The voice made her freeze. It wasn’t just familiar—it was haunting. Annabel turned, heart hammering, to face the figure emerging from the shadows. Her breath caught in her throat as the faint light revealed its features.“Aric?” she whispered, her voice barely audible.He grinned, sharp and knowing, as if he’d been waiting for this moment all along. “Hello, sister.”Elijah straightened despite his exhaustion, stepping in front of Annabel as if to shield her. “This isn’t possible,” he muttered. “He’s dead.”“Clearly, not,” Aric said, brushing dust from his jacket. His movements were unnervingly calm. “But I imagine that’s a story for another time. Right now, I have questions.”Annabel forced herself to stand tall, hiding the confusion roiling inside her. “You have questions? Where have you been all this time? How are you even—”“Alive?” Aric interrupted, his smile widening. “Let’s just say death and I had a... temporary arrangement.”Elijah growled low in his throat, but Annabel placed
Annabel didn’t flinch as Councilor Ash’s icy gaze swept over her, though every instinct screamed for her to move. His power wasn’t just felt—it was impossible to ignore, suffocating the air. She wasn’t sure whether her defiance was bravery or recklessness, but backing down wasn’t an option.Ash’s hand remained raised, his fingers twitching slightly as if deciding whether to crush or spare her. The coldness radiating from him was unnatural, almost alive.“You’ve shown some... promise,” he said finally, his voice smooth, deliberate. “But it’s not potential that matters. It’s loyalty. Tell me, Annabel, where does yours lie?”The question hit harder than any physical blow. Annabel glanced at Elijah, his body tense, ready to leap into action despite their slim odds. Aric stood off to the side, watching with a mixture of unease and calculation, his motives as murky as ever.“My loyalty?” Annabel said slowly, letting the words carry weight. “It’s to the pack, to the lives you’ve threatened.
Annabel stared at the woman blocking her path. A hundred questions battled in her mind, but only one escaped her lips.“How?”The woman—her mother, or whatever this apparition might be—smiled faintly, as if amused by the question. “There’s no time for that,” she said, her voice calm but firm. “You’re walking straight into a trap, Annabel.”Annabel clenched her fists, the surge of anger overtaking the confusion. “You’re dead. I watched you die. What kind of trick is this?”“It’s no trick,” the woman said, stepping closer. “I’m here because you’re about to make the same mistake I did. And I won’t let you.”A sound behind her made Annabel whirl around. The growls were closer now, heavy steps crushing the undergrowth. Elijah and Aric weren’t with her to cover her back. She was alone.When she turned back, the woman hadn’t moved. Her eyes softened, but her expression remained resolute. “You need to listen to me. If you keep going, Ash will win. He’s always been ten steps ahead of you. You
The howl wasn’t just loud—it resonated deep within Annabel, leaving her gut twisting. It carried a warning, a hunger, and something far worse: familiarity. She gripped Elijah’s arm, but his sharp intake of breath told her he recognized it too.“That’s not Ash,” Elijah muttered, his tone darker than she’d ever heard.“It’s worse,” Aric said, his face pale.The wolves surrounding them exchanged uneasy glances. Some bristled, their ears flattening in readiness, while others took a step back, unsure.“Who?” Annabel demanded.Aric’s lips pressed into a grim line. “Rogues. His first experiments. The ones he cast aside because even he couldn’t control them.”The howls grew louder, accompanied by the unmistakable sound of snapping branches and something dragging across the ground. The group tensed as figures emerged, their shapes distorted. These weren’t wolves. Their twisted forms bore jagged spines and uneven fur. Some stood on two legs, towering over the others. Their eyes glowed, each gaz
“You lied to me,” Annabel said, her voice sharp as a blade.Across the room, Elijah didn’t flinch. His jaw tightened, but he didn’t meet her gaze.“Say something!” She stepped closer, the weight of her accusation hanging between them. “How long were you going to let me believe we were on the same page?”Elijah’s eyes flicked to hers, cold and calculating. “I didn’t lie,” he said, his voice low. “I omitted. There’s a difference.”“That’s your excuse?”“It’s the truth,” he replied. “Ash isn’t just experimenting. He’s building an army, Annabel. And half the wolves you’re trying to save would willingly join him if it meant survival.”The room fell silent except for the crackling of the dying fire. Aric shifted uncomfortably in the corner, clearly trying to decide whether to intervene or let them hash it out.“Willingly?” Annabel repeated, disbelief lacing her tone. “You’re telling me this now? After everything we’ve been through?”“I didn’t think you could handle it,” Elijah said.The wor
"Get away from her!" Elijah's voice roared across the ruins, his hybrid form charging toward the newcomer.The figure didn’t even flinch. With a lazy wave of their hand, Elijah’s momentum slammed to a halt mid-stride. His body seized in midair, limbs straining as though held by invisible chains."Don’t be so hasty, Elijah." The figure’s tone was calm, condescending. "You’ve done well enough for my purposes. No need to ruin the finale."Annabel scrambled to her feet, her blade slipping from her grip. She didn’t have time to retrieve it. Her instincts screamed at her to move, but she forced herself to stand still, studying this intruder.The smile never left their face as they turned toward her. “You must be Annabel. The wolf who destroyed Ash’s carefully crafted plans.”"Carefully crafted?" she spat, her voice steadier than she felt. “He was a puppet. And I don’t take kindly to people pulling strings."The figure chuckled, a sound devoid of warmth. "How charming. But you’re wrong. Ash
The roar shook the ruins, an unearthly growl that made Annabel’s chest vibrate. She backed up, her boots skidding on loose debris, as a massive claw scraped its way out of the chasm. The air around them seemed to distort, waves of power radiating from the emerging beast.“Elijah!” she shouted, her voice breaking.He didn’t respond. He was already moving, his claws raking at the figure still lingering near the altar. Their body flickered like a mirage, reforming with a smirk every time Elijah landed a blow.“I don’t have time for you,” the figure snapped, flicking their wrist. Elijah was hurled back like a ragdoll, smashing into the remains of a stone column.Annabel didn’t have time to check if he was okay. The creature’s second hand emerged, claws digging into the ground as it began to pull itself free. Its head rose, massive jaws splitting open to reveal rows of gleaming fangs.“What is that?” she hissed, mostly to herself.The figure turned to her, unfazed. “The reason you’ve lost.
