Like an unwanted ghost, the smell of blood clung to the walls.Each second seemed to drag on forever and every breath in the room was labored. Ethan's skin was as pale as ashes from a fire as he lay sprawled on the narrow wooden bed. His chest heaved violently, and more blood, thick, red, and terrifying, spilled from his mouth with each cough. Under the blankets, his limbs shook, and his lips trembled with cold. With her hands pressed together in a prayer, she was no longer able to whisper. Fea sat next to him. Tears that would not stop swelled her silver eyes. Her voice cracked like dry leaves beneath her feet as she choked out. “Ethan. Please don't leave us. Fight back!”Ashton yelled. “Where is that damn healer? We don't have time so why is she taking so long?”Leaning against the wall with his arms folded, Daemon's eyes were fixed on Ethan whose tense shoulders held his attention. Frank appeared to be holding himself together as he stood close to the door with his arms cross
Like tears of silver, the moonlight poured into the tiny cottage. As Fea lay sprawled on the floor, her body trembled, and her eyes glowed an unnatural, dangerous white. As if her soul had fallen out of her body, she breathed shallowly, almost nonexistent. Far from the cottage, her spirit drifted through a moonlit forest, weightless and silent.The leaves had a crystal-like sheen, and the air had a faint, almost forgotten flavor. She was standing on a small dirt path with tall trees that were whispering all around. With a puzzled expression on her face, she whirled in slow circles and muttered. “Where… where am I?”She could hear the deafening silence. Her bare feet crunched softly against fallen leaves and twigs as she approached cautiously then took another step. “Ashton? Daemon?” she yelled her voice resonating feebly. Nothing. Just the hum of the night and the distant rustle of branches. Then she saw something flash by, a haze of wind and shadow. Fea's heart thumped as sh
Fea let out a gasp and jerked as though she had been struck by lightning. Her eyes popped open, crazed and bewildered. In an attempt to control her breathing, she gripped her chest.Daemon held her closely.“Can you hear me, Fea. Fea?” he said, his voice shaking. “Are you doing okay?”She was shivering. “I…. I believe so,” she muttered in a tremulous voice. “That thing you said,” Ashton inquired in a cautious low voice. “She’s alive. What was the meaning?”Fea blinked once more, seemingly reliving the scene in her brain. At her sides, her fingers were shaking. Slowly she answered. “ I wish I knew. However, something odd is happening.” Her eyes were filled with unanswered questions as she turned to Daemon. “Is it possible that Ravena is still alive? The wolf I saw in my vision appeared to be hers. I was unwilling to say it. I figured you all would think I was going crazy.” Unable to conceal the disbelief on his face Ashton scoffed. “That is not possible.”Frank whispered, “ Is Rav
Like a shattered drum, the sky split open.The night was split in two by lightning which left veins of burning white in the dark heavens.Following that, thunder rolled loudly, wildly, and furiously as though the heavens were in mourning or rage. The ground was still wet from the storm and grief even though the rain had stopped. A big black wolf lay still in the center of Silverwood Forest where nobody ventured after dark. Her breathing was shallow, her eyes were closed and she was barely breathing. Cursed and abandoned, Ravena laid on the wet wildflowers.At one time she had been ferocious and fiery. She was merely a shadow of her former self now.Like lost spirits, the wind grew stronger once more. Trees bowed out of reverence rather than the wind. Something old awoke. The forest had not experienced this in centuries. The moon shone abnormally bright above. Silver not white. It was a deep luminous silver that seemed to see and know everything. Its light initially touched
The trees whispered secrets by the night Selene wandered alone in the forest under the moon's silvery light.She was naked and the cold was making her body tremble.She moved slowly while attempting to stay warm by putting one arm across her waist and the other around her chest. She continued despite her numb feet stepping on jagged rocks and twisted roots.Around her,, the trees towered like silent giants, their branches extending like claws. Occasionally, the wind would howl and touch her skin like cold fingers. Her long hair was led by the wind and leaves stuck to her back and wet shoulders.Hours had passed while she was walking. The path was nonexistent. Not a trace of life. Just trees, darkness,, and the moon's dim light. Her arm was scraped by a sharp branch. “Ouch!” she gasped, reflexively stepping back. Blood briefly surfaced before disappearing. Her eyes became wide. In front of her eyes,, the wound healed and disappeared. “What?” she muttered, her heart racing. Gazing a
Selene followed the young huntress down a narrow dirt path, her bare feet pressing into the cool earth finally leaving the darkness of Silverwood Forest behind.The wind rustled, the leaves overhead like whispering voices as it moved through the tall trees. As they walked, a thin layer of mist wound around their legs and hugged the ground. Their path was guided by the moon which was still high in the sky and softly lit everything in their immediate vicinity. Appreciative of the warmth the coarse brown cloak provided, Selene pulled it tighter around herself. Although the Moonfire mark that had previously appeared on her wrist had vanished, her skin was no longer cold.In the hopes of catching a glimpse of it, she glanced down at her wrist once more, but nothing was there. Did she dream of it? No. She saw it, felt the burn, and was marked by it.She had sensed its odd energy. It seemed as though it had never been there. Her mind was racing as she swallowed hard. She caught the att
