The sun dipped low behind the skyline as the Feral Eclipse tour van rolled into Chicago, the buildings towering like monuments to rhythm and chaos. The neon of clubs and radio towers flickered to life one by one as the van crept toward its destination — a grungy but legendary venue called The Emberline in the heart of the city.

Their debut album No Chains Left had dropped online just three days ago. Already, their single “Howl With Me” was crawling up the indie charts. And tonight? They had a sold-out show, a line wrapped around the block, and a live FM radio interview and acoustic set slotted just before doors opened.

Gabriel practically kicked the door open when the van stopped. “We’re here! The wolves have landed!”

Jonah peeked out the curtain in the back. “People are lining up already. I think someone’s got a Feral Eclipse shirt on.”

“I’ll sign someone,” Cassie muttered, double-checking her eyeliner in the rearview mirror.

Mark unfolded himself from the backseat with a grunt. “Remind me why we’re doing radio before soundcheck?”

“Because,” Thane said, stepping out with a coiled XLR cable slung over his shoulder, “marketing is part of survival.”

Up on the 9th floor of a narrow brick building, inside a low-lit studio filled with tapestries and cables, DJ Lexi Luna was already spinning their track when the crew arrived.

“And that was Feral Eclipse with their debut single — tell me that didn’t wake your inner beast. And guess what? The whole pack just walked in. Thane, Gabriel, Cassie, Rico, Jonah — welcome to WXRF!”

The band squeezed into the tiny space, claws tapping nervously against mic booms.

“So,” Lexi asked, her eyes lighting up, “who came up with the name Feral Eclipse? Because it slaps.”

Rico grinned. “That was Thane.”

Lexi looked over at the muscular brown werewolf at the back of the room. “The quiet one’s got good taste.”

Gabriel leaned into the mic. “He’s full of surprises.”

Thane gave a slow smile and nodded. “It fit. Controlled chaos. Beauty in the wild. Light and shadow in the same breath.”

“Damn,” Lexi whispered. “Okay, philosopher wolf.”

After a few questions about the album, tour life, and who throws the most tantrums in the van (Jonah immediately raised his hand with pride), it was time for a live acoustic track. Gabriel picked up the bass with a cheeky grin, and Rico and Maya slid into position. Cassie stepped up, voice ready.

The stripped-down version of “No Chains Left” rolled through the airwaves like a chill down a spine — raw, growling, and beautiful.

Lexi finally exhaled after the last soft note of “No Chains Left” faded into silence, the hum of the studio gear filling the space like held breath.

“That was live, y’all. No filters. No tricks. Just straight power.”

The band stayed still for a moment, soaking in the calm that followed. Even Jonah was quiet — a rare occurrence.

Lexi leaned into her mic again, grinning. “Listeners, if you’re not already lined up outside The Emberline, what are you even doing with your Friday night? Doors open in an hour. Feral Eclipse hits the stage with claws out, and from what I just heard in this room, you’re gonna want front row.”

She turned back toward the group. “Final question before we let you escape — what’s one word that describes tonight’s show?”

Cassie answered without missing a beat. “Unleashed.”

Maya followed with a smirk. “Loud.”

Rico: “Tight.”

Jonah (grinning): “Sweaty.”

Gabriel leaned into the mic like he was about to confess a secret. “Feral.”

Lexi laughed. “That’s the brand, baby. You heard it here. Feral Eclipse, live tonight in Chicago. Their album No Chains Left is out now, and if it doesn’t make you growl under your breath in public, you’re listening wrong.”

She tapped the console, queued the next track — another cut from their record — and gave the pack a wink.

“Now get outta here and go break the stage.”