POV: Ivory WellsI sat at my desk and gazed at the jumble of documents and pictures that were in front of me. Even though my head hurt, I kept going. Not right now. Not when the answers were so close.A tap on the door startled me. I called, attempting to sound calm, "Come in."With a troubled expression, Hardin entered. "You've been in here for hours, Ivory. You must take a nap."I gave a headshake. "Hardin, I can't. Too much is on the line. With a sigh, he took a seat across from me. "What have you found?"I took a look at this picture of weird symbols carved into trees. "Luna claimed that these tattoos are the result of old sorcery. The kind capable of spanning universes."Hardin's eyes got bigger. "You think this is how Callum survived?""Perhaps," I replied. "But there's more." I gave him another piece of paper. Examine this report from the previous month. In the vicinity of where these symbols were discovered, three pack members vanished.""And?" Curious, Hardin leaned forward.
POV: Darrell WilliamsMy mind racing, I paced my office. It had been three days since Ivory, Hardin, and Jenna vanished from sight. The group was afraid, and I was powerless.My thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door. I beckoned them inside.Grim-faced, Elder Rovin came in. "Alpha, we need to talk." Knowing this wouldn't be good, I let out a sigh. "What is it, Elder?"With creaking old bones, he sat down. "The group is agitated. Regarding the missing members, they seek explanations." "It's true," I replied while stroking my hair. "But I don't have any answers to give them."Rovin the Elder bent forward. "Then perhaps it's time to consider... other options." I became motionless. "What do you mean?" "The old ways," he muttered to himself. "There are rituals that could help us find them." I gave a headshake. "Not at all. Those customs carry a risk. We must not take a chance." "Can we risk not doing it?" Elder Rovin posed a question. "Every day they're gone, the pack grows more
POV: Jeremy WilliamsI was terrified when I woke up. Everything felt weird, and Mom and Dad were gone. I rolled out of bed and looked for Darcy. Even though she was now my sister, the thought still seemed strange.She was attempting to reach a cereal box on a high shelf when I discovered her in the kitchen. I inquired, "Need help?"Turning around, Darcy grinned at me. "Jeremy, thank you. I'm not tall enough."I got down the cereal for her. For a while, we ate in silence at the table together. Darcy finally spoke. "Are they, in your opinion, okay? Mom and Dad?" I tried to look brave as I shrugged. Yes. They have strength. They'll return quickly. Darcy gave me a strange look. "You know, you don't have to pretend. I'm also afraid.My eyes started to get wet. "I'm missing them," I said. Darcy extended her arm to grasp my hand. "Me too. However, we now have each other, correct?Feeling a little better, I nodded. "Right."We had breakfast outside and played. Being in the group without Mom a
POV: Ivory WellsAs the blackness dwindled, I gasped. Even though we were back in the pack home, something didn't feel right. Beside me, Hardin and Jenna were just as perplexed as I did."What happened?" Hardin questioned, sounding uneasy.We heard shouts before I could respond. Members of the pack, commanded by Kira, rushed in. Her eyes grew wide upon seeing us.She exclaimed, "You're back!" "But how?"I attempted to dispel it by shaking my head. "I'm not sure," I said. We were with Callum in the ancient library one moment, and suddenly..." Callum's name made Kira's expression tighten. "We must speak. Right now."I sensed pack members watching at us as we followed her. While some appeared relieved, others' eyes were filled with mistrust. Particularly when they observed me. We told Kira, in Darrel's office, well, her office now, everything that had happened. She seemed worried as she sat back after we were done.She remarked, "This is worse than we thought." "Callum's stronger than ev
POV: Elder RovinWatching the mayhem through my ancient obsidian mirror, I stood in my concealed chamber. Ivory was organizing the group in anticipation of a rescue operation. How little she understood about the real threat.Something shadowy materialized out of the shadows. "Master, the Alpha, and his team are secured in the shadow realm. Satisfied, I nodded. "What about the girl? Darcy?The animal paused. "Her abilities become more potent. Her visions can present a challenge. I scowled. This was not what I expected. "So, we have to move rapidly. Is Mia prepared?"Yes, sir. She is waiting for your cue.Ivory's determined face caught my attention as I went back to the mirror. "Not too long, young wolf. You'll realize the cost of power very soon."With a wave of my hand, the vision changed to show Darrel imprisoned in the shadow world. He struggled with his restraints, but they remained tight."Such a spirit," I muttered. "It will make breaking him all the sweeter."Darcy and Jeremy we
POV: Darrell WilliamsI paced the tiny space, thinking all over. Now that everything had passed, Ivory and I were by ourselves. The atmosphere was heavy with unsaid words.I said, "Ivory," but then I stopped. How even should I start?Her eyes were attentive but fatigued as she gazed at me. "Darrel, we need to talk. "Sitting across from her, I nodded. "Yeah, we do."We merely looked at each other for a moment. Then the words just flowed. We both said, "I'm sorry," at the same moment. I laughed out loud, and Ivory grinned as well. It eased some of the pressure."You ought to go first," I said. Ivory inhaled deeply. I apologize for having left. For not having faith in you. For everything."Something lifted from my chest. "I apologize as well. It was my duty to defend you more fiercely. I ought to have had faith in us.""Why didn't you?" Ivory whispered her question.I touched my hair with my hand. "I was afraid. Bewildered. I wasn't sure what to think when they told me that I had wounded
POV: DarcyIt felt strange to wake up. My brain ached, and I had unsettling memories. Monsters and shadows. Additionally, light. A brilliant light that dispelled the shadows."Darcy?" Mom spoke softly. "How are you feeling?"I blinked and looked about me. My parents were in my room, but I was alone. That was peculiar. I said, "I'm okay." "What happened?"Mom and Dad exchanged a look. They appeared concerned. Dad said, "What do you remember?" I gave it some serious thinking. "Shadows were present. Negative shadows. Jeremy was also terrified. And after that, light?" My mother took a seat on my bed. "Darcy, an incident occurred. Something... unique.""Special?" I was unable to comprehend. Dad gave a nod. "My dear, you accomplished something incredible. You kept us alive." I was truly perplexed now. "How? I'm only a little child." Mom grasped my hand. "Darcy, you're not simply a child. You are unique. You're gifted."Gifts?" I straightened up. "Like presents?" Dad laughed. "Not precisely.
