The rescue team moved swiftly through the Gingham Forest, their senses on high alert. Sebastian led the way, his eyes scanning the terrain for any sign of the rogues.As they approached a clearing, Zephyr suddenly raised a hand, signaling them to halt."What is it?" Sebastian whispered.Zephyr's nose twitched. "I scent something...off. Like a trap."Sebastian's instincts prickled. He signaled the team to fan out, surrounding the clearing.That's when they saw it - a crude pit, hidden by leaves and branches. And in the center, a figure: was Elara, bound and gagged."Elara!" Lena rushed forward, but Sebastian caught her arm."Wait," he growled. "It's a trap."Too late. The ground gave way beneath Lena's feet, and she fell into the pit.Sebastian's heart raced as he peered into the pit. Lena's cry echoed up, followed by the sound of shifting earth."Scott, Tyler, get ropes!" Sebastian barked. "Thane, Kael, cover us!"The team sprang into action. Tyler and Scott hastily tied off ropes, lo
Max approached Sebastian, his expression serious. "CEO, I think we should consider bringing in Ava for consultation."Sebastian raised an eyebrow. "Ava? Isn't she the one we rejected for the lab assistant position?" Sebastian remembered sending Luca to invite her later and she refused to show up. Ava was too rude.Max nodded. "Yes, sir. But I remember her application. She has experience working with a healer in the Bloodmoon pack, familiar with rare fruits and herbs."Sebastian's skepticism remained. "What could she possibly contribute to our toxicology team?"Max persisted. "Her unique background might be exactly what we need. We've hit a dead end with conventional approaches."But Sebastian refused, confident in his team's abilities.Tragedy struck again when Jax succumbed to the poison, leaving the pack devastated.Sebastian's resolve crumbled. He couldn't afford to dismiss any potential lead."Max, bring Ava in," Sebastian ordered, his voice laced with urgency. "I want to hear her
Ava furrowed her brows as she examined Aria, her hands, feet and mouth. She smelled of the Heart tree when it was infected by Malicia, the sorceress, and a faint scent of Shadow serpent’s venom. This was Marcus’ deeds, without doubt.“It is a combination of sorcery and poisoning, a specialty of the rogues. It also includes a dose of snake venom. That was why its effect was fast. You must have lost some members.” Pack members gasped in unison at Ava’s accurate diagnosis. They also marveled at Aria’s calm demeanor after the medicine that Ava put in her mouth.Ava's smile was a slow, sweet bloom. "The treatment requires a specific combination of herbs, CEO. I'll need access to your lab and resources to prepare it."Sebastian's nod was curt, his movements economical. "Max, escort Ava to the lab. Give her whatever she needs."As Ava rose from her seat, her movements were fluid, like a cat stretching in the sun. She glanced at Sebastian, her eyes sparkling with triumph.Ava's eyes never lef
Ava stepped into the cool night air, her thoughts swirling with the implications of the rogues' plan. She walked away from the manor, losing herself in the darkness.The moon cast eerie shadows on the ground, reminding her of the forest where she'd discovered her healing abilities. Ava's heart still raced from the events of the evening.As she walked, the silence enveloped her, a balm to her frazzled nerves. She couldn't shake the feeling that they were running out of time.Suddenly, Ava stopped, her senses tingling. She felt watched.Ava's eyes adjusted to the darkness, and she made out the figure standing a short distance away. The guard, Luca, nodded respectfully."CEO's orders," he said, his voice low. "I'm to keep an eye on you, ensure your safety."Ava nodded, a mix of relief and annoyance swirling within her. She appreciated Sebastian's concern, but she valued her independence.Luca fell into step beside her, his eyes scanning their surroundings. "Where are you headed, miss?"A
The day after the rogues’ attack, Ava resumed for work at Denizens Pharmaceuticals. It was a dream came true for her. She needed to get on with creating a full antidote against the rogues’ poison. She knew that she must carry out the mission given her by the Moon Goddess. Ava stepped into the laboratory, the familiar scent of chemicals and equipment enveloping her. She read the letter given her at the reception; her appointment letter. Ava Winston, junior researcher, it read. Joy bubbled within her as she folded the letter, inserted it into its envelope and put it in her purse. Max, the personnel manager, greeted her warmly. "Welcome back, Ava! We are glad to have you on board."Ava smiled, shaking Max's hand. "Thank you, Max. I'm excited to be here."Max led Ava to the laboratory, where the staff buzzed with activity. "Let's get you introduced."First, Ava met Dr. Rachel Kim, the lab's lead researcher. Rachel's sharp eyes and kind smile put Ava at ease."Welcome, Ava," Rachel said.
The following week, the trial results began to emerge. DN-101 demonstrated remarkable efficacy, with minimal side effects.The team's excitement grew. This could be the breakthrough they'd been working toward.One evening, as Ava reviewed the trial data, Max stopped by her workstation."Ava, you're doing fantastic work," Max said. "I think it's time we discussed your future here."Ava's heart skipped a beat. Was this a promotion or something more?Ava donned her lab coat, preparing for the animal trial session. As she entered the testing facility, she heard the soft murmur of voices – not from her colleagues, but from the animals themselves.In her unique world, Ava possessed the ability to comprehend animal language. She had always kept this secret hidden, even from Becca, her only friend in Prime pack and Wetcreek town.As she approached the test enclosures, Ava listened attentively:"...scared, so scared...don't want the needle..." whispered a trembling mouse."...hurt, it hurts...
Still on the phone call, Sebastian sighed and said, "I see," his tone neutral. "Maybe another time, then." Ava's response was friendly but distant. "Yeah, maybe another time."Sebastian ended the call, his mind racing:Who was Max to Ava?Was she developing feelings for him?Sebastian's possessive instincts flared.Sebastian's curiosity turned into a burning need to uncover Max's intentions. He couldn't shake the feeling that Max posed a threat to his budding connection with Ava.Sebastian contacted his pack's intelligence network, requesting information on Max.Within hours, he received a dossier detailing Max's background:Personnel Manager, Denizens PharmaceuticalsClean record, exceptional work performanceNo known affiliations with rival organizationsBut one detail caught Sebastian's attention:Max's interest in Ava went beyond professional boundaries.Sebastian's instincts growled, warning him of potential danger.He decided to keep a close eye on Max, protecting Ava from an
Ava knew she must put an end to the monitoring and sought out Sebastian, her emotions tangled.She found him in his office, going over some papers, after Scott confirmed that she could go in to see the CEO."Mr. Sebastian," Ava said, her voice firm.Sebastian looked up, sensing her tension."Ava, what's wrong?" Sebastian asked."You ordered Luca to monitor me?" Ava demanded.Sebastian's expression turned guarded."Yes, I did. For your protection."Ava's eyes narrowed. "Without telling me?"Sebastian's jaw clenched. "I didn't want to worry you."Ava's frustration boiled. "Worry me? You are controlling me."Sebastian's face softened. "Ava, that is not my intention.""Then explain," Ava pressed.Sebastian sighed. "After I noticed Max's interest in you, I increased security. I won't risk your safety."Ava's anger wavered, replaced by unease. Was Sebastian's concern genuine or an excuse?Ava's thoughts swirled, weighing Sebastian's words.Protection or control? She remembered the increased