Lacey shook her head, trying to comprehend what Celia just said. She looked at Frieda, who was sharing the same shocked expression, but Jane didn’t look surprised at all. Jane glared at Celia, who kept her gaze on the floor. “Please tell me it’s not true,” Lacey pleaded with Celia. “Please tell me they forced you or threatened your life.”Celia looked up momentarily, catching the mixture of frustration and concern on Lacey's face. Her hands gripped the tray of food as she looked away. Before she could say anything, Rick walked up to Jane’s cell.“Let’s go,” he growled at Jane while opening the cell door, “and bring the other human too.”“Why? What are you going to do?”Rick stalked across the cell, grabbing Jane by the neck. “It doesn’t fucking matter. You are not in a position to ask questions. Do you understand?”When Jane didn’t answer fast enough, Rick tightened his grip around her neck until she nodded. He glanced over to Aidy and pointed towards the door. “Start moving, human,”
Nova observed from a distance as Xenia navigated through the stages of grief, her emotions ranging from mutterings to hysterical crying. Nova felt the urge to comfort her, but every time she approached, Xenia would abruptly jump up with another round of rambling. “It’s possible she got away,” Xenia said to no one in particular. “Right? I mean, we didn't see a body. She probably saw the first light and jumped out of the way. Yeah, my mother is smart like that.” Xenia nodded, seemingly in agreement with herself. “That has to be it. She's not dead unless I see a body.” A moment later. “That explosion was big though. There’s no way she could’ve made it. Oh God please just bring her back. I will do anything. Take me, take me!” Xenia turned to Nova, pleading with her. “Maybe we can bring her back. Like Melania, right? You can ask your goddess or do some magical stuff. Please, Nova! This wasn't supposed to happen. This was all my fault!”Xenia found herself drifting between the tangible re
For hours, Mason remained seated in the armchair, lost in the pages of his book. Occasionally, his eyes would drift towards Xenia, who seemed frozen in place by the window. Perched there, her posture rigid, as though any relaxation might unleash a torrent of pent-up emotions. The silence enveloped them like a suffocating blanket, punctuated only by the heavy sighs escaping Xenia;s lips, each laden with unspoken anguish and unresolved bitterness. Suddenly a timid knock shattered the delicate balance of the room, Xenia’s gaze narrowed suspiciously as the door creaked open, revealing Jane with a tray of steaming dishes. Her eyes darted nervously between Mason and Xenia, who turned her attention back to the outside world.“Excuse me, Alpha,” Jane began hesitantly. “I’ve brought lunch.”Mason gestured for her to approach, and Jane set the tray down on the table. As she turned to leave, Mason halted her.“Xenia needs help cleaning her hands before eating,” Mason commanded.. “I’m not hungr
Mason stormed into his office like a raging bull, his anger palpable as Lillian and Rick trailed behind, hesitant. He paced the room, clenching the letter he just received with frustration. Lillian and Rick shared uneasy glances, bracing themselves for what to come, until Mason finally unleashed a growl of fury.“How the hell is this possible, Lillian!” Mason’s voice thundered, his red eyes ablaze with fury. “I thought you assured me we had nothing to worry about. ‘I think it’s time to get rid of the opposition permanently.’ Isn’t that what you said?”Lillian bristled at his tone, casting her eyes downward. His aura pricked at their skin like pin needles. She could barely breathe in his presence. “You know how difficult it is to kill your brother,” she muttered.“What was that?” Mason demanded, his voice tight with anger.Lillian knew he really didn’t want her to answer so she held her tongue, waiting for his anger to simmer down. Mason gripped the mantle with enough force to crack th
Laurie and Micah exchanged glances across the yard. The market was bustling with people selling or buying items. Lottie’s grandmother was setting up her tent with the most delicious smelling prized pies, declaring it off-limits. They arrived in Greenville the night before after running nonstop and were greeted with a warm invitation. Lottie sent word the day before, so there was already a place for everyone to sleep.The next day, they decided to meet up in the market.“I can go speak with the fishmongers, the gatherers of the pack are usually set up over there, and the warriors would be on their morning run,” Lottie instructed. “Thanks, Lottie,” Micah said. “If we split up then maybe we get as much information as possible.”Everyone nodded in agreement before dispersing into the crowd. Micah’s gaze lingered on the pies, his mouth watering as he almost reached out to touch one. But Grandma Addy, sharp as ever despite her age, smacked his hand away before he could make contact. A low g
As Micah gradually regained consciousness, the voices around him sounded distant and muffled at first. Slowly, the world came back into focus; the cool touch of the ground beneath him, the hushed murmurs of his friends, the sunlight filtering through the tent windows. Unnoticed amidst their conversation, Micah struggled to push himself up from the ground, a wry grin playing on his lips as he observed his friends.“Oh, please,” Micah interjected with a touch of sarcasm, “don’t you all rush to help me at once.”Startled, everyone turned to him, their expressions a mixture of relief and concern as they realized he was conscious.“What happened?” Lottie asked, her brow furrowed with worry.“Did someone call you?” Laurie’s hands glowed softly as she checked his aura for any signs of distress.“It might have been something he ate,” Grandma Addy chimed in, “or tried to eat.” She threw a pointed look at Laurie, who, in turn, pointed at Micah.“I’m fine,” Micah reassured them, brushing off the
