Storming into her room and slapping the door behind her, Hannah was trying hard to shake off the feeling that Hadzen had left with her. His coldness, his dismissal of whom she chose to spend her time with, especially when it came to Dylan, stirred up a fresh resentment inside her. Why should he not let her get her own way?What's his problem?" she mumbled, snatching a towel from her closet and heading to the bathroom. She wanted to unwind, and a warm bath felt like it was going to be the only thing that would soothe her frayed nerves. The filling water sounded like balm, and soon, steam began to rise and fog the mirror, but warmed the room.She sank into the bath, her skin wrapped in warm water. She felt it ease all tension away from her muscles. "Dylan is my friend. Our friend", she whispered to herself again. "*Why can't he just let that be? Why does he have to interfere with everything?)As the warmth of the bath seeped through her, Hannah's gaze drifted down to her arm and she pau
Hannah sat calmly on her bed, her hair still damp from the bath, as her mother, Maxine, brushed it with gentle, rhythmical strokes. She hadn't felt this kind of comfort in ages, a soft, quiet moment with her mother after so much chaos. She was still thinking about that night before-the water, drifting off to that heavy dazedness, and then jolting awake to Hadzen's panicked face, Dylan's concern. But in the presence of her mother, fear softened, relieved by Maxine's calm, steady touch."God, you freaked me out, Hannah," Maxine said very softly yet firmly, her words dripping in anxiety. "I don't want to lose you again. I almost lost you once, and that was enough for a lifetime."She swallowed hard with a pang of guilt as her mother's hand paused mid-stroke. She looked down, twisting uncomfortably in her lap by the fingers. "Mom, I'm sorry for making you worry like that. It was just a mistake. I didn't mean for it to happen.".Maxine took the brush up again and began smoothing her hair-t
Hannah slumped her body against the ledge of the third-floor window of Eastwood University. Her eyes could roam loose down across the pathway that seemed sun-bright below, and she was lost to the sound of groups of students laughing and talking around her. But into her head, she was letting imagination wander into a world that seemed foreign from everything she knew."Sonia," she whispered to her friend at her side, "do you think I'll ever have a chance to visit the human world?"Sonia gazed back at her with a wistful smile. "I have been there before," she said. "It was… amazing. I even made a friend there, Lena. But ever since Alpha Ador created this place for us, it has been forbidden.". Only the high-ranking wolves are allowed outside, and even then only to make sure that no threats come near. "She lowered her voice. "Your grandfather had enemies there, you know. One of them. well, he was your mother's stepbrother."Hannahs interest was piqued. "I didn't know that," she replied, a s
"Sonia.""Sonia."Sonia drifted up into wakefulness, she was jolted from her sleep by her mother's soft tugging. She was dazed and disoriented, not knowing the fuzzy figure hovering before her."Sonia," said her mother softly. "Hannah's here."Sonia jerked forward and rubbed her eyes. "Hannah? At.3 am.? Why?Her mother shrugged small, bewildered. "She didn't say. Just that she needs to see you right away. She's waiting for you in the sala.".Heart pounding with a mix of concern and curiosity, Sonia slipped out of bed, grabbing a robe and hurrying down the hallway. Her thoughts must have been racing to consider what in heaven's name could possibly bring Hannah to her door at such an hour. It was such an uncharacteristic visit from her friend, whose otherwise calm demeanor never betrayed a hint of impulsiveness.She had hardly passed across the darkness of the sala when Hannah came in with herself pictured against the window, halflit through the diaphanous veil that the moon sent drifti
She was taking a deep breath when she could feel her eyes going soft at the familiar sights around town. "Can't believe I'm here again." She spoke in a hushed whisper. "The air, the streets… I missed this."Hannah walked beside her, her eyes darting hither and yon, wide with wonder as she took in everything. The streets were alive, even at that early hour, with people rushing to and fro, cars chugging by, and the faint scent of coffee wafting from a nearby café. She had heard stories of the world of humans but nothing like it compared to being here."This is… pretty far from home," Hannah whispered, her voice tinged with awe. "It's… crowded but beautiful."Sonia laughed and nudged her gently. "Overwhelming, isn't it?"Hannah nodded, her gaze transfixed by the flashing signs, colorful storefronts, and people walking past with an ease that seemed almost foreign. Everything here felt bright, lively, and vibrant in a way she'd never experienced within the quiet, hidden world of the pack.
