Eva POV
It was like the scent of ten thousand rose flowers, so sweet and so pleasant that for the first time since I ran wild, I could feel peace within me once again.
I felt like clinging to the person with this scent, never letting go and staying calm this way all my life.
I opened my eyes slowly and there he was, standing before me. "Mate?" My mate Bond came again, making my face twist with so much hate and anger.
I howled angrily at him, making him get away from the cage immediately
Immediately he set his eyes on me, his face vanished under a frown.
"What do you want?" I fired and I knew that he could hear me through the mind link.
"The trial, it's today." He noted. "Thanks to you, I have been wrecking my brain to make sure that you are not executed but don't worry everything will be okay. Just wished you had stayed put where you were kept, all these would never have come up" He said to me.
"And make sure all this doesn't go down the drain," he returned and walked away.
Then, I noticed two guards advancing toward me but there were no wolves with them. I could feel my stomach groaning. I wanted flesh to quench my hunger but I was going to get none. I was already tired of the vegetables that were brought to me every single day and the Alpha forcing me to gulp them down or he was going to hurt me badly.
I growled angrily at the thought of it. Soon I was going to have him and nobody will be able to stop me.
I watched as too many guards came over to me and pulled the cage off from the ground while Howled and growled and they laughed at me, making my anger to rise bad.
I was dropped in the box with everyone clamoring for my death. "We want her flesh, bring back our children, Beasts like her should not live," the kept clamoring but the Alpha calms everyone down with his words and everyone obeyed.
Just before the proceedings began, the wine bearer of the king brought in a glass of wine and presented it before the Alpha.
He drew it close to his mouth and was about to sip it but he stopped and placed it back on the tray signaling that the proceedings could not begin.
"Why have you done this Alpha?" One of the chief Werewolf inquired with a dark frown hanging on his face.
"Before these proceedings begin, there is something that needs to be done." He announced.
"And what is that?" The leader of the elder council inquired.
"Someone In this pack seeks my life." He announced, making everyone in the hall gasp.
"And to crown it all, he is the Beta of my pack." He announced again.
Immediately the pack warriors heard this, they went over to the beta of the pack and dragged him down to the Alpha, and made him kneel before him.
"But Alpha, how can I even think about such a thing." He faked ignorance and innocence.
"Then you would love to taste this wine wouldn't you?" The alpha shot a deadly glare at him making him shiver hard with fear and cold shivers running down his spine.
"I heard everything yesterday so there is no extent lying to me." He announced.
"But.." he tried to say but Alpha Damein would not give him breathing space to say a word.
He took the wine quickly and forced him to take every single inch of it in the glass.
"Take both of them to the dungeon." He ordered the pack warriors standing right above him and they dragged the beta and the wine bearer to the dungeon.
"The proceedings can now begin." He announced.
For the first time, I was afraid to die. I stared into the eyes of everyone present in the hall. I still had a lot of animals to feed on. "I can die, no." I kept screaming in my head.
Alpha Damien ordered the proceedings to begin and I shivered hard with fear and the thought of dying. I knew too well that I was going to win this case, not even with the best lawyer on earth.
"So you killed the children from the pack didn't you?" One of the old kingmakers inquired but I refused to say a word. And even if I did, they weren't going to hear a word of what I was saying since I was in my wolf form.
I could only talk to the Alpha in my head and I wondered why. Why wasn't he like any other normal person?
I continued to watch as the men kept questioning me and all I could do was stare at them in utmost silence.
They were to discuss my fate and from this, Place knew that my death was inevitable.
"For all the crimes leveled again you and all the people you have brutally murdered, I hereby.." The leader of the chief of pack elders tried to say but a loud cry stopped him.
"Stop!!" The voice came and everyone in the room turned immediately to him with murmurs but the pack guards were able to stop them.
"What is Alpha Damein?" The leader of the elder council inquired, already tired.
I was really confused. " What was he trying to do?" I thought as I continued to stare at them howling and groaning at the same time.
"There is a problem. From the research done, she is Innocent." Alpha Damein said making me gasp while the people watch to see where they were heading to "
"How is she innocent? The chief elder inquired.
"I have my proof." He noted.
