The heavy, brutal impact of the clash only left Levi briefly disoriented. His mind still reeling from Margaret's terror-stricken scream, he darted his eyes toward the exterior surrounding the parking lot. As he lay on the ground with collapsed walls and bricks all fallen around him, his eyes still focused on Margaret, and he saw her being dragged violently by the hair and pulled towards a car.That was when he realized there were three attackers. He ragefully clenched his jaw and balled up his fist, his claws piercing into the palm of his skin. His attention was soon turned to the massive wolf that loomed before him, training his eyes on him and waiting for his next attack.Deliberately, he stood up, his unforgiving gaze boring into Dom's large wolf eyes. The sound of his claws cutting through the air followed, and with a snarl, Levi lunged, his claws slicing through the night air, raking against Dom’s flank. Pain shot through him, but he retaliated, snapping his jaws in a desperate a
BACK AT NICHOLAS LIGHTWOOD’S UNKNOWN TERRITORY.It was another dawn and another training day for Kimberly at Nicholas’s estate. But rather than the daily painful, distressful, and hectic training sessions, the day marked the beginning of a true Beta lifestyle for her. Due to the countless hours she had spent practicing her shapeshifting and honing all the skills Nicholas taught her, Kimberly finally got to transform into her wolf form without feeling any pain, and this, she was very proud of. Instead of the usual shape-shifting practice in the dungeon, she insisted that Nicholas proceed to teach her how to run at superspeed, from the training field to deep into the woods and out on the Lightwood’s beach. She also wanted to transform in the presence of everybody who had mocked and scorned her abilities and reign as Beta in the pack. And Nicholas, who had beard witnesses to all her fast improvement during their training sessions, trusted that she would do just fine as she'd promised.T
.The tender silence between them was only punctuated by the gentle whistling of the wind, the crashing of the ocean against the shores, and the soft blowing of the breeze rustling Nicholas’s thick black hair.For once, Nicholas was found speechless. Kimberly's proclamations, which he could swear he never saw coming, left him dumbfounded. His gaze locked onto Kimberly's, his eyes searching for any sign of hesitation or uncertainty in her bright hazel brown eyes. But all he saw was sincerity, shining brightly in her serene expression. His acute hearing tuned in to listen to her heartbeat for more proof. But her pulse beat was calm, steady and true, confirming the authenticity of her words.Time seemed to stand still as he delved deeper into her gaze. The warm sunlight dancing across her face highlighted the gentle curves of her features, and the soft breeze rustled her unique bronze colored hair, carrying the sweet scent of ocean flowers.Kimberly’s eyes also searched his. What was
CONTINUATION.“Why are you not saying anything!?” Kimberly pressured, her fists clenched.Nicholas's gaze dropped, unable to meet her piercing stare. His silence was a betrayal, a confirmation of her suspicions. His heart wrestled with conflicting desires: to shield Kimberly from his darkness and to surrender to the love growing between them.Her voice soon dropped to a whisper, laced with desperation. "Tell me the truth, Nicholas. Do you truly feel nothing? Cause I don't believe it, I really do not believe that you feel not even the slightest affection towards me?”The air hung heavy with anticipation, waiting for Nicholas's response."Then don't," Nicholas said softly, his words barely above a whisper.Kimberly's brow furrowed, confusion etched on her face. "What?" she whispered back, her voice barely audible."Don't believe it, because it's a lie," Nicholas clarified, his eyes locking onto hers.Kimberly's heart skipped a beat. "You do... Love me?" she stuttered, hope trembling in
STILL AT THE HOSPITAL.The hospital room's fluorescent lights hummed overhead, casting an eerie glow, when Jordan's eyes snapped open, a faint crimson hue instantly tinting his sclera. For weeks, he had been laying motionless, feeling nothing but numbness. Until he was awoken by a sudden, sharp pain that coursed throughout his body like a jolt of electricity. It started at his neck, where Nicholas’s fangs were embedded, which now oozed blood by the two tiny puncture of wound. The monitor beside him beeped rapidly as his heart rate accelerated.The pain intensified with each second, his heart racing, his eyes frantically darting around the ceiling, his ragged breathing filling the air. When suddenly, the pain stopped and the heart monitor started beeping steadily. Nicholas's face was inches from his neck, his lips curled back, revealing razor-sharp fangs. He retracted them slowly, and a droplet of blood clung to the tip before falling onto Jordan's skin. His eyes then locked onto Jorda
STILL AT THE HOSPITAL CONT'D.On hearing Jordan's promise, Nicholas's expression softened. He leaned backwards and stood erect, his eyes gleaming with a hint of satisfaction. "Good. That's all I ask."Jordan felt a shiver run down his spine as he realized the depth of his newfound loyalty to Nicholas."Why?" He asked, his curiosity getting the better of him."Let's just say it's essential for... mutual protection." Nicholas said with a cryptic smile.The hospital room seemed to grow quieter, as if the shadows themselves were listening to their conversation.Jordan's eyes searched Nicholas's face, seeking reassurance. "What if I slip up? Nicholas's voice dropped to a whisper. "You won't. You can't afford to." He said sharply.His heart skipped a beat as he grasped the weight of his promise. He was bound to Nicholas now."Now, it's time for you to reunite with your family," Nicholas said, his voice gentle. Jordan nodded, still processing the events."But later, I want you to come find
OUTSIDE THE HOSPITAL.However, as Nicholas stepped out of the hospital building, the cool evening air enveloped him, carrying the scent of freedom. He walked towards his vehicle, parked in a secluded area, his footsteps echoing through the stillness. Settling into his car, he felt a deep sense of satisfaction wash over him, like a soothing balm to his weary soul.He'd saved Jordan from suffering the merciless punishment that had loomed over him, a weight lifted off his conscience. By clearing Kimberly's name, he'd also brought relief to the innocent woman, protecting her from the devastating consequences of accusations.At that moment, Nicholas realized he'd discovered a new purpose. His actions had sparked a sense of redemption, igniting a fire within him. Instead of the usual cold and emotionless feeling, he felt alive, like he had done something good, not only for Jordan, his family, or even Kimberly but for himself. The darkness that had once shrouded his life began to recede, but
FLASHBACK TO THE ABANDONED PARKING LOT, WHERE LEVI TRAILED DOM.Levi's eyes scanned the abandoned parking lot, his nostrils flaring as he picked up the direction the scent of Dom’s blood was leading him. He followed the trail, his footsteps quiet on the cracked asphalt. The blood droplets didn't grow smaller, leading him out of the parking lot and back onto the rail tracks. His gaze narrowed as he recognized the spot where he'd parked his car. But he was not surprised when he found out that it was no longer there. Margaret's car was nowhere to be seen either. Good thing she'd let go of her stubbornness this once and gotten away when he had asked her to —he thought to himself.The car's tire tracks that were etched on the ground were still fresh which meant that Dom had just made for an escape using Levi's car. But to his bad, he was utterly exhausted from the pain, and he was losing blood each minute, which meant he could barely drive as fast or go as far before Levi caught him on fo
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