Sanctuary: Safe Haven

Solara led the way to the direwolves' pens with Canna following closely behind. The air was thick with anticipation, the scent of damp earth and wild creatures filling the cavernous space. Solara moved with a regal confidence, each step echoing the authority she wielded as a disaster rank wolf.

When they reached the first pen, Solara paused, her eyes narrowing as she assessed the pack within. At least fifty direwolves, their eyes glowing with a mixture of wariness and defiance, stared back at her. Without a word, Solara let out a deep, resonant growl, and a dark, oppressive aura seemed to emanate from her body, spreading through the pen like a shadowy wave.

The reaction was immediate—all the direwolves within the pen lowered their heads, submitting to Solara's dominance without a hint of resistance. Their earlier defiance melted away, replaced by a deep-seated instinct to obey the stronger predator.

Canna watched in awe as Solara gave a mental command, her will manifesting as a silent order that rippled through the pack. The direwolves, as if they had been trained for years, obediently sat in unison, their posture respectful and subdued.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

"Impressive," Canna murmured to himself, genuinely amazed by Solara's effortless control over the pack. It was as if they had been born to follow her, their wild nature subdued by her mere presence.

Solara continued this process with the other pens, each time achieving the same result. The direwolves, whether they were solitary or in groups, all bowed to her authority. It was clear that Solara's status as a disaster rank wolf far outmatched any of the direwolves present. Even the strongest among them—those of great-calamity rank—knew better than to challenge her.

The law of the jungle was simple: the weak submitted to the strong, and Solara was undoubtedly the strongest in the room.

Soon, Solara had gathered all the direwolves in the chamber. They followed her like shadows, moving as one, their heads lowered in respect. The entire cavern seemed to pulse with the presence of these powerful creatures, their energy a palpable force that filled the air.

When they reached the open space in front of Canna, Solara commanded the direwolves to sit, and they obeyed without hesitation, forming a semi-circle around Canna. Solara then positioned herself behind him, a silent guardian overseeing the gathered pack.

Canna took a moment to survey the direwolves before him. He had initially estimated there were around 650 wolves, but now that they were all assembled, the true count was staggering—812 wolves of varying sizes and ranks, including at least 14 great-calamity wolves. Their sheer numbers and power were awe-inspiring, and Canna knew that this was an opportunity that could shape the future of his domain.

Clearing his throat, Canna stepped forward, his voice carrying a tone of authority but also understanding. "Direwolves of this place," he began, his voice echoing slightly in the cavern, "I offer you a choice. You may live your lives in my sanctuary, where you will have space to roam free, safety, and the chance to find purpose.

Some of you may become companions, mounts for those who respect your strength and spirit. Others may simply enjoy the freedom and peace that my sanctuary provides. But this choice is yours alone. If you wish to stay here, to continue living as you have, I will not force you to leave. The decision is yours."

A heavy silence followed Canna's words as the wolves processed his offer. They exchanged glances, their minds turning over the possibilities. Living in a sanctuary sounded appealing—especially after the brutal conditions under the orcs' control. Yet, they were still wary of this human and what his true intentions might be.

But as their thoughts churned, they found their eyes drifting toward Solara. The disaster rank wolf sat behind Canna, her expression unreadable, but her presence was a constant reminder of where the true power lay. Solara's eyes narrowed slightly, a subtle but potent signal.

It wasn't a command, nor was it coercion, but rather a suggestion wrapped in the unspoken understanding of the wild: to follow her meant survival. To refuse would mean isolation in a world where strength dictated all.

The wolves hesitated only for a moment longer before their collective decision was made. One by one, they bowed their heads, indicating their choice to join Canna in his sanctuary. It was a unanimous decision, influenced more by Solara's unyielding presence than by any speech Canna could have given.

Canna smiled, genuinely pleased with the outcome. He had expected some to choose freedom outside his domain, but their decision to stay with him filled him with a sense of accomplishment. What he didn't realize, however, was that Solara's subtle influence had swayed the pack far more than his words.

Solara's voice broke through Canna's thoughts. "They have chosen to stay with you," she said, her tone matter-of-fact. "I will help you move them." With that, she sat back down, her posture calm but watchful.

Canna's smile widened. "Thank you, Solara. I'm glad they decided to stay." His heart swelled with satisfaction, unaware that the wolves' choice was less about him and more about Solara's calculated tactic.

With the decision made, Canna summoned the red portal once more, the shimmering entrance to his domain opening before them. Grimruk, Flora, and Roderic were the first to step through, ensuring the area was secure and ready to receive the new arrivals. The rockfowls had already been transported earlier, and now only the direwolves remained.

Solara stood, her massive form towering over the gathered wolves. She gave a low growl, a signal for the first line of wolves to proceed through the portal. They obeyed immediately, filing through in an orderly fashion. The wolves moved with a quiet precision, their earlier wariness replaced by a sense of purpose.

Minutes passed as group after group of wolves entered the portal, their numbers flowing smoothly into the sanctuary. Solara remained at the rear, ensuring that no stragglers were left behind and that order was maintained. Her presence was a constant reassurance to the wolves, and they moved without hesitation, trusting in her guidance.

Finally, the last of the wolves stepped through, and the cavern that had once been filled with the energy of over eight hundred direwolves was now eerily quiet. Canna took one last look around, his mind already racing with plans for integrating these new inhabitants into his domain.

With a final nod to the empty chamber, Canna stepped through the portal, Noctis perched on his head as always. Solara was the last to follow, her eyes scanning the cavern one last time before she crossed the threshold.

As Canna and Solara entered the sanctuary, the red portal shimmered behind them before slowly closing, sealing off the entrance to the orc stronghold.