~Victoria~Ace grabbed my hand, pulled me away from Rylee and Rose, and shoved me against the wall."What the hell are you doing?" Ace glared at me."What?" I made a face, not understanding what Ace was talking about. Suddenly, he came and pulled me up and peppered me with questions."They will not join this attack!" Ace's voice sounded hissing, half growling.Ace looked quite furious. From the beginning, Ace had never agreed with me getting involved in anything to do with the hunters. He wanted me to stay and look after my babies. But I couldn't. There was a strong urge inside of me. I didn't know what it was, but it felt like a great force I couldn't control. I wanted to see the hunters destroyed."For what, for them?" I pointed at Rylee and Rose. "Listen, Ace! You won't be able to stop me!""Victoria!" Ace growled, ruffling his hair and rubbing his face roughly. "I don't want anything bad to happen to you and our babies! Don't you get it, huh?""If you cared about me and the babies
~Victoria~My brain was still wondering what exactly had happened. There was still some doubt that it was the hunters until I saw them with my eyes. The masked men were beating up the warriors who got in their way."Watch over Luna Victoria!" ordered Beta Ben.The warriors formed a barricade—a formation to protect me. But that wasn't what I needed right now. I had to get back to the twins and get them to safety. Unfortunately, I couldn't do that. No matter how strong the barricades were, the hunters seemed to have no fear anymore. They attacked us with their bare hands, occasionally firing silver bows."Luna, look out!" one of the warriors shouted.I turned to see the warrior running towards me, knocking me to the ground."No!" My eyes widened as I saw a silver bow stuck in the warrior's back.I was so distracted by what I was thinking that I didn't even realize I was about to get killed. If the warrior hadn't sacrificed himself, it was certain that the arrow would have remained in my
~Ace~The attack we planned could have gone better. This mission was a complete waste. When we arrived at the location, there were only empty, uninhabited buildings. There wasn't a single hunter to be found. And I couldn't stop my brain from thinking that this was all a trap."Are you playing with me?" I hissed as I turned around.I saw Jared looking around as if searching for something. He looked surprised, but that didn't fool me. I was sure he knew something."What the hell you doing, you bastard?" I growled, bringing out my fangs and claws.The wolf in me couldn't wait to take control. Jared Waltz had tricked me. So, he deserved harsher retribution."You misunderstand me, Alpha Ace." Jared focused his eyes on me. His calm demeanor did not fool me."Then what is this, huh? I don't see a single hunter here!" I fumed."I think they already know our plan." Jared was still elusive."Of course, they know. Because you told them first!" I gritted my teeth, unable to control my rapid breat
~Ace~We were all sad, but that didn't mean we had to fall and mourn what had happened. I ordered some scouts to look for information about Rylee and Rose. The existence of the hunters is like a ghost, but that doesn't mean they can't be found. I was sure they were out there somewhere. And I have to work a little harder to see them."I see the door's not closed. You're still here." I walked over to Victoria, who seemed to be seriously studying a journal.It wasn't just me; Victoria was no less diligent. I had hardly seen her leave the library in the last few days. She told me that she wanted to find out everything about her ancestors. Victoria collected old journals. Even I had never opened them. She lamented that, as a Salvatore descendant, she was so blind to her ancestry."I still have a lot of journals to read," Victoria said without looking away.My eyes were drawn to the pile of journals in the corner of the table. Some journals were open, and others looked neat."Have you found
~Victoria~I made sure that I got all the items that were needed to perform the ritual. Everything was listed in the journal. I was thankful that the items were quite easy to get. However, Ace had to hunt for fresh deer blood."All set?" Ace came in while I was getting ready."Did you get the deer blood?" I asked back."Yes," Ace replied shortly."Good. Then everything we need is complete," I said, turning to Ace. "Help me carry Rylee and Rose's clothes," I asked him.Ace just nodded and picked up the clothes I showed him. We then walked into the room that Ace had prepared for the ritual."Where did you put the deer's blood?" I asked as we entered the room."Over there!" Ace walked ahead of me and pointed to a bucket in the corner of the room. "Where should I put it?" He pointed to the baby clothes in his hand."Just put it over there," I replied, pointing to the chair next to Ace.First, I had to make a pentagram out of fresh deer blood. The sight of so much blood in the bucket made
~Victoria~The sound of people talking reached my ears. It was faint, then slowly became apparent. When I opened my eyes, the first thing I saw was the ceiling of my room. Then, suddenly, the memory of the last thing I did shook my soul. I woke up with my heart pounding and my breath catching in my throat."Victoria!" Ace called my name and ran over to me."Rylee, Rose? Where are my babies?" My eyeballs rolled around, but I couldn't find my twins anywhere."Calm down!" Ace grabbed both my shoulders as he locked his eyes with mine. "They're not here," he said."Stop lying! I saw them. I can't possibly misidentify the babies I gave birth to!" I tried to convince Ace that I had found my twins.But Ace just shook his head. His sturdy fingers grabbed my shoulders more firmly. Ace told me, "We're doing a ritual, remember? Our minds are connected to Rylee and Rose through a mind link. None of what we saw before was real. You got that?""What?" I had almost forgotten about the ritual."And th
