~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
~Ace~As we approached the building, the scent of werewolves became stronger and stronger. I wasn't sure if the smell was coming from us or the building. But I guess it was both. And what made my chest rumble was a man sitting helplessly in a chair on the porch. Right away, my feet stopped moving."Beta Ben!" Victoria tugged on my arm. "It's Beta Ben," she repeated, turning to me.I couldn't take my eyes off him. Ben's hands and feet were tied to the chair. I wasn't even sure if he was alive. The rage burning in my chest made my breathing quicken. My hands were clenched at my sides as if I wanted to crush every bone of the person who had done this to Ben.But before I could react, some people showed up. Werewolves. I don't know where they came from, but they looked well-trained. They blocked us, protecting the house."Well, well, well!" One of them, whose face was familiar, stepped forward with a mischievous grin on his lips. "I never expected to see you here, Alpha Ace," he said."Yo
~Ace~It was the biggest failure of my life. I failed to protect my pack members, I failed to protect my Luna, and I failed to protect my babies.While the people I was supposed to protect were being slaughtered, there was nothing I could do about it. I just stood there like a fool, waiting for my turn to die.Just as I was on the verge of despair, I heard a scream coming from behind me. Not just me; the hunters had stopped fighting and turned their attention in the same direction as me.I saw many wolves running towards us—dozens, maybe even more than a hundred. Then, in an instant, the fight broke out again. The wolves brutally attacked the hunters. They tore at them with their sharp claws and fangs. Slowly but surely, the wolves drove the hunters away from the house."Who are they?" A question made me turn around. Victoria limped over to me, clutching her injured arm."You all right?" I looked at her worriedly.She just nodded her head once. "Are they on our side?" she asked again.
~Victoria~I took a deep breath, letting the air fill my lungs. My heartbeat broke the silence, bringing my mind out of subconsciousness.With my eyelids closed, I savored every breath and heartbeat that flowed harmoniously. Melodious and soothing. It made me reluctant to leave, even for a moment.But the sounds from outside seemed to force my eyes open. Faintly, my ears caught the sound of children's laughter, playing with the curiosity in my mind.Slowly, I opened my eyelids and immediately felt a stabbing pain. The bright light from outside forced me to close my eyelids, silencing the pain that pierced my head. I swallowed, moistening my dry throat.It took a while for the pain to subside. Then I dared to open my eyes again. Slowly, my retinas began to adjust to the light around me. I blinked as I scanned the room.An unfamiliar sight greeted my vision: the slightly dull ceiling of the room. The paint on the walls was peeling in places, and sunlight from outside filtered through th
~Victoria~Mom. It was a call that sounded strange to my ears. Why is that boy calling me "mom"? Who is he?"Why are you so lame? You're an Alpha candidate. Don't-Vic?" Ace showed up and gave the same expression as the boy. "Oh my! Is that you? Vic? You're awake!" Ace ran over to me and hugged me tightly. "I missed you so much, Vic. I love you. I was so scared you wouldn't wake up again," he moaned in a trembling voice.I had never seen Ace that fragile. I'd never heard him speak with such a trembling voice. What the hell was going on? Why was everyone surprised to see me?"Who is that boy?" My eyes fell on the boy, who was still stunned to see Ace and me hugging.Ace broke the hug, looking at me with teary red eyes. Then he turned around and extended a hand towards the boy. Obediently, the boy approached without taking his eyes off me."This is Rylee. Don't you recognize him?" Ace put his arm around the boy's shoulders and smiled at me."Hi, Mom," the boy greeted with a sweet smile.
~Victoria~I don't know what I was feeling. It wasn't that I was unhappy; it was just that all of this felt strange. That girl hugged me tightly. I still couldn't believe my baby had grown into a beautiful girl.I moved my hands with some hesitation. My heart trembled as I embraced her slender body, and my eyes filled with tears. An invisible hand felt like it was squeezing my heart as I realized how much time I had spent without them."Rosemary, my baby girl," I whispered hoarsely.I was enjoying the intimate moment when Ace pulled Rose's hand away."Ouch! Daddy, that hurts!" complained Rose."Ace!" I questioned Ace's attitude with my gaze.Ace glanced at me but didn't give me an explanation. I saw his face harden, staring intently at Rose."I hear you, Rose. Tell me! What have you done?" He asked Rose with a demanding look and a hissing voice.I couldn't see Ace hurting my little girl. So, I got up and pulled Ace's hand away. However, Ace turned to me with a cold stare before I coul
~Victoria~"That kid needs to get a lesson!" growled Ace."Ace!" I called out to Ace, and he stopped his steps as he chased after Rose. "Let me talk to her," I continued as he turned to me.Ace's eyebrows furrowed. He seemed to doubt me. "Are you sure?" he asked.I nodded my head. I didn't know Rose's character yet, but I thought we would have a solid emotional bond based on how she reacted when she saw me. I believed that.Ace approached me and said, "She has poor anger control-""I understand. I know my limits." I touched Ace's hand and smiled at him to calm him down. Then I went to Rose's room after Ace gave a slight nod.If I'm being honest, I was nervous too. Rose was my daughter, but we were separated for a long time. I never knew her growth. I didn't even understand her temperament. That might make it difficult for me to deal with my little girl.In front of Rose's room, I knocked on the door. However, she didn't open it. Instead, a loud crash greeted me. Rose threw something a
~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