Moonlight Awakening

The coven's garden, bathed in soft moonlight, brought no peace to the Queen.

She paced among the silver-petaled flowers, her mind consumed by Elise.

"Three nights." She thought.

Deuce's grip on Elise tightened with each passing hour.

The Queen's thoughts churned with dark possibilities.

Deuce's ultimate goal is harnessing Elise's Lunar power. A threat to werewolves everywhere.

The Queen's hands clenched, her nails digging into her palms.

She should have protected Elise better.

A soft rustle announced Aunt Eve's approach.

"Your Majesty," Aunt Eve said, her voice laced with concern.

The Queen turned, her eyes searching.

"Sophie?"

Aunt Eve's expression was grim.

"No change. Still recovering."

The Queen's worry deepened.

Time was running out.

The Queen's gaze returned to the moon.

The Queen closed her eyes, focusing her energy.

She reached out with her mind, calling to Elise.

A silent plea, infused with her deepest magic.

"Elise... answer me."

The air remained still.

No response.

The Queen's eyes opened, disappointment etching her face.

Aunt Eve watched, sympathetic.

"It's not working, Your Majesty," Aunt Eve said gently.

The Queen nodded, refusing to give up.

She tried again.

"Elise... please."

Her magic swirled, searching for a connection.

But only silence replied.

The Queen's hands trembled.

Fear crept in.

Was Elise already lost to Deuce's control?

Aunt Eve placed a comforting hand on the Queen's shoulder.

"Sophie will recover and we'll find Elise."

The Queen's gaze drifted back to the moon.

"Hold on, Elise".

Morning light filtered through the cave, illuminating Elise's captive form.

The door swung open, admitting a procession of female Omegas.

Dressed in white gowns, adorned with silver hairpins, they moved with silent efficiency.

Elise's eyes narrowed, wary.

The Omegas surrounded her, gentle yet firm.

"We're here to prepare you, mistress," one said, curtsying.

Elise's struggle was instinctive.

"Let me go!" she shouted, fighting the restraining hands.

The Omegas persisted, their touch soft but unyielding.

They brushed Elise's tangled hair, securing it with intricate hairpins.

A blue gown, shimmering with subtle magic, was draped around her.

Makeup accentuated her features, highlighting her beauty.

The Omegas worked in silence, their faces expressionless.

Their task was complete, and they stepped back.

Elise stood, transformed, her beauty stunning.

The lead Omega curtsied.

"You look lovely, mistress."

Elise's gaze dropped, her heart heavy.

Elise stared at her reflection, mesmerized.

The Omegas had transformed her.

The blue gown hugged her curves, accentuating her porcelain skin.

Intricate hairpins sparkled, framing her face.

Her eyes, enhanced by subtle makeup, shone like sapphires.

Elise's thoughts swirled, conflicting emotions tangling.

Why this elaborate preparation?

Why make her beautiful, only to ultimately harm her?

The Omegas' gentle touch and soft voices haunted her.

Were they genuinely caring, or just following orders?

Elise's gaze lingered on her reflection.

A beautiful prisoner, destined for darkness.

A shiver ran down her spine.

Deuce's intentions remained unclear.

Was this a twisted game, or a calculated move?

Elise's mind raced, seeking answers.

The cave's silence offered none.

Deuce stood atop the training grounds, surveying the compound.

Gamma Bruno drilled the Omegas, their movements fluid and precise.

Deuce's eyes narrowed, evaluating their strength.

Bruno barked orders, pushing the Omegas to their limits.

They sparred, their skills honed and deadly.

Deuce watched, his expression unreadable.

Bruno approached, bowing his head.

"Progress, Alpha?" Bruno asked.

Deuce nodded.

"Continue their training, Gamma."

Bruno acknowledged, returning to the fray.

The Omegas' training intensified, their sweat-sheened bodies clashing.

Deuce observed, his gaze missing nothing

An unknown figure with a mixture of black and red hair trained with the omegas. Her struggle to keep up with he training draws Deuce's attention.

"New recruit, Gamma," Deuce said, interest piqued.

Bruno nodded, bringing Lena to Deuce.

"Name?" Deuce asked.

"Lena" she replied, voice barely above a whisper.

Deuce's gaze lingered on Aria.

Potential.

Bruno began the evaluation, testing Aria's reflexes and strength.

Deuce watched, analyzing her technique.

Aria's movements were raw, untapped power waiting to be honed.

"Train her," Deuce ordered.

Bruno nodded.

Lena's training began, amidst the Omegas' intense regimen.

Beta Lucas approached, his eyes scanning the training grounds before focusing on Deuce.

Deuce's gaze shifted from the Omegas to Lucas, intrigued.

Lucas leaned in, whispering something to him.

Deuce's expression transformed, relief and curiosity mingling.

"Inform the guards to admit the Elder," Deuce ordered.

Lucas nodded, hurrying to comply.

Moments later, the door opened, and the Elder entered.

Respectfully, Deuce bowed his head.

"Elder Orion," Deuce greeted, his voice filled with reverence.

Orion's weathered face creased into a warm smile.

"Deuce," Orion said, his voice low and soothing.

