"Knowing me, knowing you, there is nothing we can't do. Knowing me, knowing you…."Ariella and her parents crooned the ABBA classic without harmony of any kind, Ariella's voice being the loudest as she sang at the top of her lungs. The wind carried their voices as they weaved through the forest with Matt's trusty Chevrolet.The music was on full blast, and Ariella could not help herself but remember all the reasons why she loved a good road trip. She sighed contentedly as she saw her mum and dad take up the next tune on the track. It was funny how people quickly adapted to things. Just a few minutes ago, they were nearly killed in a car accident, but they are now singing and feeling so alive.But her last thought made her ponder a new scenario. What would happen if Claudine adapted to her torture and tongue-lashing? What could she do to remedy such a thing? Then another thought placed itself over the one she just had; Claudine wasn't in the car with them; they had left her behind in t
Denzel frowned as he swerved to avoid a cyclist, damn cyclists.“I really should focus on the road more.” He breathed. The problem wasn’t that he had difficulty driving at night. Even under the limited light of the waning full moon, he could see more than enough to be aware of his surroundings, and he wasn’t new to driving. His father had taught him to drive just after he’d clocked fifteen. He’d gotten his license the week after he’d turned eighteen, and now, at twenty-five years old, he’d been driving for about ten years, so he could drive with headlamps at night like he breathed air, so having to drive with headlamps was not the problem either. The problem was that he was too preoccupied with his many tumultuous thoughts to focus on the present continuous task of driving, but how could he not be absent-minded?From the moment Nira had spoken her vision to him till the present, his mind had gone into turmoil, thinking about the numerous “whys.” “Why would Reid want to kill him?” “
Home, the four-lettered word that all the kids back at the orphanage pronounced with a wistful tone thought Claudine. She closed her eyes and couldn't quite put her emotions into words. She could still feel Ariella's eyes on her now and again, but she determinedly looked out of her window for the rest of the trip. She hadn't joined in the minimal conversation after being picked up from the forest either.It took another while before the car started to slow down. Claudine, who had briefly lost track of time, finally dragged her eyes away from her window to see what lay ahead."Here we are! We're home, Bawdy", cried Ariella in staged ecstasy as she mimicked performing a drum roll with her hands.Claudine had cringed when she heard the obscene name that Ariella had chosen to call her. It didn't help that she yelled the name with so much relish and that her parents let her do that without reprimand.The Zaynader's house was an elegant one-story building with an adjoining quarter with white
Reid hated Nira with every fiber of his being and now even more so. As he tore through the woods in his wolf form, his fur became longer than usual, and the wind carried a lousy odor right into his susceptible nose, which he knew was emitting from him. The stench of being a rogue, he could smell it already, and any werewolf who came close to him would be able to smell it, too. The wound Denzel had left him on his face would not be healing anytime soon because an alpha did it. He kept feeling like Denzel was right behind him. Knowing better, he was doomed to have that scar for life. It seemed like the banishment was just a show-off, and the actual punishment, which he believed was death, was yet to be delivered. Since his intentions were still what they were, only intents, Denzel couldn't have been able to kill him. Technically, he had yet to commit any crime, so being kicked out was what the law would permit Denzel to do. Unfortunately, the elders didn't have this privilege, so Denzel
Matt came out of the car, intending to close the garage doors and enter the house, when he received a call. He picked on the third ring." Hello?""Matt, why are you not in the office today?""It's a long story. If you want me to come in, I can. And I'll explain to you when I get there, boss", said Matt in a placating voice."Just hurry up. Your clients are here, and Jon is out. He could have taken them for the house inspection if he was around, so you see where that leaves me?"Matt groaned inwardly. Bosses would always be bosses, and his boss was no different. "Yes, boss.""Good. See you soon then." A final click that signified the call was over.Matt, a real estate agent, sighed and considered whether to enter the house and go upstairs to let Janey know he was leaving for work or if he should join the car and back out of the garage to go straight to work. He was well dressed for it anyway, with proper shoes. He looked down at his body, trying to verify his judgment of his appearance
Denzel got home to find Nira cladded in her nightwear. She hugged him tightly and kissed him all over his face, knowing how difficult the whole day must've been for him.He shuddered under her embrace as she whispered her famous five words, "It's going to be okay."When Denzel had woken up that morning, he never would've guessed that he would learn of this most trusted friend's betrayal, and neither would he have seen that the day would end with their friendship. They pulled out of the hug, and Denzel flopped onto a sofa."I went after him," Denzel blurted out. "Though, I hesitated for some time. I guess some part of me wanted him to escape.""Aww, you've always had a huge heart." Nira sat next to him, taking his hands into hers. "Don't regret your actions tonight. You made the right call at every point. If Denzel is foolish enough to come back, I'm pretty sure you would be able to defeat him. And then you won't feel bad about killing him because you gave him a chance."Denzel's lips
