Birds. The sound of birds echoed in the air and Lin’s eyes fluttered open. Her vision was blurred a bit, and then it cleared. She coughed lightly and then sat up from the ground. That was when she noticed that she was lying on some grass. She swallowed, her throat feeling a bit sore. She looked around and saw that she was somewhere entirely different. It looked like a huge jungle but it was very beautiful. She could also hear a few wild animals like monkeys and elephants. And there was a lightness that filled her that she could not explain. Her memory was fuzzy but all she knew at the moment was that where she was was not ordinary. It felt divine.“Hello, Lin,” A voice flowed smoothly. Lin turned around and her eyes landed on her mom. Her eyes widened and she could not believe what was happening. What in the world was happening? “Mom?” Her voice shook a bit. “My beautiful baby,” The woman pulled her daughter in for a warm hug. Lin could not even speak properly after that. Tear
Lin was finally getting better as each second passed. She breathed out a long sigh before looking at the others who had survived the venom. There were four people that survived, her making them five. Among the four was Hunter, looking pale like a ghost. He felt like throwing up and his body was still aching him yet he tried his best to look strong, especially due to the fact that his dad was watching him. When he glanced at his mom, he noticed that her face was wet with tears. She had probably thought that he was going to die. But she was now smiling proudly, while his dad looked disbelief and annoyed. He peeled his eyes away from his parents and then he saw the amount of people who had failed the pruning process. And all those who had failed were dead, lying on the floor, lifeless.It was not a pretty scene but what gave Hunter hope and strength was the fact that he had survived also when he looked to see the people who had survived, he saw Lin. His face lit up and he could not h
Lin opened the door with expectancy, she believed that she knew who was there. But little did she know that she was way off as to who it was.As soon as she opened the door, the small smile that she had on her face dropped so quickly.It was certainly not Hunter, but the guy’s father.“Lin, hello there,” Councilman Roger said in calm tone.”How are you, dear?”Lin was not only taken aback but she was also nervous. Why was the man at her door? “Uh…I’m doing okay, I think.”The man had his hands in his pockets and a small tight smile sat on his face. “That is good to know. May I come in? We need to talk.”Lin swallowed before nodding and opening the door wider for the man to step in.Watching him walk in, she tried to maintain her composure but she could not stop the fast beating of her heart.So many thoughts were running through her head. Like, what if the councilman was the one who had killed her parents?What if he was the one who wanted to get rid of her during the pruning process?
The both of them stared at each other for a few seconds as silence and awkwardness hung in the air.Until finally, Lin spoke, “Is that all you wanted to talk about?”The councilman let out a dry chuckle. “I’m only telling you to drop out for your own good, Lin. You already let your parents down when you left, don’t make it worse by bringing shame on them by failing tho quest.”The words struck a chord in the she-wolf’s heart. She blinked faster than normal for a few seconds before replying, “I won’t let them down, not this time.”“Hmm,” The guy mumbled and then released a sigh. He glanced at the clock and saw that it was now thirty minutes until midnight. He had tried to get her to drop out but since she did not want to do it the easy way, he was going to do it the hard one.“Have yourself a good night, darling. Good luck on the quest,” he said to her and then walked past her.When he did, he saw that she flinched a it and it seemed comical to him yet he maintained the straight face
Hunter followed Lin into the bus and soon all the other survivors entered too. It was now time for them to leave.He sat down next to the she-wolf and the vehicle started to move in just half a minute. A silence lingered in the air as they were heading out of the pack. No one in the bus said a thing, they only watched what was happening outside.Although inside was quiet, outside was completely different. There were sounds of cheers, howls, and growls of celebration ringing in the atmosphere.It was a glorious day for the pack; something that did not happen every day so almost everyone was out. It was literally a historic day for them!The noise faded away soon as the bus drove out of the royal compound and onto the main road.A few people still watched and cheered. But soon enough, they could not see the vehicle anymore.Lin and Hunter had thoughts running through their minds, yet they said nothing to each other. It was not awkward or anything, but everyone was just in their own h
