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Chapter 17: The persistent shadows
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
Claimed by a Disabled Alpha Chapter 18: The Silence Before the Storm
Serena’s POVThe faint rays of light from the morning sun filtering through the curtains danced across the room, but they were unable to dispel the gloom that persisted in my thoughts. Even after Derek left at least for the time being I was still plagued by a nagging discomfort. My heart raced at the sound of the floors creaking and the whisper of wind outside.I threw on some basic clothing that would not restrict my movement and dressed fast. Although I knew it wouldn't help, there was a part of me that wanted to hide in the mansion's protection. Derek could break in again if he could get in once.I discovered myself meandering through the mansion's hallways as the quietness enveloped me. Its grandeur had always been reassuring, but now it felt chilly and empty, like a fortification with gaps invisibly visible. I had to know what Darius was up to, what he was planning to keep us safe.I headed for the training grounds, where the fighters were already in full swing, their movements c
Claimed by a Disabled Alpha Chapter 19: The Storm’s Whispers
Serena’s POVThe next several days were a nervous hush, the quiet before the coming storm. All members of the pack were extremely vigilant, with their senses sharpened, anticipating Derek's next move. Every aspect of the area was precisely guarded, patrols were doubled, and traps were set. But despite taking all the necessary safety measures, my uneasiness persisted.Throughout the day, I tried to keep myself occupied by assisting where I could and avoiding thinking about the fear that was bothering me. But the roughest times came at night. I saw Derek every time I closed my eyes. His sly smile, his menacing, sly stare. Even in the security of the mansion, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was stuck and defenseless.It was the same tonight.As I lay in bed, the room filled with the soft noises of the night while I stared up at the ceiling. Even though Darius had departed to check on the patrols hours earlier, I could still feel his weight hovering over the spot he typically took up
Claimed by a Disabled Alpha Chapter 20: The Night’s Echoes
Serena’s POVAfter Darius left, there was an intolerable silence. I stood in the center of the room, staring at the door as my heart pounded in my ears. My instinct was to follow him and make sure he was okay. However, I had committed. And I knew that I had to trust him, even though I detested feeling helpless.I paced the room, ideas buzzing in my head. The guards had seen what? Was that Derek? Or was it even worse? My mind was filled with questions, each one more sinister than the last.I strolled over to the window and looked out into the darkness. Dark and still, the forest spread out in front of me, but I knew differently. Somewhere out there was Derek. Holding out. Observing. The idea gave me the creeps.I tried to see the bright side of things: Darius was powerful, the pack was on high alert, and he assured me that nothing would happen. But when dealing with someone like Derek, promises were meaningless. He had previously demonstrated his ability to overcome obstacles and contr
Claimed by a Disabled Alpha Chapter 21: The Sign of Conflict
Serena’s POVAs I gazed at the ripped flag dangling from the tree, representing Derek's former pack, flapping in the chilly evening wind, I couldn't help but feel uneasy. My heart began to race, sending shivers down my spine. This was no mishap. This served as a signal that Derek wasn't quite done. Not at all.Darius's jaw was tightened as he stood perfectly still, staring at the banner. I could see the anger seething beneath his composed attitude, the barely restrained fury just waiting to explode.Kade spoke softly as he cautiously walked up to him. "What do you think this means, Alpha?""It's evident," Darius yelled, his tone piercing with rage. He is informing us of his impending arrival and that he is prepared for battle.My heart fell. The quiet times I had spent with Darius he had been illusory, with a delusion of safety. All along, Derek had been organizing this. Now that he had made his intentions known, all he needed to do was wait for the appropriate opportunity to strike.
Claimed by a Disabled Alpha Chapter 22: A Bloody Message
Serena’s POVThe scout's comments lingered in the air as the room slipped into a tense quiet. Inked with blood? The thought turned my stomach. I glanced at Darius, who had become still, his jaw tightly clinched. This was more than simply a warning; I could tell what he was thinking without him having to speak a word. It was an announcement.Darius gestured to the warriors without saying anything, and they followed him to the entrance. He glanced in my direction once, his black eyes filled with a mix of rage and protectiveness."Remain here," he commanded in a quiet yet firm voice. "I have to investigate this. Right now, I don't want you anywhere close to the southern border.However, Darius, I began to object, but my voice caught in my throat."I truly mean it, Serena," he cut in with a pointed tone. I'm not willing to take any chances if this is Derek. This place is safer for you.Reluctantly, I nodded, even though my gut told me to follow him. Though I knew Darius was just trying to
Claimed by a Disabled Alpha Chapter 23: In the Wolf’s Clutches
Serena’s POVFear filled me as Derek's hand tightened around my mouth and I found it difficult to breathe. My heart raced in my chest, almost giving way to panic. How did he discover me? How on earth had he gotten so close and no one had noticed? Derek had been waiting for the right opportunity to lurk, but I had been too preoccupied with Darius and the others to notice."I told you, Serena," he muttered, his breath hot against my ear. I own you. I'm going to make sure you remember it forever now.I attempted to turn away, but his hold was unbreakable. My thoughts raced, frantically trying to find a way out, but Derek was too powerful. He pinned me to the tree with his body against mine, and I could feel his sheer force radiating outward. Now that he had me where he wanted, he had waited for this, planned this.As I battled against him, my heart pounded so loudly I thought it might burst, and my breathing came in short, frantic gasps. I had to maintain my composure. I needed to reflec
