The standoff shattered by a crash of tusks and flesh.

The Brambletusk boar, the same one had injured Two, suddenly re-emerged from the jungle. With a feral squeal, it charged directly into the midst of the ogres, slamming into one of the larger brutes and sending it sprawling. The ogre roared in pain and fury as the boar's sharp tusks tore a gash in its side before quickly getting back up, scrambling free and vanished back into the undergrowth.

"What the fuck is happening with that crazy pig?" Three whispered in disbelief, still pressing on the wound.

As the ogre struggled to rise, clutching the injured flank, something fell from its grasp – a small, human fist-sized orb of pulsating yellow light.

"Look!" one of the Vespran shouted, her voice clear and sharp. "The beast dropped it! Over there!"

All eyes snapped to the fallen ogre. It grunted, looking down at the glowing object nearby. Its small eyes narrowed in confusion, then curiosity.

The leading Vespran's antennae twitched violently. "RETRIEVE THE ORB!" she commanded, her voice ringing. "ATTACK!!!"

In a flash of iridescent wings, the twenty Vespran warriors launched themselves forward. They skimmed just above the ground with terrifying speed and agility. The air filled by the whirring hum of their wings and the clash of chitinous armor.

The Vespran slammed into the ogre line like darting predators, their spear-tips striking – finding eyes, throats and weakpoints. The ogres roared in pain and confusion, swinging their clubs wildly but mostly hitting air when the agile wasps dodged.

The ogre who distracted by the orb at its feet, looked up too late as a Vespran swooped low. Her rapier plunged deep into the exposed neck. It gurgled and fell, blood flowing free.

"Get the orb!" the lead Vespran commanded. "NOW!!!"

Two Vespran broke from the fight, diving towards the glowing sphere.

Seizing the opportunity in the chaos, the shadow goblin acted. "Bram! NOW! GRAB HIM!"

The wolf lunged, snagging the back of Two's tunic in his jaws.

"RUN!" Three screamed, leaping onto Bram. "EVERYONE, SCATTER!"

The lightning wolves didn't need to be told twice. With a collective howl, they turned and burst into the jungle, fleeing the carnage behind. Bram, carrying the two goblins led the charge. They dodged fallen trees and thick vines, putting distance between themselves and the raging battle.

Behind, the clash intensified. More ogres fell under the Vespran onslaught.

The two wasps reached the orb. One scooped it up just before an ogre club swung struck true. The wasp holding the orb dodged, but the weapon caught her wing, tearing the fragile membrane. She screeched in pain but managed to hold onto the prize.

"RETREAT!!!" the lead Vespran ordered, seeing the orb secured. "BACK TO THE NEST!"

The Vespran warriors disengaged, their wings beating furiously when they lifted off the ground, carrying their wounded sisters and the precious treasure. They soared above the tree canopy, leaving the surviving ogres battered and confused in the clearing, their ambush a failure and their prize stolen.

-

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Bram ran like possessed through the dense jungle. The other wolves followed close behind, a grey-yellow blur against the vibrant green.

On Bram's back, Three clung on tightly, one hand gripping the wolf's thick fur, the other pressed firmly against Two's bleeding wound, trying to staunch the flow. Two was draped limply in front of him, his breathing shallow and labored, his face pale beneath his green skin.

"Hold on!" Three yelled over the rushing wind and pounding paws. "Just hold on! We're almost home!"

"Please…" Two's voice was a hoarse whisper, barely audible above the jungle sounds. He coughed weakly, fresh blood trickling from the corner of his mouth.

"Don't talk!" Three urged, voice tight with fear. "Save your strength!"

"Got… gotta tell you…" Two gasped. His eyes fluttered open. They were dull, the usual spark of life fading. "If… if I don't make it…"

"You WILL make it!" Three insisted, leaning closer, his grip on the wolf tightening. "We're getting you back to Mistress! She'll heal you! Just hang on!"

Two managed a weak, pained smile. "You… you always were the optimistic one… Three… My brother…"

His voice faded, replaced by wheezing breaths. Three felt his heart clench, a lump forming in his throat.