Lin felt like her eyelids had been glued shut, her heart was thumping in her chest. She could not see a single thing.It was so dark!“I think we’re in the Dark Valley already,” One of the guys said. “You think?” Hunter replied in a sarcastic tone. Yes, it was so dark that he could not see a single thing but that was not much of a problem for him.And he knew that it was not going to be much of a problem for the rest of them, that is…except Lin.They all could shift into their wolves and that meant that they were going to use their instincts or animalistic senses to guide them. You see, wolves relied on a combination of their night vision, acute hearing, and strong sense of smell to navigate in low-light conditions.Their ability to detect movement and perceive their surroundings helped them move confidently and efficiently in the dark. So this was not going to be too hard for Hunter and the others. It was Lin who was going to feel the weight of the Dark Valley.Hunter began to wolf
Lin was trying her best to run but it was so hard. She wished that she was not so broken.She wished that she was not born this way. This was not only embarrassing but now her life depended on it also.What the heck? Why could she not wolf out? It was not like her parents were human or one of them was.She knew for a fact that no one in her family bloodline was human or even hybrid. None of them had to suffer what she was suffering?So why was this happening to her?It was not like she even had any string of communication with her wolf. There was complete silence between her and the animal.It used to really bother her. But when she had run away from her pack to live with humans, she had started to forget about all of that.There, no one cared about what her pack cared about. And this eased some of the pressure off her.That helped her to finally be able to breathe. But now, she was back in her pack. And was on this very dangerous journey that required shifting into a wolf for almost
It was not easy, especially due to the fact that Lin was injured. Hunter and the red haired guy had to morph back into their human forms so they could help with carrying Lin.The others remained in their wolf forms so they could help with navigating because they were more equipped to do that. They had no idea how big the Dark Valley was but it made sense why the place was named that way.Number one, it was because everywhere was very dark and secondly, it was because the place was a literal valley.As they walked further, they realized that the landscape was sloping. The night was very cold and Lin was shivering.Hunter could tell and he wrapped his arms around her, showing the red haired guy that he liked to take it from there.“You’re cold, aren’t you?” He asked her.Lin could literally feel her broken bones slowly coming back into place. It was a bit painful and discomforting but she was not in as much pain as before.“Yeah, sort of,” she replied to the guy. Although she was happ
The peaceful years that followed allowed Lin and Hunter to witness the pack's growth and the positive impact they had on both the mystical and human communities. The once-divergent paths of the supernatural and human realms had merged into a tapestry of coexistence, woven by the strong leadership and unwavering unity Lin and Hunter had cultivated.The pack, now a symbol of harmony and cooperation, expanded its influence, becoming a beacon for other supernatural beings seeking refuge and understanding. Lin and Hunter's home became a place where differences were celebrated, not feared, and alliances were forged, strengthening the bond between the mystical and human worlds.Despite the challenges they faced along the way, Lin and Hunter's connection remained steadfast. The diamond stone, a constant reminder of their shared vision, radiated with an otherworldly glow, symbolizing the strength they drew from one another. Their love had transcended the boundaries of their roles as alphas, in
In the aftermath of the battle, the pack gathered around Lin, their eyes filled with gratitude and trust. The victory had come at a cost, and Lin couldn't shake the feeling that her choices had consequences beyond the supernatural realm. As she turned to address her boyfriend, the pack watched the unfolding scene with a mix of curiosity and concern.Lin's boyfriend stepped forward, his expression a blend of confusion and worry. "Lin, what is all this? I saw... I saw things that I can't explain. Wolves, magic, and that ominous figure. What's happening?"Lin took a deep breath, knowing that explaining her supernatural life to someone outside the pack was a delicate task. "I never meant to keep this from you, but there are things beyond our understanding. The pack and I, we're connected by something more than just friendship. It's a bond that goes beyond the ordinary."Her boyfriend struggled to comprehend the revelation, glancing at the pack, who observed in silence. "Connected? Wolves?