Eva’s POVEveryone in the hall waited to see why he had noted that I was innocent when everything pointed to me as a murderer. He went before the elders and began to explain. "She is a normal Werewolf that runs wild and she is only being controlled by her wolf. So whatever is happening right now is not the fault of that beautiful wolf inside." He explained to the displeasure of everyone in the hall. "So what should we do now?" One of the elders inquired. "We need to tame her." He replied with so much assurance in his voice. I hated him now with all the passion that I had in me, so much that I felt like tearing him apart. I wasn't going to be tamed by any stupid Werewolf. I loved my taste for blood and I would not allow anyone on the surface of the earth to deprive me of it. "But it has been said that a werewolf that runs Can never be tamed." One of the elders returned but Alpha Damein would not stop giving out his false hope, making me howl with hate and anger. "I will do it,
As the evening progressed, anticipation filled the air, and the tension between Eva and Alpha Damien reached its peak. The atmosphere crackled with an impending storm as the stage was set for a thrilling event: a high-stakes vehicle race. The pack members gathered, sensing that something extraordinary was about to unfold.The race track was a winding, treacherous path through the dense forest surrounding the pack's territory. It was a test of skill, speed, and daring. The vehicles lined up, engines roaring with power, their drivers eager to prove their mettlEva, fueled by her newfound determination and the thirst for Damien's flesh, saw the race as an opportunity—a chance to escape the confines of her cage and unleash her true nature. She plotted her move, awaiting the perfect moment when chaos and confusion would reigAs the flag dropped, signaling the start of the race, the vehicles surged forward, tearing through the forest like wild beasts. The spectators watched in awe as the dr
In this shared journey of self-discovery, Eva found solace in the company of her newfound companions. Together, they delved deeper into the intricacies of werewolf existence, unearthing ancient wisdom and practices that had long been forgotten.Jayden, with his wealth of knowledge, introduced Eva to the concept of lunar meditation—a practice that allowed her to connect with her wolf nature during different phases of the moon. Through focused breathing and visualization, she began to explore the depths of her instincts while maintaining control over them.Erica, known for her agility and grace, guided Eva through intense physical training. They practiced swift movements, honing her reflexes and teaching her how to channel her primal energy into controlled bursts of power. Through their sessions, Eva discovered a newfound sense of strength within herself, both physically and mentally.Meanwhile, Damien played a pivotal role as her anchor, offering unwavering support and encouragement. H
Eva, feeling the weight of her leadership responsibilities, sought solace in a private conversation with Damien. Sitting under the moonlit sky, she expressed her doubts, saying, "Damien, sometimes I wonder if I'm truly capable of leading our pack. What if I make the wrong decisions?"Damien reached out and placed a reassuring hand on Eva's shoulder. "Eva, I understand your concerns, but remember that leadership is not about being flawless. It's about learning from our mistakes and growing stronger together. You've led us with courage and determination, and our pack is thriving because of you."Eva nodded, finding comfort in Damien's words. "Thank you, Damien. Your unwavering support means the world to me. Let's keep these conversations open and honest within our pack, so we can overcome any obstacle that comes our way."Meanwhile, Jayden engaged in a heartfelt conversation with Erica, sharing his internal struggle. "Erica, there's a part of me that longs to explore the world outside o
Damien wiped the sweat from his brow, his heart pounding with exhilaration. "Eva, you were incredible out there. I couldn't have done it without you."Eva smiled, her eyes sparkling with pride. "Likewise, Damien. We make a great team. Our unspoken understanding is our greatest strength."Their conversation was interrupted by a voice calling out from the distance. It was their mentor, Master Liang, who had been observing the battle from afar. "Impressive work, both of you. Your bond and silent communication are a testament to your training and dedication."Approaching them, Master Liang continued, "But remember, the journey doesn't end here. There are always new challenges on the horizon. The battles you face will not always be physical. Sometimes, the most important conversations are the ones within yourselves."His words resonated deeply with Damien and Eva. They realized that their unspoken connection had not only helped them overcome their physical challenges but had also strengthe
Erica listened attentively, her eyes filled with empathy. "Jayden, I understand your desire for adventure and self-discovery. It's natural to have these feelings. Our pack is strong, and we value individual growth as well. Perhaps there's a way to strike a balance between your personal journey and your loyalty to the pack." Jayden nodded, his thoughts churning. "You're right, Erica. Maybe I can embark on short explorations while still fulfilling my responsibilities here. That way, I can satisfy my curiosity while remaining connected to our pack. I'll talk to Eva and Damien about it." Erica smiled, her support unwavering. "I believe they will understand, Jayden. Communication is key, and I'm confident that together we can find a solution that honors both your aspirations and our pack's unity." As the night carried on, Eva and Damien discussed plans to strengthen the pack's bonds and address any concerns within their territory. They recognized the importance of fostering a culture of
