Scarlett’s POVAmidst the growing tension, things changed again. This time, everyone there paid close attention. The King walked in and immediately got everyone's respect. His fancy robes flowed like a graceful dance as he walked. Each step he took showed he was in charge and confident. He wore fancy clothes with lots of designs and shiny jewels that sparkled in the light. Just his presence made everyone look up to him. He was the very picture of power and being fancy.When he came in, the whole room felt different. Even the people in the far corners of the room showed respect by bowing their heads. Everyone knew he was the king. The air was full of a mix of wonder and obedience. They didn't say it, but they all knew he was really important. It was impressive to see how everyone reacted to their leader. It showed who was in charge and what the customs were.Not wanting to be different, Elara and I quickly joined the others in showing respect. Bowing felt strange to us because we didn'
Scarlett’s POV"Thank you, respected elder, for your honest opinion," he started, speaking with respect for the elder's smarts. "Your ideas remind us of the complicated things we're dealing with right now."People quietly agreed, showing they thought the elder said something good. The King looked at everyone in the room, especially at different people, like me. He said, "Does anyone else want to share their thoughts about this?"I felt nervous. She looked at an older person she knew was Elder Alistair because it was written on his chair. Elder Alistair looked back at her, seeming sure and wise, showing he wanted to say something.The King saw this and understood without words. He nodded at Elder Alistair, saying he could talk.Elder Alistair stood up, making everyone pay attention. I watched him closely, excited to hear what he had to say. He began, "Your Majesty, everyone in the council, and all the important people here," Elder Alistair started talking, sounding serious and caring.
Scarlett’s POVI saw Michael stand up slowly from his chair. He had hurt our kingdom a lot before. His face looked really serious, and then he coughed to get everyone's attention.He said, "Hey, King and everyone listening. I'm Michael. I'm the one who made Swiftclaw attack the Lycan Kingdom. That's why your old king died and Scarlett got caught." He stopped talking for a moment so everyone could understand what he'd done.People started talking more and more, like they were upset. It seemed like lots of folks didn't like Michael being there. The King knew things were getting bad, so he spoke louder to calm everyone down."Shh! Be quiet!" the King said loudly. It was so quiet after that, and everyone looked at Michael again.Michael kept talking. He knew he'd done some really bad things. "I know you all might be really mad at me. I caused a lot of pain. But I'm not here to fight. I want to make things right.""Hey King, important people, and everyone listening," Michael said, sounding
Scarlett’s POV"I want to thank all of you for spending time with us and sharing your thoughts," she said sincerely. She seemed really respectful and serious about our important talks. People started to look at each other with curiosity, wondering what Elara's question would be.Finally, she asked a question. It was like a sharp knife cutting through the quiet. "Can I ask Michael just one thing?" She looked at me with determination and a bit of shyness. Her eyes were strong and vulnerable at the same time, which surprised and excited me.So many thoughts rushed through my head in an instant. I wondered what Elara knew. Time felt like it was moving slowly as we all waited for her to speak. I got ready and looked at her confidently. The King, who had been watching calmly, seemed curious too, waiting to hear what she would say.Everyone in the room felt excited as the King spoke, trying my best to sound calm he said. "Of course, Elara. You can go ahead and ask your question." My heart wa
Marco’s POVSwiftclaw's grin grows bigger, and he looks mean. "Oh, Marco, you really don't know, do you?". My heart races, the steady gallop of the horse beneath me now joined by the fast beating of my chest. The news about Sage's betrayal hits me hard, leaving me shocked and confused.I feel both mad and hurt inside me. Sage, my Beta and best friend, had been working against me all this time? It's a thought that's hard to get, too weird to be real. But Swiftclaw's mean grin and his cold words leave no doubt. Why does betrayal keep following me?The world blurs around me as I try to get what I just heard. Sage had been the one who had supported Swiftclaw, who had promised me our plan would work. The bond we had, the trust we built—it's all broken now."How... How can that be?" I talk with a shaky voice, showing how confused and upset I am.Swiftclaw's laugh is harsh, a mean sound that cuts through the air. "Oh, Marco, don't act so surprised," he teases, his words filled with satisfact
Scarlett’s POVAs I felt the tension in the room become nearly unbearable, the scene was shattered by the abrupt entrance of a guard, his face etched with urgency. The air practically crackled with the sudden intrusion, and my heart lurched in my chest.Before anyone could react, the King's thunderous voice cut through the turmoil. "How dare you interrupt? Don't you realize there's a delicate meeting underway?" His anger was palpable, his displeasure casting a heavy cloud over the already charged atmosphere.The guard, clearly flustered, stammered out an apology, his words rushed and breathless. "My lord, I beg your pardon, but the matter is of utmost urgency."The King's fury only seemed to intensify as he snapped, "Speak then, and make it quick. It had better be worth this interruption."The guard wasted no time, his words tumbling out in a rush. "My liege, we are under attack. The pack is being assaulted from all sides."Before anyone could fully process the guard's words, the King
