Chapter 69

The next morning, Shea woke to find Achilles already dressed and pacing the room. His face was set with determination.

"What's going on?" she asked, sitting up.

Achilles turned to her. "We're not waiting for another attack. Lucius has called an emergency meeting. We're planning a counter-strike."

Shea's eyes widened. "Already? But I thought-"

"Plans change," Achilles said, tossing her some clothes. "Get dressed. We need you there."

Within minutes, they were hurrying down to Lucius's study. The room was already packed with Von Lunar pack members, including Marcus and Lyra. Lucius stood at the head of the table, his eyes blazing with intensity.

"Good, you're here," he said as Shea and Achilles entered. "We've received intelligence that the Hawkins pack is in disarray after their failed attack. Now is our chance to strike back and send a clear message."

Shea listened intently as Lucius laid out the plan. They would launch a surprise raid on the Hawkins pack's main compound that very night, targeting their weapons cache and communication center. The goal was to cripple their ability to launch another assault while minimizing casualties.

"Shea," Lucius said, turning to her. "Your role will be crucial. We need you to use your newly awakened abilities to sense any hidden threats or traps. Can you do that?"

Shea swallowed hard but nodded. "I'll do my best."

As the meeting continued, strategies were refined and roles assigned. Achilles would lead the main assault team, while Marcus and Lyra would provide cover and distractions. Shea found herself both nervous and excited at the prospect of taking action instead of just reacting.

As they broke to prepare, Achilles pulled Shea aside. "Are you sure you're ready for this?" he asked softly.

Shea met his gaze steadily. "I have to be. It's time we showed them we're not just going to sit back and take their attacks."

Achilles nodded, a hint of pride in his eyes. "Then let's make them regret ever coming after you."

As night fell, the Von Lunar pack mobilized with practiced efficiency. Vehicles were loaded, weapons checked, and last-minute instructions given. Shea found herself in the back of a sleek black SUV, sandwiched between Achilles and Marcus. The tension in the air was palpable.

"Remember," Lucius said from the front seat, "our goal is to disable, not destroy. We want to send a message, not start a war."

Shea nodded, her heart racing. She closed her eyes, focusing on the new sensations coursing through her body. Her heightened senses picked up every rustle of clothing, every breath of her companions.

The convoy of vehicles moved silently through the night, headlights off to avoid detection. As they neared the Hawkins compound, Shea felt a strange tingling at the base of her skull.

"Wait," she whispered urgently. "Something's not right."

Achilles signaled for the vehicles to halt. "What do you sense?"

Shea concentrated, her brow furrowing. "There's... a barrier. Some kind of energy field around the compound. I don't think it's normal."

Lucius cursed under his breath. "They must have set up magical defenses after the failed attack. We didn't anticipate this."

The pack members exchanged worried glances. Their plan had hinged on the element of surprise, and now that advantage was compromised.

"Can we break through it?" Marcus asked.

Lucius shook his head. "Not without alerting them to our presence. We need a new strategy, fast."

Shea bit her lip, an idea forming. "What if... what if I could disrupt the barrier? I can feel its energy. Maybe I can manipulate it somehow."

Achilles looked at her with concern. "That could be dangerous. We don't know what effect it might have on you."

"It's worth a try," Lucius said. "Shea, are you willing to attempt it?"

Shea took a deep breath and nodded. "I'm ready."

Shea closed her eyes, focusing intently on the invisible barrier she sensed surrounding the Hawkins compound. She reached out with her mind, probing the energy field's structure. It felt like a tightly woven net, pulsing with an otherworldly power.

"I can feel it," she whispered. "It's complex, but I think I can find a weak point."

Achilles squeezed her hand reassuringly. "Take your time. We've got your back."

Shea's brow furrowed in concentration as she mentally pushed against the barrier. At first, nothing happened. Then, slowly, she felt a small tear forming in the energy field. She pressed harder, widening the gap.

Suddenly, a jolt of energy surged through her body. Shea gasped, her eyes flying open.

"Are you alright?" Achilles asked, concern etched on his face.

Shea nodded, catching her breath. "I'm fine. I think... I think I did it. There's an opening in the barrier now."

Lucius leaned forward, his eyes gleaming. "Excellent work, Shea. How long can you maintain it?"

"I'm not sure," she admitted. "It feels unstable. We should move quickly."

Lucius nodded, issuing rapid orders to the pack. They moved swiftly and silently, slipping through the gap in the barrier Shea had created. As they approached the compound, Shea felt the strain of holding the opening. Sweat beaded on her forehead, and her hands trembled slightly.

"Just a little longer," Achilles murmured encouragingly.

As the last pack member passed through, Shea released her hold on the barrier. It snapped back into place with a silent ripple of energy. She sagged against Achilles, suddenly exhausted.

"You did it," he said, pride evident in his voice. "That was incredible."

Shea managed a weak smile. "Thanks. What's next?"

Lucius surveyed the compound, his eyes narrowed. "Now, we strike. Remember, disable, not destroy. Let's show the Hawkins pack what happens when they break the peace."

The Von Lunar pack moved swiftly through the Hawkins compound, their footsteps nearly silent on the damp grass. Shea stayed close to Achilles, her senses on high alert. The air crackled with tension as they approached the main building.

Lucius signaled for the group to split up. Half the pack circled around to the back, while the rest followed him towards the front entrance. Achilles and Shea stuck with Lucius, creeping up the stone steps.

Just as they reached the door, a loud alarm blared through the night. Shouts of confusion and anger erupted from inside the building.

"So much for the element of surprise," Achilles muttered.

Lucius didn't hesitate. He kicked the door open with a powerful thrust, splintering the wood. The Von Lunar pack surged inside, met immediately by a group of startled Hawkins werewolves.

Chaos erupted in the foyer. Fists flew and bodies slammed against walls as the two packs clashed. Shea ducked under a wild swing, her newly honed instincts kicking in. She swept the legs out from under her attacker, sending him crashing to the floor.

Achilles fought beside her, his movements fluid and precise. He dispatched opponent after opponent with ruthless efficiency, but always stopping short of lethal force.

Shea caught glimpses of Lucius as he carved a path through the melee. He seemed to be heading for a specific destination, and she realized he was making for the stairs leading to the upper floors.

"Come on," Achilles shouted over the din, grabbing Shea's hand. They followed in Lucius's wake, dodging and weaving through the fight.

As they reached the stairs, a massive Hawkins werewolf blocked their path. His eyes gleamed with malice as he advanced on them.

"Going somewhere?" he growled.

Achilles stepped protectively in front of Shea, but she pushed past him. Drawing on her newfound power, she locked eyes with the hulking werewolf.

"Move," she commanded, her voice resonating with an otherworldly authority.

To her amazement, the werewolf's eyes glazed over. He stumbled to the side, allowing them to pass.

"How did you do that?" Achilles asked as they raced up the stairs.

Shea shook her head, equally bewildered. "I have no idea. It just... happened."

They caught up to Lucius on the second floor. He was standing outside an ornate door, his hand on the knob.

"This is it," he said grimly. "The Hawkins alpha's office. Ready?"

Achilles and Shea nodded, steeling themselves for whatever lay beyond.