CHAPTER 2

The screams were loudest in the south. They were like the loud ringing that filled his ears and reminded him of how far he had come. He tossed and turned amongst the sheets hoping to get rid of them.

He had hoped it was a feeling he would never have to experience. He remembered the day all too well and now as he stood in the field and he was familiarized with the sounds of his fathers screams he ran towards him instinctively. Without warning he pulled him into his arms as he watched his eyes roll back.

“Father.” He cried out desperately.

He watched as he coughed lightly before his body lurched forward and he stared at him with an eerie blank stare in his eyes.

“This is your fault. You did this.” He said to him in a whisper and instinctively he reached out to hold him. “No father. It  was a mistake, I swear. I didn't mean to.” He said violently.

But the only words that came out of his mouth were harsh frowls. He could hear faint sounds in the distance but they came out as a muffled noise. He watched as his father morphed into a wolf and without warning raised his razor sharp claws and pierced his chest.

“You don't deserve the love.” He spat and then everything went blank.

…

Xavier sat up abruptly on his bed as his heart beat rapidly against his chest. He took a moment to allow for his vision to clear so that he would be able to see clearly.

He felt a warm hand against his chest and flinched back lightly when she made contact with the scar on his chest. “Dont.” He hissed and he watched as Scarlet seemed apprehensive at first before pulling away.

“Was it another dream?” She said to him in a whisper but she knew all too well what it meant. He sighed in frustration running a hand through his hair as he shot out of bed.

“The dreams are back. Stronger than before. You are supposed to be making them go away.” He hissed as he glared at her. He let out a sigh as he watched her stand up from the the bed as the small bump over her abdomen became visible in the moonlight.

He didn't move as she made her way over and wrapped her arms around his back. She pressed her head into the coverage of his back and he felt his muscles slowly ease.

“I am sorry.” He muttered. She hummed as she said to him. “I know you are. We are just going to have to try something else.” She said with a determination in her voice.

He turned around to look at her and she noticed the vulnerability in his eyes. “I don't know how much longer I can do this. Maybe it isn't right.” He said to her in a slightly hesitant tone.

She pulled him towards the bed forcing him to the floor. As she sat around his legs. “You know I would only ever do what is best for you.” She said as she pressed her palms against his temple.

“Now close your eyes and let me help you forget.” She said to him, He hummed as he did as she had asked of him. 

He felt a surge of energy go through him. “What would I do without you?” He said to her softly as he felt his mind lighten.

She smirked at him knowingly before she muttered as he went under her influence. “You would be out of a mate and best friend. And I wouldn't be getting what I want.

Xavier had one weakness and that was the fact that he had always been so quick to trust those around him. He wasn't aware of it yet but in the end what he thought would make him strong again would be the very thing to cripple him.

….

Nora

My heart beat rapidly against my chest as I moved through the thick foliage.  I clutched the satchel close to my chest as though I was afraid that if I were to let it go it would disappear.

I had searched too hard and risked too much to find the Crescent Orb for it to slip through my fingers. I was relieved as I finally made my way through the trees.

I spotted the thatched hut with cracked walls in the distance and for the first time that day I felt a sense of relief to see the blue light of our lantern still glowing outside the door.

Hang in there Papa. 

I thought to myself as I cast a spell to put out the light. It was our silent way of communicating. Blue meant that he was home and safe, green meant the house was secure and red... well you don't want to know what red meant.

I pushed open the door slowly as I heard it creak notifying him of my presence. I scanned my eyes over the room and spotted my dad's pale form laying on the mattress in the corner. I rushed over towards him as I crouched down beside him.

"Nora," he said in a shaky voice as he reached out his hand to grab mine. "I am glad that you were able to come before it's too late." He rasped. I pulled my satchel off my body as I opened it up to retrieve the orb. "Save your strength papa. I have the crescent orb.  I will heal you and it will all be okay." I said to him desperately.

But he shook his head at me in response. "There is no need for that daughter. It is too late for me. I want you to use it to save yourself. Give it to Zoran in exchange for your safety." He whispered.

"What? What are you talking about? You need this. And who is coming?" I asked desperately as I tried to hand him over the orb. He shoved it back towards me shaking his head as he took a hold of my hand.

"Open up. By the order of Zoran!!" The men yelled from behind the door. Papa's eyes flashed blue and I watched as a single tear slid down his cheek. "You are my greatest treasure. My only regret is that I am no longer able to protect you. There are a lot of enemies that will come for you. You must stand strong and protect your gift." He spoke, I found myself struggling to speak as I heard a loud pounding on our front door.

I turned towards it but Papa spoke up again before I could say anything else. "Don't be afraid of them." He then raised his shaky hand towards my shoulder and I watched as it glowed. I felt my entire body begin to vibrate as it glowed a bright blue. 

I could hear the sound of the men banging against the door and I was left helpless as I watched Papa's body slumb against the mattress as the barrier fell from around the hut. 

"You will always be my moon and stars." Were the last words my Papa uttered before he left me. Everything happened quickly after that as the men barged down the door and turned my life upside down.