The pack formed a circle around them, their voices rising in a melodious werewolf chant, their bodies swaying to the rhythm of the music. The atmosphere pulsated with unity, as the pack moved as one, their movements synchronized and their spirits intertwined.As the dance progressed, the pack members took turns joining the inner circle, their steps reflecting their individuality and the unique bond they shared with Jayden and Erica. The dance became a celebration of love, friendship, and the unbreakable thread that connected them all.Laughter and joy filled the air as stories were shared, memories were reminisced, and new ones were created. The pack members mingled, their conversations weaving a tapestry of connection and camaraderie.Eva approached Jayden and Erica, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "Jayden, Erica, I have a surprise for you. Our pack has prepared a special display to honor your union. It's a symbol of our love and support."Curiosity sparkled in Jayden's eyes as h
Eva's voice rang out, her words resonating with pride and gratitude. "Today, we have proven the strength of our pack. We have faced adversity head-on, and together, we have emerged victorious. This battle has reinforced the power of our unity and the unwavering spirit that resides within each and every one of us."Damien stepped forward, his gaze sweeping across the pack. "We owe our success to each and every member of this pack. Your unwavering dedication, bravery, and loyalty have brought us through this trial. We stand together, stronger than ever before."Jayden and Erica, their faces etched with determination, stepped forward as well. "We may have just started our journey as a married couple, but we have learned that our commitment extends beyond ourselves. We are bound to this pack, to each and every one of you, and we will continue to stand united, facing any challenges that come our way."The pack erupted in cheers and applause, their voices intertwining with joy and relief. T
Darlene wasn’t feeling the part like everyone else. She was fading out. “You okay Darl” he said as he reached out to touch her shoulder.She brushed his hand away. She was embarrassed at how much she was shaking. She didn't want him to see her like this. "Yeah, I'm fine." She said in a quiet voice.He turned around and faced her. He saw that her face was red with embarrassment. Her eyes were closed tight."I'm sorry," he whispered. He leaned forward and kissed her forehead. The kiss lingered there for a few seconds. Then he moved away."Don't be sorry." She said, opening her eyes. "It's just... you know...""You don't have to explain it to me." He smiled as he placed his hands on her shoulders. "If I were you, I would feel the same way."She felt better after hearing those words. But she still wanted him. And now she knew what she had to do.***After they left the mall, Darlene asked Tom if he wanted to go somewhere and get
She asked what was wrong, and I told her that we didn't have enough money to pay the rent next month. She asked if we could sell the apartment and move somewhere else, but I said no.I explained that if we sold it, we wouldn't be able to afford to buy a new one. She said we could find something cheaper, but I knew she was right.So instead, I suggested we get a second job. Darlene said it would be difficult, but she agreed to do it anyway.That night, we went out and looked for work. It was hard, but eventually, we found something.We started working at a bar, serving drinks and making tips. We had to work late nights, but it paid well enough to cover our bills.It wasn't easy, but we did it. After a few months, we were able to pay off all of our debts and save some money.Once everything was settled, we decided to go back to the apartment. But when we got th
I helped her out, chopping some vegetables for a salad while she cooked the eggs and bacon. We ate together at the table, enjoying our meal and each other's company. Then we took a walk through the park, holding hands as we walked along the path that wound through the trees.It was nice to just spend time with Darlene. I felt like I was falling in love with her all over again. She was beautiful and kind, and I couldn't imagine life without her.We went home after lunch, spending the rest of the afternoon relaxing in front of the television. We were watching a movie when Darlene turned to me, taking my hand in hers as she spoke."Ben?" she asked.I looked over at her. "Yeah?""Do you think we could go out tonight?" she asked. "To dinner, or something?""Sure," I replied. "What did you have in mind?""I don't know," she said. "Maybe we could go somewhere nice.""Like where?""I don't know... someplace romantic."I smiled. "I'd love to