Outside the little cottage, Ashton and Frank stood with their cloaks pulled tight around their shoulders as the morning sun slowly made its way across the sky. While mist clung to their boots and drifted across the grass their attention was fixed on the wooden door in front of them. Frank shifted on his feet and muttered. “ I don't like this. Now that Ravena is gone a power struggle is inevitable.”With a slow nod, Ashton massaged the back of his neck. “You’re considering Jarred?”“ Exactly. If people learn that she is actually dead, Jarred will want to fill up that position. For years he has yearned to be called Alpha.”Ashton stated in a firm voice “Well, most of the warriors won't follow him. They witnessed what Ravena did. Jarred is not the kind of leader they want.”The cottage door suddenly flew open and slammed into the wall with a loud creak. Both men gave a whistle.Frank was surprised to see Daemon dressed differently He was wearing faded brown pants, a patched elbow shir
The guard moved closer and Daemon felt his heart pounding in his chest.The air became tense and brittle like glass that had been cracked. Any mistake or suspicion would cause everything they had planned to fall apart like dried leaves on fire.The young man, breathing heavily and with bloodied lips, huddled next to Daemon. His eyes were wide with fear as he stared at Daemon holding on to hope like a man who is drowning.Others in the line moved uncomfortably around them, glancing between Daemon and the guard. Their expressions were sharp and silent with fear.Daemon drew his fingers closer to the dagger hilt, which was concealed beneath his tunic. The thought of pulling steel and cutting through the guard was alluring for a split second.Rather his hand slipped into the folds of his clothes away from the weapon. He pulled out a little leather pouch that was heavy but a little worn. He threw it at the guard with a well-practiced flick. Daemon's voice was smooth and calm as he said,
A pale glow was cast over the forest where shadows whispered among the trees by the moon which hung low like a silent sentinel.In his black warrior uniform with the Ridgewood crest faintly glinting on his chest, Jarred stood motionless in the center of a small clearing.As though attempting to calm the storm building inside of him. His hands were clasped behind his back with his fingers interlocked. Despite the cool night air, tension hung over. In the distance, a lone owl called out as leaves rustled in the wind. Jarred remained motionless. His eyes were narrowed and fixed on the horizon and his jaw was clenched. Waiting impatiently, he wondered how long it would take him to arrive.Time is a luxury he doesn't have.And then, something hit his nostrils. A much familiar scent. And his tense shoulders relaxed a bit.Footsteps echoed. Moving slowly and methodically coming up behind him. He did not turn. A low, respectful voice called, “ Master. As directed, I have the antidote.”
As the masked man and the wolves surrounded them, Fea's heart pounded frantically in her chest echoing louder with each beat.Although the air was cool, fear burned through her skin. Daemon stood erect before Fea, his shoulders squared. With a steady yet steely tone, he said, “ You have the wrong information. The antidote is not in our possession.”As though amused, the man in the mask cocked his head slightly. Then he suddenly sprang forward, snatched Fea, and pulled her in close. A cold, sharp, and gleaming dagger was pressed against her throat. Her breath caught as she froze in fear and gasped. Daemon's eyes widened. “Release her!”The man snarled. “ Then don't test me. If you lie to me again, I will cut her throat open. “Give me the antidote now!”Fea's body shook under his hold. She began to sob as she squirmed under his hold. “Spare us, please. Do not harm us.”Her fingers were fumbling as she slowly moved her hand to the folds of her cloak. She then took a tiny glass vial
The road was covered in long shadows as the sun had sunk behind the hills. After the market that day, Fea and Daemon sat at the back of their cart and blended in with a group of farmers and traders heading out of the Whitefur Pack. With her cloak covered in dust from the road, Fea covered her hair with a brown scarf. With his eyes darting from guard to guard, Daemon had lowered his hood. As the horses dragged them forward with slow resolve, their hooves clopping against the stone-paved path, their cart creaked softly.The closer they got to the gate the faster Fea's heart beat. The guards hardly gave them a look. To keep moving, one waved lazily at the traders.With a slight moan, the heavy wooden gates opened. The gate was rolled open.Freedom.Fea, however, couldn't resist looking behind her. She froze. Her gaze fell on a swarm of warriors leaving the guesthouse where she and Daemon had been staying. One of them appeared enraged, his voice resonating through the walls as th