Marco’s POVI was sitting on the cold, hard floor of a dimly lit cell. I felt tired and slouched, my face reflecting the weariness within me. The damp floor sent shivers through me, making me feel cold from the inside out. I had been in this place for over three hours, and the determination that had driven me to find Scarlett was slowly being replaced by doubt. The cell remained quiet, except for the distant echoes of guards' footsteps and occasional shouts from outside.Leaning against the rough wall, my thoughts churned like a storm in my head. I kept replaying how I had ended up here – the urgency of my mission, the intricate path I'd navigated through the prison, the thrill as I drew closer to the cell. But now, all I felt was exhaustion and a sense of confinement.I recalled the conversations I'd had with Swiftclaw, that enigmatic figure who seemed to possess all the answers I sought. Yet, Swiftclaw's motives remained elusive, much like the shadows dancing on the walls. I thought
Marco’s POVSwiftclaw's face didn't show his feelings, and he tapped his fingers lightly on his wineglass. "It's simple, Marco. Just a different way of looking at things."Swiftclaw smiled a bit, and the light and dark on his face made him seem mysterious. "Sorry for being direct, Marco. But you're not just a prisoner now. You're in my place, and I can do anything to you if you're not helpful."His words made me feel uneasy, reminding me that my freedom here was fragile. I moved in my seat, staying determined despite the threat in what he said."Remember, I have something at stake too," Swiftclaw said seriously. "But don't think I'm weak because I'm being nice."I looked at him without fear. I might be in an unfamiliar and dangerous place, but I wouldn't be scared. "I know," I said confidently. "But I won't let you control me.""Since we're talking about secrets and different views," he started, his tone lighter but with darkness underneath, "how about I tell you a little secret?"I l
Marco’s POVSwiftclaw laughed loudly in the passage, making fun of us. "Oh, Marco," he said, "is this your killer team? How cute. But you're too slow."I looked at Sage and Dave. They were ready to fight, having heard Swiftclaw's insults. We nodded at each other, knowing we had to work together to defeat the traitor.Swiftclaw didn't waste time. He suddenly moved very fast, surprising us. He hit Sage and Dave hard, and they fell to the ground.It seemed like Swiftclaw became one with the shadows, moving so fast that we couldn't see him clearly. He hit Sage and Dave with strong and precise punches, clearly having the advantage.Sage and Dave, although strong, were caught off guard by Swiftclaw's fast attack. They tried to get up but couldn't defend themselves before Swiftclaw attacked again.I watched in horror as Swiftclaw hit them repeatedly, his punches were strong and accurate. Sage and Dave tried to fight back, but Swiftclaw was too fast and skilled.As I watched the battle, I kne
Marco's POVBut it was too late. A spear, gleaming malevolently in the dim light, pierced through Michael's back and emerged crimson-soaked from his chest. The force of the blow was enough to send him crashing to the ground, the impact causing a sickening thud that reverberated in the stillness of the moment."WTF!!!" I exclaimed in sheer shock and disbelief, my voice echoing through the passage.I staggered to my feet, my eyes wide with horror as I witnessed Michael writhing on the ground, blood gushing from his wound in a torrent. His face contorted with agony, and he struggled to breathe, his life slipping away before my eyes.My gaze snapped upward, seeking the source of this sudden attitude by Swiftclaw to him. And there, with blood-soaked hands and a malevolent grin that sent shivers down my spine, stood Swiftclaw. His eyes gleamed with triumph, and he let out a chilling, mocking laugh as he looked down at Michael."You thought I would give you the Kingdom, Michael?" Swiftclaw t
Scarlett’s POVMy heart aced as Sage and I moved toward the exit, leaving behind the chaotic scene of the battle between Marco and his men. My mind was a whirlwind of fear, concern for Marco's safety, and the urgency of our escape. I glanced back over my shoulder, my eyes locked onto Marco, who was still locked in the fierce struggle with Swiftclaw.Then, a shadow loomed at the doorway, and my breath caught in my throat. Who could it be at this crucial moment, blocking our way to safety? My thoughts raced, trying to identify the person."Leaving so soon?" The voice sent shivers down my spine. I turned to see a sinister figure with an evil grin, lurking in the dimly lit passage. My heart pounded in my chest as I struggled to make out the intruder's features.Sudden relief washed over me as the person stepped into the light, revealing himself to be Michael. My anxiety shifted to anger. What was he doing here, now of all times? And why did he look so menacing, holding that large, dangero