Claimed by a Disabled Alpha Chapter 24: A Silent Moment
Serena’s POVThe night was still for the first time in what seemed like an eternity. The sounds of the woodland and the refreshing breeze rustling through the trees had replaced the commotion caused by Derek's attack. My heart was still pounding, and my mind was anything but peaceful, even in this silent moment. This isn't over, Derek said, his words echoing in my mind like a spectral whisper.With his arms encircling me, Darius seemed to be able to protect me from the looming darkness on the horizon. However, I was aware of this. It wasn't over yet. With Derek, it never was.Even though Derek was restrained and under watch by the warriors, I couldn't get rid of the notion that he posed a threat. I was left wondering how he had gotten past all of Darius's protections because he had gotten to me tonight, right under our noses.I think Darius noticed my discomfort because he retreated a little, looking into my eyes. He spoke steadily and calmly, "Serena, you're safe now." "Derek will ne
Claimed by a Disabled Alpha Chapter 25: The Inherent Enemy
Serena’s POVI stopped in place as I saw the traitor's mark etched into the doorframe. It was a chilling sight. The world appeared to blur, and my heart pounded loudly in my ears. My room had been broken into while I was asleep. Someone in our group.I staggered away from the entrance, gasping for air as I tried to figure out what this meant. A thousand questions flooded my head as it rushed. How could they have entered without anyone seeing? Was it a warrior, perhaps? Someone I had confidence in?The most important query of all was: how long had they been collaborating with Derek?I needed to locate Darius. He required immediate knowledge about this.I quickly left the room without giving it a second thought, running toward his office with my footsteps resonating down the hallway. The weak illumination of the moon created sweeping shadows on the walls of the hauntingly calm home. With each stride, my heartbeat accelerated, and I could sense someone watching me from the shadows of my
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Claimed by a Disabled Alpha Chapter 52: Unpredictable Partners
Serena’s POVThe quiet that followed the fighting was nearly as eerie as the actual combat. The ground had stopped shaking, the Ancients were gone — for the time being — and the mist was still there, thick and heavy around us. My legs trembled as I stumbled to my feet, but I couldn't let myself relax just yet. Too many questions remained, and too many threats hung over us.Kade was standing next to me, looking around the wreckage for any lingering danger. Even though he was tense and prepared for another assault, I could see that he was relieved. We had won, at least for a little while.Kade whispered softly, "You did it," in a tone that was equal parts admiration and worry. "You put an end to them."With a sorrowful heart, I shook my head. "Not for very long."I was immediately reminded of that by the witch, and I could see the smug enjoyment in her eyes as I looked at her. She watched us with her arms folded, as though she had planned the whole thing. Perhaps she had. However, for t
Claimed by a Disabled Alpha Chapter 51: The Fury of the Ancients
Serena’s POVThe Ancients' soaring bodies created long, ominous shadows across the ruins, causing the ground to quiver. I could feel the whole force of their power bearing down on my chest as their luminous eyes fixed us. It was oppressive, like to being caught in an unavoidable maelstrom.Kade was standing next to me with his jaw gritted and his blade raised. "What do we do, Serena?"My heart pounding, I tightened my hold on the incandescent artifact. "The line is held by us."I could sense the Ancients' overpowering strength as they drew nearer, their bodies comprised of smoke and shadow, their forms changing and distorting. When confronted with the full brunt of their strength, I wasn't sure if the relic would be sufficient to weaken them, as the witch had claimed.With their eyes wide with dread but resolute, the warriors surrounded me in a protective circle. I could feel the uncertainty in the air, but Kade's yelling commands kept them steadfast. The Ancients were more than just
Claimed by a Disabled Alpha Chapter 50: The Silence Before the Storm
Serena’s POVOnce the Ancient's scream subsided, there was an overwhelming silence in the chamber. The relic's golden glow had faded, leaving the air thick with tension and a subtle burnt smell. I remained gripping my chest, where the magic had spread like wildfire through me, as I sat on the chilly stone floor.Knelt next to me, Kade put his hand on my arm. "Serena, you succeeded. You made the Ancient weaker.I nodded as I tried to gather my thoughts. I could still feel the stone's power pulsing through my body. "But wasn't that just one of them?"Kade's face became glum. Indeed. There are still more.The witch moved forward, approaching us with her chains clinking softly. Even though her eyes were beaming with laughter, something colder and more calculated was now present. With a mocking, seductive voice, she replied, "You barely managed to stop one." "What do you anticipate happening when the others arrive?"I pushed myself off the ground by balling my fists. "You said we could sto
Claimed by a Disabled Alpha Chapter 49: Arousing the Ancients