Ashton's face was etched in deep worry. He kept pacing outside back and forth like an angry lion.It was night already and yet no word from them. Each time he heard a sound, he'd look up in the direction, expecting to see Fea and Daemon, but he saw nothing.Another sound came and he stopped pacing again. This time, it was a squirrel that ran past with speed. His shoulder slouched in disappointment.His arms were crossed then he uncrossed them and rubbed his face.He took three steps forward. And turned back.His gaze drew in an anxious glint. In the hopes of seeing Fea and Daemon emerge from the forest carrying the antidote, his gaze kept to the trees. But each time his hope rose it sank once more.And then he heard footsteps. He stopped. His heart leaped to his throat. He swiftly spun around looking at the direction of the sound. However, he saw neither Fea nor Daemon. Swords slung over their backs, two of the pack's warriors were on their way to their night watch.With their boo
Daemon held Fea's wrist. “We need to run!” he whispered. “We can't let them capture us. Feas' breath came faster as she yanked his hand away. “No Daemon! That's not a good idea.”His eyes grew wide with a sense of urgency. “They’ll succeed at any moment. What do you suggest?A loud bang reverberated from the door breaking the stillness. Already the guards were attempting to pry it open.Fea's gaze shot to the window. Running to it she threw back the curtains and peered down. As she measured the distance, the wind slapped her face. The ground was too far from the window. Anyone who dared to attempt to jump it would die. Peering over her shoulder Daemon joined her. “ We could leap together. Perhaps land on that shed roof. It's just the right angle.” Fea gave a firm shake of her head. “Too dangerous. Neither you nor I will make that leap. If not, our necks will break.”Daemon turned to her and said, “ Then what Fea?” With a hint of panic in his voice. BANG! The door rattled sudde
Fea's body moved in a strangely still manner but her mind was racing.She was unable to panic. The guard approached her and gave her a suspicious look.He narrowed his eyes. “ You shouldn't be here. What is your name?”She turned slowly holding the laundry basket closer to her chest like a doe in fear. “ I… I was instructed to bring linens to the Alpha's chamber,” she stuttered, her voice shaking.The guard raised an eyebrow. “By who?”Fea twitched her fingers. As her weight shifted unevenly on her feet.She staggered a little and the basket slipped out of her hands. With eyes that flickered uneasily, the guard stepped forward and asked, “ What's wrong with you?”She swayed and muttered, “ I…..Her face was pale and stunned. “I don't feel okay. My…my head it's ach …Suddenly, she crumpled, her body going limp as she thumped softly to the floor. Her head lolled sideways and her arms flopped loosely.She slowed her breathing, keeping it steady but shallow, and her eyes fluttered shut,
She could see the dim, quiet hallway in front of her, with the flickering light creating thin streaks of shadow on the walls. Fea took deliberate, slow steps, looking at doors and walls to find the route she had committed to memory from the building plan.Like any other servant, she placed the laundry basket on her hip. Yet her heartbeat thundered beneath her ribs and her mind was clear and focused. Every turn she made and each step she took, took her one step closer to the Alpha's room. Nearer to the antidote. Ethan's poisonous condition was getting worse. Three maids brushed past her.One of them gave her a quick indifferent glance. She shuffled past them with her head down pretending to be a maid on a long shift exhausted.Her breath caught in her throat as she turned left and the guards were no longer visible.Standing tall and proud at the end of the hallway, was the Alpha's chamber door. Which was carved from thick dark wood and featured an intricate silver crest of the Wh
With cautious steps, Fea navigated the smooth corridors of the White Fur Packhouse.Her eyes were downcast, and her shoulders were slightly hunched to give the impression that she was smaller.Blend in, move like one of them, and avoid drawing attention to yourself. That was the aim.The basic outfit of the maid's uniform consisted of a brown dress, an apron, and a cloth cap to conceal her hair. Although, she had the same appearance as the others. Her mind was more active than anyone else's. She committed to memorizing every door, stairway, and corridor she went past.Each moment was significant. The Packhouse was a soaring estate with polished wooden beams and thick stone.Outside, most of the servants held mop sticks and buckets. Hurting off to complete their chores.It was the perfect setting to slip in without being noticed by anyone.The pack house was silent and vigilant, clinging to the walls like dust. After passing two guards, Fea went into a more peaceful hallway close to
The guard moved closer and Daemon felt his heart pounding in his chest.The air became tense and brittle like glass that had been cracked. Any mistake or suspicion would cause everything they had planned to fall apart like dried leaves on fire.The young man, breathing heavily and with bloodied lips, huddled next to Daemon. His eyes were wide with fear as he stared at Daemon holding on to hope like a man who is drowning.Others in the line moved uncomfortably around them, glancing between Daemon and the guard. Their expressions were sharp and silent with fear.Daemon drew his fingers closer to the dagger hilt, which was concealed beneath his tunic. The thought of pulling steel and cutting through the guard was alluring for a split second.Rather his hand slipped into the folds of his clothes away from the weapon. He pulled out a little leather pouch that was heavy but a little worn. He threw it at the guard with a well-practiced flick. Daemon's voice was smooth and calm as he said,