Annabel didn’t have time to process the glowing word etched into the ground before Elijah cursed under his breath. She turned to see him backing away from the altar’s remains, his hands clenched tightly at his sides.“Elijah?” she asked, her voice low, afraid of what his silence might mean.“It’s not just a warning,” he said, his tone sharp, almost panicked. “It’s a trigger. Whatever that thing was, it left a part of itself behind. The energy isn’t dissipating—it’s reforming.”Annabel’s stomach tightened. She stumbled to her feet, her legs weak from exhaustion, and joined him by the glowing fissure. Sure enough, the light pulsed steadily, growing stronger with each beat, like a heart ready to start anew.“What do we do?” Her voice cracked, betraying her fear.Elijah didn’t answer immediately. His gaze remained locked on the glowing ground, his jaw tight.“Elijah!”“We buy time,” he said finally. “You felt it too, didn’t you? That thing wasn’t just summoned—it’s tied to something else.
Damian hit the ground hard, the impact jarring every bone in his body. His wolf surged forward, dulling the pain as he rolled to his side, instinctively shielding Annabel. Dust swirled around them, choking the air.“Damian,” Annabel croaked, gripping his arm.“I’m here,” he said, helping her sit up. She was bruised but alive. Relief flooded him for a fleeting moment before the sound of footsteps—calm, deliberate—drew his attention.Elijah emerged from the shadows, his figure illuminated by a faint glow emanating from strange markings on the cavern walls. His confidence radiated like a predator circling its prey.“You’re persistent,” Elijah said, his voice low and measured. “But persistence without power is just stubbornness.”Damian rose to his feet, his claws already extending. “You talk too much.”Elijah tilted his head, unbothered. “And you’re too impulsive. That’s why you’ll lose.”Annabel struggled to stand, leaning against Damian for support. “You don’t need me to stop him,” she
The sound of Elijah’s laughter echoed through the darkness of the collapsed cave. It taunted Damian as he tried to focus on Annabel’s weak breathing. His wolf senses adjusted to the pitch-black surroundings, honing in on the faint heartbeat that kept him grounded.“Elijah!” Damian’s voice was raw, a command that ricocheted off the rocky walls. “Face me!”The only response was the steady drip of water from somewhere deeper within the cavern.“Damian,” Annabel whispered, her voice a frail thread. “Don’t—”He knelt beside her, carefully loosening the ropes that bound her wrists. “We’re getting out of here,” he said firmly. “Stay with me.”“You don’t understand.” Her eyes fluttered open, dim but focused. “This is what he wanted. He’s not here to fight. He’s here to break you.”Damian stilled, her words striking something deep within him. But before he could respond, the ground beneath them trembled, a reminder of the unstable cavern.“Then he failed,” Damian growled. “Because I’m not givi
The forest stood still in the aftermath of Elijah’s escape, the silence almost mocking. Damian stared at the empty space where Elijah had disappeared with Annabel, his breathing uneven. His claws dug into the dirt, his body trembling with the effort to hold back the wolf clawing for dominance. Kara staggered forward, clutching her injured side, but her gaze never left Damian.“Damian,” she rasped, her voice tight with pain. “We can still track him.”He didn’t answer. The pack around them waited, the weight of his next decision pressing like a storm ready to break.“Track him?” Damian’s voice was low, almost too calm. He turned to Kara, his eyes alight with fury. “Do you think he’s stupid enough to leave a trail we can follow?”“We can try,” she shot back. “Sitting here won’t help her!”Damian’s snarl silenced her, but it wasn’t just anger; it was despair. He ran a hand through his hair, pacing in circles like a predator in a cage. Finally, he turned to his second-in-command, Jacob.“S
Damian’s growl echoed through the silent room. His fists slammed against the worn oak table, splintering its edge. "You let him get inside your head?" His glare bore into Annabel, who still looked pale and shaken from fainting. Her silence, far from submissive, was deliberate—a choice to observe before reacting."I didn’t let him do anything," she replied, her voice hoarse but steady. "Elijah’s power isn’t something you simply shut out.""Don’t defend him!" Damian’s voice cracked, a mix of fury and pain. He paced the room, hands clenching and unclenching. His wolf stirred beneath his skin, desperate for release. "Do you even know what you've done? You handed him the one thing he needed—us divided."Annabel winced. She hated that he was right. Elijah’s manipulation had left fractures between her and Damian, widening a rift that already felt unbridgeable. She drew a shaky breath, steadying herself before she spoke again."I made a mistake," she admitted, her gaze meeting his. "But I did