Xenia could barely sleep that night, knowing that today could very well be her last. She sat in her nightgown, looking out the window. The moon was long gone and the world outside was pitch black. Still she could see the outline of every tree, grass, and night creatures returning to their hideaways. She thought about Jane and Tammy before they left.“I can deal with Rick and Lillian,” Jane said, “but find a way to get the girls out. I’m sure you can convince the Alpha.”Xenia groaned, not wanting to deal with him at all. Even after Jane and Tammy reassured her about the plan, she still felt anxious. Of course anybody who knew when they were going to die would be nervous, but she didn’t want the girls to get in any more trouble. No one else is going to die because of me.You should not think like that,” Nova interrupted. “You are stronger than you think, Xenia.”Xenia forced a smile as she looked out the window. “My mother used to say ‘We can’t do much about misfortunes that blindside
Xenia’s heart pounded as she narrowed her gaze, locking onto Mason’s intense expression. What are you playing at? Xenia wondered as she stared at Mason, searching for any signs of deception. But all she found was a raw mixture of lust and determination.“You can’t be serious,” she scoffed, hoping her laugh would push him back. But instead, Mason smiled, a slow, predatory grin that sent heat pooling low in her stomach.“I think you know me well enough to realize I’m very serious,”he replied, his gaze flickering down to her lips, making his intentions crystal clear. “You realize every time we’ve kissed it was Rodin who was in control. I can’t help but feel a bit…”“...jealous,” Xenia replied.“...left out,” he finished, his eyes darkening as he moved closer, closing the gap between them. She felt her pulse quicken, her body betraying her mind. His nearness was intoxicating, and that made her furious. She tried to fight the rush of heat flooding her, swallowing hard as she placed a hand
As the morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow over the room, Xenia slowly opened her eyes to find herself lying in her room. She quickly sat up in bed, looking around. Was she dreaming? She had to be. That was the only explanation. She jumped out of bed and ran to the bathroom to look in the mirror. She was the same as she was before. She pinched herself thinking she was dreaming but she felt pain.What the hell?She absentmindedly touched her face, arms, and hair. Unable to believe where she was. She tried remembering where she was before. Melania. The fight. Nova. She had to get back and…“Xeni?”Xenia’s inner thoughts stopped and she froze. She looked towards the doorway, willing herself to move but her body was shaking with emotions.“Mother?”As if on cue, Delilah appeared in the doorway with a smile on her face. “There you are? What is taking you so long? Put on some clothes and come to breakfast.”Delilah turned to leave but Xenia grabbed her and pulled
Delilah caught Jane before she fell to the floor. Jane gazed over Rick’s lifeless body, her body trembling of what had just happened before. before letting out a heavy sigh.“I knew this was going to hurt, but damn,” Jane laughed. “You would think I would be used to pain.”“Jane, what’s going on?” Delilah asked.“Later,”Jane said with one last look at Rick before shaking her head. “We have to get to the others.”“Agreed,” Archie said, gripping the hilt of his sword. “No delays. Where are the others?”Jane pointed in the direction of the dungeon cells. “Cells are down that way, but we’re not the only ones down here.”On cue, a loud crash could be heard through the tunnels. The group raced forward, coming to a scene of pure chaos. Lacey, Friend, and Danny were in the middle of an all-out brawl against several guards. Lacey was throwing punches like a rabid beast, while Frieda and Danny–both laughing wildly–used each other to break through. Danny swung Frieda around like a rag doll while
The saturated color of the surrounding trees and landscape looked all too familiar when Xenia woke up in the spirit realm. Yet, something felt off. The hues were darker and the shadow loomed over the entire space. Mist swirled around her ankles, and the air carried an otherworldly hum that seemed to resonate in her chest. For a brief moment, the feeling frightened her.“You are finally awake,” a voice called out.Xenia turned to see Nova, moving towards her. Nova’s white fur shimmered like freshly fallen snow under the moonlight and darkness.“Nova,” Xenia breathed, relief washing over her. “I forgot how this felt. Though, it looks different.”“Dark forces are involved here, Xenia,” Nova said, lowering her head slightly, her ears twitching in agitation. “Melania’s presence is growing stronger.”Xenia’s stomach tightened. The name alone sent a chill through her body. Her hands curled into fists, looking around the area for a sign. “Where is she?”“Close,” Nova growled. “Be on guard.”“