~Victoria~Ace and I tried to read the map, but neither understood it."Maybe Ed knows," Ace said after we completely gave up hope.There was no idea. The descriptions on the map were not written in the alphabet but in symbols, which frustrated Ace and me. I had never seen such symbols in my life."Then we should go back now." I nodded in agreement with Ace.Ace called for the elders. Ed and Ace gathered all the elders because we needed many heads to solve this problem. Each of them might know the meaning of the symbols."I found this map at the Russell residence." Ace unfolded the map in front of the elders. "Anyone familiar with these symbols? Please explain them to me," he asked.Ed brought the map forward, and the other elders looked closer."I've never seen these symbols before," Vonn said."It looks like this map was created during the Middle Ages." Ed pointed at the map. "Isn't this similar to the symbol in the Treaty of Amupalla?""Agreed." Vonn turned to Ed. "Could this map b
~Ace~Everything is still grey. Every decision I made was risky. I had thought about inviting an alliance of several packs, but I gave up on that idea. The South River Pack had been a mistake, and I didn't want to make it again because I didn't know who my friends and enemies were."Ace!" Victoria's soft voice caught my attention. I saw so much hope in Victoria's eyes. She was waiting for my answer, waiting for my decision."We're leaving now!" I interrupted.Victoria's lips curled into a smile. I'm sure she knew the risks of this decision, but her look showed an understanding of mine. We would do anything to save Rylee and Rose, even if our lives were on the line.As planned, Ben went first to assess the situation. We were all unaware of this situation. I still had the slightest doubt that my twins were there. That's why I will only involve a few people. Only the five best warriors will go with us."Everyone ready?" I looked at their faces."Whenever you give the order, Alpha," one o
~Rose~The party began. Bonfires were lit, and music played. Everyone was happy. Beer and venison were the main dishes. Everyone partied, danced and enjoyed the beer. That was for the adults. For us children, they forbade us from drinking beer and gave us fresh lemonade. There were only a few children in the pack. While I struggled to adapt to this new place, Rylee was already familiar with the other children. But it didn't matter. I could handle it."Hi, Rose," a boy with dark curly hair and bright brown eyes greeted me. He looked awkward and shy with red cheeks."Hi," I replied."Do you mind if I sit here?" He pointed to the seat next to me.I was actually in the mood to be alone. I'd rather sit by myself and watch the people partying. But I promised myself I would change. I wouldn't be the rude Rosemary anymore. So, I allowed him to sit next to me."Yes, of course," I said.The boy smiled broadly and sat down beside me. Then he held out his hand and introduced himself. "I'm Robby.
~Rose~The next day was my busiest day. I had to pack all my things. I had so much stuff that I needed four big suitcases to fit it all in."Dad! Help me!" I called from the door.Dad, who was talking to Uncle Ben, turned and said, "I'll be right there."I frowned at Dad's answer. These suitcases were so heavy. I wouldn't be able to carry them to the car by myself.I turned around and left, stomping my feet. I stood by the window waiting for Dad while I watched Rylee load the suitcases into the car trunk. I was surprised to see that Rylee had so few things."Didn't he bring all his stuff?" I muttered."Who doesn't bring all the stuff?" That question made me turn around immediately."Uncle Ben? Where's Dad?" I asked, looking towards the door."Luna Victoria needs his help. Sorry, I came in. Your door wasn't closed," Uncle Ben replied.I was annoyed. Wasn't I the one who called Dad first? Why does it always have to be Mom first?"So, what can I do for you?" Uncle Ben asked later.I was
~Rose~"Dad, can I have some time alone with Collin?" I looked up at Dad, hoping he would permit me.Dad smiled. "Sure, sweetheart. I'll leave you two alone," he said, kissing my forehead."Thanks, Dad," I said.Dad left the room after that. I can't explain my feelings. Collin looked sick, and I couldn't bear looking at him."Sorry," I started the conversation after hearing the room door close.Collin smiled weakly. "Why apologize? It's not your fault.""You got like this because you saved me," I said."You think so?" Even in his weakened state, Collin made a skeptical face. "I hate my father. I don't want him to get what he wants," he continued.I didn't want to argue with Collin. Whether what he said was true or not, he had saved me."Whatever it is, thank you," I said."I accept your thanks," Collin replied with a smile.We were silent for a moment. No one spoke, and only the monitor's sound could be heard."Why are you looking at me like that?" Collin's question snapped me out of
~Rose~I thought I was dead. I still remember how much it hurt when Dad stabbed me in the chest. I don't know how to describe it, but the pain was unbelievable. All the horrible things I saw about King Salvatore made me want to die. He had to be stopped, and the only way was to kill me. I was like a mother to this demon, and I didn't want him to use my body to commit such a terrible crime.Surprisingly, I didn't expect to wake up, but I am still alive. Whether I should be grateful or not, I was scared to death when I first opened my eyes and saw the light. Everything was so bright that it felt like my eyes were being pierced, and it hurt like hell. I went into shock, and after a while, I started to feel better. The doctor examined me and explained that I was in the hospital. I asked who had brought me to the hospital, and the doctor said my father did. The doctor also said that my family was waiting outside. Thank God, because I was afraid that Mr. Adams would take me to the hospital.
