The glass door to the greenhouse had been left ajar, and Nueva walked into the seemingly ordinary glasshouse. There were rows of weathered tables and shelves filled with potted herbs and other plants. But, strangely enough, Perla was nowhere to be seen in the confined glass room. Nueva walked back towards the entrance, but when she tried to step over the threshold, an electrically charged mesh surrounded the door in the form of a flickering force field.
She could see Perla's cottage outside through the invisible screen, and her breathing increased as the sensation of being locked away inside the greenhouse made her feel claustrophobic and scared.Nueva carefully touched the shimmering barrier, and small circular waves rippled across the plasma-filled window, but it wouldn't let her through.Then a flicker of blue glistened on the screen, blocking her way. Nueva glanced around the room, and then she heard the faint whisper.
"Ego Sum Clavis" And she
"What are those" Nueva stopped in her tracks and swallowed hard. She pointed into the tangled network of green plants.Perla also stopped, and her eyes narrowed as they tracked the dense forest. "Hm, when you speak of the devil", she mumbled more to herself. "I think they can sense you?" Perla added and looked slightly puzzled."What do they want?" Nueva's voice trembled as she could sense these sentient beings moving closer towards them."I am not sure?" Perla answered honestly and scratched her flat, damp hair. "In all my years coming here, they have never bothered me before. So, we better wait and see what they want." Perla's smile didn't reach her clouded eyes.Nueva could tell that Perla felt worried about the forest dwellers approaching them, mainly since she had never dealt with them before.There was a soft swishing amongst the network of vegetation easily missed for any untrained ears. They nervously waited for the native Fay to initiate c
Nueva sat on the surprisingly comfortable bed made from smooth logs and weaved soft grass in multiple layers looking out through an open window. From here, in the lengthening light of the afternoon, the summit of treetops glistened in soft emerald tones. Soon this bouquet of greens turned into the centre stage for the colourful birds as they performed their sunset chorus.Down below, the scattered cylindrical-shaped huts in the trees, lit up by the golden orbs, reminded her of birds' nests surrounded by sparkles of fireflies.Elowen had shown Nueva to a modest guest room containing a queen-sized bed and a bathtub carved out of a solid piece of wood so that she could rest before dinner.However, although Nueva was asked to perform a dangerous rescue, moving around on the forest floor in these parts was equally treacherous during the dark. So, she had been asked to stay the night, and she would be transported to the portal first thing in the morning.Nueva
Nueva didn't sleep much that night; the horrific sounds coming from the Fay Forest kept her up for hours. It felt like she was listening to unimaginable carnage that only seemed to disperse with the sunrise's light.Nueva wasn't sure what time it was when she finally fell asleep, but when she did, she collapsed into a moveless slumber. She sank deeper into a bottomless altered consciousness reducing her muscle activity and making her unaware of any immediate surroundings as they muted and vanished completely.Nueva's eyes started moving rapidly under the eyelids as a series of images and sensations occurred, playing like a fast-moving film in her brain.There was a picture of her grandma Naya and her father flashing by repeatedly. Nueva desperately tried to slow the images down to understand what they were trying to tell her. But she wasn't in complete control in this state of body and mind.Suddenly she was in her grandma's extensive and
The area they had just arrived in was a bare and ugly wasteland, with the following portal showing in the distance. It looked different from the ones they had just passed through previously. This gateway looked more like a concrete-grey smoke ring with the core resembling a giant bubble. As they got closer, Nueva could see iridescent waves ripple across the screen, blocking the way to the dark realm behind.It was clear that whatever was lurking in the next land was draining the current one like a parasite—feeding on the natural resources until it was spiritually and emotionally arid. "This is where our daughter disappeared" Eijaz's voice was thick with conviction and guilt. "May I ask what she was doing here?" Nueva felt astounded that anyone would come here willingly. "We think this portal somehow interfered with the other gateways forcing them to transport travellers here." Eijaz tone walked the line between bitterness and disbelief.