"It wouldn't have changed anything," Darlene said. "She was already gone by then. I went to visit her body one last time... and I'll never forget what I saw. It wasn't my mother lying there, but someone else." She paused for a moment, gathering herself, then let out a soft breath. "This is where I came when I needed to be alone with her. But it's not like we can talk back here."I frowned, moving my hand across the ground to wrap my fingers around hers. "You still don't remember anything? The night she died?"Darlene shook her head. "No. I told you before. I lost consciousness before then, and when I woke up...""Yeah," I whispered. "You were in your car, outside the old church.""But not Sister Claire."She turned away from the gravestone, letting go of my hand and placing the flashlight down next to her feet. Then she wrapped both arms around her stomach, curling into herself and looking more vulnerable than ever before. Her scarf fell against the ground,
Darlene got up from the table and grabbed the journal again, pulling me away from the chair. I didn't want to go; there were so many questions left unanswered, so many mysteries surrounding her disappearance, but she dragged me back upstairs anyway. She pulled me into the room where her mother kept the rest of Sister Claire's things—her mementos and keepsakes, tucked away in storage with no real place in this world—and closed the door behind us. The only light came from a dim lamp on the nightstand, casting shadows along the wall and floor like dark storm clouds.Darlene had already told me about what she'd found inside her mother's old diary, how she'd read every last entry that she could find, trying to glean something of meaning from the words. She'd gone over it with me repeatedly during our dinner at the diner, telling me everything she knew about Sister Claire's life, both as a nun and an artist.But now Darlene sat down on the edge of the bed and placed
It was the final detail in an image that never stopped moving.A week later, I had a chance to meet Sister Claire's descendant, Darlene Bidwell. I wasn't sure how I got invited—perhaps she wanted to know who else knew her grandmother—but I accepted the invitation nonetheless, excited to learn more about my subject and her life outside of art. Darlene sat on the edge of the couch, swinging her legs like a little girl, while I perched uncomfortably in the chair across from her."So you think she might still be alive?" Darlene asked with a puzzled look. "Even though it was written all over the papers and everything."I shrugged. "The records aren't exact," I replied, wishing I didn't sound quite so vague. "Besides, there were many theories as to what happened to Sister Claire, but no one has actually seen her for several years. She may have gone underground after her escape, or maybe she was spotted at some point...but we don't really know."Darl
The success of the art therapy programs reached far beyond the town's boundaries. Sister Claire's advocacy for the healing power of art inspired other communities to embrace similar initiatives, fostering a movement of artistic healing that transcended geographical borders.I returned to my desk with the sketch in my hand.Sister Claire's letter told me how much the town she left had transformed and how, for her, the sketch was the last tangible reminder of a world that existed long ago. She must have loved the town, and I wondered if it was this very love that drove her to embrace its plight and use her art as a way to reach out.The question wasn't whether she was a hero or an artist. It wasn't even whether she was a woman of God or just a nun. Sister Claire's legacy would always be something more: the countless women and men she inspired to break out of their comfort zones and become artists. The lessons she taught were too valuable to miss, too important to ignore."You're looking
The sun cast a warm glow over the newly established Harmonyville Art Academy as Sister Claire stood at the entrance, eagerly awaiting the arrival of the first batch of young aspiring artists. Inside the academy's bright and inviting halls, easels stood ready, and art supplies adorned each table. As the students trickled in, their eyes sparkled with curiosity and anticipation. Sister Claire greeted them with a warm smile, embracing each one with a sense of genuine excitement. "Welcome, my young artists," Sister Claire said, her voice filled with warmth. "Today marks the beginning of an incredible journey. Here, you'll discover the magic of art and the endless possibilities it holds." One of the students, a teenager named Lily, raised her hand hesitantly. "I've never been to an art academy before. Will I be good enough?" Sister Claire knelt down, placing a reassuring hand on Lily's shoulder. "Every artist starts somewhere, and this academy is a place to grow and learn. Remember, it's
As word spread about Harmonyville's artistic renaissance and the success of the public art project, the town's reputation began to reach new heights. It caught the attention of a renowned, high-profile artist whose work had captivated audiences worldwide. Intrigued by the community's commitment to the arts and inspired by Sister Claire's advocacy, the artist reached out with an offer to collaborate on a large-scale installation in Harmonyville.The news of this collaboration spread like wildfire throughout the town, generating a buzz of excitement and anticipation. The prospect of working alongside a celebrated artist ignited a renewed sense of pride and possibility within the community.Sister Claire, recognizing the significance of this opportunity, embraced the collaboration as a way to further elevate Harmonyville's profile as an artistic destination. She assembled a team that included the artist, local artists, community members, and volunteers to bring the vision