POV: HardinI wiped the perspiration from my brow and moved closer to the Silver Claw pack boundary. I was sweating, but not because of the intense heat. The future of our pack could be made or broken by this meeting."Remember," I whispered to myself, "to be powerful without being menacing." amiable but not feeble. "As I got closer, the border guards became more tense. I held up my hands to signal that I was okay."I'm Hardin, hailing from the Purple Moon pack," I exclaimed. "I'm here to speak with Alpha Marcus. "The guards glanced at each other. At last, one gave a nod. "Follow me."I couldn't help but be in awe of Silver Claw territory as we strolled. It was bigger than ours, with crystal clear streams and verdant forests. Understandably, they had previously hesitated to ally with us.In a clearing, Alpha Marcus was standing by. He had sharp blue eyes and a big, sturdy build. "Hardin," he uttered in a low voice. "What brings you to our lands?" I inclined my head a little. "Alpha Ma
POV: Ivory WellsI emerged from our cabin and felt the warmth of the morning sun on my face. That tragic day in the cave had been three months ago. Even though so much had changed, other things stayed reassuringly similar."Good morning, drowsy head," Mia greeted me as she jogged up. "Ready for the big day?" I smiled. "Ready as I'll ever be, I think. Who gave pack picnics the go-ahead?""Oh wise leader, that would be you," she jokingly said.We strolled to the central area, where pack members were busy getting everything ready for the festivals. Near the food tables, I saw Darrel chatting with Hardin and Marcus. "There you are," Darrel said, drawing me in. "We were just discussing the new patrol schedules."Marcus gave a nod and said, "Joint patrols are operating efficiently. Now my wolves feel comfortable here." "And the training program?" I inquired with Hardin.He grinned. "Better than anticipated. Kira has a talent for instructing the younger ones." "Dad! Mom! Take a look!" Jeremy
POV: Darrell WilliamsWith the bright light gone, an unsettling silence followed. I attempted to clear the dots from my vision by blinking. When my vision returned, I saw Callum on the ground, lifeless, with Darcy and Jeremy kneeling next to him. "Callum?" Emotion-laden, Ivory's voice broke the stillness.Heart heavy, I took a step toward her. Callum had become the brother I'd always wished he could be in his last moments, something I never would have imagined myself feeling sorry for."Is he...?" I was unable to complete the question. With tears flowing down her cheeks, Ivory nodded. "He's gone." The children gazed up at us, shock and anguish filled in their huge eyes. Shouting, "We didn't mean to," Jeremy said. "We didn't know it would..."I gathered them both into a close embrace. "It's not your fault," I firmly stated. "Callum made his choice. He saved us all." I began to notice the world outside our small group as we grieved. Rovin's army was nowhere to be seen, and the cave entr
POV: Callum WellsI heard the others converse, make plans, and feel hopeful. I felt ill from it. How were they so innocent? Calm amid the packs? Saving us all with the powers of the children? That story was a fable.But as the evening went on, I was plagued by a persistent discomfort in my stomach. What if they were correct? What if there was an alternate route? I shook my head, attempting to dispel any uncertainty. I'd gone too far to go back at this point.The cave became still as the morning drew near. Most had gone to sleep, worn out after the activities of the evening. But I was unable to sleep. As my thoughts raced, I relived each step that brought me to this point.Curled up beside Ivory and Darrel, I found myself staring at Jeremy and Darcy. They appeared so little and so innocent. Was I truly ready to give them up for power? "Can't sleep?"Ivory was observing me with cautious yet nonhostile eyes when I turned around."Just thinking," I said in a whisper. She inched forward, t
POV: Darrell WilliamsChaos ensued inside the cave. In a flurry of fur and fangs, wolves snapped and hissed, crashing into each other's bodies. Amidst the chaos, I lost sight of Ivory and the children, and my heart raced with concern for their well-being."Ivory!" I yelled, my voice hard to make out over the commotion. Something heavy crashed into me from behind. I turned around and met Callum's twisted smile."Hello, my old friend," Callum said with a sly smile. "Miss me?" I didn't use words to squander time. We collided, stumbling in a mass of limbs across the cave floor. I caught a glimpse of Marcus fending off two of Rovin's goons."Darrel!" A voice spoke above the din: Ivory. "The kids!" I glanced up and saw her cornered with Darcy and Jeremy. With a look of hunger in his eyes, Rovin was charging towards them. My veins heated with rage. I hurled Callum off of me and lunged in the direction of my family.But before I could get to them, an unforeseen event occurred. With a surprisi
