Unrested and weary, I drowsily wake from my slumber as if an internal alarm clock had been rung within the confines of my head. With heavy eyes, I’m left to stew in my tiredness despite barely getting much respite over the course of the interrupted night, aggrieved by my unprompted awakening as I appear to have arisen before the sun itself. Bursting into a broken yawn, I lazily stretch out when my numb ears fill with the progressing sound of the pattering rain as it collides against the curtain drawn window to my side. Concentrating on the downpour, I turn my head amidst the dim room when I pick up on the faintest echo of a whispering voice as it moves across the hallway beyond the latched door; muffling their unanswered words before swiftly vanishing down the stairs and out of hearings reach. Groaning half-heartedly, I pull the bedsheet over my head and pray that I fall back asleep—still feeling the lingering exhaustion caused by yesterday’s strenuous efforts
“Seriously, Raven, I’m not joking around with you,” Dakota raises a hand to her forehead as it creases from impatience, “-you can’t be here. I mean it. If you don’t get your infuriating little butt over to school within the next thirty minutes, your brothers are going to go ballistic on me. I’m sorry, but I’m not covering for you again—I’ve taken enough berating’s off that pair to last me a lifetime. I can do without receiving another. You need to realise that you can’t just skip a day whenever you feel like it. You should know this by now. And anyway, if you hadn’t noticed, I’ve kind of got bigger issues to concern myself with at the moment. I haven’t got the time to babysit you on top of everything else,” Dakota stresses tactlessly while failing in her attempt to reason with the rebellious teenager. Rolling her silver eyes, Raven pulls a mocking pout while reaching into the leather pocket of her jacket to retrieve her chiming mobile. Sitting in silence, Raven ignorantly pa
With my arm extended out before me, I’m dragged up the stairs while Dakota’s hand wraps itself around my wrist like a binding shackle that holds me captive. Left to clamber behind her in haste, I watch on in amusement as a cheerful skip grows within her step as we storm heavily down the hallway. Despite my struggle to keep up, I giggle alongside her while she oozes in excited positivity; her joyous mood uplifting my own with each bounding step we take towards my room. As if we were on the brink of running out of time, Dakota eagerly steers me through the doorway when she races towards the large wardrobe. While the bedroom door closes behind us with a loud thud, a pitiful realisation abruptly dawns on me, attempting to dampen my brightening mood as I pout from the newly uncovered hurdle that appears to stand in my way. Other than the gifted pyjamas that I have on, I have nothing else to wear. Unless my hosts miraculously kept the torn and shredded outfit I had worn upon my discovery;
As the tall, self-assured brunette struts across the busying walkway, an utterance of inaudible words slips from her lips while she casts a scorching glare over her shoulder—tottering prissily in her clacking heels as if our mere presence were gravely insulting her. Blindly reaching into her handbag, Beth’s eyes narrow loathsomely, slyly scrutinising us one by one as if we were sitting beneath a magnifying scope. Subjected to Beth’s blatant judgement, I shrink under her examining gaze while she retrieves her mobile and impatiently presses it to her ear. Appearing flustered by our brief encounter, Beth slows her fleeting pace into a crawl while smoothing down her sand-toned overcoat. Pinching the bridge of her nose, she awaits the caller to answer the phone before turning to walk towards the escalators, situated not far from where we are sitting. Stepping onto the mechanical belt, Beth places her free hand on her jutted hip while she’s carried upwards—her attention fixated on us as i
As if the subconscious veil that had separated us for so long had finally fallen, I openly embrace the hidden part of myself as she boldly offers no restraint while surfacing. Stunned by her melodic voice projecting within, all I can do is stare at the others in disbelief as I listen to her lingering echo—robbed of words while feeling overwhelmed by my wolf’s unexpected awakening. Enlightening with each passing second, I momentarily close my eyes while allowing my mind and body to connect to my wolf's powerful being; feeling ourselves intertwine, becoming one as I ride the euphoric wave of pins and needles flooding throughout me. With each breath I take, an unexplainable surge of striking energy swiftly follows in accompaniment, filling my veins with its intoxicating remedy. Trembling from my unbound excitement, I shake erratically as my muscles vigorously contract while the fierce force settling within finds her bearings; spiritually awakening as she settles herself into her new vesse