Damian’s claws dug into the quarry floor, his stance protective as he stepped in front of Annabel. The beast roared again, its guttural sound echoing across the rock walls. The figure beside it moved with eerie calm, their smile never wavering as they studied the three.“Annabel,” the figure said smoothly, ignoring Damian and Elijah entirely. “I’ve been waiting to meet you.”Annabel’s heart slammed against her ribs. “Who are you?”The figure chuckled, tilting their head. “I have so many names, but for now, call me the one who holds the leash.” Their hand gestured lazily toward the beast, which snarled, saliva dripping from its jagged teeth.“Doesn’t look like you’ve got much control,” Elijah said, his voice cold. His eyes flicked to the beast’s hulking frame, scanning for weaknesses.The figure’s smile faltered for a moment before sharpening again. “It obeys enough. And when I’m done with it, it will obey her.”Annabel’s blood ran cold. “What do you mean?”The figure ignored her quest
The beast emerged from the shadows behind the hunters, its form larger than any wolf Annabel had ever seen. Its massive shoulders brushed tree trunks as it stalked forward, its yellow eyes glowing with an unnatural light. The hunters froze, their weapons shifting uneasily in their hands.The leader cursed under his breath. “What is that thing?”Damian didn’t respond. He stepped protectively in front of Annabel, his claws extending again. Elijah’s stance mirrored his, though his eyes never left the creature as it growled, low and rumbling, shaking the air around them.“They didn’t bring it,” Elijah said quietly, his voice calm but taut. “That’s not theirs.”The scarred leader gestured sharply to his men, who reluctantly repositioned, their crossbows trained on the beast. “Stand down!” he barked at the wolves they controlled. “Focus on the target!”The controlled wolves whimpered but obeyed, forming a wary line between their masters and the newcomers. Annabel gritted her teeth, gripping
Damian’s eyes locked with Elijah’s, the air between them charged with unspoken challenges. Annabel stood in the middle, her hand raised as though it alone could stop the inevitable.“Elijah,” she said sharply, her voice cutting through their silent exchange. “We can’t do this now. Not here.”But Elijah wasn’t looking at her. His hybrid features were sharp, predatory, and utterly focused on Damian. “He’s afraid to act,” Elijah said with a calmness that made the insult sting harder. “That’s why he hesitates. He knows if he crosses me, he won’t survive.”Damian stepped forward, his tone like steel. “You’ve underestimated me before. How did that work out for you?”Annabel’s frustration boiled over. “Enough!” She turned to Damian, her expression pleading. “This isn’t the fight we need to win right now.”Damian’s jaw tightened, but he didn’t break eye contact with Elijah. “You think he can be trusted to stay in line? Look at him.”“I’m right here,” Elijah interjected, a cold smile spreading
Damian’s shout came too late. The rogue leader’s massive jaws clamped down on empty air as Annabel twisted away at the last second, rolling to the ground. Elijah lunged, his claws slashing in an arc that forced the beast back, buying her a moment to scramble to her feet.Annabel’s breath came in short gasps. Her eyes darted to the pack, holding their line against the remaining rogues. “We can’t hold this forever,” she muttered, gripping the silver dagger she’d taken from Damian.“You don’t have to,” Elijah replied. His voice was eerily calm, but his gaze stayed locked on the rogue leader. “This ends now.”“Care to share the plan?” Damian growled, sidling up beside them. Blood streaked his face, and his sword was slick with gore.Elijah smirked, but there was no humor in it. “Keep it busy.”Damian swore under his breath. “Brilliant. Why didn’t I think of that?”Before Annabel could say anything, the rogue leader let out a guttural snarl and charged again. Damian moved instinctively, ra
Damian barely dodged the blow, the rogue’s claws swiping past his ribs. He twisted, bringing his blade upward in a brutal arc that caught his opponent beneath the jaw. Blood splattered, but there was no time to celebrate the kill. Another rogue was already charging.“Elijah!” Damian yelled, blocking the next attack with a grunt. “A little help would be great!”Elijah stood motionless, his sharp eyes fixed on Annabel. She was kneeling just behind them, her shoulders rising and falling with labored breaths. Her connection to the barrier was gone, but the remnants of her effort left her pale and trembling.“She can’t hold much longer,” Elijah muttered to himself.“Neither can I!” Damian barked, shoving the rogue back with a kick.Elijah’s expression darkened, and with a low snarl, he finally moved. He intercepted the next attacker with blinding speed, slamming the rogue into the ground with a sickening crunch. His hybrid strength was terrifying, even to Damian, but right now, it was the