The darkness suddenly closed in around Lyrien again, it was ike a suffocating shroud. He stumbled as his world spinning out of control. When his vision became cleared, he found himself in a twisted and nightmarish realm. The air were reeked of decay and death. there was a twisted, ancient trees which loomed above, with their branches like a skeletal fingers wreaching for the sky.Suddenly, an old woman emerged from the shadows, her gnarled stick thumping against the ground. Lyrien tried to speak but couldn't, as his voice was caught in his throat. The woman's eyes glowed with an otherworldly light as she turned to face him."Witch!" Lyrien spat, his heart was racing.He unsheathed his claws suddenly, ready to defend himself. But the old woman merely laughed, her voice was like a rusty gate. "The Moonwhisper," she croaked, her eyes were glinting with malevolence.Lyrien called out the name the woman called him "Moonwhisper."'' Who are you and why did you refer me as that?'' He deman
The man suddenly slammed on the brakes, and Aria's heart skipped a beat. "We have to leave, now!" he urged, his eyes were scanning the surrounding area.The two hastily carried Lyrien out of the car and into the nearby forest, the trees are looming above them like sentinels. The man moved so swiftly, his knowledge of the terrain was evident as he navigated at the dense underbrush.Not long after, they reached a small clearing, and in the center of it stood a cozy cottage, smoke was drifting lazily from the chimney. The man pushed the door open, and they entered, Lyrien's limp form carried between them.The man placed Lyrien on a bed inside the small room, his movements were gentle despite the urgency of the situation. Aria looked around them, she was taking in the simple furnishings and the warm fire crackling in the hearth.Just then, a little girl appeared to them in the doorway, her eyes were fixed on Aria. She was so young, no more than ten years old in age, but her hair was strea
Arachne suddenly rose on her feet, with her hands weaving intricate patterns in the air. She chanted in an occultic language, and suddenly a soft, pulsing light enveloped Lyrien.The light then grew brighter, and Lyrien's eyes was fluttered closed as he stumbled backwards, he released Aria from his grasp. He fell onto the floor, and fall asleep, it shows the magic had knocked him unconscious.Aria collapsed to the ground, she was coughing violently, Erith hurriedly rushed to her side. "Aria, are you okay?" he asked, with concern etched on his innocence face.Arachne's eyes never left Lyrien's on the floor. "He's a Moonwhisperer," she explained. "They calm the room, separating darkness and light. But they're also incredibly sensitive to darkness."Erith's gaze turned to Aria. "And Aria's a Shadowbringer, made of darkness."Arachne nodded. "The silver in the bullet that hit Lyrien reacted with his Moonwhisperer blood, causing this...aberration."Aria's coughing then subsided, and she lo
"Find Aria soon, Erin. Before the next full moon." The woman voice sounded like a warning.Erin's grip on the desk tightened. "What's the hurry?"The woman's voice dropped to again to him like a whisper. "Aria's no longer the tame wolf you knew inside the Seven Tower gates. Every second she's spending outside is makking her growing stronger, and the curse within her is stirring."Erin's eyes narrowed. "I know"The woman's stare at him with her gaze seemed to bore into his soul. "If another full moon rises, the curse in her wolf will grow louder and uncontrollable. By then, no witch or wolf will be able to face her. She'll be unstoppable."Erin's mind was reeled as the woman's words painted a terrifying picture. He had to find Aria before it was too late.The woman's eyes glinted with a fierce light. "You have two weeks, Erin. Find Aria, and bring her back to me. I'll help you get the scale off her, but you must act fast."Erin nodded, a plan already forming in his mind. He would stop