Marco’s POVMy heart was beating fast, and I was breathing hard as I watched Swiftclaw coming toward me, looking really angry. I couldn't see a way out of this, and I tried really hard to think of a solution."Wait, Swiftclaw!" I said nervously, my voice shaky with fear. "Let's talk about this. Whatever's bothering you, we can find a way to fix it without fighting."Swiftclaw growled angrily but stopped for a moment, seeming to think about what I had said. The air was really tense, and I was thinking quickly. I couldn't mess up."I don't feel like talking, Marco," Swiftclaw said angrily. "You've gone too far, and now you'll pay for it."I was panicking, trying to figure out how to get out of being frozen with fear. I couldn't let fear take over; I needed to stay calm and focused."Swiftclaw, please, listen to me," I continued, my voice shaking but determined. "I didn't mean to upset you, but whatever happened, we can fix it. We're friends, right? Friends don't hurt each other like thi
Scarlett’s POV Before Swiftclaw could finish speaking, a spooky mist started oozing from the altar where Scarlett was tied up. It looked like a creepy snake, coiling around Swiftclaw, its dark tendrils moving towards him as he struggled. The room felt weird, like there was some strange power in the mist, and it got scarier by the second. Swiftclaw got really scared and started shouting as he turned into a big, scary wolf. He tried to fight off the dark mist, biting at it, which wanted to swallow him up. Scarlett was no longer in mortal danger, and she suddenly felt full of energy and determination. She knew she couldn't miss this chance. Her heart raced, and her hands were slippery with blood as she twisted and turned, trying to get free from the cold, unkind chains that held her down. Scarlett used all her strength to pull, and her wrists hurt as the chains cut into her skin, but she didn't give up. Her life depended on this moment, and she wouldn't let it slip away. The room got
Scarlett’s POVMy heart ached as I struggled to process what was happening. "Elara, what is going on? Why are you here in that robe? We were supposed to be against Swiftclaw, weren't we?"Elara's lips quivered, and she seemed on the verge of saying something, but before she could respond, Swiftclaw's cold, mocking voice cut through the tension. "You think Elara was with you all these years, Scarlett? How naive. She has always been with me... throughout. I used her to get you where I wanted you to be."The shock of Swiftclaw's revelation hit me like a physical blow. I had trusted Elara with my life, and now it seemed that trust had been horribly misplaced. Betrayal stung in my chest, and I felt tears stream down my face. "Elara... How could you?" I whispered, my voice trembling with hurt.Elara's gaze fell to the floor, and she seemed unable to meet my eyes. "I had no choice, Scarlett," she finally replied, her voice filled with anguish. "Swiftclaw... he had something that could destro
Scarlett’s POVEverything went crazy for me, and I felt like I was falling into a dark hole. It hurt a lot, and I was scared and confused. It was all mixed up like a loud, crazy song in my head. I couldn't understand what was happening, and I really wanted to call out to Marco to make sure he was okay, but I couldn't even talk.Slowly, like waking up from a bad dream, I started to notice where I was. The feeling of numbness started going away, and I felt a tingly feeling that told me I was waking up. I tried to open my eyes, but they felt really heavy, like there were invisible chains on them.I blinked a few times and started to figure out what was happening. I was tied up on something that looked like a scary table, with weird skulls all over it. Each skull had a creepy story, and the table itself was made of black stone with spooky symbols that glowed a little.The room around me was kinda dark, but there was a strange green light coming from the walls. The air smelled really bad,
Marco’s POVScarlett and I turned slowly, feeling scared in our hearts. It was Swiftclaw, looking at us with heavy eyes and a strange grin on his lips. Michael was beside him, smiling wickedly.Swiftclaw laughed in a mean way. "I knew you wouldn't go far, Marco. Love is a thing people always do." He laughed more, enjoying the scared feeling.I held Scarlett's hand tight, thinking hard. We were stuck, and Swiftclaw had us where he wanted. I had to find a way out, for both of us."Why, Swiftclaw?" I asked, my voice shaky and angry. "What do you want?"Swiftclaw grinned more and walked around us like a predator playing with its food. "Isn't it clear, Marco? I want power, and Scarlett here," he pointed at her, "has the key to it."Scarlett looked scared and confused. "What does he mean, Marco?"I clenched my teeth, trying to figure a way out. "It's a long story, Scarlett. Right now, we need to escape."Swiftclaw stopped laughing and got closer to me. "Oh, Marco, you always protected her,
Scarlett’s POVSwiftclaw had a creepy smile on his face, and I was nibbling on my tasteless food reluctantly. The room felt tense, and I couldn't help but feel that something bad was happening.I wanted to know more about how Swiftclaw knew Elara. It didn't seem like he should know her name, but he brought it up like it was important. I took a deep breath and gathered the courage to ask, "Swiftclaw, how do you know Elara? Who told you about her?" My heart raced as I waited for his answer.Swiftclaw looked at me with dark eyes and leaned closer. He spoke in a low, scary voice, "Oh, Scarlett, there's so much you don't know. You'll find out in time." His words sent shivers down my spine.I couldn't let him avoid my question, so I demanded, "Tell me now. How do you know about Elara?"Swiftclaw laughed, which made me feel even more uneasy. "Humans are easy to figure out," he taunted. "But I'll tell you a bit more. Your husband, Marco, was captured and brought here earlier. We tried to get