Novels by amimax

I snapped awake as the previous night's events suddenly came back to me. The recollection of the growls in the forest and the rush of adrenaline I had when Lucas and I stood together, prepared to face any challenge, made my heart hurt.The stress had been enough to keep us up most of the night, even if the attack never materialized. Lucas was sitting by the now-extinct fire with his back to the wall and his eyes closed when I turned to look at him. His brows were furrowed even while he slept, as if he was still struggling to release the weight that was on us.I pulled the tattered blanket across my shoulders and sat up quietly. Nightshade—Oliver, Maia, and all I had left behind—was on my mind.I was no longer able to run.The choice became like a big stone lodged in my chest. Retaliation was no longer the only factor. It was about liberation and confronting the monster that had ruled every aspect of my existence.I stood, and Lucas open

After hours of wandering around, we came across a cabin. With his hand hovering over the corroded handle, Lucas stopped at the door."It doesn't appear to be much," he remarked, turning to face me. "But compared to sleeping outside, it's better."I nodded, too tired to protest. Running had left my legs hurting, and the turmoil of the previous day had left my brain aching. If only for a few hours, I just wanted to pass out somewhere safe.We entered the room when Lucas creaked the door open. It was remarkably undamaged, but the air was musty and stagnant. There was a shabby couch in the middle of the room, its cushions sagging but still functional, and a little fireplace against one wall.As we shut the door behind us, Lucas muttered, "This will do." He went quickly to inspect the windows to make sure we weren't being followed. His movements were quick and precise.With everything finally weighing on me, I collapsed onto the couch. I pressed my trem

"Lucas!" I called.“I’m here,” he answered, his shirt torn and stained with blood. Relief came over me, but it was short-lived as I took in the exhaustion etched into his face.“What now?” I whispered, my throat tight.“We find Thalion,” he said firmly, though his eyes betrayed his doubt.We proceeded together through the devastation, stepping over fallen bodies and shattered weapons. The pack that had offered us sanctuary, strength, and answers was now in ruins.“There!” Lucas pointed ahead.I followed his gaze and saw Thalion slumped against a jagged boulder, his breathing heavy. His once-imposing form was now a shell of itself, his robes saturated with blood that pooled beneath him.“Thalion!” I cried, running to his side.His eyes flickered open at the sound of my voice. “Anna,” he rasped, his voice scarcely audible.“Don’t try

“They’re close,” Lucas whispered beside me, his voice tense with strain.I nodded, my eyes scouring the darkness. Thalion had stationed troops throughout the perimeter, their sharp eyes shining faintly in the moonlight. My fingers flexed, and I could feel the strange energy pouring through me, a force that was both foreign and familiar."Are you prepared for this?" Lucas touched my hand and asked.I looked up into his concerned eyes. "No," I said, "but that's irrelevant. We must battle them because they are here."A howl pierced the night before he could reply, sending a shiver down my spine. It was followed by another, and another, until the sound of wolves howling together filled the air.With a grim expression, Thalion walked forward and remarked, "They're signaling their attack. Go to your places, everyone!"The camp came alive with activity. Warriors sprang into defensive positions around the central area, moving quick

The first rays of morning seeped through the canopy, the woodland was strangely calm. The cool morning air caress my skin as I sat by myself on a rock next to the stream. My thoughts raced with uncertainties and anxieties, and sleep had become elusive. I was troubled by the scout's report of Crescent Grove's devastation, and the howl from the night before continued to reverberate in my mind like a gloomy echo.I had been awakened by something else, though—a sensation that was like a whisper calling my name from deep within my chest."Anna."The clearing seemed deserted, but I flinched and spun around. My chest was thumping in my ribcage. "Who is there?"Quiet.I ran a hand through my hair and let out a shaky gasp. Perhaps I was finally feeling the effects of the pressure. However, a wave of energy swept through the air as I turned back toward the stream, and I realized that I was not alone."Anna," the voice repeated, a little lower.

I stood outside the tent that Anna and I shared, looking for any movement in the tree line."I don't like this," I whispered to myself.From behind me, Anna's voice said, "Neither do I."She was standing there with her arms wrapped around herself to protect against the cold wind when I turned back. Her face was pale but determined, and her hair was a little unkempt. Neither of us had slept well, nor had she.I replied in a hushed voice, "Thalion mentioned that the scouts had seen strange wolves close to the northern border. It doesn't take a genius to figure out who it might be, but they didn't get a good look."Anna muttered, "Oliver," her face stiffening.I gave a nod. The timing couldn't be worse. He must have been informed of our whereabouts by someone.Anna narrowed her eyes and scowled. "Who would turn on us like that? For centuries, this pack has remained secluded. Even outsiders aren't trusted by them.""That's my conce