As soon as Arachne saw the woman, she rushed to embrace her. "Eluned!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with warmth.The two women hugged each other so tightly, like an old friends which just reunited after a very long time apart. Aria's curiosity was suddenly piqued as she couldn't take it in, she asked Arachne, "Is she the witch who will save Lyrien?"Arachne smiled and shook her head. "No, Aria. Eluned is not a witch or a wolf. She's a human, a skilled healer who will take care of Lyrien."Aria's eyes were welled up with tears as she knelt before Eluned, begging, "Please, you have to help me save Lyrien. I'll do anything, just please save him."Eluned's face was filled with compassion as she stroked Aria's hair. "Don't worry, child. I'll do everything in my power to save Lyrien. I promise."Aria's sobs became subsided, it was replaced by a glimmer of hope. She looked up at Eluned, with her eyes which was shining with tears. "Thank you...thank you so much."Eluned smiled and helped A
They all rushed inside the room, Aria was so anxious and scared to see Lyrien's condition. But as they entered the room, they were met with a surprise. Lyrien was sitting up, his eyes were opened and very alertive. He looked around, taking in the worried faces surrounding him.Aria was the first to react, she rushed to his side and flinging her arms around him. "Lyrien!" she exclaimed, tears of joy streaming down her face. "You're awake! You're okay!"Lyrien smiled were weak, his eyes were crinkling at the corners. "Aria, stop crying," he said, his voice been hoarse from disuse. "I'm fine. I'm alive."Aria couldn't stop, though. She held him so tightly, with her body shaking with sobs. She had been so scared, so convinced that she would lose him. But now, here he was, alive and whole.Arachne and Eluned exchanged relieved glances, smiling at each other. They had done it. They had saved Lyrien.As Aria continued to hug Lyrien, Lyrien put his hand on her,he stroked her hair, trying to
The room was filled with stunned silence, with everyone's eyes fixed on Lyrien in disbelief. Aria was the first to force herself to speak, her voice was shaking with emotion."I don't believe it, Lyrien. I refuse to believe that you're capable of killing your own mother. You're not that kind of person."Lyrien's expression was tortured, his eyes were flashing with pain.Aria continued with her words, her voice firm. "I've heard from Josh that you're searching for the Treasure of Time. That it will reveal everything that happened that night. I won't believe anything until we find it and uncover the truth."Lyrien snorted, his expression skeptical. "You really think something like that exists? I've searched for it everywhere, but it's just a myth. I don't believe it's real."Aria's jaw set in determination. "I don't care what you believe, Lyrien. I won't give up on you. I won't believe that you killed your own mother without solid proof. We'll find that treasure, and we'll clear your na
After a while, Erith patted Lyrien's shoulder, and Lyrien placed the bottle of alcohol down. Erith stood up and walked away, leaving Lyrien alone, sitting and gazing up at the starry sky.Lost in thought, Lyrien stared at the half-breed people around him, enjoying the music and each other's company. He look at how happy they are.After a while, Lyrien stood up and walked inside, he was taking his footsteps so quiet on the floor. He entered the room, finding Aria fast asleep, her face looks so peaceful in the dim light.Lyrien's heart was swelled with love as he gazed at her. He gently kissed her forehead, his lips was barely touching her skin. He then covered her well with the blanket, he then lay down beside her, wrapping his arms around her.As they slept, their bodies were entwined, and their hearts waere beating as one. Lyrien's hand cradled Aria's head, his fingers tangled in her hair. Aria's hand rested on Lyrien's chest, her fingers tracing the contours of his muscles.Their l
