Chapter 55

Achilles moved to Shea's side, his blue eyes filled with concern and warmth. He placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, feeling the tension in her muscles.

"Hey," he said softly, "you did great out there. Don't be too hard on yourself."

Shea looked up at him, her breath still coming in quick gasps. "I... I don't know if I'm ready for this, Achilles. What if I freeze up when it really matters?"

Achilles shook his head, his expression serious but reassuring. "You won't. I've seen how quickly you've picked things up. Your instincts are strong, Shea. You just need to trust them."

He guided her to a nearby chair, kneeling beside her. "Listen, I know it's overwhelming. But remember, you're not alone in this. We're all here for you, especially me."

Achilles took her hand in his, his thumb tracing soothing circles on her skin. "When you're out there, don't overthink it. Let your body react naturally. Your werewolf senses are sharper than you realize."

He leaned in closer, his voice low and intense. "And here's a little trick I use - focus on your breathing. When things get chaotic, take a deep breath. It'll help clear your mind and slow things down around you."

Shea nodded, drinking in his words. The warmth of his hand and the steadiness of his gaze helped calm her racing heart.

"You're stronger than you know, Shea," Achilles continued. "I've seen it. And tonight, when it matters most, that strength will shine through. I believe in you."

Shea's eyes locked with Achilles', drawing strength from his unwavering confidence in her. She took a deep breath, feeling some of the tension leave her body.

"Thank you," she whispered, squeezing his hand.

Achilles smiled, a rare sight that made Shea's heart skip a beat. "Always," he replied.

Their moment was interrupted by Lucius clearing his throat. "Alright, let's go over the plan one more time," he said, gesturing for everyone to gather around.

As they huddled together, Marcus laid out a detailed map of the mansion grounds on the table. "We've fortified the perimeter with silver-laced traps," he explained, pointing to various locations. "But we can't rely on those alone."

Lyra chimed in, her voice steady and focused. "I'll take the east wing. My illusions should confuse any intruders who make it that far."

Lucius nodded approvingly. "Good. Achilles, you and I will patrol the main grounds. We need to be ready to engage at a moment's notice."

Achilles' jaw clenched, his protective instincts flaring. "What about Shea? We can't leave her vulnerable."

"I won't be," Shea said, surprising everyone with the determination in her voice. "I've been training for this. I can help."

Marcus raised an eyebrow, impressed by her resolve. "She's right. We could use her as bait to lure them into a trap."

Achilles bristled at the suggestion, but Shea placed a calming hand on his arm. "It's okay, Achilles. I can do this."

Lucius considered for a moment, then nodded. "Alright. Shea will be positioned in the study. It's defensible, but also accessible enough to draw them in. Achilles, you'll be nearby as backup."

As they continued to refine the details of their strategy, the atmosphere in the room grew tense with anticipation. The sun was setting outside, casting long shadows across the mansion grounds. Soon, the night would bring with it the Hawkins attack, and everything they had prepared for would be put to the test.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the Von Lunar mansion, tension hung thick in the air. Shea paced nervously in the study, her heart pounding with a mixture of fear and determination. She'd insisted on being part of the plan, but now that the moment had arrived, doubt crept in.

Achilles watched her from the doorway, his eyes never leaving her form. "You don't have to do this," he said softly. "We can find another way."

Shea stopped pacing and met his gaze. "No, I need to do this. For my father, for all of us."

A howl pierced the night, sending shivers down Shea's spine. The attack had begun.

Lucius' voice crackled through their earpieces. "They're breaching the east perimeter. Lyra, are you ready?"

"In position," came Lyra's steady reply.

Shea took a deep breath, steeling herself. She could hear the sounds of fighting outside, growing closer with each passing moment. Achilles tensed, ready to spring into action at a moment's notice.

Suddenly, the study door burst open. Two Hawkins werewolves charged in, their eyes glowing with feral intensity. Shea's training kicked in, and she dodged their initial lunge, using her newfound agility to stay just out of reach.

Achilles leapt into the fray, his powerful form colliding with one of the attackers. They tumbled across the room in a blur of claws and fangs. Shea faced off against the second intruder, her heart racing but her resolve unwavering.

As she ducked and weaved, avoiding the werewolf's slashing claws, Shea felt something stirring within her. A primal energy she'd only glimpsed during training began to surge through her veins. Her eyes flashed with an otherworldly light, and she felt her body begin to change.

The Hawkins werewolf faltered, surprised by the transformation taking place before him. In that moment of hesitation, Shea struck. Her newly formed claws raked across the attacker's chest, drawing blood and sending him stumbling backward.

Achilles, having subdued his opponent, turned to see Shea standing over the fallen werewolf, her chest heaving and her eyes wild with the thrill of her first transformation. Pride and concern warred within him as he approached her.

"Shea," he said gently, reaching out to touch her shoulder. "Are you okay?"

Shea's eyes slowly returned to their normal hue as she met Achilles' concerned gaze. She nodded, still catching her breath. "I... I think so. That was..."

"Incredible," Achilles finished, a mix of awe and pride in his voice.

Their moment was interrupted by Lucius' urgent voice in their earpieces. "We've got more incoming. Lyra's in position. Achilles, Shea, are you ready?"

Achilles squeezed Shea's hand reassuringly. "We're ready," he confirmed.

The sounds of battle intensified outside. Shea and Achilles exchanged a determined look before moving into position. They could hear heavy footsteps approaching the study.

The door burst open once again, this time revealing a group of Hawkins werewolves led by a towering figure - their pack leader. His eyes locked onto Shea, a predatory grin spreading across his face.

"Well, well," he growled. "The prize we've been seeking."

Shea stood her ground, chin raised defiantly. "I'm not a prize to be won," she snarled, feeling the power within her surging once more.

The pack leader laughed, a harsh sound that sent chills down Shea's spine. "Oh, but you are, little one. And you'll be coming with us."

Achilles stepped forward, placing himself between Shea and the intruders. "Over my dead body," he growled.

The tension in the room was palpable as both sides faced off, ready to spring into action at any moment. Shea's heart raced, but she felt a strange calm settling over her. She knew what she had to do.

Just as the pack leader was about to give the order to attack, Shea made her move. She darted past Achilles, surprising everyone in the room. The Hawkins werewolves hesitated, unsure of how to react to their target seemingly surrendering herself.

"Wait!" Shea cried out, holding up her hands. "I'll... I'll go with you. Just stop the fighting."

The pack leader's eyes narrowed suspiciously, but a triumphant smirk played at the corners of his mouth. "Smart girl," he purred. "Come here, then."

As Shea approached the group of werewolves, Achilles tensed, ready to spring into action. But Shea caught his eye and gave an almost imperceptible shake of her head. Trust me, her gaze seemed to say.