STILL AT THE PUB.Without blinking, Levi withdrew his hand and pulled out a handkerchief from his jacket as he began to wipe off the bloody mess on his hand. “He killed Mickey!” A woman's voice shrilled, her face contorting in grief and horror.Putting back the dollar bills back into his wallet, Levi turned around to face the audience in the pub. In a simultaneous action, the biker gang, the men in black biker jackets who were still seated with shocked and horrified expressions, reached into their boots, under the tables and inside their waist belts for their guns. The women and local men in the pub all went haywire, screaming as they frantically dashed outside the pub.Guns were pointed and aimed to Levi’s head, but it didn’t stop him from speaking. “Just a fair warning: the first person who pulls the trigger dies first.” He started in a low, menacing tone as he deliberately raised his head to stare into the eyes of a man standing directly opposite him with a handgun. The men in
EARLIER THAT DAY, BACK AT NICHOLAS'S MANSION.Nicholas stormed into his formal-living room, his chest heaving with control breaths. His eyes fell on Sheila, who was standing by the fireplace, pouring herself a glance of scotch from the wine bar.“Is all of these a joke to you?” He started in a low tone, the anger and disappointment evident in his voice.Sheila shrugged as she slowly gulped down the hot drink. “Dunno what you're talking about.” She answered nonchalantly, without even looking at him.“Sheila!” His voice bellowed, commanding her attention. Then he paused, clenching his teeth in simmering anger as he rested his palms on his waist, as if pondering on how to scold a stubborn child.Sheila wore a mask of disdain and nonchalance on her face. “Nicholas,” She started. “All I did was what you asked —train her. She is the one who you should be yelling at for being too weak and unable to take a couple of punches. Not me.” She stated sharply.“We both know you made no attempt in tr
11:00 PM. AT SHEILA'S DELUXE CONDO.Once again, utterly frustrated, infuriated, once again feeling betrayed, Sheila paced back and forth her balcony. Her fingers were called into ball, her claws digging in painfully into the flesh of her palm.The nights breeze did nothing to cool her temper. It blew hot air against her skin, while simultaneously, her insides churned and burned with a fiery rage that threatened to consume her. Her brows knotted, her face contorted with both pain and anger. The heat from the overwhelming emotions sent salty sweat down her forehead, her neck, and her back. Sheila felt extremely hurt, and she couldn't contain it.She felt the unnerving urge to yell, so loud that the whole world could hear. She could hear her heart pound rapidly as she paced. Her chest heaved with heavy breaths, her lips parted, gasping breathlessly. In just a week, she had lost Nicholas, her pack, her title —thoughts that raced her mind. It was too much for her. Sheila had never felt s
Kimberly woke up to the shimmering rays of dawn that cast into her room, and a melodious chirping of birds on the distant trees. She stirred, her gaze drawn to the window with its slightly opened curtains. A warm, golden glow cast upon her face, and a gentle smile spread across her lips. It was a tender expression of an unfamiliar feeling: Safety. Belonging. She felt safe in his mansion. Safe in her new room. She felt like she belonged there, in his mansion, in his pack, with him.Two weeks ago, she remembered waking up in her childhood bed in her cozy bedroom, drenched in sweat. Two weeks ago, she had turned eighteen. Two weeks ago, who could have known that it was the beginning of the end of her life as she had known it?However, as warned, her new life came with a seriously demanding schedule, and training topped the list. As if being poked by the memory of what had occured in her bedroom the last time she was late for her training session, Kimberly's eyes opened wide with urgen
Letting go of her already healed ear, Kimberly's face darkened. Clenching her teeth together, determination washing through her.“Again!” Nicholas instructed. “Take a deep breath, listen, focus. Tell me what you hear.”Kimberly stood calm, taking in a long deep breath as she listened. Once again, she could hear the overlapping waves of the ocean, but that seemed not to be enough, so she concentrated harder. Then she could hear it clearly, nothing else, just the waves but louder.Drifting her attention back to the trees, she could hear the birds singing. She paid more attention, in her head, the birds appeared to be singing closer than before. “Tell me what you hear.” Nicholas repeated, his voice a slight distraction to her focus. “I… hear… arghhh!” She yelped again, her face now burned red.“Kimberly!” He sounded like a disappointed father. “Your reflexes are too weak, too dull!”Kimberly felt an ache in her heart. “Okay, don't blame me for having to take a dozen dosages of medicati
Confusion overwhelmed her and it was evident in her deeply furrowed brows. She rubbed her eyes, in an attempt to adjust the disorientation from the sudden transition from darkness to light. But it was a futile effort. She gazed upon her empty palm, utterly perplexed. She could no longer feel the weight, or the sharp pressing of the assumed blade. It was almost like it was all in her head.“Congratulations, Kimberly, you just passed your first training session.” Nicholas announced, looking at her with an amused smirk.Kimberly's gaze lifted to meet his subtle smirk, “I.. I don't understand.” She stuttered, “I caught it. It was here in my palm, but now… it's gone.” She explained, pointing to her palm with the other hand for emphasis.Surprisingly, Nicholas seemed unperturbed and it deeply confused her. “There were no blades, there were no cuts on your skin, it was all in your mind.” He said coolly, his eyes never leaving hers. “It's one of the things I can do, you can call it one of m
