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WOLFSMOKE OF BETRAYAL
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
Reckoning of the purple moon BENEATH THE VEIL OF SHADOWS
POV: MiaTrying to catch and drag me farther into their frigid embrace, the shadows seemed to reach out with thinner tendrils at every turn. I had straddled the line of neutrality between allegiance to my pack and an insuppressible need to see justice done for too long.But the more Ivory dug, the more filthy facts she revealed about the planned catastrophes that had ripped her life apart, and the more I felt the careful equilibrium within me begin to waver and flutter.There was no doubt that I worried about where this road would finally lead us; the inevitable cracks and ruptures that would undoubtedly shatter through the center of our planet should the whole scope of the high-level corruption and dishonesty be dragged under close inspection.And yet, no matter how firmly the roots had taken hold, I could not just watch helplessly as evil ambitions and dishonest power grabs go unpacked. Not when the cost had been innocent people like Ivory and her daughter.My dark reverie was broke
Reckoning of the purple moon THE RAGING STORM
POV: Callum WellsWith sneaky whispers, the shadows appeared to call to me, kindling the flames of obsession hotter into my veins with every day. Ivory Wells and her unrelenting fight had driven me to the very brink; now, there would be no turning back from the chasm.Too much had been given up, too many deftly spun plans had been implemented over the years. All lead to this unavoidable junction when the status quo would either be maintained by forceful action...or irreversibly disrupted into anarchy.In readiness for the ultimate gambit, I had been a patient man, biding my time and gently arranging my pieces across the board. But the intensity of my all-consuming drive to eradicate the menace Ivory represented once and for once had burned away that cloak of tranquil restraint.From the back of my throat, a deep snarl of expectation rumbled up as I stared out over the dark campsite developing in the forest clearing. Campfires give the gathered mercenaries and conscripts rigorously sch
Reckoning of the purple moon REDEMPTION
POV: Darrel WilliamsThe stifling hush that had enveloped our campsite seemed like a viselike grip tightening with every instant. There were no more soft murmurs or covert looks directed my way; only a tense silence hung in the air, laden with anxiety about the seismic disclosures about to explode our lives.Countless eyes followed my every step as I walked toward the central forum where the ruling council had gathered. Though their criticism was not expressed, there was clear silent censure behind it. From which there would be no comeback should I choose to validate the devastating proof Ivory had supplied, I was guiding them into an unknown land.The passageway veered abruptly ahead, and I instinctively looked for possible ambushes a lifetime of survival skills turned on full tilt. It was then that I saw the obvious movement in the shadows: figures moving into offensive stances, weapons sliding free with a terrible whisper of steel on leather.The trap burst in a flash. From their
Reckoning of the purple moon CHAINS OF BETRAYAL
POV: Jeremy WilliamsMy head was whirling and a stinging agony seared across my brain as I gradually came to. When I tried to move, my ankles and wrists were tightly chained. Looking about, I found I was in a poorly lighted room with just one door and no windows.Where was I? Uncle Callum striking me down in the forest clearing came last on memory. His chilly, unforgiving eyes still tormented me. What was going on? Why was he gathering that few men? Why then did he target me?The door cracked open to reveal a tough-looking man. He glanced at me before he spoke. "The lad is awake." Callum would like to see him.My heart hammered. Uncle Callum, Following his actions? Though I knew I had no choice, I wanted not to see him. The man untied me and hauled me violently to my feet, guiding me along a poorly lighted hall.At last, we arrived in a bigger room where Uncle Callum sat, his face unreadable. His devoted lieutenant Kavrin stood next to him."Leave us," Uncle Callum told the guard.Unc
Reckoning of the purple moon FURY