~Victoria~I was talking to Mala, but Rose's screams immediately caught my attention. I turned to her, and panic gripped me. My daughter's hands were clenched into fists, and her eyes were wide. Rose's breathing was rapid. The monitor screen showed a significant increase in heart activity. She looked frightened. I took Rose's hand and stroked her head."Rose. It's Mommy, honey," I whispered, hoping she could hear me."What happened?" Ace came and stood beside me.I turned to Ace and replied, "I don't know. I was talking to Mala, and suddenly Rose became like this.""Baby, can you hear me?" Ace moved closer to Rose and stroked her face, but there was still no response. Rose was still in the same condition. "Call the doctor!" he ordered.My trembling hand pressed the nurse call button. A nurse arrived shortly after that. Ace and I made room for the nurse to examine Rose."She just started screaming. Please do something," I explained without prompting.The nurse didn't seem to know what
~Ace~"Ace," the soft call echoed in my ears. I felt a soft touch on my shoulder. I feel so tired. My muscles felt stiff. But suddenly, my blood rushed, and my eyes snapped open as I remembered what had happened to my daughter."Rose!" I woke up spontaneously. "Hey, it's me. It's okay!" Victoria held my shoulders. She sat next to me, took my fingers, and smiled warmly. "We're at the hospital. Rose is stable."I turned to the bed and saw my daughter on life support. I don't know how many times my heart broke seeing my daughter lying there helpless. I thought she was dead, but she had survived."I woke you up because you were sweating a lot. Nightmare?" Victoria looked worried. Ever since Alpha Mark and Alpha Sanchez invaded my home, all I could think about was how to keep my family safe. The nightmares made me afraid to sleep. I'm thankful that Beta Ben helped me get through it all. My Beta was the savior I never thought would come at the right time. I thought he had died thirteen y
~Ace~As a father, I felt a great sense of failure knowing that my daughter was in danger. I had entrusted her to the wrong man. Maxton Adams, I swore that I would tear his body apart. I promised I would crush his heart with my own hands.I sniffed the trail my daughter left. I sniffed at home. Rose came home, but I didn't find her there.If I'm right, Rose is in the cursed place where Maxton Adams performed the Alpha King Salvatore resurrection ritual."Motherfucker! I will kill Maxton Adams if he dares to lay a hand on my daughter!" I swear by the moon goddess.The place was far away, in the middle of the forest. I drove hundreds of miles from home to the forest, following my instincts until my daughter's scent grew more assertive. I ran into the woods."It's not far from here." I stopped for a moment. My breathing quickened in sync with my rising heartbeat. My eyes darted around. I could only hear the sounds of the nocturnal animals in the area, but I was sure my daughter's whereab
~Rosemary~I screamed, but no one listened. I cried bitterly, but no one cared. All I could see in front of me was a bunch of crazy people performing a ritual while casting spells. I was tired. I was in pain. I wanted to go home."Mom, Dad, take me home!" I begged with a voice I couldn't even hear.I closed my eyes and remembered all my good memories with my family. No more sobs were coming out of my mouth, but the tears were flowing harder and harder. Then, suddenly, everything went silent. The voices of the spell casters faded, and all I could hear was Rylee's laughter. I missed him."Rylee, I'm sorry." If this was the last day I lived and God gave me a chance to hug Rylee, I wanted to tell him I was sorry.I knew it wasn't real, but seeing Rylee laughing and taunting me felt natural. It was just an illusion, but the corners of my lips turned up. I missed him. I realized that he was the one who had always tried to protect me. He always took care of me when Dad wasn't around.The nex
~Rosemary~I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes. Mr. Adams was the one behind the attack on Collin's house. But why would he do that?"Oh, Rosemary. I'm sorry if I frightened you." Mr. Adams made a concerned expression, but I knew it was fake."Why are you doing this?" I dared to ask.My head felt empty. I couldn't think. I still didn't believe that what Collin had said about Mr. Adams was true. But I don't think so Mr. Adams is a demon worshipper. If he can do all that and act like an angel while all he's doing is acting like a demon, then he's a demon himself.Dad was fierce and strict with me, but he never hurt me like Mr. Adams hurt Collin. Dad never hurt Mom either, even though Mom was in a coma for a very long time. If Dad wanted, he could have remarried another woman and sought his happiness, but Dad chose to be loyal to Mom and take care of her until she woke up from her coma. I am so thankful to have my family. I can't imagine what life must have b