CHAPTER ELEVEN
-ESTRADA-
The sound of a loud crash startled me awake. My eyes flew open, and I immediately sat up in bed. The Luna Mother and Glenda stood in the doorway, both looking aggravated. As if by instinct, my body reacted. I quickly leapt out of bed and bowed deeply to the Luna Mother.
"Greetings-," I began, only to be cut off by the Luna Mother's stern voice.
"Spare us your formalities," she snapped. Her gaze swept through the room, pausing on the now empty cauldron, the perfume bottle, and the half-eaten fruit
CHAPTER ONE-WILHELMINA-The long-awaited day had arrived, heralding the commencement of the revered Alpha Games. Participating in this event was a dream come true for me. Imagine this – if I win, I’ll be crowned the Alpha of the legendary Gravemaw Hounds! It's been my ultimate dream since I was knee-high to a grasshopper. I've always had my sights set on leading the pack, ever since I can remember. And now, with victory in my sight, that dream feels closer than ever.Excitement pulsed through my veins as I paced back and forth in the locker room, eagerly anticipating the start of the games. The early morning light filtered in, casting a soft glow on the empty space around me. Just a few early risers were scattered about, like eager bees buzzing before the hive comes to life. But soon enough, the place would be bustling with energy and anticipation as all the other competitors arrive. The calm before the storm, they say. Well, I can’t wait for the storm to hit!The locker room burst o
CHAPTER ONE-WILHELMINA-The Alpha Games had been going on for approximately one week now, and today marked the final showdown. The competition had initially consisted of over a hundred highly skilled and experienced alpha werewolves. But as the days passed, that number steadily decreased until only three remained. Boris Gravemaw was an expected finalist, known for his incredible strength and clever tactics. However, I, Wilhelmina Growler, was a surprising addition, using a combination of intelligence and brute force to succeed. And finally, my older brother Weldon - a master strategist - completed the trio.The final event was set at midnight during the full moon, when our transformations were at their peak. The rules were simple; whoever could retrieve the Alpha's Crown from the heart of the treacherous Dark Woods and bring it back to the pack grounds was the new Alpha. The Crown, a symbolic relic, was set deep within the forest, surrounded by traps and challenges designed to test o
CHAPTER ONE-WILHELMINA-The storm was a monstrous entity, a simmering chaos that loomed above the forest. It seemed to echo the tumultuous fury within my heart, thundering with all the passion and determination that drove me forward. Despite the storm’s rage, I pushed on, my paws sinking into the sodden earth with each determined step. Suddenly, there it was - amidst the riotous weather and foreboding wilderness - a shimmering glint caught my eye.Through the heart of the storm, nestled between the gnarled roots of an ancient oak was the Alpha's Crown, gleaming with an ethereal light that cut through the darkness. The Alpha's Crown – a legendary artifact of our kind, imbued with the collective strength of countless leaders. It was said to hold the essence of every pack leader who'd ever worn it. Now, it sat nestled between twisted roots, caught in the spectral dance of lightning that fractured the darkness every few moments. The crown was an intricate weave of silver and gold, studde
CHAPTER ONE-WILHELMINA-"Wilhelmina, you can't beat me. Just give up," His voice was grating, like stones scraping against each other. It sent shivers coursing down my spine. But his words — his taunting — only served to ignite a spark within me, a spark that fanned the flickering embers of my will into a blazing defiance. The wolf inside me snarled, refusing to bow to the likes of Boris, refusing to be tamed by the tormenting poison."Never," I spat out, my voice raspy but charged with defiance.Suddenly, without warning, my legs gave out from under me. I collapsed onto the forest floor, the icy storm soaking into my fur. My trembling muscles rebelled against every attempt to rise as the venom continued to spread its numbing tendrils through my body. Slowly, my body started to change. My fur disappeared, replaced by skin pale as the moonlight that filtered in through the stormy canopy overhead. My paws shrank, forming into hands and feet. My muzzle and ears shortened, the elongated
