The other soldiers rushed to his side their eyes widening as they saw Phenrix's motionless body. He was pale his skin almost blending with the lifeless leaves beneath him. A pool of dried blood surrounded him staining the ground a dark foreboding shade. Private Callaghan the group's medic knelt down next to Gamma Phenrix and began assessing his condition. "He's lost a significant amount of blood," he informed the others grimly. "We need to get him to the healer's hut immediately." Without hesitation the soldiers carefully lifted Gamma Phenrix from the ground cradling him in their arms. His weight felt heavy, a stark reminder of his fragile state. Aidan and Keith exchanged a worried glance their determination resurfacing as they realized the severity of the situation. With measured urgency the soldiers carried Phenrix through the wo
As Alpha Aidan and Beta Keith sat by Phenrix's sickbed, concern etched deeply into their faces. The room was dimly lit, the flickering candle casting long shadows on the walls, adding to the atmosphere of unease. Phenrix, still weak from his ordeal, slowly opened his eyes, confusion evident in his gaze. "Why are you silent again? You called my name and I answered what's it again? Is there anything you are trying to hide from me?" Phenrix asked. "Oh hell no!" Keith shook his head vehemently. "Why would we hide something from you. We were just so elated to see that you are finally awake. Thanks for coming back to us once again." "Phenrix, we're relieved to see you awake just like I said the other time," Alpha Aidan spoke softly, trying to ease the tension that hung in the air. "The thing is just that, we have some questions to ask you, if you feel up to answering." Phenrix nodded weakly, his voice barely a whisper. "I'll do my best." The room fell into silence for
As the sun began to set, casting a warm golden glow over the grand halls of the Alpha's residence, Aidan and Keith made their way towards Aidan's chamber. The weight of their conversation with Master Soren about Gamma Phenrix's memory loss hung heavy in the air, their minds filled with worry for their friend's well-being. The maids, Maria and Lily, greeted them with warm smiles as they walked past. The two young women had been serving the Alpha for many years, tending to his every need. Maria, with her raven hair and sparkling brown eyes, curtsied gracefully as Aidan and Keith approached. Lily, her fair complexion glowing in the soft light, followed suit. They were part of those immigrants that came to the back after the whole ruckus. "Good evening, Alpha Aidan, Keith," Maria greeted with a gentle voice, her tone filled with genuine concern. "Is there anything we can do to assist you? We know you've been going through tough times and I hope, everything will become normal a
As Casey left Master Soren's cottage, her heart heavy with the weight of Phenrix's accusations, she couldn't help but feel the eyes of the palace on her. The whispers and hushed conversations of the maids reached her ears as she made her way back to the regal halls. The news had spread like wildfire - Phenrix's terrified scream when he saw her painted her as the cause of his memory loss. It was as if a dark cloud had settled over her, casting doubt on her innocence. With each passing step, Casey felt the intensity of the palace's gaze grow. People glanced at her, their eyes filled with suspicion and judgment. She longed to shut out the world, to escape the weight of their stares. Her mind replayed the painful memory of Phenrix's words, and she fought back the tears that threatened to fall. But Casey was a warrior at heart, even if her spirit was crumbling under the weight of this unjust accusation. She couldn't let them see her vulnerability. So she straightened her back,
The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm golden glow across the courtyard of the pack house. Alpha Aidan and Keith stood side by side, deep in conversation. They have had alot to do in the past few weeks and it didn't even seem to be clearing off. "Keith, I am not just complaining. I am so so tired of everything we have been going through." Aidan lamented, his eyes darting around the courtyard. "Same here... Phenrix's absence is really weighing us down and people can't know how these things have been happening with us. There is no one to complain to and Phenrix's condition is only deteriorating. I am so scared." Keith said. "We just have to keep praying. Master Soren is doing his job. I am sure he will be okay soon. We will have to wait for the next call." "If Phenrix eventually get better... I don't think we should bother ourselves anymore on who did this and how this happened. We should just start afresh. There should be no complications." Keith suggested but i
The moon hung high in the night sky, casting an ethereal glow upon the dense forest as Keith and Aidan trudged through the thick undergrowth. Their footsteps were muffled by the carpet of fallen leaves, their breath escaping in small puffs of white against the cool night air. The shadows danced around them, as if whispering secrets in the darkness. Aidan glanced sideways at Keith, his eyes reflecting a mix of determination and concern. "Do you think we're doing the right thing, Keith? We have been making things seem too weird. I don't understand why we can't tell things to our pack members anymore. It's as if everyone has started to keep secrets and this is what breaks down a pack, you know?" Keith's jaw tightened as he clenched his fists. "I understand your worries, Aidan. But we have no other choice. Phenrix needs our help, and if this healer can provide it, then w