Alpha Gray POVThe afternoon sun bathed the pack buildings in its last light as Alpha Gray walked towards his Pickup, waiting alone in the car park. He had spent another long day sorting out his affairs with Alpha Miles in the office. They needed to lend more soldiers from the Moonfall pack to help fend off the growing number of Rogue attacks on the White Creek territory. Alpha Gray was so stretched at the moment he had to ask his younger brother Ryan and his friends to help out patrolling the borders. He didn't like involving the family in work businesses, but the current difficult circumstances had given him little choice.Declan and himself were almost confident that the Rogue's was getting inside help. They now just needed to find out who was behind this crime so they could put an end to the devastating attacks on his pack.
Nueva crawled towards the damp and cold cave wall and hid behind some fallen rocks. Her chest tightened, making every breath wheeze through her swollen throat like a sudden panic attack. Sweat pearls erupted on her forehead, and Nueva could feel the drops build until they flowed down her face stinging her eyes with their saltiness.How would she save Alula if she couldn't get close enough even to attempt to grab her and run?She could see the shadows crawl over Alula's pale frame under the cave's strange Bioluminescence light source. Above her, thousands of blue lights made from tiny droplets dangled from the ceiling, twinkling like stars in a night sky.Nueva's body was drowning in despair, watching these parasite beings feeding greedily at the expense of their helpless host. Nueva knew that the little girl's life was hanging on by a thread, and if she didn't do something soon, it would be too late to save Alula's life.Then Nueva saw them sliding down from
Nueva hung crippled over Alula's body on the altar, and everything felt lost; the shadows had almost fully engulfed her, and she was slipping away. That was the moment when the magic finally answered her call.It started in her core, crystalizing through her body, deep into her soul. Her ancestors were giving her fragments of themselves passed down over endless generations. She could feel their presence in the form of proudness and encouragement.The forces of this primordial magic lifted her limp body until it dangled with her back arched mid-air. Around her, the temperature dropped, and ice began to dress the black walls in a shiny glaze. Eventually, Nueva was lowered to the ground, her head tilted forward in silence with a flurry of snowflakes falling out of nowhere.Her warrior braids fell over her rapid-rising chest, and misty tufts floated from every ragged breath in the cold air. Nueva was finally one of them, an Ice sorceress.She was ready to fig
The land seemed quieter with the wind and the thunder gone. It was like Nueva had erased them with the effect created by her light pillar. The reflection from the tiny ice crystal's powerful energy radiating from her magic source had burnt the horrid Badlands until everything was charred black as long as their eyes could see. Finally, the putrid smell of decay had been replaced with the cleansing smell of ashes."Nueva, where are you from?" Alula had wondered curiously, swinging their joined hands back and forth as they walked through the blackened dirt."I am from the human realm," Nueva answered mellowly."Oh, I have never been there. Maybe I can come and visit you one day?" Alula's green skin looked like a beautiful rich summer tan under the reddish sky, making her almost look human for a moment."I would love that." Nueva squeezed her tiny hand, Alula glanced up at her, and her smile was irresistible.Then in the distance, the portal emerged li
Nueva pov. Alpha Gray's face stayed on her retina as bright and clear as if he was there with her. His tender smile comforted and followed her on the first stretch of the journey into the unknown. But then, as the darkness became more dense and sunken, his calm, reassuring countenance disappeared into the void. "Don't go. Stay with me!" She called out and chased after his fading image. Nueva soon realised she was not only lost but utterly alone in this strange dark place. She was dressed in a sheer bright white fairytale gown, and her pale locks draped perfectly down her back. Nueva's creamy complexion formed an aurora glowing light blue in the heavy blackness. She didn't feel scared despite being alone in this alien world. Neither was she cold nor hungry, sad nor happy. She just existed. "Is this how it feels to die?" Nueva thought to herself as she strolled tirelessly forward. "I had pictured a very different place. Definitely more light and welcoming. Maybe this is a half
