265 Properties Of The Moon

Their claws were covered in a special coat of powdered moonstone that had absorbed the light of the full moon for three days and three nights. This gave their claws a moon-like shine. 

The werewolves had strong physical attributes which made it easy for them to deal with most of the predators and enemies they encounter. But when it came to the spectral beings and ghosts, they did not have anything that worked. 

Without any form of magic, it was difficult for them to combat beings with no physical form. That was when the werewolves began to work with their allies, the witches and discovered the magical properties in gems and geodes. 

The moonstone was one of the most precious and powerful gemstones used by the werewolves. Not only was it easy to find, but it could also harness and store the power of moonlight. 

The werewolves had always had a close affinity with the Moon and by extension the Moon Goddess. Rumour has it that it was the Moon Goddess who first showed them how to use the moonstone to their advantage. 

Darric did not hesitate, he went forward to deal the first blow. But he had greatly underestimated the speed of the leech shroud. It easily dodged the Alpha's attack having phased out and phased into existence a few metres away. 

Not only did they need to get close enough, they also needed to do it swiftly to avoid it dodging their attacks again. All that was easier said than done! Getting too close to the leech shroud might result in them getting leeched. 

But seeing the situation as is, the only way to defeat it might be to bait it. Using telepathy, Darric conveyed his plan to his Beta. 

-Let me be the bait.- Bertuf volunteered. 

He was the second in command, he could not risk the life of his leader. His own life was expendable. 

-No. There isn't time. Follow my lead.-

There was no time to waste. The leech shroud could be reading their movements as they speak. Bertuf gritted his teeth but he did not protest any further. The second in command did as his Alpha asked. 

Alpha Darric lured the leech shroud towards himself. The leech shroud could see the life force in the werewolf. It was like a moth being attracted to a bright lit flame. As soon as the leech shroud got close, barely inches apart, Darric gave the signal. 

Bertuf did not hesitate. He executed the attack just like they had planned. But the leech shroud was not a fool either! It seemingly predicted what the werewolves had planned and dodged their attack yet again. 

-Why won't you just die.- Darric cursed in his mind. 

"Bertuf!" Darric called out as he made his way over. 

"Alpha no! Stay back, it's too danger-" Bertuf did not want Darric to risk his life for him. 

But his leader had a duty to fulfil, a promise he had made to every member of his pack. No matter the circumstances, they were all going to stick together. No one would be left behind. 

Darric unleashed a fury of attacks on the thorny vine. With each swipe and claw, the vines were torn apart. As soon as Bertuf was no longer trapped, he leapt out of the plant's grasp. 

As Bertuf caught his breath at the sight, Darric came to his side as soon as he could to check on him. 

-Are you alright?- 

-Yes Alpha Darric.- 

Darric simply nodded in response and shifted his focus back on the leech shroud and the pesky vines. From the way things looked, it seemed like the vine was controlled by the leech shroud. 

The shroud was key to ending the battle. As they dodged the incoming attacks, Darric continued to devise a plan in his mind. After some thought, he remembered that the moon silk net they had brought with them. 

-Bertuf, return to camp and bring me the moon silk net.- 

Bertuf did not question his Alpha, he did as he was told. Time was of the essence. He sprinted through the forest back to camp. He rustled through their belongings until he found the net. Then, he made a mad dash back to the battle. 

The other werewolves who were keeping watch were intrigued by their Beta's mad rush. They wanted to know what was going on, but they did not leave their posts. On the other hand, Aether stirred away from the commotion outside the tent. 

He slithered out of the tent silently. When he noticed that Darric and Bertuf were missing, the Familiar felt a little suspicious. After ensuring that Vy and Lycster were still sound asleep, he made his way through the forest. 

Aether followed their scent through the forest until he came upon the fight that still raged on. He watched silently from the bushes, intrigued as to how the werewolves fought off the leech shroud. 

"Net!" Darric shouted. 

As soon as his order was given, Bertuf did not waste any time. He cast the net and captured the leech shroud beneath it. As soon as the net caught hold of the shroud, it trapped the ghostly being in place. 

The thorn-covered vines could not break through the net either. With their enemies trapped, Darric dealt the finishing blow, destroying the leech shroud. The spectral shroud disappeared into the air without a trace. The vines disappeared immediately too. 

"That… that was a close call," Bertuf heaved a huge sigh of relief. 

The Beta werewolf turned back into his human form and laid down on the ground gasping for fresh air to enter his lungs. Darric took to his human form too as he kept the net. He sat down on the ground next to his Beta with a grin. 

Crisis averted.