Drawn in by his magnetic embrace, I can’t help but wonder if Elijah’s heart is beating just as quickly as mine; hastening in its pace from each lingering second that we spend entwined, remaining unbudged while he adoringly holds my pale face against his own. Filling with helplessness, a surging tide of warmth casts over me as I fall limp within my mate’s needing arms, melting into him while he catches me willingly. As Elijah’s insistent mouth glides against my shaking lips, a wild tremor runs along my nerves, evoking sensations I never knew I could possess while falling victim to the overwhelming connection we both presently share. Allowing my giddiness to cloud my judgement, I grip the collar of his slackening shirt while hungrily demanding more, shaking with anticipation as I lose myself in the moment. Breathless and lightheaded, I refuse to part away while drowning in Elijah’s intoxicating scent, allowing it to wrap itself around me like a blanket threaded from fire when I notice th
As if I had woken from the most blissful dream, a creeping smile of contentedness plays upon my curling lips. Stirring gently beneath the weighing duvet, I shake off the remnants of my well-rested slumber before stretching out. Eagerly sitting up, I manage to catch a glimpse of the first broken rays of sunshine while it seeps enchantingly into the silent room through the tousled curtains. In a numb daze, I rub my bleary eyes while releasing a muffled yawn as I’m greeted by the welcoming familiarity of my bedroom. Getting out of bed, I slip my feet into the set of waiting slippers at my side and dozily walk over towards the hidden window before drawing back the curtains. Invigorated by the sight before me, I inhale deeply while gazing upwards, marvelling at the soft, pearl-like clouds dispersing throughout the brightening sky overhead—watching quietly as it rids itself of any overcast. Squinting gently, I reach out for my strewn dressing gown when I notice that I somehow feel lighter on
As Elijah’s freshly spoken words echo hauntingly around me like a ghostly whisper, my soul withers and dissipates while I crumble within. Shrinking beneath his gaze, I notice the room dims into an unpleasant glow while a gathering of stormy clouds nestles menacingly outside. Looming vastly over the city, the gloomy blanket chases the sun away before allowing a gentle patter of falling rain to collide against the windowpane. Staring back at my waiting mate, it feels as if the world has come to a standstill—frozen in time as I’m left blindsided by his admittance. Unsure of what to say, all that I can manage is that of an unprompted whimper when an unbearable ripple of sharp pain spreads across my chest. Wincing reactively, the sensation swells beneath my ribcage; tightening around my heart as if it were being squeezed in the unmerciful palms of truth itself, leaving the breaking organ to forget its own rhythm while it beats out of tune. As I attempt to wade through my tempestuous emot
Despite spending most of the day assuring Elijah that I’m fine, he remains reluctant to give the dust from this morning a chance to settle. Persistent in his conquest of earning my already given affection back, my mate patiently waits on me against my protest, dotingly directing all of his attention solely my way. After some time, Elijah eventually loosens up when his self-held grudge dissipates gradually—losing himself in the conversation as it flows effortlessly between us. Sensing his angst vanish, I settle down and relax within my mate’s company. Swept up by the unending list of topics waiting to be explored, we blissfully discuss all that comes to mind, uncaring of the world, while it passes us by in a pleasant blur. As if the novelty of my presence had yet to wear off on him, I watch while Elijah’s silver eyes glisten brightly each time I laugh or giggle in response to something he says—looking smitten with my returned adoration as he revels in our time alone. Consumed by Elijah’
Paralyzed by the rolling current striking my back, I wince in pain as my muscles contract in violent spasms. Gasping sharply in gushing heaves, the unexpected shock successfully draws the remaining air held from within my lungs when I notice a persistent heat swelling inside of them as if they were fit to implode at any given second. Incapable of comprehending what is happening to me, I plant my feet heavily into the ground when the unceasing bolt of burning energy escapes from my forcefully opened mouth and attempts to drag me backwards with its unbound force. In awe and confusion, I watch through the glare of the dazzling light while the fierce sapphire beam of light oozes from my jaw and escapes in a voracious roar towards my trembling foe. With sweat-dampened fur, I surrender to the scorching heat that the power brings—succumbing to its presence and allowing the uninvited energy to bring my blood to an unnatural boil, defying all that I had ever known in the very process.