Meanwhile, Sheila woke up to the piercing ringing tone of her new phone shattering the still quiet of the early morning. Groggily, she swung legs over to the side of the bed and planted her feet firmly on the ground. Rubbing her eyes, she strode to the dresser table, where her phone laid, vibrating with nuisance.Snatching her phone in a vigorous manner, she swiped right and placed it over her ear. “Hello!” She started, her voice filled with both irritation and anticipation.“Sheila Black?” A familiar masculine voice, with a Mexican-American accent, echoed at the end of the line.“Jerry!?” Sheila exclaimed in a tone that seemed angry but at the same time, relieved. “What's going on? I've been unable to reach you guys, I tried calling and messaging…”“Last night, we almost got busted .” Jerry’s bold tone responded curtly. Sheila's voice tightened. “What happened?”“We had to touch our gear —our phones, laptops, everything.” Jerry explained. “We're setting up in a new location right n
Flashback to when Sheila had terrified Madison in her car after she testified at the police station. In a frenzy, Madison raced the car home, her heart threatening to jump out of her throat. The panic gradually began to wear her down as her mind reeled with what she had seen and heard: Glowing eyes, fangs, and an animalistic growl. SHEILA WAS NO HUMAN! In her thoughts, Madison had fearfully admitted. Still, a tinge of uncertainty lingered. But she knew there was only one person who would make her feel less insane and also confirm what she had seen —her mother. Meanwhile, Madison swiftly unlocked their compound gate with the security code and speedily dashed the car inside. As soon she parked her car in the garage, she hurriedly ran for their car porch, screaming for her mother to tell her what she'd seen, having felt overwhelmed by her discovery.“Mom!” She yelled as she slammed the door behind her. “Mom!” She raced up the stairs to her mother's bedroom but found it empty.She check
As the dust settled, Nicholas and Levi found themselves shocked and disoriented, their eyes fixed on Kimberly with a mix of confusion and awe. With a painful groan, Levi sank his own hand into his shifted heart which was almost about to be ripped out of his chest, and he pushed it back to its original position with undeterred precision. That was the closest he'd ever been to death in his entire life, but he made sure to conceal the flicker of emotion that would have revealed it. For some unknown reasons, Kimberly had chosen to stop Nicholas, she had chosen to save Levi, and Levi was thankful for that. This reason however was subtly understood by Levi, he knew she had saved him not because she believed what he had said, it was because he knew she must be desperate for answers. And he believed that deep down in her heart, she knew that something was missing and she wanted to know what. Apparently, saving Levi's life was a one step to finding out answers—or so Levi thought. Barely re
Back then at the scene of the carnage that had unfolded before the Lightwood’s mansion. The disastrous and blood drenched battleground was a grim reminder of the atrocities committed by Levi; decimating six of Nicholas's own in cold blood. Levi, the Ultima, and ever-powerful primordial, and Nicholas, the ruthless and formidable Alpha, stood face to face, six feet from each other, their jaws clenched in unyielding determination. Their faces and clothes were battered with blood, both of their own and that of the fallen werewolves —another grim reminder of the carnage that had taken place. Their eyes blazed with a burning intensity, each one fueled by a fierce desire to take the other out, to emerge victorious in this battle of titans.And then there was Kimberly, the unseemingly powerful hybrid, whose true nature remained a mystery to all who surrounded her. She stood frozen on the mansion stairs, her eyes wide with shock and disbelief, her gaze fixed on the havoc unfolding before he
As Sheila stepped out of Hannah's front door, the warm sunlight and gentle breeze enveloped her, a stark contrast to the dark, intense emotions that was swirling within her. She took a deep breath, feeling the cool, crisp air fill her lungs, and began to make her way down the winding path that led through Hannah's beautifully manicured gardens.The vibrant flowers and lush greenery of Hannah's garden seemed to mock her, their beauty and tranquility a jarring contrast to the turmoil that raged in her heart and mind. Her eyes narrowed as she gazed out at the serene landscape, her mind still reeling from the revelations Hannah had shared.Despite her weakness and fatigue, Sheila's resolve had been reignited, her determination to destroy Kimberly burning brighter than ever. As she walked, she carefully formulated her next move, her mind racing with strategies and plans.The soft rustle of leaves and chirping of birds filled the air, a soothing melody that seemed to fuel Sheila's growing a
