“Miss, it’s the last stop.” Ava heard from a far distance. She felt a gentle but firm shake of her shoulder. “We are in Wetcreek. You need to disembark from the train.”Ava slowly opened her eyes, groggily taking in her surroundings. She was inside the train from the capital, but the train was no longer moving. She glanced round and realized that other passengers were already getting down from the train. She was the only one still seated.“I’m sorry.” She told the conductor and hurried down the steps.As she descended, her mind began to clear, and she remembered the lunch with Lila. She had fallen asleep, and it seemed she had had one heck of a dream.Ava laughed, shaking her head. "Wow, that was quite a dream," she said aloud.“Could I have seen the future?” She wondered aloud as she walked into the town. She had seen things, gadgets and devices in her dream that were strange to her present world.Personal phones, mobile even, videos recording moments. Big screen showing hidden thing
The following morning, Ava walked into the building of Denizens Phamaceuticals, her heart racing with anticipation. She could not stop thinking about the dream and decided to see it through.Max looked up from his desk, a warm smile on his face. "Ava! Good to see you again. What brings you here today?"Ava took a deep breath, getting straight to the point. "Max, I wanted to ask about the job I applied for. Have I been officially offered a position at Denizens Pharmaceuticals?"Max's expression changed, a hint of surprise on his face. "Ah, Ava, I think there's been a misunderstanding. We haven't made any official job offers yet. We are still in the final stages of the selection process."Ava's eyes narrowed. "You told me to check back in two days, it is over a week already.”Max leaned forward, his voice taking on a serious tone. "Ava, I think we need to have a more in-depth conversation about this. Can you wait for a minute while I check on some things?"Max's face was somber, his voi
A month had passed since Sebastian's conversation with his mother. He had thrown himself into his work, avoiding the manor and his father's disapproving gaze.But tonight, his father had invited him to dinner, and Sebastian couldn't decline.As he entered the dining room, his parents greeted him warmly. The table was set with fine china and crystal, a delicious roast wafting savory aromas.Sebastian's father, a stout man with a commanding presence, cleared his throat. "Sebastian, we need to discuss your future."Sebastian's heart sank, knowing what was coming."Your mother and I have been patient, but you're 25 now. It's time to settle down," his father said, his voice firm.Sebastian's mother placed a gentle hand on his arm. "We just want what's best for you, dear. Lila is a wonderful woman, and her family connections would strengthen our pack and the company. See how her simple collaboration with us already helped the image of Denizens Pharmaceuticals? Her advertisement placed us ri
The morning sunlight streamed through the windows of the lodging house, casting a warm glow over the bustling atmosphere. Ava attacked the dusting with vigor, her mind still reeling from Sebastian's accusations.Becca, noticing Ava's intensity, approached her with a gentle smile. "Hey, Ava, easy does it. You're going to wear out the furniture."Ava's dusting cloth paused mid-air, her eyes flashing with frustration. "Just trying to keep my mind off things."Becca's expression softened. "Alpha Sebastian, huh?"Ava nodded, her lips compressing into a thin line.Mrs. Jenkins, an elderly lodger, who sometimes does the cooking, poked her head out of her room. "Girls, breakfast is ready! Freshly baked scones and scrambled eggs."The savory aroma wafted through the hallway, enticing Ava's stomach. She placed the dusting cloth aside, following Becca to the dining area.As they sat down, Ava's thoughts began to drift back to Sebastian. Becca noticed and intervened. "Hey, no brooding allowed. To
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