“Ow. What the-,” Sam splutters from the weighing pressure being pushed down against him, “What do you think you’re doing? Get the hell off of me, you stupid mutt-” he breathlessly spits in complaint while directing a hammering flurry of blunt kicks and torpedoing punches into my exposed torso; his fiery blows accompanied with every curse word held within his known vocabulary as if they were fuelling each of his attacks, screaming at me from the top of his lungs with nothing more than a burning hatred embedded deep within his tone before yelping in a strained huff, “I said get off of me.” “Do it now, Willow,” my wolf commands with authority, demand riddled within her urgent request while she clearly instructs, “-end him and this nightmare already. Show him no mercy. We both know he deserves a lot worse than what he’s abo
“Right,” Elijah clears his throat while masking his concerned reservation; trying to maintain his calm composure as an unbound worry weighs heavily throughout his voice, “-the pack is all ready and waiting to leave on my word. We’re just standing by while Marie mixes the last ingredients for the portals…” he confirms, “She can’t pinpoint where we’re going to land exactly, but she’s told us we’ll be there soon. So, stay put and promise me you won’t go after Sam until I get there, okay?” “Okay,” I let out a sigh of relief; noticing the tainted reluctance embedded beneath, “-but please hurry. If we lose him, we lose the dagger. I can’t let Sam get away, Elijah. I just can’t. Not when Ash’s life depends on it…” “I know, and he won’t. We’ll get him and make this right, I swear,” Elijah firmly promises, his words filled with commitment, “-but you need to wait. Moon Goddess knows what other tricks that mutt has up his sl
“Ash. Stop and think about what you’re trying to do for a minute, will you? You don’t need to listen to him, Sam isn’t your master. No one is. And you’re not one of his stupid foot soldiers either. So, please, just listen to me,” I plead nervously while almost choking on my floundering words; stammering as my voice wavers while I try my best to sound unfazed by the looming threat heading my way - watching in disbelief as my brother continues to take his thundering footsteps towards me, just like he was instructed to do. “Please don’t do this. I know you’re in there somewhere, listening. You know that this isn’t you, you wouldn’t do something like this. You’re my big protective brother, you would never lay a finger on me let alone kill me,“ I beg once more while the rising desperation floods my being; attempting to reason with the mindless inhabitant currently possessing my brother’s vessel, wielding my words like an unseen sword as they try to pierce the dark magic constrain
I manoeuvre effortlessly away from the attacking duo as the brainwashed soldiers battling in Sam’s aid scramble towards me in a blind, uncalculated rage. Stepping outside the imminent line of fire with less than a second to spare, I narrowly escape Blaine’s swinging claw as it hurtles down towards me while producing a sharp swooshing noise, disturbing the dusty air surrounding us even further than it already was. With my mind racing as it suddenly works overtime, I meticulously observe every detail unfolding around me while they take place and surface. Feeling my body slip into a state of flow, I give in to my instincts and begin to nimbly circle around my foes – far too quick for either of them to keep up. Becoming one with the desolate room and all the elements within it, I notice a new sensation sweep over me as an unexpected wave of tranquillity settles within—a strong serenity spreading throughout my being despite the looming danger making its way towards me, leaving me to feel
Standing to my feet, the blurring colours of the grimy basement continue to settle around me as my senses thankfully return gradually alongside each internal pulsation of power gathering within me. I inhale sharply as I waver with stumbling feet; feeling light-headed while I fight to find my bearings with outstretched arms, awaiting my balance to return while I adapt to the overpowering sensation spreading throughout me. With a clearing mind, the high-pitched ringing that was consuming my hearing drifts away while the wolfsbane within my system grows equally inactive—just as the Destined Ones had said it would. With unsteady legs, I stumble forward when my ears abruptly fill with the instant noise of everything surrounding me—amplified with velocity as its range reaches much further than it had ever managed to before. Overwhelmed by the eruption of clashing sounds hitting me without warning, I clasp my ears as they burst with pain while I try to regain control amidst the cha
I hold my breath with anticipation as the large room sits before me in impenetrable darkness that doesn’t seem to lift; my sight greatly limited while the vast space surrounding me finds itself exposed to the consuming shadows of the night outside, lit faintly by the gentle cast of the moon's broken glow barely entering through the thin arched windows stretching high at my sides. The soft light illuminates a small space before me as I step into its welcoming gaze, the sound of my reluctant footsteps echoing eerily around me while I tread delicately across the stone cobbled floor. The room remains still as I wrap my arms around myself; clutching them tightly against my chest in an attempt to prevent the continuation of my persistent trembling while I shuffle into the natural spotlight that awaits me, terrified of what to expect as I seem to be all alone despite the beckoning invitation I had received. Was the voice that I heard nothing but a trick? Is this another nightmare?
With the overflow of wolfsbane swiftly flooding through my system greater than ever before, I slowly descend into myself and become a passenger held within my own body while the deadly toxin spreads throughout. Incapable of responding to the simplest of commands, I remain immobile despite urging myself to be the exact opposite—left feeling utterly vulnerable, defenceless at the mercy of my vengeful captor while he grapples me roughly. With each laboured breath I take, the poison soaks in further - wrapping itself around every molecule held within my lifeless body, and smothering them one by one as I lose the battle of controlling my being. A low humming builds within my ears the heavier I feel myself grow. While I teeter on the edge of unconsciousness, my limbs and muscles ache with a burning persistence. Its overwhelming sensation sweeps over me as if it were bound by no restraint, submitting me into defeat effortlessly like I belonged to the pain itself and that alone. Sub
As Sam takes a confident stride towards me, a vile smirk plays on his cut lips while he sneers wildly in my direction. I find myself stumbling back the further he ascends, a pained expression twisting across my face as I feel my chest slowly begin to cave in from the rapid panicked breaths fleeing it. Sam glares at me with a wrathful grimace while he wears a heavy frown; his head cocking to the side allowing his sunken features to come into view, the bulging scar brandishing his face tugging at his badly treated skin. I shudder while studying my former captor; swaying unsteadily as his sickening scent unwantedly drifts towards me in the gusting breeze causing my legs to waver from beneath me as they battle to withhold my weight – my voice muffled by the fear gripping me within its hold while all I can do is gawk back in horror. Sam’s cold eyes flicker around as he calculates his surroundings meticulously; observing my companions with a grim smile still cast upon his face as