POV: JennaMy pulse racing with a mix of anger and terror, the walls seemed to be closing in on me as I walked back and forth in my rooms. How would this be occurring? After all I had given, all the deliberate alliances and cautious navigation I had developed, my hold on power was erasing like grains of sand.My agitated dream was broken by a knock on the door. "Enter," I said, malice tinging my voice.Callum's devoted lieutenant Kavrin entered with a solemn countenance. "My Lady, I bring unpleasant news.""Out with it, then," I insisted, my endurance running thin.Kavrin cleared his throat, his gaze down. "It seems Darrel found the truth regarding Ivory's persecution. He has freely said he intends to pursue justice, even if it means opposing his own pack."I was inundated in white hot anger. That moron, Darrel, was endangering what we had laboriously created. Did he not appreciate the need of our actions? Ivory was a threat, a cancer that had to be removed before it might contaminate
Reckoning of the purple moon MOTHER WRATH
POV: Ivory WellsAs I went over the stack of papers in front of me, each page unveiling another piece of the jigsaw I had been fervently trying to solve, my heart flew. For years, the fate of my daughter Darcy had been a mystery, a pain that would reignite with every unresolved issue not healing.But now, as the proof grew, a sliver of hope started to slink into the depths of my psyche. Darcy might be alive and under the custody of someone trying to safeguard pack secrets at any cost.I woke from my dream startled by a gentle knock at the door. "Come in," I said, quickly gathering the disorganized papers.Jeremy peeked his head in, worriedly wide eyes. Ivory, are you good? From your room, I heard voices rise.I mustered a kind grin, calling him inside. "I am good, Jeremy. Just... negotiating some challenging revelations."He moved across the room and seated next to me; his friendly demeanor provided solace in the emotional turbulence I was experiencing. "What have you found?"Breathin
Reckoning of the purple moon CHAINS OF DECEIT
POV: Darrel WilliamsWith every laboring breath, the weight of the truth seemed like a crushing load falling on me. I found myself lost in a sea of remorse and self-doubt, doubting everything I had believed in as the disclosures about my part in Ivory's banishment and Darcy's abduction surfaced.How could I have been so naive, so readily controlled by people I knew? Unquestionably, the data was a devastating critique of the basic pillars supporting my life.The stifling quiet that had encompassed my rooms was broken with a gentle knock at the door. "Enter," I said, my voice tinged with hardly-felt intensity.Hardin entered, his battered features marked with concern. "Darrel, we must speak."I sighed tiredly and pointed for him to settle in. "Old friend, I know what you are going to say. We must be strong and preserve the customs and beliefs that have led our pack for millennia.Hardin dropped himself down onto the chair across from me, wrinkling his forehead. "You are partially right,
Reckoning of the purple moon THE BREAKING POINT
POV: JennaEvery labored breath I was choking from the weight of my collapsing kingdom as the walls closed in. I could feel the tendrils of power slinking through my fingers like grains of sand as the truth about my part in the conspiracy against Ivory started to leak.How could this be occurring? Was all the sacrifices, the well-planned manipulations, the lies, and betrayals for naught? The idea of losing my role as Luna, of seeing all I had worked so hard for, turned to ash, drove me to the brink of insane.My whirling thoughts were jerked from by a frenzied beating on the door. "Enter!" I snapped, venom tinging my voice.Kavrin tore through the door, his face pallid and drawn. "My Lady, we have a situation."Rising from my seat, I closed my hands into white-knuckled fists. "Kavrin, what is it now? You cannot perceive I am currently handling a crisis?"Kavrin choked hard, his eyes darting about the room. "It's Darrel and Ivory." Working together, they are launching a rescue effort t
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Reckoning of the purple moon UNITY DAWNS
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
Reckoning of the purple moon PAINS AND SACRIFICE
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
Reckoning of the purple moon THE PRICE OF REDEMPTION
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
Reckoning of the purple moon WOLFS AT THE DOOR
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
Reckoning of the purple moon DECEPTION AND LIES
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
Reckoning of the purple moon FLAMES OF DESTINY
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
Reckoning of the purple moon THE WOLF WITHIN
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
Reckoning of the purple moon HIDDEN PARTNERSHIP
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
Reckoning of the purple moon THE SEARCH BEGINS
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