Serena’s POVBelow us, the floor trembled furiously, and there seemed to be a palpable energy pulsating through the chamber's walls. I stopped, the low rumble growing louder, my hand hovering above the relic. Amidst the thickening magic in the air, dust and loose stones began to descend from the ceiling, smothering us.The witch said again, "They're coming," with a sick joy in her voice. You know what, Serena? They would know as soon as you touched that artifact.With furious flashes in his eyes, Kade pulled out his blade. "You played us! He stepped toward the witch, growling."You were warned, didn't I? Despite the mayhem unfolding all around us, she answered in a composed tone. "I warned there would be repercussions."I balled my hands and willed myself to remain composed. "Now what should we do? How are we going to stop them?"The witch grinned, a slow, menacing smile taking hold of her features. "They are unstoppable. All you can do is get by.Kade's sword grip became firmer. "Aft
Claimed by a Disabled Alpha Chapter 48: The Start of the Journey
Serena’s POVKade and I stood at the cave's entrance, watching the warriors get ready for the journey as the early morning light crept through the woods. There was a noticeable strain in the air. Everyone was aware of the risks involved, and the uncertainty about the witch's credibility made matters worse.Kade grunted, pulling his sword's strap tighter. "I still don't like this." It is risky to take her with us."I understand," I said quietly in return. "But we need her if that's the truth about the relic."With a groan, Kade ran his hand through his hair. And should she be lying?"I met his eyes, the decision weighing heavily on my heart. "After that, we handle her."The witch appeared from the cave before Kade could reply, her hands still chained but her eyes beaming with laughter. A cunning smirk tugged at her lips as she turned to face me. "Serena, are you up for an adventure?"I continued speaking steadily while crossing my arms. This is not your place to rule. Please guide us t
Claimed by a Disabled Alpha Chapter 47: The Contract of the Witch
Serena’s POVI stood at the entrance to the chamber where the witch was being imprisoned, and the tension in the cave was palpable. My pulse raced as I realized what I was going to do. As Kade said, we couldn't rely on her. Could I afford to turn away, though, if she knew anything that would save the pack?The witch was interested in a bargain, Elara had mentioned, but there was always a catch with someone like her. I still had no option. We had limited time left before the Ancients arrived. I had to know what her knowledge was.With his arms crossed and a serious expression, Kade stood next to me. He murmured, "I don't like this, Serena." "She has been engaging in games with us since the beginning.""I understand," I said in a calm yet doubtful tone. "But we should give her a chance to speak if she knows anything about the Ancients."Kade clinched his jaw, obviously not pleased with my choice. "If she makes any attempts""I'll manage it," I snapped back, glaring at him. Just keep it
Claimed by a Disabled Alpha Chapter 46: Fire Trial
Serena’s POVAs I stood across from Kade, the tension in the cave was palpable. This was an actual test now, not just practice. I could feel the subtle buzz of magic beneath my skin as my heart pounded. It was one thing to call upon the power but putting it to use in combat was quite another.Kade has a concentrated, piercing stare. Calm yet serious, he said, "This isn't about me being your friend right now, Serena." "I'm approaching this like a genuine conflict. You must follow suit.I swallowed the lump in my throat and nodded. "I comprehend."He rolled his shoulders and gave a knuckle snap. Alright. Now let's get started.Kade lunged toward me without notice, his motions fluid and swift. My heart was pounding as I barely managed to dodge to the side as my instincts took over. Although I had previously trained with Kade, this felt unique. He was no longer hesitant or holding back."Pay attention!" Kade gave a wide arc with his arm as he growled.He punched me, and I dodged as the wi
Claimed by a Disabled Alpha Chapter 45: Training for the Inevitable
Serena’s POVNervous tension was humming through the cave. Though none of them realized the entire scope of the threat, the pack sensed something was approaching. But I was beginning to, or at least I had done. Peering out of the shadows were the ancients, ancient forces of evil that outdated our knowledge. The only thing that could save us was my recently awakened power, but I had no idea how to use it."Kade, how am I supposed to fight something I haven't seen?" I questioned, a hint of annoyance in my voice. "With your encouragement, I was able to summon the magic today, albeit barely."Kade folded his arms and studied me intently. Serena, you did more than just call it forth. You were in charge of it. That is the initial action.Elara took a step forward, serious on her face. "You are becoming more powerful within. But it's erratic and untamed. You must swiftly begin your training. The Ancients are impatient.I took a deep breath. "Where even do we start?"Kade advised, pacing back
Claimed by a Disabled Alpha Chapter 44: Unveiling Authority
Serena’s POVI gazed at Elara, her words circling through my thoughts. You have always contained the magic. Even though it sounded unlikely, I was forced to accept it considering what had transpired with the witch."How can I manage it? My question was hardly audible above a whisper.Elara’s gaze softened. “Magic like yours is rare, Serena. It is connected to instinct and feeling. You have to learn to trust it and to channel it.As worry crept into my voice, I said, "I don't even know where to start." "It simply transpired. I'm not sure how I managed to achieve it.Kade moved forward; he had been standing discreetly close. “We don’t have time to figure it out slowly,” he added, his voice tight. We are running out of time if the witch is right. Answers are urgently needed."I am aware of that," I said, my anger rising. However, I have no idea what this ability entails. Given that I have no idea whence it originated, how am I meant to use it?""It's not necessary for you to fully compre