Claudine cried like she never had before after they had all left her. The left side of her head throbbed severely, and her forehead felt hot to her touch. Her tongue sat like a woolen piece of dried cloth in her mouth, and Claudine knew she'd sell one of her pinky fingers for water at that moment. The last time she had felt this way was when her best friend, Eleana, died from internal bleeding. She had fallen from a tree when she had gone on a rebellious adventure with some of the other girls. She had gotten up, patted herself down, and felt that she was alright except for some minor abdominal pain. However, it was too late when the part-time nurse who came to the orphanage twice a week discovered the anomaly.Claudine remembered that day like it just happened last week. She had held Eleana's hands in the makeshift infirmary at the orphanage, which was just a used room with a couple of bunkers thrown in together. Elena had died in so much pain. A dark, dirty bruise had stained her ex
"Hurt?" Denzel asked, his eyebrows furrowed. He adjusted on the seat, and Nira approached the couch to sit by him. Nira put her arms around him and stared longingly into his eyes."Yes, Denzel, hurt," she repeated. "I fear for her safety."Witches and werewolves had quite an exciting relationship. While they were not exactly the best friends or comrades-in-arms, they relied on each other sometimes. Witches understood the earth, every essence of the fabric that held it together, and so could manipulate it, bend it to their will; Werewolves looked up to the moon, used the lunar energy to charge themselves up, and significantly increased their strengths. But they each had weaknesses, and the need arose sometimes to seek the other's help. So when Ezrianna showed up on their doorstep, needing a place to stay and protection, Denzel knew what she was immediately and, by his lupine nature, felt a need to render help as he could. He assigned a cabin that was within the boundaries of thei
As the full moon rose high in the night sky, the pack gathered in the heart of the forest, surrounded by towering trees that swayed gently in the breeze. The air vibrated with excitement and anticipation as they celebrated the ancient ritual of the Lunar Festival. A majestic bonfire crackled and danced in the center of the clearing, casting a warm, golden glow over the sea of faces. Ronald and Cordelia, hand in hand, mingled with the others, their joy infectious. Kris and Kate laughed and chatted with Mary, while the rest of the pack shared stories, played music, and danced under the starry canopy. Just as the festivities reached a crescendo, a murmur of welcome rippled through the crowd as Denzel and Claudine emerged from the darkness, their twin bundles of energy, Ember and Ash, perched on their hips. The twins' eyes sparkled like fireflies as they took in the vibrant scene, their chubby fists clinging to their parents' shoulders. Claudine smiled warmly, her eyes shining with hap
Claudine savored the warmth of her coffee, cradling the mug in her hands as she settled into the plush couch. The morning sunlight streaming through the window highlighted the dust motes dancing in the air, casting a serene ambiance over the living room. Her tranquil moment was short-lived, as the sound of tiny footsteps echoed from the hallway, growing louder with each passing second. Suddenly, Ember and Ash, her rambunctious three-year-old twins, burst into the room, their bright blue eyes sparkling with mischief. "Mommy!" they chimed in unison, launching themselves at Claudine. She opened her arms, embracing the chaos that came with her tiny tornados. Ember climbed onto Claudine's lap, spilling coffee everywhere, while Ash tugged at her hair, playing a game of "Mommy's hair salon." Toys scattered across the floor as the twins' energy infectiously spread throughout the room. Blocks, dolls, and crayons flew through the air, creating a colorful whirlwind. Claudine's coffee mug teet
Three years had passed since the battle-scarred days, and Claudine's world had transformed. Her home, once a sanctuary from the darkness, now resonated with laughter and joy. In the sun-drenched living room, her rambunctious twins, Ember and Ash, chased each other, their giggles echoing off the walls. Claudine sat on the couch, watching with a contented smile, her eyes shining with happiness. The room was filled with the warm scent of freshly baked cookies, wafting from the kitchen, where Denzel had spent the morning cooking up a storm. As she gazed out the window, Claudine's thoughts drifted to Ezrianna, remembering the sacrifices made for their freedom. Just then, Denzel entered, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiled. He swooped behind Claudine, enveloping her in a gentle hug, his lips brushing against her ear. "Hey, love. Enjoying the chaos?" Claudine leaned into his warmth, feeling the tension melt away. "Every minute," she whispered, twisting to meet his lips in a tend