While Sheila was left orchestrating her next move in her mind, Hannah retreated to her sanctum, a space filled in ancient mystique. The witch room was a labyrinthine chamber, its walls lined with tall shelves that stood relentlessly under the weight of dusty tomes and mysterious artifacts. The air was heavy with the scent of old parchment and the flickering flames of white and red candles, which cast eerie shadows on the walls. In the center of the room, a sturdy wooden table stood, and on it was a simple, yet elegant, silver bowl. The bowl, crafted from a polished silver metal, seemed to glow with an ethereal light, as if it were imbued with a power of its own. Hannah's eyes gleamed with a deep understanding as she approached the table, her hands weaving intricate patterns in the air. The silence was palpable, punctuated only by the soft crackling of the candles.Her expression turned grave, her sharp eyes clouded with a mix of shock and concern. She paused, collecting her thoughts
Sheila sat up, adjusting her clothes and regaining her composure. "What is it that you want from me, Hannah?" She asked, her tone measured. Hannah's response was a laughter laced with mockery. "You?" she repeated, her eyes glinting with amusement. "What could you possibly have to offer that would be of any interest to me?”Sheila's brows furrowed, her frustration simmering just below the surface, but she refused to give Hannah the satisfaction of seeing her weakness. "What's your problem with me, then?" she demanded, her voice firm. "Why have you been making my life so goddamn difficult?"Hannah's expression turned stern, her finger wagging in reprimand. "No, no, no. You're getting ahead of yourself. Let's establish the rules here, because we're only doing this my way. I ask the questions, and you answer. Understood?" Sheila's eyes rolled heavenward, her disdain for Hannah's condescending tone clear.“Now, what brought you to Anavrin?” Hannah began."I thought you said you know every
Shortly after, the duo reappeared in another spacious sitting as if they had traveled through dimensions and arrived in another world. The strong aura and energy the magic took to transport them was so strong that it brought Sheila back to her consciousness. She stirred, her eyes fluttering open to an unfamiliar ceiling. She was disoriented, but as her gaze swept the room, memories began to resurface. She saw the elderly woman in her long, luscious grey hair, standing over her. She was chanting in a low, deep, menacing tone, words Sheila couldn't make out the language it was in.Sheila's gaze flickered around to scrutinize her surroundings. The room she found herself in was an unusually cozy, island-inspired space with vibrant colors and lush greenery. Woven bamboo furniture and colorful textiles added to the Jamaican vibe. The air was thick with the scent of blooming flowers and the faint hint of jerk seasoning. Rows of red and white candles were burning on ornate candle stands tha
She? Who is She? Sheila's mind reeled. But before she could question the boy's words, she heard the door opposite Timmy's creak open. She felt a sudden unsettling presence approaching her from behind, making the hairs on the back of her neck stand on an end. Although her senses were not as heightened as they normally were, her many years of honed instinct screamed warning that put her on immediate alert. Through the corner of her eyes, she caught a glimpse of an eerie shadow looming on the wall and drawing closer to her. She immediately turned her head to confront the presence, and her eyes locked onto the woman who had brought her to this place. But the warm, friendly face Sheila remembered had twisted into a malevolent scowl that showed utter hostility and nothing less. The woman's voice was low and menacing, uttering words that sounded like an ancient incantation. Her right hand was clenched into a fist, with her palm facing utward, as if she was conjuring some dark energy.Sheila
Sheila trailed behind the woman, navigating a desolate alleyway scarred by vibrant graffiti. The ground was littered with dirt and debris, while abandoned cars lined the streets, their rusting hulks a testament to the area's neglect. As they walked, the only sounds being the soft crunch of gravel beneath their shoes, Sheila's mind began to wander. What motivated this woman to help her? She focused her super-sensitive hearing on the woman's heartbeat, but it remained calm and steady, reassuring her that the woman's intentions seemed genuine.With renewed confidence, Sheila followed the woman as they climbed into a broad, dimly lit tunnel. The air inside was stale and musty, filled with the scent of decay. As they emerged from the tunnel, Sheila's eyes adjusted to the bright sunlight, revealing a sprawling landscape of old, worn buildings. They stood in a small, rundown ghetto area, the walls of the buildings covered in a kaleidoscope of graffiti, while broken windows gaped like empty e
Sheila trudged down the rain-soaked streets of Anavrin, her eyes fixed on the Google map that was displayed on her phone screen. Her face was twisted in a scowl as she stormed her boots on the soil tracks. The acrid smell of mud and dirt, the exhaust fumes of car engines, and the musky scents of nearby alleys clung onto her nostrils like a challenge.She had been searching for what felt like hours now, and her patience was starting to wear thin. Using the I web and her miniature tech skills, and also the eyewitness’s social media accounts she had inspected, the boy who had been saved by the mysterious woman was named Timmy, and he lived somewhere in this neighborhood. As she turned a corner, her eyes scanned the street, taking in the rows of mediocre houses and apartment buildings. She briefly stopped in front of a small bakery, the sweet aroma of freshly baked bread wafting out into the street. Her stomach growled, reminding her that she had skipped breakfast.Consulting her phone a