CHAPTER ONE-WILHELMINA-I woke up slowly, my senses struggling to adjust. The sound of a soft beeping intruded upon my consciousness, the rhythmic pulses both foreign and comforting. A faint antiseptic smell prickled at the back of my nostrils, a testament to the sterile environment I found myself in. My body felt heavy, weighed down with a fatigue that seemed bone-deep.My eyes fluttered open, assaulted by the pale fluorescent lighting, its harsh glare softened by wispy white curtains drawn around my bed. The room was unfamiliar but impeccably clean, the walls painted a soothing shade of seafoam green. Potted plants dotted every corner, their vibrant green leaves reaching out towards the sunlight streaming in from the window.I was in a hospital bed, my body covered with a soft, white quilt that felt as feathery light as a cloud. A soft humming echoed through the room, emanating from what appeared to be a sophisticated machinery nearby, laced with wires and tubes hooked up to my arm
CHAPTER TWO-WILHELMINA-It had taken approximately seven days since I'd woken up in the hospital, recovering from being poisoned by Wolf's Bane. Today, at last, I was being released. According to the doctor, all traces of the poison had been eliminated from my body and it would no longer have any effect on me.Feeling the fresh air on my face as I stepped out of the stifling infirmary was like being reborn. The hospital room had started to feel like a prison cell, and the mere sight of the towering pines and lush greenery of our territory made my heart flutter in relief.Weldon had arrived early that morning to take me home. He watched me with a protective gaze, always ready to leap to my side if I showed any sign of faltering. But I was a wolf. We were built tough and we healed fast. "I'm okay, Weldon," I reassured him as we walked to his SUV.He gave me a sidelong glance, his fingers tightened on the steering wheel. The raw concern in his gaze reminded me of how much he cared for h
CHAPTER TWO-WILHELMINA-After the dinner was finished and satisfied sighs echoed around the room, Severa and I slipped away. Raina shot me a knowing look as we quietly excused ourselves. The night was alive with starlight, painting the earth in hushed tones of silver and shadows. We began our nocturnal adventure into the forest, guided by the familiar paths that were carved into our memory.The moon, in its haunting beauty, bathed the pathway in an ethereal glow. Its light danced on the leaves, and made the dew drops twinkle like a thousand tiny stars.We meandered along the trodden trail, our steps quiet against the rustle of leaves beneath our feet. The forest was a symphony of sounds, where the occasional hoot of an owl could be heard harmonizing with the soft cadence of crickets, and each rustle of the trees was an interlude that added depth to the melody.Our destination was the Old Willow – a generous giant of a tree – older than anyone could remember. Its bark was thick and gn
CHAPTER TWO-WILHELMINA-The growl that rumbled from my chest was loud and clear this time. Weldon cleared his throat. "Mina, maybe you should rest. You were only discharged from the hospital today, and your doctor emphasized the importance of resting."With an almost imperceptible nod, I acknowledged Weldon's suggestion, my gaze remaining locked on Boris. The shadows danced across his smug face, mocking me. Grudgingly, I broke eye contact, "Just because you won the title doesn't mean you've earned it."My words hung in the air, a final punch leaving Boris's smirk faltering for a moment. I turned on my heels and strode into the house through the backdoor. Inside, the warmth of the home enveloped me, but the chill of the confrontation lingered in my bones. I moved through rooms filled with the chatter and laughter of my parents and our guests, the sound now grating on my frayed nerves. I headed up to my room, a place that always felt like an oasis amidst the chaos of pack life.Closing
CHAPTER ELEVEN-ESTRADA-The sound of a loud crash startled me awake. My eyes flew open, and I immediately sat up in bed. The Luna Mother and Glenda stood in the doorway, both looking aggravated. As if by instinct, my body reacted. I quickly leapt out of bed and bowed deeply to the Luna Mother."Greetings-," I began, only to be cut off by the Luna Mother's stern voice."Spare us your formalities," she snapped. Her gaze swept through the room, pausing on the now empty cauldron, the perfume bottle, and the half-eaten fruit
CHAPTER ELEVEN-ESTRADA-Nightshade petals were the main ingredient for the Potion of Charm. Without them, I could not make the potion. The Luna Mother would be furious. I closed my eyes, trying to think as the panic crept through me.Then, I remembered the small patch of nightshade that grew in the heart of the Dark Woods, a place not many people dared to venture in. A wave of fear and excitement washed over me, but I knew what needed to be done, even though the thought of stepping into that otherworldly abyss filled me with dread.
