Serena’s POVThe wolves lunged forward, their eyes blazing with unbridled rage. Without a commander or commands to guide them, they were free to go. Their anger had only grown worse after Derek's death."Keep the line in!" I turned to the pack members who had gathered at the cave entrance and shouted, my voice scarcely firm. Although I could see my terror in their eyes, I refrained from letting it stop me. Not right now.Deep within the caves had taken up residence the healers, the injured, and the children too young to fight. The remainder of us, the ones who were still standing, now had to repel Derek's wolves long enough for Darius to muster the warriors that remained. But I recognized how dire things had gotten as the wolves charged.They were overly many.With a laborious breath, Darius returned to his human form, his eyes blazing with resolve. Even though his body was scarred from his struggle with Derek and blood was dripping from his mouth and arms, he still stood tall and pre
Serena’s POVDarius stood, hardly able to hold himself up, blood dripping from his shoulder. Seeing him struggle made my heart tighten, but there was no time to give up. We had to battle for every second we had left because Derek's wolves were still out there.With eyes flaming with rage, the larger wolf that had attacked him stumbled to its feet after shaking off my punch. Its lips curled back as it roared, exposing sharp, blood-stained teeth. With us, it wasn't quite over.Darius moved a little, his gaze never straying from the beast, but I could feel the agony in every wrinkle on his face. Even though he was pushing himself well beyond his breaking point, he wouldn't give up. Even though he had already vanquished Derek, it wouldn't matter if we weren't able to withstand this last assault.With clenched teeth, Darius hissed, "Stay behind me," his wolf form shimmering just below the surface. Despite his firmness, I could detect the weariness in his voice.With a voice louder than I f
Serena’s POVNow the woodland was deathly quiet. The bodies of Derek's wolves lay strewn over the ground, and the smell of soil and blood filled the air. Darius embraced me tightly, his arms quivering from fatigue. Even though we had withstood the assault, the weight of the struggle remained very much on our shoulders.Nobody moved for a very long time. With silent gazes, the pack of warriors, who had engaged in intense combat, surveyed the battlefield. The price we had paid for our victory dampened our relief. We had lost several and damaged so many of our own. The victory seemed brittle, as though it may break at any time.Kade approached, his expression stern but firm. He had lost his wolf shape and now appeared as tatty and broken as the rest of us. With a steady, deep voice, he declared, "The remaining wolves have fled." "We've prevailed."Darius nodded, but his face was strained. Even though his shoulder wound was still bleeding, and his expression was marked with pain, he was n
Serena’s POVThe wolf that had half-shifted lay still, its form twisted and fractured between human and wolf. The sight made my stomach turn, and a heavy feeling of dread settled in my chest. We had no idea this would be substantially more deadly than it was.With black eyes filled with worry, Darius knelt next to the creature. He was hesitant to touch its body as his hand lingered above it. "We require solutions," he said in a dejected tone. "This... is not typical. This is not how it's intended to happen.The mix of wolf and human released another feeble cry, its eyes fluttering with agony. Its lips quivered, producing scarcely audible words. "Please... assist me.My heart gave a jerk. Whoever they were, they were more than simply a foe. They had suffered a dreadful fate that had left them stranded in a shape that was neither human nor wolf. However, what? And why?Kade moved forward, gazing at the creature with a pallid face. "What should we do, Alpha? He questioned in a quiet voic
Serena’s POVAs I stood at the cave's entrance, watching Darius and the warriors grab their weapons, the atmosphere was tense, even oppressive. Their expressions were somber, and their deliberate movements bore witness to the struggle they were getting ready for. However, this opponent was not like any other that we had encountered.A witch.Just the term chilled me to the bone. The warped wolf we’d found earlier had been just the beginning. There she was, doing her magic, transforming wolves into hideous creatures, and now Darius was coming right at her.I watched him, his countenance tough and determined as he put on his armor, and my heart thumped in my chest. Despite his wounds from the previous battle, including a bandaged shoulder, he was determined not to let that stop him. He was vital to the pack. I had been depending on him.However, the terror tore at me. What if he failed to return this time?His hand brushed lightly on my arm as he walked toward me. He whispered, "Serena,
Serena’s POVIt felt oppressive having the witch around. My skin crawled as I felt the odd force of dark energy pulsing through the air around her. I crouched next to Darius, my hands shaking as I held his head, my heart hammering in my chest. His body was limp and unresponsive, and he was barely conscious. I knew we were in worse danger than we had ever been.The witch moved a step nearer, her icy gaze fixed on me with a mix of laughter and contempt. "You have to be Serena," she remarked in a sarcastic, silky voice. "The one that Derek yearned for." I understand why.I tightened my jaw, attempting to quell the panic that was mounting within me. "What is it that you want?" I made a strong attempt to sound demanding, but my voice was shaking.With a smile, the witch's dark lips quirked with laughter. "What am I in search of? Strength. Mastery. Everything that Derek was unable to accept.Her eyes hardened and her grin faded as she glanced down at Darius. "He fulfilled his role, but he w
Serena’s POVThe witch uttered curse-like words as her icy chuckle reverberated around the clearing. I was breathless and didn't know what to do as I stared down at her. The energy that had burst through me had diminished her once-malicious eyes, leaving them blurry. She was still a serious menace, though, and I couldn't shake the warning she sent across my head.This is only the start.As I crouched next to Darius and examined his wound, my heart was racing. He was critically debilitated from the blood loss, however he was still breathing. His face was pallid, and he was breathing heavily, his chest rising and falling. Before it was too late, I had to staunch the bleeding and bring him to safety.The witch was not done, though.She stirred, her body shaking as she sought to lift herself from the ground. With a venomous voice, she rasped, "You don't understand." "You've just postponed the inevitable."My body tensed, every instinct telling me to go, I stood. However, I was unable to l
Serena’s POVAs I walked down the cave, my mind was racing with all that the witch had said. Darius was resting now, his wounds treated by Mara and the healers. There was nothing more that could be done for him just now, but the pack had gathered around, fear and worry in their eyes.I had a nagging suspicion that the witch wasn't only threatening nothing, as she had spoken of something more sinister than Derek. They represented a guarantee that the impending experience would be unlike anything we had encountered previously.I cast a glance at Kade's way as he stood close to the cave's mouth, watching the treetops for any movement. His body was tight, ready for anything, his jaw gritted. "Kade," I whispered as I walked up to him. "We must have a conversation."He grimaced as he nodded. Concerning the witch?With a nagging anxiety in my stomach, I nodded. Derek, she claimed, was only the beginning. That there will be another thing. How do you interpret her meaning?Kade's eyes narrowed
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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