The sun had just begun to rise over the Pack of the Nightstar, casting a soft golden glow through the windows of Imara's chamber. Her maids, Nancy and Nara, bustled around her, adorning her in a flowing silk gown of deep purple, fit for a king's concubine. Imara's graceful figure was enhanced by the delicate embroidery that adorned the garment, and her ebony tresses were woven with pearls and adorned with intricate silver pins. As the maids fussed over her, Imara couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation building within her. The pack had not been being its usual self and Imara never stopped a day trying to make things better for everyone but it was as though it only worsen day by day. Today, she had another plan. She would seek answers from Beta O'Horan, the king's most trusted advisor. She had noticed that the king had been distant lately, not only from her but to the rest of the pack members, and the lack of his presence had left her feeling hollow. There was a particular
Beta O'Horan stepped out of his curtained chamber, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee still clinging to his robes. His mind raced with questions as he made his way towards the king's quarters, his footsteps echoing through the stone corridors of the castle. With each step he took, his anticipation grew, fueled by the mystery of the king's next step. As O'Horan walked, he glanced around, searching for any signs of the king. The guards he passed seemed oblivious, their attention focused on their assigned posts. He couldn't help but feel a pang of frustration. How could the king not have come out of his chamber since morning? Approaching a group of guards stationed by the grand staircase, O'Horan paused and inquired politely, "Have any of you seen his highness? I need to speak with him urgently. Did you see him going to his garden or maybe taking tour around the palace?" The guards shook their heads in unison, their expressions conveying both confusion and concern. "Not at a
The silence that followed was deafening, broken only by the sound of Aidan's heavy breathing. The weight of his actions settled heavily upon him, leaving him feeling hollow and empty. He glanced at Beta Keith and Gamma Phenrix and quietly muttered, "Let's go." Casey trudged through the dense forest, her swollen belly making each step an arduous task. Her exhaustion was profound as her body strained under the weight of her impending motherhood. The moon cast an ethereal glow through the thick canopy above, guiding her weary steps as she searched for a safe place to rest. For nights on end, Casey had been haunted by dreams. Visions of a place she had never seen, yet felt an undeniable connection to. Each dream held a piece of her destiny, a clue to her bloodline. And in her heart, she knew that her fate was sealed. Death loomed over her, threatening to claim her life in childbirth, just as it had taken her mother's. Desperation urged her forward, pushing her weary limbs to c
Alpha Aidan, Beta Keith, and Gamma Phenrix cautiously entered Casey's chamber, their footsteps muffled on the stone floor. The room was in order as always, but it felt barren and empty without the presence of its owner. "Casey is not in the room," Beta Keith said as the trio surveyed the chamber, their eyes scanning every corner for any sign of Casey's whereabouts. Gamma Phenrix's sharp eyes alighted on Melina's closet, and a frown pulled at his lips. "Look at Melina's closet," he whispered urgently to Alpha Aidan and Beta Keith. "It's almost empty. Something is not right. Do not tell me she packed." Alpha Aidan's brow furrowed in concern, his gaze fixated on the nearly vacant closet. "Casey must have fled, someone must have alerted her, could that be Amara?" he deduced, his voice laced with worry. "We need to find her
India's eyes bore into Casey's, brimming with an intensity that sent shivers down her spine. "Amara sent me to warn you. Beta Keith discovered your secret, she tried as much as possible to keep it," India explained, her words flowing in a rush of urgency. "He investigated, questioned Amara's apprentice, and eventually, the news reached Alpha Aidan." "I still do not know what you are talking about. Please, tell me - what did the alpha find out?" "Alpha Aidan knows already that you're pregnant." Casey's breath caught in her throat as she absorbed the weight of India's revelation. Alpha Aidan's knowledge of her pregnancy filled her with a mixture of dread and disbelief. Her hands instinctively flew to her stomach, where new life was blossoming within her. How had this secret been exposed? And, she wondered, what would Alpha Aidan do now that he knew? India's next words left Casey reeling. "The alpha is furious, Casey. And when he's angry, he becomes blind to reason. He