Hunter's mom, the Luna, exchanged a knowing glance with her mate, then turned to Lin with a compassionate expression. "Lin, sometimes the path to redemption is challenging. But if you truly believe that returning willingly is the key to breaking the curse, then we support you."Hunter's dad, though still skeptical, added, "But remember, your actions will determine whether the pack can trust you again. This is your chance to make amends, not just for yourself but for the entire pack."Lin nodded, gratitude in her eyes. "Thank you. I won't let you down."The Reaper, sensing the shift in dynamics, grinned maliciously. "So, the little she-wolf chooses to play hero. Let's see how well you dance to my tune."As Lin walked away with determination, The Reaper's laughter echoed behind her. The pack, unsure of what to make of this development, watched with a mix of hope and anxiety.Back at the pack's home, Lin faced the challenge of regaining the trust she had lost. Conversations with pack mem
In a secluded corner of the pack's territory, Lin found herself face-to-face with Hunter's dad and mom, the temporary alpha and Luna. The air was thick with tension as they prepared to discuss Lin's sudden return and the pressing issues that had gripped the pack in her absence.Hunter's dad, his expression a mix of sternness and disappointment, began the conversation with a direct question. "Lin, your return has stirred both intrigue and skepticism. What brings you back, and can we trust that history won't repeat itself?"Lin took a deep breath, acknowledging the gravity of the situation. "I left without explanation, and for that, I'm truly sorry. But I can't stand by while The Reaper's influence grows, and Hunter's fate remains uncertain. I need your help to confront him and unravel the truth."However, before Lin could delve further into her reasons, Hunter's dad interjected with a harsh tone. "This isn't the first time you've abandoned the pack without a word. Leaving abruptly seem
Despite her attempts to find closure, Lin's mind was clouded by an inexplicable haze. As she contemplated reaching out to Hunter, she suddenly remembered that he was placed in the magical jar by The Reaper—a crucial detail she had inexplicably kept forgetting. The revelation added a new layer of urgency and complexity to her quest for resolution.The following day, as the sun painted the sky with hues of dawn, Lin found herself fueled by a newfound determination. Ignoring her CEO boyfriend's well-intentioned advice to rest, she decided to dive back into work, seeking refuge in the familiar rhythms of her professional life.The CEO, concerned for Lin's well-being, urged her to reconsider. "Lin, you need time to heal. Going back to work may not be the best idea right now. Take a moment to breathe and focus on yourself."However, Lin's restlessness overpowered the well-meaning advice. The silence of the house, once stifling, now echoed with a sense of purpose. She yearned for the distrac
As Lin stood before the council, seeking permission to end her quest and return to the human territory, the atmosphere was tense. The Alpha, after a brief deliberation, acknowledged Lin's decision. "Your loyalty lies with the pack, but the path of the quest is not for everyone. You have our permission to return, but be aware that the balance has shifted, and there may be consequences." As Lin left the council gathering, whispers and uncertain glances followed her. The pack members, unsure of the repercussions, couldn't shake the feeling that their destinies had been altered. Unbeknownst to them, The Reaper observed from the shadows, a sinister grin etched on his face. Lin's return had served his purpose, and his influence continued to infiltrate the pack's fate. Meanwhile, Hunter remained trapped in the magical jar, unaware of the council's decision. The ancient inscription on the jar glowed faintly, teasing at the cryptic riddle that held the key to his freedom. The Reaper, having a
The Reaper knew of his power, he knew that Hunter was nothing compared to him. He had defeated greater foes and saw the guy as nothing but a waste of time. Who he truly wanted was Lin, the she-wolf. He wanted her out of the quest, but not the way she had chosen. He wanted to be the one to guide her back to the pack, claming the victory of being the one to cause her to surrender. Working with Hunter’s father was difficult, because the man was so arrogant and felt like he had so much power. But The Reaper knew that returning thee she-wolf back would kickstart his true plans for the pack!But first’s thing first was dealing with Hunter. “Give up, little boy.” He was suspended in the air by his dark powers. “You saw how I dealt with your friends back in the Dark Valley, play with me and I will crush you in seconds.”Hunter, despite being held in the grip of The Reaper's dark powers, refused to show fear. His eyes glowed with determination as he retorted, "I won't let you harm Lin or any
Hunter stood there, stunned and heartbroken, as the weight of Lin's decision sank in. The Reaper, reveling in the chaos he had sown, continued to taunt them.“Well, isn’t this just a delightful turn of events?” The Reaper gloated, circling around the couple. “A rejected mate and a broken duo. I must say, I didn’t expect this level of drama when I decided to confront you two.”Hunter, struggling to process the abrupt end to their bond, glared at The Reaper with a mix of anger and pain. Lin, on the other hand, tried to maintain a stoic facade, but her eyes betrayed a sense of regret and sorrow.“Let’s make a deal, shall we?” The Reaper proposed, savoring the tension in the air. “Surrender, and I’ll ensure that you both leave this quest unharmed. I might even throw in a little bonus, like erasing the memories of your failed attempt from your minds.”Hunter, his emotions spiraling out of control, clenched his fists. “I’ll never surrender to the likes of you. You can't break us that easily
Standing before The Reaper, Lin and Hunter rehearsed all that they had learned from Kai and Stereo. But still, it did not seem enough as they stood in front of the guy. “I tried, Lin. I really tried,” The Reaper started. “I tried to help you. I gave you so many chances to live yet you chose to die. You had the choice to quit this stupid quest and go back to the human territory; to go back to your ex that is still madly in love with you, but no, no, no.” He chuckled. “You decided to stay on a quest that ensured death. And for what? Because you want to be the Alpha of the pack? Is that even what you want?” He continued, playing with her mind with nothing but the truth. “Don’t listen to him, he plays with your mind, that’s what he does,” Hunter cautioned the she-wolf, looking around carefully in case there were any hidden traps waiting for them. “I know, but…” She replied in a low breathy way. She knew that she did not really want to be the Alpha of the pack. She had no desire for th