Maleficent

The forest was cloaked in twilight, shadows stretching long and deep. The air was thick with the scent of pine and damp earth as two wolves padded silently through the underbrush. The first, a young wolf with blonde fur speckled in black, moved like a ghost, her crimson eyes wary and sharp.

"Why are we even going this way, Madre?" Maleficent grumbled, her tone clipped. "We could've circled around the ridge and avoided this whole 'pack territory' nonsense."

Behind her, a larger dark gray wolf with vivid red markings on her shoulder blades kept a steady pace. Madre's amber eyes scanned the trees ahead, her expression calm but resolute. "Because, Maleficent, you're not going to survive out here alone forever. Neither of us is."

Maleficent let out a low growl, her tail flicking in irritation. "I've been doing just fine. We don't need a pack."

Madre didn't respond, only casting a sidelong glance at the younger wolf. Her silence stung more than words, and Maleficent scowled, her ears flattening.

The conversation was cut short when a new scent rolled over them—wolves. Madre stopped in her tracks, her nose twitching. Maleficent stiffened, her eyes narrowing.

"Great. Here we go," Maleficent muttered under her breath.

"Quiet," Madre ordered, her voice low but firm.

From the shadows ahead, four wolves emerged, their movements deliberate and controlled. Leading them was a massive red and white she-wolf with piercing olive-green eyes that glinted like sunlight through leaves. Beside her walked a silver-coated male with an easy, humble posture, while on her other side strode a brown and gray wolf whose sharp gaze betrayed his calculating nature.

The two groups stood in silence for a moment, tension thick in the air. Finally, the red and white wolf spoke, her voice steady and authoritative. "You're on my territory. State your business."

Madre stepped forward, her stance relaxed but her eyes watchful. "We're not just passing through," she said. "We're looking for a place to stay."

Ray's olive-green eyes flicked over Madre, then to Maleficent, who bristled under the scrutiny. "Looking for a place to stay?" Ray echoed. "A bold request to make without any warning."

Maleficent snarled before Madre could answer. "We don't owe you anything, Alpha," she snapped, her crimson eyes blazing.

The brown and gray wolf, Eagle, stepped forward, his tone calm but pointed. "Careful, young one. Words carry weight, especially here."

Maleficent bared her teeth, but Madre cut her off with a sharp glance. "Enough, Maleficent." She turned back to Ray. "We don't mean disrespect. I've heard of your pack, and I know you run a tight one. We're willing to prove our worth if you'll have us."

Ray tilted her head slightly, her gaze steady and assessing. "Prove your worth, you say?" Her tone wasn't harsh, but it carried a weight that made even Madre pause.

The silver wolf, SilverFish, spoke for the first time, his voice gentle. "It's not an easy life here. Ray expects loyalty, respect, and strength."

"We're strong enough," Madre said evenly.

"Loyalty and respect," Ray said, her gaze shifting to Maleficent, "might be more of a challenge for some of us."

Maleficent bristled. "I don't take orders from anyone who hasn't earned it."

Eagle chuckled softly, though his tone was far from mocking. "You'll find no shortage of earning here."

Ray stepped forward, her massive frame intimidating but not threatening. "If you want to join, you'll have to prove yourselves—to me and to my pack. Madre, your confidence speaks well for you. But the young one…" Ray's eyes pinned Maleficent, who held her ground defiantly. "She'll have to learn quickly, or not at all."

"Don't worry about me," Maleficent snapped. "I can hold my own."

Ray didn't flinch. "We'll see." She turned to SilverFish and Eagle. "Take them to the den. They'll join the evening hunt and pull their weight starting tonight."

SilverFish dipped his head. "Of course."

Eagle smirked slightly. "Let's hope they can keep up."

As the pack began to move, Maleficent muttered, loud enough for Madre to hear, "I told you this was a mistake."

Madre nudged her firmly. "It's only a mistake if you make it one."

Ray's voice carried back to them as the pack disappeared into the forest. "Be ready, newcomers. This pack doesn't slow down for anyone."

Maleficent narrowed her eyes, her jaw tight, but Madre spoke softly beside her. "It's time to learn, Maleficent. The world won't bend for you. But maybe, if you're smart, you'll find a place where you don't have to stand alone."

For once, Maleficent stayed silent.