warning: strong swearing in this chapter.

Cedar's hazel eyes glowed an amber color as he glared at the black wolf leader. He could feel his heart racing and his muscles tense, ready to spring into action. He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself, before nodding slowly. "I understand," he growled, his voice low and menacing. "And I accept the challenge."

"Very well, then," the black wolf alpha grinned, "welcome to our pack, little one. And welcome to our war." With that, the rest of the pack closed in around them, surrounding them in a sea of fur and teeth. The leader of the wolves motioned for them to follow, and they began to move deeper into the forest, toward the heart of their territory.

"For the safety of the pack, we should put Talvi in shackles." As the leader suggested, he nodded at two of the biggest wolves in the pack, who stepped forward and grabbed Talvi's arms, starting to secure her wrists with the shackles.

"What are you going to do with her?!" Cedar yelled at them as they were about to put the shackles on her. "If you hurt her, I swear I will."

Out of nowhere, someone came up from behind him and slammed a heavy paw into his back, sending him flying into a tree. Cedar coughed and wheezed, struggling to stand up as the black wolf leader approached him, a sneer curling his lips.

"You make my job so much easier," the black wolf leader chuckled as he lean closer to Cedar, his hot breath sending shivers down the wolf-shifter's spine. "I've seen a lot of humans in my day, boy. And most of them are cowards. They'd rather beg for their lives or run away. But not you," he paused, "you're just stupid enough to fight back." He let out a low, mocking laugh.

"Fuck you, fuck all of you!" Cedar shouted, trying to stand up again. He wiped the blood from his face, his anger burning bright. The black wolf leader just laughed, stepping back with a grin. "I'll prove my worth, alright? I'll fight my way up, and I'll protect what's mine." He spat on the ground, his eyes burning with determination.

"I hate to break it to you; I am no human but a wolf-shifter. mind you. I am the son of the Solarflare and Lunar Pack!"Cedar bragged, puffing out his chest with pride. The black wolf leader stopped in his tracks, a look of surprise crossing his face. "You're a shifter?" he growled, taking a step closer. "And you think that gives you the right to claim her?" He turned his head toward Talvi, who was watching the exchange with wide eyes.

"I've been a shifter this whole time! You were busy trying to take Talvi." Cedar shouted, anger filling his voice. "And I'll do everything in my power to protect her. She's my mate, and no one will take her from me." He stepped forward, his chest heaving with each breath. "So if you want to test me, if you want to see what I'm made of, let's go."

The leader growled. This boy doesn't know when to quit; he has a lot of guts to face him. He admires the boy's determination and strength; the Solarflare and the Shadowclan haven't had a war in over 200 moons. "Very well, then," the black wolf leader grinned, stepping back. "Let's see what you're made of, little shifter. Prove your worth to the pack, and prove your claim to her."

Cedar huffed and stepped forward. "I am so done with your bullshit and your need to prove your worth crap; I am done! If you ask for a war, you get one."

Talvi shivered, not sure what to make of the situation. She'd never seen Cedar act so defiant before. He was normally so calm and collected. But now, he was ready to fight for her. She couldn't help but feel a surge of admiration for him. as the two wolves secured the shackles around her wrists. She knew that she should be terrified, but instead, a strange sense of calm washed over her. She had survived so much already, and she had Cedar by her side. She could feel the determination radiating off of him, and it gave her hope.

She feels his cold gaze upon her, and she feels the hot breath on her neck as he whispers, "Don't worry, my love. I'll protect you." She looks up at him, feeling a mixture of gratitude and fear. He's so strong and powerful, but he's also so gentle with her. He's everything she could ever want in a mate.

She gave him a watery smile, feeling her heart flutter at his words. "I know you will, Cedar," she said softly, squeezing his hand reassuringly. As the two wolves led them away from the clearing, she couldn't help but marvel at the sheer size of the black wolf leader. He was massive, towering over both of them. His fur was as black as night, and his eyes seemed to glow with an unnatural light. She shivered, feeling a sense of foreboding wash over her.

the towering alpha male, his fur glinting in the moonlight as he moved with a grace that belied his size. She felt the air around them shift as they approached the edge of the forest, the scent of freedom growing stronger with each step. The black wolf leader stopped abruptly, turning to face them. "This is where we part ways," he growled. "Cedar, you have until the next full moon to prove yourself worthy of Talvi. If you fail, she will be mine. Do you understand?"

Cedar nodded his head, determination burning in his eyes. "I understand. And I won't fail her." The black-wolf leader chuckled darkly.

"Very well," the black wolf leader growled, his voice rumbling through the air. "Then let the games begin." With that, he turned and disappeared back into the forest. leader said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "I'll be watching you both. Make sure you don't disappoint me." With a final, mocking laugh, he turned and disappeared into the night. Cedar and Talvi stood there in silence for a moment, each taking a deep breath to steady their nerves. Then, slowly, Cedar began to lead her back through the forest, their pace deliberately unhurried.

Cedar turned his head to see the big tree with a hollow hole in the middle of time. He was amazed that Phoenix was still there, hiding without being seen or heard. The forest seemed to come alive around them, as if it were holding its breath, waiting for something to happen. They walked in silence for a while, lost in their own thoughts, until Cedar finally broke the silence. "Talvi," he said softly, his voice barely audible over the rustle of leaves and the creak of branches. "I know this is a lot to take in, and I know you must be scared, but I want you to know that no matter what happens, I will always protect you. I will always be there for you, and I will never let anyone hurt you. You are my mate, and nothing will ever change that."

Phoenix had always loved moments between mates; he and his partner had been together for over a year now, and he loves her. With Talvi and Cedar, they remind him of what love truly is. Talvi turned to face Cedar, her eyes filled with tears as she reached up to touch his cheek. "Cedar, I love you more than anything in this world. You have been my rock, my strength, and my everything. And I promise, I will never let you down. No matter what challenges we face, we will face them together." She wiped the tears from her eyes and smiled softly at him.

Phoenix cleared his throat, shaking his head as if to dispel the last of the memories of the black wolf leader. He turned his attention back to the two lovers, watching as they continued to walk through the forest, their movements in perfect sync with each other. The trees seemed to part before them, granting them passage as if they were royalty. The air was thick with anticipation, and Phoenix could feel the weight of their impending challenges pressing down upon them.

"guys! Should we get going now?! You can have your loving moment later." Phoenix's voice broke through the silence as he emerged from his hiding spot, his tail wagging excitedly. "We don't want to keep the others waiting, right?" He bounded over to them, his gaze darting between Talvi and Cedar.

Cedar huffed, a small smile playing at the corner of his lips as he looked at Phoenix. "All right, all right. Lead the way." He reached out to take Talvi's hand, squeezing it gently. "Let's get this over with, shall we?"

Talvi squeezed his hand back, feeling a surge of determination flow through her. "Yes, let's." They followed Phoenix through the forest, their pace quickening as they neared the edge. The other wolves were already gathered there, watching them approach with varying expressions of anticipation, curiosity, and concern. As they reached the group, Cedar and Talvi bowed their heads in respect. "We are ready to begin," Cedar growled.

The alpha male smirked, revealing a toothy grin. "Very well. The rules are simple. You must pass through the obstacle course within the allotted time. If you succeed, you will be declared the winner and recognized as the true leaders of this pack. If you fail, you will be stripped of your titles and exiled from our lands. Are you ready to begin?"

Cedar nodded, his muscles tense and ready for the challenge. "We are ready." Talvi's heart raced as she gazed into his eyes, seeing the determination and love there. She knew that, no matter what happened, they would face it together.