Beta Keith entered Alpha Aidan's chamber, his breath heavy with urgency. His eyes were wide with shock as he approached the Alpha, who was seated at his desk, engrossed in a pile of paperwork. Aidan looked up, sensing the tension in the room, and raised an eyebrow. "What is it, Keith?" Aidan asked, his voice calm but tinged with curiosity. "Alpha Aidan," Keith began, his voice hesitant, "I have news. News that will shock you, I'm afraid." Aidan leaned back in his chair, suddenly wary. "Well, go on then. What is it?" "It's about Casey," Keith replied, his voice barely above a whisper. "She's... she's pregnant. Eight months pregnant." Aidan's eyes widened in disbelief, his mind struggling to process the information. He glanced at Amara who stood silently beside him, her mouth slowly widening up in realization. Her eyes were downcast, a mix of guilt and fear evident on her face. Aidan turned back to Keith, his voice trembling with anger. "Is this true Amara? Is
And so, as the dungeon's cruel embrace tightened around Amara, the scene descended into a dark abyss—its outcome uncertain, its consequences unfathomable. Amara's body writhed in agony as the soldiers continued their relentless assault on her battered form. Each blow intensified the pain, leaving her gasping for air and clinging to the remnants of her strength. With every strike, she felt herself inch closer to the precipice of surrender. As the torture stretched on for what felt like an eternity, Amara's voice trembled with desperation. "Please," she pleaded, her voice strained and hoarse. "I can't bear this anymore. Please, I beg you." The soldiers, their faces contorted with a mixture of sadistic pleasure and exhaustion, exchanged glances. The heat of the dungeon weighed heavily on their haggard bodies. Sweat dripped down their br
The Alpha's footfalls echoed against the marble floors as he paced back and forth, his luxurious chamber serving as the backdrop to his simmering rage. A scowl etched deep lines onto his face, a testament to the fury that coiled within him. Before him stood Amara, a figure he had once trusted with his life, now defiant and unyielding. Tension hung heavy in the air, pregnant with unspoken words and unrelenting emotions. His voice, a low growl, reverberated through the chamber as he demanded answers that seemed to elude him. "Amara, why? Why won't you disclose the reason for Casey's visit?" The Alpha's eyes blazed with a fierce intensity, sending shivers down the spines of all present. Amara's unwavering gaze met his, her resolve unyielding. "Alpha Aidan," she began, her voice steady despite the charged atmosphere. "I have said it before, and I shall say it again. As a healer, I am bound by a sacred oath. The reasons behind my patients' visits are held within the sanctity of
Amara's serene hazel eyes, imbued with a quiet grace, swiftly found themselves captivated by Casey's presence. In that fleeting instant of connection, the profound surprise that washed over Amara's features was mirrored on Casey's face, her visage a canvas of unabashed astonishment. An invisible current seemed to pass between them, an unspoken plea for answers emanating from Casey's gaze. Yet, Amara could only shake her head in confusion, her own mind caught in a whirlwind of questions. "What are you doing here, Amara?" Casey's voice, barely above a whisper, carried a note of urgency. "Don't tell me you've come to bestow me with anything. Can't you see? Everyone's watching, and you know what that means." Her own bewilderment etched deeply into her expression, Amara leaned closer, her voice a mere breath escaping into the air. "Actually, no. I ha
The guard's heart pounded in his chest as he hurried out of the palace, his boots thudding against the stone path that led to the forest. The Alpha's urgent request echoed in his mind, urging him to move faster. Sweat dripped down his forehead, mingling with the beads of fear that had formed there. The forest canopy cast dappled shadows on the guard's determined face as he ran, branches whipping past him like ghosts in the wind. The urgency in his steps matched the urgency of the situation. His breath came in ragged gasps, punctuated by the symphony of nature around him. Minutes turned into eternity as he raced through the dense wood, his heart pounding like a war drum. At last, he spotted the hut nestled amidst the trees, a humble abode that held the solution to the Alpha's troubles. With a desperate hope burning in his eyes, he approached the entrance and rapped his knuckles against the worn door. Silence greeted him, the lack of response causing a ripple of uncertai
A WEEK AGO Beta O'Horan felt an overwhelming surge of eager anticipation coursing through his veins, each beat of his heart fueling his sense of duty. With a fervent nod, he etched determination into his face, fully aware that there was no alternative; they had to embark on this perilous quest if they were to save the life of His Highness. Impatiently, he implored, "We can ill afford to waste another precious moment. Pray, tell me, where can we locate this elusive wizard?" The healers exchanged urgent glances, their eyes reflecting the weight of the situation. The elder healer stepped forward, his voice trembling with urgency. "We shall exhaust every avenue available to us, Beta O'Horan," he vowed. "Our network of connections will be set in motion, for we must act swiftly. The hands of time are against us, and the destiny of the king rests in the unfathomable powers of this elusive wizard." With this renewed sense of purpose, Beta O'Horan braced himself for the treache