Deuce gestured, inviting Orion to sit.

Orion's eyes twinkled.

"I see you're still training the Omegas."

Deuce nodded.

"Preparing for the future."

Orion's gaze turned serious.

"I heard one of the witches is in your den."

His eyes narrowed, his brow furrowed. "Deuce, what game are you playing?"

Deuce's smile hinted at strategy.

"Securing our pack's future."

Orion's gaze turned stern.

"Deuce, you don't understand—"

"You don't grasp the danger."

Deuce's eyes narrowed.

His voice dropped to a whisper.

"Elise's power, if harnessed, could ravage our world."

Orion then said in his gentle voice.

"But think of the benefits—"

Deuce's firm tone cut him off.

"Benefits? What benefits can a witch offer me if not to destroy us all."

The Elder's silence hung heavy as if collecting thoughts.

Finally, he spoke.

"There's only one way to stop her powers."

Deuce leaned in, eager. "Tell me."

Orion's eyes clouded. "Sacrifice her powers under the next Red Moon."

"Sacrifice?" Deuce peated, incredulous.

Orion nodded.

"Her powers must be returned to the earth." "That way, we won't have to worry about the witches anymore."

Orion's gaze intensified.

"To render Elise helpless, you'll need the Mermaid's White Globe."

Deuce's eyes furrowed.

"The Mermaid's White Globe?" he repeated, incredulous.

Orion nodded. "Legend says it neutralizes magical powers."

Deuce scoffed. "You expect me to retrieve it from the mermaids?"

Orion's expression remained serious.

Deuce's laughter echoed. "A werewolf, underwater?"

He shook his head. "Impossible."

Orion's voice took on a stern tone.

"Find another way, and Elise's powers will destroy us all."

Deuce's grin faded.

He knew Orion wasn't one to exaggerate.

The Mermaid's White Globe. A seemingly insurmountable challenge.

Deuce submerged himself in the warm bath, Elder Orion's words echoing in his mind.

"Elise's powers... destruction... sacrifice..."

His thoughts swirled, conflicting emotions warring within.

An Omega, entered the restroom, her eyes cast down.

"Your bath, Alpha," she whispered.

Deuce nodded, his gaze never leaving the water.

Lena began preparing scented oils and salts.

Once done, she approached Deuce, her hands reaching out to massage his shoulders.

Deuce tensed, shrugging off her touch. "Leave it, Lena," he growled, his anger simmering.

Lena's hands retreated, but only for a moment.

She leaned in, her breath whispering against Deuce's ear. "Let me ease your tension, Alpha," she purred, her voice husky.

Her hands returned to his shoulders, kneading softly.

Deuce's eyes flashed with annoyance, but Lena's sensual touch sparked a flicker of desire. Her fingers danced down his chest, teasing. "Relax, Alpha," she cooed, her lips brushing his neck.

Deuce's grip on the tub's edge tightened.

Lena's seduction was unwelcome. Yet, his body responded.

Deuce's eyes snapped open, his gaze locking onto Lena's.

In an instant, his hand wrapped around her throat.

Lena's eyes widened, surprise and fear flashing. "Alpha," she whispered, her voice strained.

Deuce's grip tightened. "What game are you playing, omega?" he growled.

Lena's hands grasped his wrist, attempting to pry his fingers loose. "I-I just wanted......" she stammered.

Deuce's eyes narrowed. His anger and frustration boiled over.

"Or distract me?" Deuce snarled.

Lena's face reddened. "No, Alpha," she gasped.

Deuce's grip relaxed, but his gaze remained intense.

"Don't think you can manipulate me, Lena."

Lena's eyes dropped.

"No, Alpha. I swear."

Deuce released Lena's throat, his gaze still piercing.

Lena gasped, rubbing her neck.

Deuce turned away, dismissing her.

"Leave. Now."

Lena scurried out, the door closing behind her.

Deuce's thoughts returned to Elise and the Elder's warning.

Suddenly, the door creaked open.

Lena stood there, eyes blazing with defiance.

"You may have power, Alpha," she spat, "but you'll never control her."

Deuce's eyes narrowed. "Who are you talking about?"

Lena's smile twisted.

"The Lunar witch."

Deuce's grip on the tub's edge tightened. "How do you know about Elise?"

Lena vanished into the shadows, leaving Deuce stunned.

A chill crept up his spine.

Lena's words echoed in his mind:

"You'll never control her."

Deuce stepped forward, determination etched on his face.

But an unseen force repelled him. He tried again, pushing against the resistance.

The force strengthened, unyielding. Deuce's eyes narrowed, resolve hardened. He took another step.

Suddenly, the force exploded, flinging him backward.

Deuce crashed into the wall, pain erupting in his head. Blood dripped from a gash on his forehead.

As he struggled to stand, Elise emerged from the radiant light.

But something was different.

Her raven hair had transformed into golden locks.

Cascading down her back like sunrise. Her eyes, once bright as stars, now shone with an otherworldly intensity.

"Elise?" Deuce called out, bewilderment mixing with concern.

Elise's gaze locked onto his. A soft, enigmatic smile spread across her face.

"Alpha," she whispered, voice husky and unfamiliar.