POV: Jeremy WilliamsIt was dark and cold when I woke up. My brain ached. I was where? I was in the pack house with my parents the last I recall. Everything was different now.I sat up and looked about me. Everywhere shadows were moving. It was horrible. "Hello?" I yelled. My voice was timid and little. "Is anyone there?"Nobody took a response. Tears welled up in my eyes. I wanted my parents. A voice was heard abruptly. "Jeremy? Are you conscious?" That voice was one I recognized. Elder Rovin was the one. He emerged from the shadows and grinned at me."W-where am I?" I enquired. "Where's my mom and dad?" I was seated next to Elder Rovin. "Jeremy, you're secure. This location is unique. The world of shadows."I scowled. "A shadow domain? However, why am I here? Elder Rovin answered, "Because you're special, Jeremy." "You're gifted. a bond with this location." I was unable to comprehend. "But I want to go home. "Elder Rovin gave a headshake. You really can't, I'm sorry. Not quite yet.
POV: KiraMy mind racing, I paced back and forth in my room. There was a problem. It was palpable in my bones. My door squeaked and I jumped. "Enter now," I yelled. Looking concerned, Hardin came in. "Kira, we need to talk."I motioned for him to sit while I nodded. "What's wrong?"Hardin let out a sigh. "We sent the message to Ivory and Darrel two days ago. They ought to have returned by now. My stomach turned over. It was exactly what I had been thinking. "Do you think something happened to them?""I'm not sure," Hardin said. "But we are at a loss for time. We must take action." I scowled. "What do you mean?" Hardin bent over. "We must dispatch a search team. Also, I want you to take the lead."My pupils expanded. "Me? However, why don't you or Jenna? Hardin said, "I have to stay here to protect the pack." Jenna also needs to be ready for the task in the shadow world. Kira, you're the finest option."A mixture of fear and pride filled me. "I'll take care of it. When are we going to
POV: Elder RovinAs I stood in the shadows, I observed Jeremy using his newly acquired skills. The boy was developing more quickly than I could have ever predicted. A small smile appeared on my face. Everything was starting to come together."Excellent, Jeremy," I exclaimed. "You're learning quickly."Jeremy turned to face me, pride gleaming in his eyes. I'm grateful, Elder Rovin! See what more I'm capable of!"With a wave of his hand, a flawless sphere of shadows formed around him. I gave an encouraging nod, but my thoughts were racing within. The youngster was becoming too strong too soon. I had to get moving on my ideas.I said, "That's enough for today." "Why don't you rest?"A noise arose from behind me as Jeremy walked away. I looked over and saw Callum come out of the shadows, pulling an unconscious Kira behind him. "Ah, Callum," I spoke with ease. "I see your mission was successful."Callum grinned cruelly as he nodded. "Everyone in the search party, as assured. They didn't an
POV: MiaWith my heart pounding, I paced back and forth in my tiny room. I had the impression that the walls were closing in on me. The feeling that something was seriously wrong with me persisted."What am I doing?" While running my hands through my hair, I said to myself.A tap on the door startled me. I shouted out, attempting to maintain a steady tone. "Come in,"Callum stepped in, his eyes hard and black. "Mia, we need to talk." With a dry throat, I nodded. "What is it?"Leaning against the door, he closed it behind him. "Elder Rovin desires to go to the following stage. Are you prepared?" I paused, my thoughts whirling. Was I prepared? Is it possible for me to finish this?I said, "I... I don't know, Callum." This doesn't feel right. People are being hurt by us. our companions." Callum's gaze grew strained. "Mia, they're not our pals. Recall the damage they caused to us. To you.I shook my head, reliving the past. The hurt, the rejection, and the isolation. Still, though... "Tha
POV: Ivory WellsI was in front of the group, my heart racing. Their expectant gaze was fixed on me. Experiencing the full weight of Darrel's absence, I inhaled deeply.We are living in a sad time, I said, speaking louder than I felt. "Everything we value is in jeopardy because of Elder Rovin and Callum. However, we are not helpless. We're not by ourselves. There were murmurs among the people. Their eyes betrayed both fear and optimism. They required my strength. "What's the plan, Ivory?" Kira yelled. "How do we fight them?" I nodded, appreciating her help. "We strengthen our barriers. We work out more than before. And we remain unified. Nobody travels by themselves." Someone yelled, "But what about Jeremy?" "How about Darrel? We cannot abandon them to the world of shadows!" The assembly became agitated. I tried to ignore the agony in my chest that Darrel's name brought, and I raised my hands for silence. I said, "We're not giving up on them." But we must exercise caution. Blindl
POV: Darrell WilliamsSuffocating and seemingly interminable, the blackness closed in on all sides. I had forgotten how long I had been confined to this prison of shadows. Days? Weeks? This environment seemed to defy the concept of time.My mind racing, I paced the small space I'd come to call my cell. I needed to get out of there. I had to return to my pack, to Jeremy, to Ivory."Darrel, think," I whispered to myself. "There has to be a way."A well-known voice rose out of the darkness. "Speaking to oneself once more? You know, that's the first indication of insanity." I turned to see Callum's right-hand man, Kavrin, come out of the shadows. I wanted to rip out his throat at his smug smile."What do you want?" I snarled.With a shrug, Kavrin leaned against the dark wall. "Just giving our favorite prisoner an update. Elder Rovin wants to know if you're at ease. As I lunged at him, my hands effortlessly pierced his shape. His laughter annoyed me with its piercing sound."Now, now," rep
POV: JennaMy pulse thumping, I tiptoed into the pitch-black forests. The moon was difficult to view because it was obscured by clouds. Still, I had to press on. This intelligence regarding Callum's forces was vital to the pack.I said to myself in a murmur, "Jenna, stay calm." "You can do this," I remembered being called to Ivory's office earlier that day. Ivory had stated, "Jenna, I need your help," with a serious expression."Of course, what is it?" Concerned by her tone, I inquired. "We require further details regarding Callum's plans. We are running out of time, and his armies are becoming more powerful."Realizing the seriousness of the situation, I nodded. "What do you need me to do?" "As much as I hate to ask, we need someone to infiltrate Callum's domain covertly. To compile data."My stomach had fallen. "You want me to spy on them?"Embarrassed, Ivory had averted her gaze. "Jenna, you are the only one who can succeed. Nobody is more familiar with Callum's methods than you. F
POV: HardinWith a sorrowful heart, I stood on the border of Silver Claw territory. It hadn't gone well, the meeting with Alpha Marcus. Not in the slightest.To me, I whispered, "This is bad." "Bad," I remembered arriving at the Silver Claw pack lands earlier that day.The chilly voice of Alpha Marcus had declared, "Welcome, Hardin of the Purple Moon pack." "What brings you to our territory?" I had lowered my head in deference. I'm grateful that you saw me, Alpha Marcus. I am here to seek a partner."An eyebrow had been raised by Marcus. "A coalition? Why would we desire it, too?I had inhaled deeply. That was it. "A serious threat is approaching. For all werewolves, not just our group. We must unite as a group."Marcus had laughed, but it was a cold laugh. "A serious risk? You have the voice of a puppy telling spooky tales." "It's not a narrative," I had emphasized. "Callum and Elder Rovin""Enough!" Marcus had growled. "I am aware of the issues that your pack is facing. You have the
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