Just as Lyrien was been dragged away the masked men came in."Take him to the cells," a guard growled, shoving Lyrien roughly. As the prisoner stumbled forward, a hail of gunfire erupted behind them. "Get down!" one of the masked attackers shouted, as they began to pick off the guards one by one.The hail of bullets continued, filling the air with the deafening sounds of gunfire. The guards crumpled to the ground, one by one, their blood pooling on the concrete floor. Amid the chaos, Lyrien remained unscathed, the masked attackers closed in on him.The masked man was hesitant to lay hands on Lyrien, but the other man shouted that he shouldn't be scared. "He's been poisoned, he's weak," the second man said, gesturing to Lyrien. "He's no threat to us."The second gunman used his gun to prod Lyrien forward, herding him out of the room. As they left the room, Lyrien stumbled along, still reeling from the poison. "Who are you? What do you want with me?" he demanded.the gunmen pushed Lyrie
Erin slumped against the cold stone wall of his cell, his rotten hand throbbing with agony. The judgment's adjournment offered no solace.Suddenly, the air seemed to thicken, and the old woman witch materialized before him."Erin," she crooned, her eyes filled with ancient wisdom.Erin's gaze suddenly met hers, he looked with a mix of gratitude and desperation.She reached out with gnarled fingers, touching his afflicted area. A soothing warmth spread through his arm, easing the pain."Thank you," Erin whispered.The old woman's expression turned somber. "This respite is temporary. Your hand will soon be condemned totally if you find no cure."Erin's grip on his injured hand tightened. " I'm trying my best"The witch's eyes clouded. "Seek Aria's body immediately"Erin's determination ignited. "I will soon be able."Uncle Malcolm sank deeper into the warm bath, surrounded by the soft glow of candles and the gentle curves of scantily clad women. Wine glasses cluttered the marble counte
The creaking door broke the silence, and Aria's eyes widened as Arachne stumbled into the cell."Aria!" Arachne exclaimed, rushing into Aria's embrace."Have you been okay?" Aria asked, holding Arachne tight.Arachne's gaze at Aria's eyes. "As you can see... I'm here now."Aria's gaze fell upon Arachne's frail form."What do you mean?" Aria asked, concern etched on her face.Arachne's voice sounded firm. "I'm to be burned alongside you, come morning. After the Council's judgment."Aria's face twisted in anguish. "It's not fair! No one chooses their fate. The Moon Goddess decides everything."Her voice turned bitter. "I hate her for forgetting me, for abandoning me. She created me, yet I'm nothing to her."Arachne's gentle tone soothed Aria's anguish. "Don't blaspheme the Moon Goddess, child. She's still the mother of all wolves, witches, and healers."Aria's tears fell, her voice barely above a whisper. "I only wish my child could survive this."Arachne's expression turned somber. "Pe
Erin seethed, pounding on the dungeon doors. "Uncle Malcolm! How could you do this to me? My pack, the Blackwoods, are the most powerful in the city!"He paced, fury burning within. "Killing Elder Edgard, a lowly family, shouldn't warrant my arrest. He hid the truth about his daughter being a Cursed Wolf, deceiving our pack and others. He deserved death!"Erin's anger boiled over. "I'm the Alpha now! Everyone falls under my rule. I've worked tirelessly to reach this level, to earn my place. Why would you deprive me of my rightful title?"His voice echoed through the dungeon corridors. "I am the future of our pack! You're blinded by outdated traditions and weakness. I will not be imprisoned over this!""Your mentality makes you unfit to lead as Alpha," Uncle Malcolm declared, his voice firm but laced with disappointment. "It's not just physical power that determines a pack's leader. Your father, if he were still alive, would be ashamed of your actions."Erin's face twisted in rage. "Ho
The heavy door's electronic lock clicked, and the metal creaked as it swung open.The fluorescent lights overhead became flickered to life, which brought dimly lit corridor.Gunmen suddenly flooded in, with their boots echoing off on the cold concrete.Erith and Arachne's gazes met, ever since been locked, they are just seeing each other.Their isolated cells, now became exposed, which revealed Lyrien's limp form."Lyrien!" Erith's desperate cry pierced the air.Arachne rushed to Lyrien's cell, horror etched on his face.Lyrien lay unconscious, motionless on the unforgiving floor."Lyrien, no!" Erith's anguish echoed through the corridors.A gunman produced a keycard, unlocking Lyrien's private cell.The door slid open with a metallic screech.They dragged Lyrien out, his limp body bouncing against the floor.Erith and Arachne exchanged frantic glances between each other."Where are they taking him?" Arachne demanded.Lyrien's limp body was shoved forward, landing at Erin's feet.The
