. "We've spotted movement on the horizon. It's the rogues. They're on the move."

Lila's pulse quickened, her mind instantly shifting into focus. "How far?"

"Not far," the scout replied, his voice tight with fear. "They're moving fast. We need to act quickly."

Lila's heart raced, but she didn't hesitate. She turned to Ethan, who was already stepping forward, his eyes steely with determination. 'We're not going to let them catch us off guard. Not again."

Ethan nodded, his lips pressing into a thin line. "We'll move out at dawn. Gather the pack. We'll need everyone ready."

Lila met his gaze, and for a moment, it felt like the weight of the world rested solely on their shoulders. But in that instant, she knew they would face it, not as individuals, but as a unified force. The rogues might have thought they could tear them apart, but they underestimated the strength of what they were fighting for.

"Let's make sure they know who they're up against," Lila said, her voice low and full of resolve.

The scout nodded and rushed off to relay the message to the pack, his footsteps swift and purposeful.

Ethan stood beside Lila, his hand finding hers in the dark. 'We'll make it through this," he said, his voice steady despite the storm they were about to face. 'I'm with you."

Lila squeezed his hand, her heart steadying with the comfort of his touch. 'And I'm with you. Always."

As the night stretched on and the pack prepared for what was to come, Lila stood tall, her heart resolute. There were battles ahead—ones they would fight, ones they would win. But there was also something else in the air: a sense of unbreakable unity. In that moment, the pack was more than just a group of wolves—they were a family, bound by love, by loyalty, and by the promise to protect each other, no matter the cost.

The rogues would come. But they would find a force stronger than they ever expected.