Hannah's thoughts remained in the memories of the human world: the busy streets, the thrill of stepping outside the pack's boundaries, and the rich sweetness of melting chocolate on her tongue. That was the taste of freedom, a glimpse into something she didn't even know was missing.But as she sat down with her family at the long dining table, she tried to hide all her thoughts. Around her, familiar faces settled into chairs; a quiet evening meal was to be shared. She glanced across at her mother, Maxine, whose face wore that curious, warm expression.Maxine tilted her head, surveying Hannah's face with a soft, compassionate smile. "You seem happier than usual tonight, Hannah. How's your day been?"Hannah forced a neutral expression, attempting to lock away the excitement swelling inside her. "Yeah, Mom. I'm… I'm just. I guess I'm happy."Maxine's smile crept up, and she sat forward, looking intrigued. "And what's made you so happy?Hannah skipped a heartbeat, and fast enough she prod
Hannah lay awake and stared up at the ceiling. She just couldn't sleep, her thoughts swirling in her head like leaves on a stormy night. The quiet comfort of her bed, the safe walls of the Hadson pack's territory, suddenly felt restrictive to her. A yearning lay within her, an insistent pull that tugged at her, urging her to go back to the human world. Something had to be understood, something she couldn't quite define.She sat up after tossing and turning for nearly an hour, whispering into the stillness, "I have to see it again… I need to understand."She quietly got out of bed wearing only her hoodie, skinny jeans, and a pair of rubber shoes. She was too discreet to disturb them; hence, she was very silent as she slipped out of the pack grounds and disappeared into the forest.It took some time but soon the dense trees thinned out, and she could view the lights of the city ahead. Hannah filled her lungs with air, and the excitement of embarking into this new world rushed through he
Ralph's hands dropped back to Amara's waist, his lips tracing her neck as he tried to draw her back into the excitement of the moment. But Amara's mind was a far cry from the thrill of their secret tryst. The stark image of Winter's colorless face, the empty look in her mismatched eyes, flashed before her once again and made her shiver involuntarily."Ralph, stop!" She pulled away again, pacing to the other side of the room, her hands clutching her head. "You didn't see her up close like I did. It was her—Winter. I know it was. She looked… changed, but it was her. I'm sure of it."Ralph slumped his head forward onto the back wall, frustration visible on his face as he watched her, rolling his eyes. "Amara you're overthinking things. That girl in that convenience store? She is just some street chick. Winter is gone-she is probably lying in some ditch in that forest if people ever bother looking for her.".Amara shook her head again, trying to keep her voice from shaking with fear. "You
The glow of the ancient door receded into the darkness, and the power left it was like a protective shield over those gathered in the clearing. The door swung all the way open and a voice thundered through the silence. "Hannah!" Maxine's voice stabbed with worry; her silhouette on the dim light of the doorway.Hannah spun, and tears streamed down her face as she saw her mother step into the clearing, flanked by Alpha Alph and several members of the Hampton pack. Their presence intimidated her: strength pulsed out in waves."Mom!" Hannah called out, her voice breaking as she stumbled toward Maxine.The smirk vanished off Ronald's face the moment he laid eyes on them. He slid back one step and his boldness crumbled at the sight of a pack. His eyes darted between Maxine and Alph, the ferocious leaders who made even the sturdiest foes bend over their knees."Dammit," he cursed under his breath. With no hesitation, he ordered to the few wolves left, "Retreat!The wolves scattered like shad
The night cast an eerie stillness in the forest, but the crimson glow of the full moon was radiant as it hung low in the blood-stained sky. Its wide face cast creepy shadows on the forest floor, and the air was heavy with an impending sense of doom that neither Hadzen nor Hannah could ignore."Let's just wait here," Hadzen muttered, breaking the tense silence. His voice was gruff, his eyes fixed on the distant horizon. "We don't want to go back to that crazy woman." Hannah glanced at her brother, perplexed. "What are you talking about?"Hadzen's jaw clenched as he let out a frustrated huff. "Amara," he said begrudgingly, his mind flashing all too briefly back to her earlier antics. Her sudden kiss had caught him off guard and made him annoyed and more than a little flustered. "You know what she did earlier… never mind. It's not important."She gazed at him questioningly, then decided not to inquire any further. There was something in Hadzen's stance and the far-off look in his eyes t
The dimly lit room in the Hampton mansion was full of solemnity. Ancient artifacts in the pack's history surrounded Alpha Alph as he stood before the pedestal that housed the key. It was no ordinary key—the design was intricate, engraved with symbols of unity and strength, and it radiated a faint, mystical glow.Alph stared at it, feeling the weight of the decision crushing down on him. This was the key that could open the gates of Hampton - they had been the gates securing their territory for generations. Once opened, though, they could never be closed again: the magic that bound the gates was total; the decision was irrevocable.His hand floated over the key. **Was it the right decision?** He knew what the consequences of opening the gates meant: to let the world come in, making his pack vulnerable to enemies such as Leo. But the eclipse essence was close to awakening; Maxine needed every advantage to safeguard it.Alph's mind swirled. He could not fail her. He could not fail the fa
