Before Kael could decide, Colton stepped forward, shielding Ava from Kael's blade. His eyes narrowed, his jaw set in a resolute line."I will handle this," he growled, his voice low and menacing.Kael's gaze snapped to Colton, his sword at the ready. "Stay back, Colton," he warned, his voice laced with a mixture of fury and desperation.But Colton ignored the warning, his advance relentless. "You are blind to the truth, Kael," he said, his voice steady and calm. "Marcus is using you. He's destroying everything we once stood for – honor, loyalty, and justice."Kael's face contorted, torn between loyalty and doubt. Ava's words echoed in his mind, sowing seeds of uncertainty.Would they take root, or would Kael's loyalty to Marcus prevail? The fate of their world hung in the balance, waiting for Kael's next move.Kael shook his head, his eyes flashed with anger, but he welcomed the challenge. The two warriors clashed, their swords ringing out in a flurry of steel and sparks.The battle ra
Sebastian and the rest of the coalition waited, ready to retreat as soon as Marcus yield to Colton. They were already carrying their wounded to the mobile infirmary under Alpha Helena’s protection. Becca was guiding the maids and helpers in treating the wounded and administering the antidotes. Unused flasks of Preventive Elixir were stacked in the baskets. Suddenly, Marcus's voice boomed across the battlefield, echoing off the surrounding terrain. "Rise, my legion! Claim your prey!"The ground trembled as a hidden army emerged from the shadows. Wolves, their eyes glowing with an unnatural energy, surged forward. Their fur was matted, their movements twisted and jerky. It was another version of the Shadowborn, twisted wolves, infected by Marcus’ serum.Ava remembered the first vision she saw in the scrying pool in the cave of the gingham forest.… werewolves, their eyes glowing yellow, their bodies contorted in unnatural poses. … cities burning, humans fleeing in terror, and the for
As the battle raged on, Sebastian's squad clashed with Marcus's forces, the air thick with the scent of sweat, steel, and smoke. Suddenly, a fierce gust of wind howled through the landscape, whipping Sebastian's warriors into disarray. Trees creaked and swayed ominously, their branches threatening to snap.Malicia, the sorceress, emerged from the shadows, her eyes blazing with dark energy as she controlled the elements. Her raven hair billowed behind her like a dark cloud, and her presence seemed to draw the very light out of the air."Take cover!" Sebastian bellowed, shielding his warriors from the tempest.Ava stepped forward, her pendant glowing with an otherworldly light. Nadia's presence stirred within her, guiding her actions. With a subtle gesture, Ava summoned a counter-gale, neutralizing Malicia's attack. The winds clashed, whipping the rogues into chaos.The earth trembled as Ava's connection to the land deepened. Roots burst forth, entwining Marcus's soldiers, holding them
Marcus's eyes darted between Avery and Sebastian's warriors. He knew he was outnumbered."Retreat!" Marcus bellowed, turning to flee.Malicia and the remaining rogues followed, vanishing into the darkness. A sigh went through Sebastian’s side, of relief from the fierce battle. At least they could rest. Becca’s team, guarded by Helena’s warriors, sprang into action. Becca spent some moments with her mate, Scott, who stood at attention behind his alpha, Sebastian.“Scott darling, well done.” Scott nodded and took the flask offered by Becca. He quickly hugs her and stole a kiss before drinking from the flask. Becca beamed, her efforts fully appreciated.Avery's gaze lingered on Marcus's retreating form, her eyes burning with a fierce intensity. "This isn't over," she vowed, her voice barely above a whisper.As the dust settled, Sebastian approached her, his footsteps echoing through the silence. His eyes shone with gratitude."Thank you, Avery," he said, his voice filled with emotion. "
Despite their valiant efforts, the battle dragged on. Marcus's squad seemed endless, and Malicia's magic kept Avery at bay. Avery's sword clashed with Malicia's dark energy, the two women locked in a fierce stalemate. The air was charged with tension, the outcome hanging precariously.Sebastian's warriors began to tire, their movements slowing. Marcus's squad sensed victory within their grasp. But Avery refused to yield. With a burst of renewed energy, she unleashed a blast of magic, sending Malicia stumbling.Sebastian seized the opening, his sword slicing through the chaos with deadly precision. The blade bit deep into the darkness, its edge gleaming with a faint, otherworldly light. Two more rogues crumpled to the ground, their bodies thudding against the blood-soaked earth."We need to end this!" Sebastian shouted, his voice carrying above the din of clashing steel and screams.Colton nodded, his face grimy with sweat, his eyes burning with determination. His chest heaved with exe
Marcus's eyes blazed with fury as he surrendered to his wolfish instincts. His body contorted, his limbs lengthening, his senses heightening. His clothes tore, revealing the thick, gray fur beneath.Ava stood firm, her pendant glowing brighter, its light pulsating with an otherworldly energy, waiting for Marcus as he trotted towards her.But Sebastian intervened, his alpha wolf form erupting forth like a tidal wave. His body transformed, his muscles bulging, his fur a shimmering silver coat. He shielded Ava from Marcus's attack, his eyes blazing with protective instinct. The two wolves clashed their snarls and growls echoing through the night. The air vibrated with their fury, the ground shaking beneath their paws.Sebastian's alpha power surged, his fur standing on end. His eyes burned with a fierce inner light, his jaws snapping with deadly precision. Marcus's wolf form was massive, his fur a dark, mottled gray. But Sebastian's strength and cunning matched him, their bodies locked i
Ava stepped forward, her eyes shining with determination, her shoulders squared in resolve. The fading sunlight danced across her face, illuminating the contours of her features."I am a healer," she announced, her voice clear and confident, ringing out across the battle-scarred landscape. The words echoed off the distant hills, carrying a weight of conviction.Sebastian's gaze narrowed, surprise etched on his face, his eyebrows furrowing."Ava, your secret is safe no more," he said, his voice tinged with caution, his words laced with a hint of protectiveness.Ava smiled softly, a hint of mischief dancing in her eyes, like the flicker of candlelight. Her lips curled upward, revealing a quiet strength."It's time," she said, her voice steady, unwavering. "We need every advantage."With a gentle gesture, she revealed her pendant, its crystal glowing with an ethereal light, like the soft glow of moonlight. The symbol of her healing heritage shone brightly, a beacon of hope. The air seeme
The Coalition’s victorious squad marched toward the Council of Elders' chambers, their footsteps echoing through the silent streets like a triumphant drumbeat. The city lay bathed in the soft, golden light of dawn, the sun's rays casting long shadows across the cobblestone roads.Sebastian, flanked by Ava and Avery, led the procession, his chest heaving with exhaustion, his eyes burning with pride. His rugged features were etched with the weight of battle, his jawline tense, and his shoulders squared. Scott and all the alphas followed the procession.As they approached the chambers, the heavy wooden doors, adorned with intricate carvings of wolves, swung open with a creak. The air inside was thick with the scent of old parchment, burning incense, and the faint tang of sandalwood.Richmond, the lead Elder, gazed out at the squad with a discerning eye, his face lined with age and wisdom. His piercing gaze swept the room, acknowledging the weary warriors. His eyes, like polished onyx, sh