The clash of metal against metal echoed through the kitchen as Jane ducked, barely dodging the swing of the spiked chain now wielded by Rick.Rick grinned as he twirled the chain like a predator with a toy. “You thought you were clever. Wielding this chain like you had a chance against me. Haven’t you had enough today?”Jane was breathing hard, her muscles aching from the fight, but still she laughed, shaking her head. “Obviously not, if I’m defying you again, but you know what Rick. I don't care what you do to me anymore. I will be free from you whether you like it or not.”“Don’t test me, Jane.”He swung the chain and Jane ducked as it hit the plates just above her. The glass sprayed everywhere causing a few cuts on her arms. She moved back against the counter, and her hand grazed the surface, feeling for anything useful. Her fingers brushed against something cold and metal–a pie tin. Her heart leaped as she remembered its contents. The silver and wolfsbane pie she’d baked earlier,
The path they took wasn’t going to the dungeons but through the Alpha’s secret hideaway in his office. The sudden change as they entered the small cave made Xenia’s stomach tighten. “Where are we going?” Xenia asked, her voice more high-pitched than she liked. The warriors remained silent, their faces unreadable as they waded through the icy water to reach the other side. Xenia’s heart raced, her pulse pounding in her ears. The dim, suffocating tunnel brought back the memories of her escape with her mother. Her breath hitched, and her legs faltered as the faint echoes of her mother’s screams mingled with the falling of debris.“Xenia,” Nova’s voice rumbled in the back of her mind, firm but soothing. “They did this on purpose. Fight through it. Breathe.”Xenia gritted her teeth, drawing strength from Nova’s presence as she struggled to keep moving. The warriors exchanged glances but said nothing, their grip tightening to keep her moving. Nova’s presence swirled protectively around he
Jane waited until all the warriors had left for the ritual before making her way through the halls of the packhouse. Her fist tightened around the key wrapped in a note she received from one of the guards–a man with a creepy obsession with Frieda. Jane thought it was a trap set by Lillian, but at the moment, she didn’t have any other option. “They locked Lacey and Frieda in the west wing, the room with the black doors. After the feast.”Jane cursed under her breath again. The west wing was desolate, but she knew there would be a guard or two stationed there. As she approached the main staircase, she slowed her pace, her ears catching the faint murmurs of voices below. She peeked over the railing and spotted two warriors stationed at the bottom of the steps. Sneaking past them was impossible. She needed a distraction. She looked around and noticed a small statue perched on a pedestal. Quietly, she slipped toward it, her heart pounding. With much more effort than she anticipated, she
This worked way better than expected. Lillian thought as she strode into the room where Mason lay, his muscular arms wrapped protectively around a trembling Xenia. She twirled the little pouch to break the spell, seeing the control Melania had over him was still in effect. Though if it was up to her, Lillian would let the effect last as long as she could. She approached the side of the bed where Xenia was looking straight ahead, her eyes wide with unshed tears. Lillian crouched down, her face level with Xenia’s. When Lillian’s hand reached out to brush a strand of Xenia’s hair back, Xenia flinched, but Mason’s grip kept her in place.“You brought this on yourself, you know,” Lillian mused. “All you had to do was cooperate.”“Fuck… you,” Xenia stuttered.Lillian laughed. “I think we both know who just got fuck. What? You can’t handle a bit of rough play?”Xenia wanted to reach out and claw Lillian’s face but Mason had her locked down. Lillian crouched, meeting Xenia’s angry gaze with
**TRIGGER: ASSAULT**Xenia’s fingers brushed the cold windowpane as she gazed out into the night, the Red Moon hung ominously in the sky. Its crimson glow bathed the landscape in an unsettling light, a reminder of the ritual to come. Tonight, everything will change. She could feel the weight of it pressing down on her. No matter how much Nova tried to reassure her that everything was going to be okay.“Do you feel that?” Nova asked. Xenia knew what she was talking about. There was power in the air. Something that seemed to call to the both of them. Or more like someone.“Mason?” Xenia asked.“No. Micah.”Xenia closed her eyes, searching in the darkness for something to hold on to. Was he really here? Was she really saved? A hand on her shoulder shook her from her thoughts as Tammy stood behind her with her dress.“Everything is safely tucked in, Luna,” Tammy said, laying the dress on the nook bench. Xenia exhaled slowly, gripping the towel wrapped around her as if she was cold, but
Mason stood in the dimly lit chamber, the flickering light from the torches casting shadows on the stone walls. In front of him, chained to opposite walls, were Micah, with bruises all over his body, and Cristobal, bound and barely conscious, yet still seething with defiance.Rick stood silently by the door, arms crossed, his eyes flicking between the three of them, awaiting orders.Mason tapped his fingers on the hilt of the knife he held, lazily spinning it in his grip as if it were a mere toy. He paced back and forth in front of his captives, stopping occasionally to inspect them with a twisted sense of amusement. "So, plans, dear brother. Let's discuss those. I’m sure you didn’t crash my little party just for a scenic tour of the dungeon." He stopped abruptly, crouching in front of Micah, his smirk twisting into something crueler. “Or are you going to let our brave soldier boy here spill his guts for you?”Micah didn’t respond. His breathing was labored, but his eyes—those damn e