The moon was heavy in the sky, its silvery radiance pouring across the scorched land where Hannah and Hadzen waited. Charged air imponderable held its breath. Hadzen stood against jagged rock, his sharp eyes ranging across the ground, every muscle in his body tense. He didn't trust silence. Silence was dangerous-a precursor to chaos. Hannah sat beside him, her arms wrapped tight around her knees, eyes pinned on the door to Hampton. She could see it looming there, ancient and unyielding, its runes faintly glowing in the darkness. Hours had passed, yet no sign of the barrier opening showed in the distance. Her chest was tightening with frustration and helplessness. Hadzen's impatience she could feel like a storm, brewing up beside her. Hadzen finally broke the silence, his voice sharp and cold. "How long are we supposed to sit here? This isn't going to open itself, Hannah gazed at him but said nothing. She really had nothing to say. How would she know? That she didn't know? That she
The quiet streets of Hampton slumbered in a soft, golden light as sunset fell, old cobblestones painted with shadows. Sonia stood in the front yard of her small house, twisting the hem of her dress round and round with her fingers as her heart thudded in her chest. Across from her stood Dylan, his presence commanding and steady as always, except tonight his warmth seemed absent."You told Hannah about the human world, didn't you?" His voice wasn't loud, but the disappointment in it struck harder than any shout.Sonia looked away, guilt pooling in her chest. Her words felt small as she spoke. "I… I didn't mean to make things worse."Dylan's brow furrowed, and for a moment, he said nothing. That silence made her fidget, her fingers twisting harder at the fabric of her dress. "You do realize what you've done?" he asked finally, breaking the quiet. "Hannah already questions everything: her memories, her identity. The human world is just another baffling addition."I know!" Sonia's voice c
Quiet streets of Hampton slumbered in a soft, golden light as sunset fell, old cobblestones sketched with shadows. **Sonia** stood in the front yard of her small house with its ivy bed. She worriedly twisted the hem of her dress in her fingertips as her heart thumped in her chest at the uninvited visitor before her: **Dylan**.She'd always been that way, with the shaggy hair, warm brown eyes, and that easy smile that seemed to make the world feel lighter. He was, secretly, everything she kind of admired. Today, however, there had been no smile. Instead, his eyes were all tangled up in worry and disappointment, twisting something inside her."You told Hannah about the human world, didn't you?" Dylan's voice was low, but there was a note of reproach that cut deeper than she had expected.Sonia's shoulders slumped, and she swallowed hard, a guilty feeling creeping over her. She'd thought that surely no one would hear, that she could keep this slip of the tongue to herself. But here stood
Storm clouds hung over Hampton, heavy and thick with an ominous darkness, as if nature herself had paused for breath at what was to come. The night approaching had a heavy smell of wetness; Alpha Alph stood before the entrance of his stronghold with hands clenched at his sides. His look, normally unremitting, was marred with worry as tension strangled the air.Beside him, **Maxine** was as disturbed. She stood tall, but a trembling in her hands belied the fear that she was fighting to keep at bay. Her eyes, golden like the rising sun, were fixed on the horizon, where the moon began to rise. The light that filtered through the clouds had a reddish tint-an ominous sign of the coming Eclipse.They're not back yet," she said, breaking the silence. Her voice was tight and raw with worry. "Hadzen and Hannah… they're still out there and the Eclipse is coming. If we can't bring them back in time…With a sharp exhalation, Alpha Alph's jaw worked: he was fighting to keep his own voices back. "T
### Chapter 59: Fragments of the PastThe darkness of night was making the forest grow darker, shadows stretching long and thin across the mossy ground. Hannah breathed softly. The mist of her breath was visible in the cold air. Every rustle of the leaves or crack of the twig went through Hannah like a shiver of anticipation. Her senses felt heightened, her nerves raw, as though the very forest was holding its breath.They had walked for what felt like hours, the silence between them heavy but not uncomfortable. Hannah's thoughts churned- replaying it all: The argument, the kiss she'd witnessed, and just how Hadzen had reached out and pulled her away from it all. His grip still gentle, even now, though he'd released her once they were far enough to have perhaps avoided the whole debacle.Hannah swallowed, staring at the back of Hadzen's head. His jaw was clenched, and his eyes were focused forward, but his brows creased across his face in concern. It was as if he could feel the tempes
The faint light in the luxurious mansion thrown by Amara made long shadows on the walls, and the room spun a little as she entered the **sala** stumbling under the grip of half an empty bottle of the expensive whiskey. The earlier argument with Ralph was still echoing in her mind. The sorrow and frustration of hurt played in her mind as a broken record that would not let her sleep. She had made him go home, needing to be left alone, needing to douse herself in the numbing abuace of alcohol.Amara crashed onto the plush velvet couch, her designer dress rumpled and makeup slightly smudged. She forced a laugh, took another swig, this time savoring the burn as it chased the ache in her chest away. "Screw it," she muttered under her breath, then fell back on the couch and closed her eyes.The muffled footfalls made her crack an eye open. It took a moment in her haze to process what she was seeing. **Hannah** and **Hadzen** were moving almost silently towards the front door, their movements