Their journey was a brief respite, a fleeting moment where the weight of their burdens was lifted, if only for a short while. But they both knew the peace was temporary, a calm before the storm of chaos that awaited them in the coming hours or days.Camilla lay on Lawrence’s chest in the back of the car, her fingers tracing absent patterns on his shirt. They’d been stealing glances at each other since they stepped into the car; the unspoken connection between them was more profound than words.“Do you remember what we used to say when we were younger and deeply in love?” Camilla asked, her voice a soft murmur as she gazed up at him.Lawrence’s lips curled into a half-smile. “Refresh my memory,” he teased, his voice warm and inviting. “It’s a bit hazy in my head at the moment.”“We once promised each other that we’d travel the world together once we were married,” she reminded him, a nostalgic smile playing on her lips.Lawrence’s eyes twinkled with mischief. “Well, there’s still time
Their journey was a brief respite, a fleeting moment where the weight of their burdens was lifted, if only for a short while. But they both knew the peace was temporary, a calm before the storm of chaos that awaited them in the coming hours or days.Camilla lay on Lawrence’s chest in the back of the car, her fingers tracing absent patterns on his shirt. They’d been stealing glances at each other since they stepped into the car; the unspoken connection between them was more profound than words.“Do you remember what we used to say when we were younger and deeply in love?” Camilla asked, her voice a soft murmur as she gazed up at him.Lawrence’s lips curled into a half-smile. “Refresh my memory,” he teased, his voice warm and inviting. “It’s a bit hazy in my head at the moment.”“We once promised each other that we’d travel the world together once we were married,” she reminded him, a nostalgic smile playing on her lips.Lawrence’s eyes twinkled with mischief. “Well, there’s still time
"Your silence speaks volumes, Bella," Luke observed, his gaze never leaving her as he awaited her response to his probing question about her dealings with Elder Albert.Bella hesitated, her mind racing to craft a reply that would deflect suspicion from Luke in any form. "He’s an elder of the pack. It’s only natural that I consult him on matters where his experience and knowledge are valuable," she finally replied, her voice calm but her thoughts calculating.She hoped her words would mask the truth of what was really going on between her and the elder.Lawrence, who had been silently listening, frowned. Disappointment flickered in his eyes as he said, "The elder you choose to associate with says a lot about your judgement, Bella. And Albert... he doesn’t exactly inspire confidence."Bella’s gaze sharpened as she turned to Lawrence, a challenge in her eyes. "Do you have something against Albert?""He’s too cunning," Luke interjected, his voice low and filled with warning. "A man like
“The elders might use this against me if they ever find out,” Lawrence muttered, his voice low and filled with unease and tension.“Keeping the truth about my son’s condition hidden is a choice I must maintain. You never know who’s listening... or watching; we need to be really careful.”.As he spoke, the chilling thought of an elder's involvement in Camilla’s attack crept into his mind, leaving him feeling vulnerable and exposed.Luke nodded slowly, his eyes narrowing in thought. “Distrusting those who wield power over your life is a wise move, Lawrence. You never know who’s lurking in the shadows, waiting to strike.”Camilla, who had been quietly listening to the conversation, stepped forward. “Your insight and counsel have always been invaluable to us. Your help will never go unrewarded; the pack remains at your service anytime you require any kind of help.”But Lawrence’s friend, with a calm yet distant gaze, shook his head. “I don’t seek mortal rewards, Camilla. What I desire is
“The elders might use this against me if they ever find out,” Lawrence muttered, his voice low and filled with unease and tension.“Keeping the truth about my son’s condition hidden is a choice I must maintain. You never know who’s listening... or watching; we need to be really careful.”.As he spoke, the chilling thought of an elder's involvement in Camilla’s attack crept into his mind, leaving him feeling vulnerable and exposed.Luke nodded slowly, his eyes narrowing in thought. “Distrusting those who wield power over your life is a wise move, Lawrence. You never know who’s lurking in the shadows, waiting to strike.”Camilla, who had been quietly listening to the conversation, stepped forward. “Your insight and counsel have always been invaluable to us. Your help will never go unrewarded; the pack remains at your service anytime you require any kind of help.”But Lawrence’s friend, with a calm yet distant gaze, shook his head. “I don’t seek mortal rewards, Camilla. What I desire is
"What do you think?" Jane finally asked, breaking the heavy silence that Bella had created as she mulled over the suggestion. "There are many paths to ascend as Luna, but this... this is the most fitting, in my opinion."Bella remained silent, her mind racing through the implications. Finally, she leaned in, her voice barely above a whisper."How do we do it without leaving any trace that leads back to us?" she asked, her eyes darkening with determination. The gravity of Jane's proposal had sunk in, and now she was fully committed to every bit of it as it came.She moved closer to Jane, brushing back her hair that had fallen forward, tossing it behind her shoulders as she settled beside her on the couch.Jane’s lips curled into a knowing smile. She rose, walking over to the mirror, her back to Bella, as she gazed at her reflection. In a voice just above a whisper, she said, "Sometimes, to get what you want, you have to do things that most would consider cruel."Her reflection smirked
"I've made countless mistakes in my life, but this won't be one of them," Bella murmured, “not at all,” her voice cold and resolute as she addressed Jane in the dimly lit chamber.Jane remained silent, her eyes darting around the room as Bella continued. "He’s just a child, Jane. Eliminating him should be simple," Bella added, her gaze fixed on Jane, searching for any sign of agreement.Jane hesitated, her fingers fidgeting slightly. The tension in the room was palpable. She finally spoke, her voice barely above a whisper, "Do we really have to involve anyone else? The fewer people know, the safer we are. We can't afford another mistake like we made with Camilla."Bella turned to the large, ornate window, her eyes narrowing as she surveyed the scene outside. Despite Lawrence's orders to disperse, some pack members lingered, their shadows stretched long in the evening light. Bella’s eyes settled on her son, Frank, standing among them. A faint smile crossed her lips before her gaze shif
"If he doesn’t have any useful information, he won’t be leaving this tent with his head still on his neck," Luke declared, his voice as cold and unyielding as the steely gaze fixed on Lawrence.Lawrence met his stare with an equally resolute expression. "His fate is sealed, Luke. The only reason he's still breathing is because of the value he might possess." With that, Lawrence turned on his heel, heading towards the mansion, leaving Luke to march off in the opposite direction towards the elders.As Luke approached the gathered elders, the weight of his new responsibilities pressed heavily on his shoulders. Yet he stood tall, his voice cutting through the air like a blade. "I have little to say, but hear me well: return to your homes, hold your families close, for war is upon us."A murmur of agreement rippled through the crowd, growing into a unified roar as the elders and the others repeated in one voice, "War is coming!" They dispersed slowly, each pair of footsteps echoing the gri