Erin swayed to the melancholic melody filling his room, his eyes closed in bliss. but the creaking door broke the spell. The old witch woman entered, her gnarled hands grasping her staff. "Erin, I sense an unusual aura," she said, her eyes narrowing. "You seem... triumphant." Erin's smile widened. "Of course, I always get what I want." The old woman's eyes widened. "You can't mean... Aria?" Erin's fingers flicked. A hidden door slid open, revealing a glass enclosure. Aria lay within, eyes closed, surrounded by ice. The old witch gasped. "Erin, how?" His smile twisted. "Now, my power will multiply. This body will be my vessel. Erin's eyes gleamed with anticipation. "Now, it's time for you to fulfill your end of the bargain," Erin said, his voice dripping with entitlement. The old witch's gaze lingered on Aria's frozen form. "Ah, the legendary cursed wolf," she whispered, awe etched on her face. "Stories of her kind have been passed down for cent
Lyrien crashed onto the cold, damp stone floor, darkness enveloping him.The pungent scent of wolvesbane choked him."Aria!" Lyrien bellowed, desperate.Only echoes replied.Then, a faint voice pierced the void."Lyrien...is that you?" Erith's tremulous voice barely reached him.Lyrien's heart leapt."Erith! Where are you?""Near, I think," Erith replied. "Our cells seem adjacent."But the darkness obscured everything."Do you know where Aria is?" Lyrien pressed, urgency etched in his voice.Arachne's voice floated from a nearby cell."No...Aria was taken separately," she called out, her tone laced with worry.Lyrien's anxiety spiked."Where?" he demanded, his voice echoing off stone.Arachne's voice faltered."I don't know...they separated us during transport."The dungeon gate's rusty hinges creaked, shattering the oppressive silence.Lyrien, Erith, and Arachne remained statue-still, their senses heightened.A lone flashlight beam sliced through the darkness, casting eerie shadows.
Arachne nodded."The fetus's energy resonates with yours, Aria. You're approximately six weeks along."Aria's mind reeled.Pregnant?How could this be?Lyrien's face transformed from shock to awe."Aria, this changes everything," Lyrien said, his voice filled with determination.Arachne nodded."The child's presence amplifies Aria's powers. We must protect them both."Aria's thoughts swirled, torn between fear and wonder.Arachne's expression turned somber."Aria, your curse threatens the child's survival. The darkness within you may consume it."Aria's eyes pleaded with Arachne."Please, there must be a way to save my child."Arachne's voice held a hint of desperation."We need the saliva of the Seven Tower gate chains. It's the only antidote."Lyrien sprang up, his face was set in opposition."Absolutely not! Those chains are poison to Aria. Drinking their saliva could destroy her."Aria's gaze locked onto Arachne."What would happen if I drank it?" she asked, her voice laced with t
Victor stood over Eluned's lifeless body, his eyes were fixed on her pale face. Josh approached him, his eyes was wide with curiosity."Who is she?" Victor asked, his voice was so low and even.Josh stared at Eluned, his expression unreadable. "I don't know," he replied finally.Just then, one of Victor's men shouted from across the room. "Over here!"Victor turned, his interest piqued. He walked over to the man, who was standing near a bookshelf."What is it?" Victor asked.The man gestured to the bookshelf. "I think I found something."Victor's eyes widened as he saw a small opening behind the bookshelf. "A secret passage," he breathed.He turned to Josh. "This might lead to the outside of the house. Maybe they used this passage"Josh's eyes flickered, but he said nothing.Victor's smile grew. "Let's find out.""Alright, guys! Gather around!" Victor called out, his voice echoing through the room. "This might be the passage Aria and the others used to escape. Let's move, now!"His te