As we journeyed deeper into the Wailing Woods, we discovered the forest's complex nature. The trees moved and swayed, their branches twisting together in a captivating yet confusing spectacle. Each step we took felt uncertain. The path before us kept changing, leading us deeper into the forest's puzzling maze.We relied on our instincts, keeping a close eye on our surroundings for any clues or hints from the elements around us. But the forest played tricks on us, making it hard to determine which way to go. We didn't even know we were in a maze or when we had reached a dead end. Landmarks that were once familiar now seemed strange, and paths we thought were clear suddenly disappeared into thick bushes and tangled plants.As time passed, our determination started to waver, and we grew frustrated and anxious. We started to doubt, suggesting to ourselves that we might be forever lost in this confusing maze.Sarah was the one who spoke first. "I think we're lost, Lily."As she spoke, came
Theo and Sarah looked dead-on at me. It felt like a huge weight came off my shoulders and I slowly breathed out."Stop fighting, please."Sarah rolled her eyes, "Lily, I know you-"Suddenly she stopped then pointed at my right shoulder. "Lily, what's wrong with your shoulder?"I looked down and saw one of the guardian marks on my shoulder glowing. It was in the shape of the crescent moon. It was different from the others I got that day I first transformed into an eagle. It looked like I had recently gotten it and it kinda hurt my skin.Theo stood up and looked at me, shocked, "It's the mark of the chosen one. The Healers told me that the person who bore the mark of a crescent moon on their right shoulder is the chosen one who will reclaim the ring." He looked into my eyes, "Lily, you really are the chosen one." Well, yes, that's what I just said.,Sarah looked at both of us then at me,."What? What?! Lily…why didn't you..when did you…what-""It's been some months since I found out, Sa
~LILY'S POV~The sunlight bathed the road giving me little relief after the days I spent in that accursed place. We were almost reaching the grove but we stopped at a stream to bathe, get drinking water and rest before continuing on. The woods we were in was part of our domain so we knew it like the back of our hands. Theo waited inside the bushes for us to finish bathing.Sarah was being her goofy self and we had a laugh. I missed these little moments and wished we had them more but I had already lost the ability to relax myself. So many things were always going on in my head, so many thoughts, so many unanswered questions, so many worries.As I reminisced about Adrian, memories flooded my mind. I remembered vivid pictures of our time together. I remembered his infectious laughter that could brighten the darkest of days. I remembered the way his eyes sparkled with mischief whenever we embarked on an adventure in the woods and we would arrive late only for us to sneak in so my parents
~NARRATOR'S POV ~The search troop Tyler led had made considerable progress in their search for Audrey, the fugitive. An emergency call from the pack was what made Tyler turn back. He addressed the men and told them they had to bring her back alive no matter what and beckoned them not to be afraid of any opposition they faced. After that, he returned back to the pack.Meanwhile in the coven, the vampires around the boarders already informed Leo of the search party coming for Audrey. He deliberately didn't tell her so he would see if she really had formidable power as she claimed and he suspected. He instructed his men to take her to the boundary and to tell her to wait for him since he was expecting another ally.Audrey did suspect he had ulterior motives but didn't say or do anything to show her suspicion. She also didn't resist and followed the men to the boundary. She waited for minutes but noone came. Totally irritated by the delay she turned to question one of the vampires, "When
~LILY'S POV~It hadn't been a day since we had arrived from our strenous journey when I heard my mom was sick. Infact, it was as soon as we entered the grove, I was informed of it. My mind raced when I heard the news. My mom, sick? She was the one who rarely fell ill in the entire grove. She had a strong immune system and very strong genes. Was it just a cold or something worse? Because the way the maid told me, she also looked fearful. Gosh, my mind spun in different directions. I told Theo and Sarah I had to visit her and my dad first before we would go to Aunt Belinda's.Before I even went to my room to freshen up, I immediately rushed to meet her and saw my father in their room. I went to hug him. He looked so tired and drained."Dad, what happened?""Where have you been, Lily?" He said, looking worried."Dad, I'd explain later I promise, but what happened to mom?""Lily, my dear." My mom's frail voice called to me and I went to her side. I sat beside her, my heart heavy with worr
~LILY'S POV~"She has cirrhosis…"I remembered what the doctor had said before my dad cut him off and took him aside to discuss. The look in my father's eyes said it all. I didn't need to check it up because I had heard of that illness before. It was what my father's mother had died from. They had taken her to every healer in the realm, every renowned doctor they could pay to travel to the grove, but still, no cure had been found for her.I brought my palms to my face and tried my best to hold in the tears that were on the brim of rushing out. No, nothing would happen to my mom. I had to believe hard enough and I had to stay strong, for her. She'd be fine. The more I'd tell myself, the more it'd be true."No…." My gut-wrenched voice came out which attracted Sarah's attention from the front seat she was sitting in beside Theo, who was driving. Theo looked at me concernedly through the front mirror as Sarah turned and placed a hand on my shoulder."Lily, you didn't have to come along. Y
