After our conversation with Alpha Jo, Zaza and I decided to visit my mother. It had been too long since I last saw her, and I needed to know she was safe. The journey to my parent’s house was filled with nervous anticipation. When we finally arrived, she greeted us with a warm smile and open arms.
"Ava, my child," she said, pulling me into a tight embrace. "I've missed you so much."
"I've missed you too, Mother," I replied, my voice thick with emotion. Zaza stood nearby, giving us space but smiling softly at the reunion.
We spent some time catching up, my mother filling me in on the latest news from the town and her own struggles since my banishment. Despite the hardships, she remained resilient, a trait I admired deeply. I told her about my recent adventures, carefull
I made my way to Alpha Jo's quarters, the unease growing steadily in me. With Karim by my side, I felt a bit more secure, but the weight of the situation pressed heavily on my shoulders. The encounter with the beast and the suspicions surrounding Nashville had left me restless, and I needed answers.Alpha Jo welcomed us with a solemn expression. "Ava, Karim, please, come in," he said, gesturing towards the chairs in his spacious room. "What brings you here at this hour?"I took a deep breath and looked Jo in the eye. "Jo, we need to talk about the beast Zaza mentioned. The one linked to the bandits. Do you know anything about it?"Jo's brow furrowed, and he shook his head slowly. "I don't know much. The beast is a myth around here, something whispered in fear. But no concrete information, I'm afraid."I glanced at Karim, who nodded slightly, indicating that he was ready to take on the task. "Karim," I said, turning to him, "I need you to look into this. Find out who or what this beast
As the twilight cast a dim glow over the room, I gathered the twelve around the wooden table. The tension in the air was noticeable as we discussed our next move. Each of our faces bore the marks of our recent battles, our eyes hardened by the countless struggles we had faced together.“We need to decide whether to confront this so-called ‘Beast of the Bandits’ or not,” I began, my voice steady but filled with the gravity of the situation. “There’s a chance this could be a trap, designed to lure us into the open and eliminate us.”Karim leaned forward, his expression serious. “Ava, I’ve been thinking about this a lot. It feels too convenient. The way the bandits have been operating, their coordination, I truly think it is a trap, it’s like they’ve been waiting for us. If we go out there, we might be walking straight into their hands.”Zaza added, “They want you dead, Ava. You’re the only thing standing between them and total control. If the beast kills you, they’ll have free rein over
The weight of our victories and the looming threat of future battles pressed heavily on my mind. That night, unable to find solace in sleep, I wandered into the forest. The dark canopy above seemed to mirror the turmoil within me, and I let my tears flow freely, not caring about the danger the forest supposedly held.The beast, the one we had been warned about, was the last thing on my mind as I poured out my sorrow and fear. He could be in the forest, but I came here to pour out my sorrow.The forest was fearfully silent, the kind of silence that seemed to amplify the sound of my weeping. My thoughts drifted to all that had happened: the betrayal, the battles, the friends lost, and the ones still in danger. It was overwhelming, and for a moment, I allowed myself to be vulnerable.A rustling in the underbrush startled me, and I quickly wiped my tears, preparing myself for whatever might emerge. To my surprise, it was Alpha Jo. His face was etched with concern as he approached, his ste
I sat in a corner of my room wondering what to do next. Leaving my parents and my clan is a big call. But on the other hand, if I don't do that, I have General Masa to contend with. The night was quiet, a deceptive calm. I was sitting by the window, lost in thought, when the door to my room burst open. Zaza rushed in, her face was wearing a mask of anxiety and worry.I looked at her with concern as she took big, deep breaths to calm herself. “Ava,” she gasped, struggling to catch her breath. “The Beast of Bandits is in the Town Square. He’s challenging you openly.”I stood up immediately, my heart pounding. “What? Why haven’t the guards arrested him?”“Maria and the guards are there,” Zaza replied, her voice filled with frustration and disbelief. “But no arrest has been made. They’re just standing there, watching.”“Why? This is our opportunity to strike the Beast down.” Has it turned or is it still in human form?” I asked.Zaza understood why and was disappointed as she answered me”
Alpha Jo entered the room with an air of satisfaction, his eyes were filled with admiration. He had come to congratulate me on my victory over the Beast of Bandit, but I could barely muster a polite response.I felt a deep sense of betrayal and suspicion and it could be seen all over my face. Maybe he has come to get more information to help his sister's mission, I thought."Congratulations, Ava," he began, his voice filled with genuine admiration. "You did an incredible job out there. I have never doubted your abilities. That was new, never knew you had new gifts."I looked him directly in the eyes, my own gaze unwavering. "Where were you, Alpha Jo, when the Beast of Bandit came to town?"His smile faltered, replac
Alpha Jo stormed into the room, his face a storm of anger and confusion. I had been expecting a confrontation, but not one this intense. He slammed the door behind him, the sound echoing through the room like a thunderclap."Ava," he shouted, his voice barely containing his rage. "I just spoke with Maria. She told me everything. She says you've been fabricating lies about her."I felt a surge of anger rise within me. "Jo, I told you the truth. Maria has been conspiring with the Bandits. We've got evidence - -""Evidence?" he cut me off, his eyes blazing. "Maria says you planted that evidence to turn me against her. She says you've been manipulating me from the start!"I could hardly believe what I was hearing. "How
The next morning, I received word that Alpha Jo was recovering. He sent a message, asking to see me. I was wary, but I knew I had to face him.I entered his quarters, finding him sitting up in bed, his face pale but determined. He looked at me with a mixture of regret and resolve."Ava," he began, his voice strained. "I need to apologize. I let my anger get the best of me. I should have listened to you."I nodded, my own anger softening slightly. "Jo, we need to work together. Maria is the real threat here. She's been manipulating everyone, including you."“It’s okay, Ava, I only called to apologize to you because I think you deserve it,” he said.
Chifo, my cousin, came sprinting towards my mother and me, I could clearly see the panic written on his face. His breath came in uneven gasps, and his eyes were wide with fear."Ava! The bandits... they're attacking Downtown! They're burning huts and killing people!" he shouted, his voice cracking with urgency.My heart pounded in my chest as the reality of his words sank in. The strongest fighters of the Omega clan, including my father, were in the forest searching for Zaza. Downtown was vulnerable."Chifo, listen to me carefully," I said, gripping his shoulders to steady him. "You need to get everyone who is still alive to rally at my father's place. It's the most fortified location we have right now. Go, and be quick about it!"