Kora's howls grew louder—too loud. Ariana's stomach twisted. "They're not buying it," she muttered, peering through the chaos. "He's splitting his forces!"
Ragnar roared, his voice cutting through the fray as he shifted back, blood streaking his face. "Draven! East flank's holding—we've got 'em pinned!"
Kaelen's wolf snarled, tearing free of a corpse, shifting back in a flash. "Good—keep pushing! Where's Lucian?"
Ariana scanned the trees, her voice tight. "Not here—not yet. He's letting these bastards soften us up!"
Taz stumbled over, a gash on his arm dripping red, his tone grim. "She's right. These are grunts—cannon fodder. He's waiting."
Kaelen wiped blood from his face, his growl low. "Then we make 'em pay—force his hand. Ragnar, swing wider—cut off their retreat!"