There she stood, hair burning in the crimson light that started escaping from the heavy fog.She always gave off a eerie feeling that made me shiver, as if she would attack me out of nowhere and no-one would see it coming. Her eyes were filled with pure hate, showing the total darkness inside her. Every step she took closer to us was full of evil intent. She held Aunt Belinda on her knees, close to her, grabbing her hair tightly as the woman yelped for mercy. Her twisted smile showed how happy she was to inflict pain. At that moment, it felt like all the badness in the world was in the air with us, leaving me feeling scared and anxious."Let her go!" I shouted with all the strength I could muster.Her sickening laugh made my ears bleed. She dragged Aunt Belinda's hair tighter making her spine bend inwards and the poor woman's cries made me tighten my fists in anger."I said let her go, Audrey! What are you doing? What do you want?!"And then, a familiar voice I never thought I'd hear
Audrey, for the first time ever, seemed submissive and under a command. She bit her lips and stood back. Surprisingly, Leo started laughing then pushed me forward. He went to her side and whispered, "Don't touch her." He gave me one last look before walking back and standing where she once stood.Sarah rushed to my side,"Are you okay?"As we stood in front of Audrey and Leo, the atmosphere turned heavy and filled with tension, like a brewing storm ready to fall. It was a crucial moment, one where we had to think and act carefully. Aunt Belinda's battered face made my insides squeeze and the way Leo casually glanced at it then me made me want to claw at his face. This man was truly a monster. Theo, Sarah, and I were determined to carry out our plan of trading Aunt Belinda, but we knew we had to proceed with caution and be mindful of the risks involved mostly because neither Audrey nor Leo were to be trusted.Audrey smirked. "Well, well, if it isn't the brave little trio," she taunted,
Hey Pack, Wow, you made it to the end! Huge virtual fist pumps to you. 🌟 Thanks a million for all the howls of support and the crazy enthusiasm you've shown for this story. Seeing your reactions has been better than getting a call that a lecture has been cancelled on a Monday morning, lol. Now, drumroll, please... anticipate Book 2! It's coming and it's coming hard. We're talking more drama, more twists, more romance, more tension, and a few surprises that might just make your jaw hit the floor. You won't want to miss this. Seriously, your excitement is like fuel to my writing engine. Thanks for giving this story a chance. There are more adventures, more drama, and more 'what the heck just happened?' moments coming your way. This is just the beginning of the howl-fest. Stay awesome, keep those pages turning, and get ready to dive into Book 2 real soon. Until then, my pack, take care, and may your days be as thrilling as the full moon nights. Bye-bye till Book 2 drops! Howling l
~ LILY'S POV~ I sat upright on the bed. I could hear my heart beating wildly, and felt beads of sweat clinging to my forehead. The dream, the same recurring dream, had invaded my sleep again. I felt a chill creeping through me as those words in the Lythian language echoed in my mind. Adrian, still half asleep beside me, sensed my restlessness and gently kissed my forehead. His voice was soft and soothing as he asked, "What's troubling you, luv?" I turned to him with widened eyes. I recounted the details of the dream. It's the second time I had that dream. I saw Cathro in the dream warning me about a certain "Darram" but she was speaking in Lythian language. Saying, "Beware, Darram comes soon and we fear you will be the last Guardian this realm will ever know." Adrian's concern was evident, but he didn't want to add to my distress. He pulled me close into his strong arms, and reassured me with the warmth of his presence. "You shouldn't think too much about it, at least not now. You
Jaxon found himself behind a runty herb stall in the hidden market. The canopy above offered shade from the scorching sun. The cloaked man stood in front of him, carefully arranging an assortment of herbs in clay pots and glass bottles. Jaxon had come to appreciate the familiarity they both shared with nature's offerings.Jaxon took a deep breath and finally spoke, "The salves you've been giving me have been a great help to Tiana. Her scars are slowly healing, and I can't thank you enough for your help."The cloaked man nodded, his deep and wise voice always leaving Jaxon in wonder. "It's an honor to assist."Jaxon's eyes never left the cloaked man. He spoke with a sense of urgency in his voice. "Tiana's scars are fading, but her new wounds... they keep reopening. I know it's as a result of the remaining dark magic that's around her. I need something to ease her pain until I take her to the healers at the Cave"The cloaked man nodded, "I have just the thing, but be cautious. These her
×××××××××In the quiet of the night, Audrey was preparing herself for bed, or really, for Leo. She sat, fixing her hair while looking into the mirror. Her reflection stared back at her, and behind her, she sensed Leo watching. He lay on the bed, his eyes never leaving her.The night's silence was broken only by the gentle rustle of her clothing. As Audrey gazed at her own reflection, she couldn't help but remember the image of Leo's lifeless body. It was a haunting image that often crept into her thoughts, and tonight was no different.A shiver ran down her spine as she realized how frequently she feared his death. Audrey couldn't quite understand why his demise, or the mere thought of it, was such a constant source of dread for her. What would she do if he were to die again?Leo sensed the worry in her posture and voice, prompting him to ask, "What's the matter?"Rather than revealing her deep-seated fears, she shifted the conversation toward their recent meeting with Viktor. Audrey
×××××××××As Leo and Audrey stepped out into the courtyard, the air was filled with residual tension from the meeting. Leo nodded to his henchmen, silently instructing them to move forward and prepare the car for their departure. As they scurried off, leaving the two of them alone, Leo's demeanor changed.He swiftly pulled Audrey into his embrace. Her lithe form fitted perfectly against his own. It was a gesture that had become all too familiar between them. There was always a genuine attraction and the thrill of their dangerous partnership. Their flirtatious banter began as he gazed into her eyes, wanting to start something."It's about time I commend you for your loyalty. What you did back there -""Was nothing. I was tired of being in the midst of three grown-up men bickering like kids."Leo laughed and pulled her closer, "Oh, Audrey, you've been holding out on me. You've got a sense of humor buried in there."Audrey kept a straight face but he tightened his grip around her waist.