"You…" he choked out. "Please… don't say that. You have to live. I… we need you."

"Listen…" Two rasped, gathering what little strength remained. "Need you to… tell Mistress… I'm sorry… I failed her… Didn't protect you… the wolves…"

"No! Don't!" Three cried. "You didn't fail! You fought bravely! We all did!"

Two ignored him, his voice fading. "And tell… tell her… I… I loved serving her… Even if… even if only a short time…" His eyes closed. "Promise?"

Tears blurred Three's vision. The fierce loyalty and dedication in his comrade's words cut deep. "I promise," he whispered, his voice cracking. "I'll tell her. No! You tell her yourself! You're not going to die!"

"Just…" Two murmured, so softly Three had to lean in to hear. "Can you…do this for me…no regret. Can you… kiss me?"

Three couldn't hold back. A sob escaped him before leaning down, pressing his forehead gently against the injured goblin's. "I will. Don't you dare leave me."

Their lips met. It was a chaste kiss, born of desperation, love, and fear – a fleeting moment of connection amidst the chaos and pain. It lasted only a heartbeat, a silent vow of loyalty.

When he pulled back, Two's breathing was still shallow, but a faint smile lingered on his cracked lips.

"We're here!" Bram announced, his voice filled with relief. The jungle thinned ahead, revealing the familiar dark opening of the Nazas Dungeon entrance.

Three looked up, wiping tears and sweat from his eyes. "Hang on! Just a little longer!" he yelled. "Mistress! MISTRESS! HELP!"

Bram burst into the dungeon, the other wolves pouring in behind him. Their desperate howls echoed down the corridors.

They had made it. Barely.

Lyssandra materialized from the dungeon wall in a swirl of shadow, her form radiating authority. She strode towards the group clustered, the injured goblin still draped over Bram, Three holding him up. The other lightning wolves paced nervously nearby.

"What happened?" Lyssandra demanded, her voice echoing in the cavernous chamber.

"We was attacked!" Three blurted, his voice trembling. "A big ass boar! It came out of nowhere, rammed him and Two got thrown against a tree! The wound… it's bad, Mistress! He's losing so much blood!"

Lyssandra's eyes narrowed as she approached. "Step aside," she commanded Three, pushing him back. A vial of shimmering green liquid – a Great Healing Potion appeared in her hand. She uncorked it, preparing to pour it into Two's mouth.

Just as the vial reached his lips, the goblin's eyes fluttered open. "P-please…" he rasped weakly. "Mistress… just… g-give me t-the normal one…"

Lyssandra paused, the Great Healing Potion hovering. "Why?" she asked, genuine curiosity in her voice. "This will heal you instantly."

Two managed a faint, wincing smile. "You remember… the advice… you gave me?" He coughed, fresh blood appearing on his lips. "It's… it's working… I don't want to… waste…" His voice trailed off, eyes looking sideway at something but the implication was clear.

Lyssandra's expression softened into a knowing, wicked smile. "Oh?" she murmured. "Is it now? This is interesting, you sly little fox." She chuckled. "Very well."

The Great Healing Potion vanished, replaced instantly by a smaller vial of normal-grade healing potion.

"Suit yourself," A playful tease in her voice while she poured the green liquid into Two's mouth. This potion wouldn't heal him immediately like the great one, but it would significantly accelerate his natural healing, stopping the bleeding and reducing the pain.

Two swallowed weakly, the green color already returning faintly to his cheeks. Lyssandra carefully helped him sit up a little straighter on Bram's back. She then turned her attention to Three. Her expression became more serious but her eyes still held that knowing glint.

"Take him to his place immediately," she commanded. "Make him comfortable. See that he rests and… take care of him."

"Yes, Mistress!" Three replied, his relief palpable before lifting Two off Bram's back, supporting him with an arm around his shoulders.

Lyssandra watched them go, a small, satisfied smile playing on her lips. "Rest well," she murmured softly to their retreating backs. "Looks like you've found something worth lingering for."

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