CHAPTER ELEVEN-ESTRADA-The history of witches was as captivating as it was chilling. My heart ached reading about the turmoil, the conflicts, and the persecution that surrounded them.Yet, oddly enough, the thought of being a part of that world held a certain allure, a promise of something more than the mundane rhythms of my life. It was the idea of belonging somewhere, anywhere other than here.I was so lost in my own thoughts that I didn't even hear the door open. Suddenly, a familiar voice called out my name. "Estra
CHAPTER ELEVEN-ESTRADA-I slowly opened my eyes, feeling disoriented and confused. I took in quick, shallow breaths as I scanned my surroundings with wide eyes, my heart racing against my chest like a wild animal trying to break free from its enclosure.It dawned on me. That I had a nightmare. The memory of that night still haunted me. That heart-rending goodbye, their terrified faces and Trisha's cold, unyielding grip were just as vivid in my mind as if it had only happened yesterday.I stole a quick glance at the desk
CHAPTER ELEVEN-ESTRADA-Hugo clutched Arwen and Estrada closer to him, his body tense with protectiveness. He snarled at Trisha, baring his teeth in warning."Oh, defensive, are we?" Trisha toyed, her eyes glistening with malicious amusement. "Pity. Here I was about to make you an offer you couldn't refuse.""Shut your mouth, filthy mutt!" Hugo barked with venom in his voice, his eyes flaring with frenzied wrath.The moment Hugo spoke those words, the air tu
CHAPTER ELEVEN-ESTRADA-It was the evening, and the sun had begun to set. Its fading orange light bathed Estrada's room in a soft warm glow. Her bag lay packed against the door, ready for departure. Estrada cast one last look around the room, her gaze lingering on the drawings that decorated the walls."Estrada," Arwen's voice came from the hallway. "It's time to go, sweetheart." Her voice was gentle, but Estrada could hear the hitch in her throat that betrayed her fear.Estrada's heart tightened at her mother's words.
CHAPTER ELEVEN-ESTRADA-As the sun gracefully rose above the horizon, its golden rays filtered through the delicate lace curtains of the Evercrown cottage. The warm light danced across the walls and finally settled on young Estrada's face. She stirred from her slumber, her long lashes fluttering open to reveal inky black eyes that sparkled in the sunlight.She raised a delicate hand to shield her eyes, the events of the previous night feeling like an eerie dream. A sigh escaped her as she stretched like a dozing kitten. The delicate aroma of breakfast floated in through the
CHAPTER ELEVEN-ESTRADA-Estrada's heart raced as she watched Mrs. Gravemaw converse with her apprehensive parents."We weren't trying to leave, Luna," Arwen said, her voice rising in pitch. Her mama always sounded like that when she was anxious.Mrs. Gravemaw didn't look convinced. Her cold gaze flitted between Hugo and Arwen. "Lying to the Luna," she scoffed, her face scrunching up in irritation. "Can lead to severe consequences, as you very well know." Her voice was as icy as her stare, sending a chill down E
CHAPTER ELEVEN-ESTRADA-It had been about a week since Estrada had overheard her parents' hushed conversation. The memory of their furrowed brows and tense voices was still fresh in her mind, but she couldn't quite recall what they had been discussing. Despite this, she couldn't shake off the lingering worry that seemed to have settled in the house like a heavy fog.As each day passed, Estrada couldn't help but notice the increasing concern and stress etched onto her parents' faces. She attempted to comfort them with small gestures of kindness, but their troubled expression