×××××××××The room was covered with such a thick tension as Viktor and Leo threw eachother assertive glares as they sat opposite eachother at the roundtable. The flickering chandeliers gave enough light to the polished wooden surface below it, and their henchmen stood behind them, ready to leap into action at any given moment.Leo's calculated move broke the silence. He nonchalantly tossed the Bodessa medallion onto the table, its precious metal clinking against the wood. His piercing eyes bore into Viktor's as he opened his mouth, "I brought this," Leo always sounded ambitious and too cocky, despite who he was addressing, "in exchange for men. I need more troops to raid the werewolf pack. It'll benefit the clan, and I know you've been planning a raid on one of their lower towns too. I could help with that."Viktor, the more composed and legitimate senior of the two, regarded the medallion for a moment. He gestured for one of his men to give it to him to which the latter did. His fin
THE WORLD OF "FORBIDDEN MATE"Someone once asked me about the world setting of the story since they saw elements of modern and mediaeval worlds in the story.This is your answer, dear:In Story 1, the setting and world are a blend of supernatural elements and modern-day life. The narrative features caves and packs, which are key components of the werewolf culture. These caves serve as communal spaces and dens for rebel groups, where they hold meetings, make important decisions, and discuss their strategies. The packs, as you already know, represent a strong sense of community and hierarchy.Amidst the supernatural background features, modern elements are also included into the story. This includes the presence of everyday technology like phones and digicams, used for communication and recording events. Weapons such as daggers are also part of this world which reflects the need for self-defense and conflicts that arise.The characters frequently visit bars, where they socialize, and so
Out of nowhere, Audrey appeared. She was surrounded by a dark and eerie aura. Her eyes glowed with evil as she summoned the powers of her devil goddess, Ashtarah. The air around us crackled with strange energy.When she saw my present form, she seemed to rethink facing me but she proceeded still, "So you're a Guardian? An unworthy bitch like you?"I studied her."Why did you always have the good things, hunh?You should have never been born, Lily! You're my bane and I want you cut you off once and for all!""Your hatred will only lead you to your grave, Audrey!" I was trying to get to her."No! I will send you to your grave, right here!" But alas.With a furious battle cry, Audrey lunged at me, her claws extending like sharp blades. I quickly used my wings spreading wide to shield me from her attack. We clashed in mid-air, feathers and fur flying as we struggled for dominance.Ashtarah's power flowed into Audrey, making her incredibly strong and quick. She easily dodged my attacks wit
The air felt heavy with anticipation as the BlueMoon pack and Shadow Clan armies stood facing each other. Their eyes locked in a fierce confrontation. The clearing, once a peaceful neutral space, had now transformed into a battleground.Tyler stepped forward, his eyes fixed on Leo, "This ends here, Leo. We won't let you harm our pack any longer," Tyler declared with a resolute tone.Leo smirked, his fangs glinting in the moonlight. "Oh, dear Alpha boy king, you're so naive to think you can stop us. This is just the beginning of our dominance," he replied with a sinister chuckle."Chargeeee!" Tyler's voice echoed through the crowd."Make me some blood!" Leo shouted out and burst into incredulous laughter.As the armies clashed, the forest became a battleground. The air filled with fierce sounds of bodies colliding, claws slashing, and fangs biting. Both sides were driven and determined, expressing it through battle cries and roars.Tyler led his pack with courage, giving his all in the