POV: Ivory WellsI started to get shivers as the howling got closer. It felt quite exposed suddenly, this small clearing.With a tight voice, Darrel stated, "We have to move. Now." Marcus gave a nod. "It's not far to my den. There, we'll be secure."Unsure if we could trust him, I hesitated. But after seeing the exhausted looks on Darcy's and Jeremy's faces, I decided. We had to find shelter quickly. I kept having the impression that something was missing as we went through the woodland. Callum and Rovin had surrendered too quickly. What did we fail to notice?It turned out that Marcus' den was a cleverly concealed cave system. We assembled around a central fire pit once we were inside. With his eyes darting nervously to the cave entrance, Jeremy sat close by. I held his hand and whispered, "It's okay. We're safe here."He gave a nod, but it was clear he wasn't sold. Not one of us was. Marcus cleared his throat. "Now, I believe it's time for some answers."Darrel sat up straight. "You
POV: Ivory Wells“Jeremy!" I screamed as the fire surrounded my son. My heart halted, horror clutching me like a vise. Then, though, the flames disappeared as fast as they began. And something else lingered where Jeremy had stood.A wolf, but unlike any I had seen before. Its eyes shone like fire, and its fur shimmered with an ethereal brightness. Darrel muttered next to me, "Oh my god. Is that...?"Not sure what to say, I nodded. Our son had developed into something much beyond our wildest dreams. Marcus moved forward, amazement ablaze on his face. "The prophecy," he said quietly. "It's true."Jeremy's wolf turned its head and stared at every one of us individually. Its sight locked with mine, and I felt a flash of recognition. My small son was still in there."Jeremy?" I called gently. "Can you understand me?"The wolf nodded gradually. Darrel stepped forward, his hand out. "Son, can you shift back?" Though nothing changed, Jeremy's new shape shimmered. He whined, sounding frustrat
POV: Jeremy WilliamsEven as Mom guided me out of the cave, my heart continued to beat. The sounds of war had diminished, but the echoes of horror still echoed within me."Are you okay, sweetie?" Mom's voice quivered with concern as she grasped my shoulders, searching my eyes. I nodded, unable to find the words to convey what I had just experienced. How could I explain the unfathomable, events that happened in that dark, scary cave?We stumbled into a little clearing, surrounded by the calm of the forest. Mom held me close, her hug was a barrier against the residual fear. "Now that you're safe," she muttered, her voice barely audible above the rustling leaves. "I won't let anyone hurt you."But I wasn't sure whether even she could protect me now. The meeting with Callum and the enigmatic Rovin had been traumatic enough, but what worried me most was the discovery about myself that surfaced in that unfathomable darkness."Mom," I began, my voice shaking, "something... something happened
POV: Darrell WilliamsThe sound of Alpha Marcus approaching filled the cave. His presence commanded both respect and horror in equal measure, and his silver fur shimmered in the unsettling blue light.I looked at Ivory and noticed that her eyes reflected my same bewilderment. Why was the Silver Claw Alpha in this situation?Marcus scanned the cavern, taking in the tight exchange of words. "Well, isn't this cozy?" he grumbled.Anger twisted Rovin's face. "Marcus! You're ahead of schedule." My thoughts were racing. Too early? Were they collaborating? Marcus laughed, his laugh resonating against the walls of stone. "Plans change, my dear friend. I decided to speed things up."I moved forward, putting myself in the way of my group and this new foe. "What's going on here?" I demanded.Marcus looked up at me, a gleam in his eyes. "Ah, Darrel, the young one. There's a lot to learn about politics in packs." "This isn't politics," Ivory fumed. "You're holding our son hostage!"Whimpering, Jere
POV: HardinAs we gathered in the pack grounds, the tension in the night air crackled. Nervous talk was interrupted by Darrel's voice.He declared, "We're under attack. We're not running, though. We're retaliating."Ivory stepped forward, and I saw her eyes light up. "We must split up now. While some remain to protect, others will go in search of Jeremy."There were murmurs among the people. I saw glimpses of resolve, fear, and rage."Hardin," Darrel yelled out. "You will lead one search team. Kira, you take another. Ivory and I will take Callum at his word."I nodded, mentally arranging routes already. "What about Darcy?" I enquired. Everybody looked at the little girl. She was tall, with a soft glow all about her."I'm going with you, Dad," she declared strongly.Ivory began to object, but Darrel raised a hand. "She is correct. Her abilities might give us the advantage we need."The pack split apart, and I went up to Kira. "Pay attention to her," I muttered. Kira's gaze grew gentler