Claudine's legs buckled as she reached Ezrianna's side, her body wracked with sobs. She gently cradled Ezrianna's lifeless form, holding her close as tears streamed down her face. "No, no, no... Ezrianna, please don't leave me," Claudine whispered, her voice trembling. Denzel approached, his eyes red-rimmed, and wrapped his arms around Claudine, holding her steadfast as she mourned. "She saved me, Denzel... She saved us all," Claudine stammered between sobs. Denzel's grip tightened, his own emotions barely contained. "We'll honor her memory, Claudine. We'll make sure her sacrifice isn't forgotten." Claudine's hold on Ezrianna's body tightened, as if unwilling to let go. "I couldn't protect her... I couldn't save her." Denzel's gentle voice countered, "You did everything you could, Claudine. Ezrianna knew that. She chose to give her life to save yours." Claudine's anguish only intensified, her cries echoing through the desolate landscape.Claudine's grief-boiled rage propelled her to
Ezrianna and Lyra clashed, their magic swirling in a spectacular display, the air crackling with energy as they exchanged blows. The battle-scarred terrain around them bore witness to their relentless struggle, the earth scorched and smoldering from their clashing powers. Lyra summoned a maelstrom of dark tendrils, but Ezrianna countered with a burst of radiant light, the shadows recoiling before the purity of her magic. Undeterred, Lyra conjured a massive shadowy entity, its jaws wide open to devour Ezrianna, but the ancient magic surged through her, calling upon the land itself to aid her. The earth trembled, and a burst of stone and soil engulfed the entity, shattering it into nothingness. Lyra stumbled back, her eyes widening in desperation, her dark magic faltering.Ezrianna's eyes blazed with fury as she unleashed her devastating banshee scream, the sound wave crashing into Lyra like a physical force. Simultaneously, she channeled her ancient witch powers, summoning a maelstrom
Reid strode through the mist-shrouded forest, his boots pounding against the earth as he returned to the Bluefur Pack's territory. The familiar scent of his pack's lands enveloped him, a calming balm after his prolonged absence. As he emerged from the trees, the pack's village came into view, its wooden structures bathed in the pale light of dawn. Reid's eyes swept across the gathering area, where his warriors awaited his return. With a nod, he signaled the start of their campaign against the Blackmoon Pack. His warriors, battle-hardened and loyal, fell into formation behind him. Reid's gaze burned with determination as he addressed his pack. "Today, we reclaim our honor and assert our dominance. The Blackmoon Pack will know our strength." His words were met with a chorus of growls and snarls, the warriors' eagerness palpable. Reid's transformation from werewolf to human was complete, his powerful physique and chiseled features now clad in battle-worn leather armor. "We march for Bl
Inside the warehouse, Denzel leaned over a large map of the territory, his finger tracing the borders. "We need to strengthen our defenses here, here, and here," he said, his voice firm. "Reid's been quiet for too long. We can't assume he's given up." Kris nodded, his eyes scanning the map. "I agree. We should also increase patrols and train more werewolves for combat." Jacob scribbled notes on a nearby chalkboard. "I'll work on strategizing patrol routes and scheduling training session. Let's move on to border reinforcements." Meanwhile, in a secluded clearing deep within the nearby forest, Ezrianna stood before a glowing crystal, her hands weaving intricate patterns in the air. Her eyes closed, focusing on the ancient magic coursing through her veins. "Astra, lignum, ignis," she whispered, conjuring a blazing sphere of light. The sphere danced before her, responding to her every gesture. Claudine's paws pounded the earth as she sprinted across the training grounds, her werewolf fo
As the moon dipped below the horizon, casting a dark shadow over Gettysburg's battle-scarred landscape, Reid and Elena prepared for the forbidden ritual. They stood within a circle of candles, their flickering flames dancing across the faces of the ancient tombstones. Elena's hands moved with deliberate precision, etching intricate symbols into the earth. Reid watched, his eyes burning with determination, as she poured a crimson liquid into the center of the circle. "The blood of the innocent," she whispered, "to awaken the Devouring Shadow." Reid's jaw clenched, his voice low and urgent. "Will this truly grant me the power I need?" Elena's gaze met his, her eyes grave. "The spell will tap into the underworld's darkness, channeling its energy into you. But remember, Reid, this power comes at a terrible cost. Your soul will be forever changed." Reid's resolve didn't waver. "I'll do whatever it takes to avenge Ariella. Let's begin." Elena nodded, producing a small, leather-bound book
Reid paced restlessly within his chambers, his mind racing with growing unease. Ariella should have returned by now. Something was amiss. His instincts screamed warnings, and his heart clenched with worry. He strode to the window, gazing out into the darkness, his eyes scanning the horizon as if willing Ariella to appear. Suddenly, he spun around, his fingers flying across the communication device. "Keeran," he growled, his voice low and urgent. His beta's voice crackled through the line. "Yes, alpha?" "Has Ariella returned?" Reid demanded, his patience fraying. Keeran's hesitation was palpable. "No, my lord. There's been no sign of her." Reid's grip on the device tightened, his knuckles whitening. "Find out what's happened," he snarled, his voice dripping with menace. "Now." The line went dead, and Reid's eyes burned with a fierce determination. He would uncover the truth, no matter the cost. Ariella's safety was paramount, and he would stop at nothing to ensure her return.After a