Perla was waiting for them at the front door. She limped down the steps as the pick-up came to a screeching halt.Alpha Gray jumped out, carrying Nueva in his arms."I have been waiting for you. I knew something had happened when I saw the light beam." Perla called out in a raspy voice.Nueva's hand fell down and hung lifeless by her side as Alpha Gray ran past his grandma.Perla gasped, and her age-worn hands cupped her thin, cracked lips. She hurried after her grandson."Put her down on the couch", she instructed in uneven breaths. Marigold came running from the pick-up, and Perla waved her past her inside the door.Alpha Gray gently placed Nueva on the old couch next to the crackling fireplace. The small living room was warm and smelt like wood smoke and chocolate cookies.The light was dim and yellow, lit up by a tall foot lamp standing in one corner behind the rocking chair and a few pillar candles burning above the fireplace, giving the place a cosy feel. "What happened? Did s
Alpha Gray lay still in the shallow water.His face was resting on Nueva's chest. Her breathing was slow, and she rocked his head in an irregular movement.He was confused over the event that had just transpired, and it took him a moment to collect his thoughts.The winter sun touched their faces and left warm rosy trails on their skin from its butter yellow kisses. Alpha Gray sighed at the sunshine's comforting caress.Everything felt more intense, the sunlight's bright rays burning his eyes and brushing over his skin. It was like he could see and feel things more apparent, and his senses seemed to be buzzing with a new form of energy that he couldn't explain.Then, suddenly Alpha Gray remembered where he was and what had just happened.He scrambled onto his knees, and his eyes darted around the clearing for any imminent danger.Marigold stood to their side, bowed head and hiding her eyes, but Alpha Gray could see light streaks of salty tears on her cheeks."Marigold, You are alive?
Alpha Gray found Nueva lying motionless in a large shallow water puddle on the thawed ground.She was on her side with her back facing him. Her pink naked body stood somewhat out against the colourless backdrop.Alpha Gray's heart hammered in his chest, and a sudden stab of fear crossed his grave face.He ran towards her and sunk hard onto his knees in the freezing silverly coloured water.She opened her swollen eyes, and he could see that she had been crying. Her plump lips turned into a tender smile when she saw his face. But before Alpha Gray could speak, a tall, dark shadow fell over them.The attack was swift and sudden.The blade sliced into his back towards his heart. His chest ripped, and his ribs broke in a sickening crunch.Alpha Gray wobbled and fell onto Nueva; his dark blood stained her naked body. Nueva screamed in shock. His warm damp, and heavy body pushed the air out of her twisting her chest small."Leave him alone." Nueva cried out. Her voice was weak and airless.
Thawing Thiago's heart had erased the cursed demon in him, turning back the time to before he became cruel and ruthless in his pursuit of power. So, instead, in front of Eira stood a young and spirited strawberry roan wolf. Thiago stared at her, and his impressive wolf form seemed to grow with every breath after hearing Eira's word, turning his stance confident and proud. "Mate," Thiago said in return, and his hackles glowed in gold when speaking this loaded word."What has just happened?" Nueva stuttered, confused."He's my mate," Eira answered, equally bewildered."But, how?" Nueva started, then it hit her, and the unanswered pieces fell into place. "I know what needs to be done," she continued in a vacant voice. "What do you mean?" This time it was Eira who was clueless. "Sometimes, the best thing to do is not overthink. Instead, just breathe and have faith that everything will work out for the best," Nueva whispered in a bittersweet tone. "I don't understand what you are tryi
Eira's coat glistened from sweat in the low light of the wintery sun. Her breath was laboured, and her pink tongue flapped in the wind.They had been galloping over the crusty frost-covered fields forever.Both of them were desperate for a moment of rest. But the demon had sealed the fog and the only way out.So instead, Nueva and her bestial wolf were trapped and locked away from their earthly world, running tirelessly to escape the imposing peril.Eira cut over the fields into the quiet woodland, darting between the weighty branches bowing down to the white land.The fresh, clean air was loaded with the unmistakable scent of snow. Dirty clouds floated over the sky with the promise of an impending refill of crystal stars.Suddenly the faint whispers returned. "Make fire with ice." The woman's voice sang beautifully with the winnowing breeze. "I don't understand?" Nueva groused, confused. But the voice only repeated the exact words."Eira, do you hear a woman's voice? Nueva asked her
Nueva cried out as she saw Marigold's stunned face, paralyzed in shock, falling through the ice sheet.Her brown locks and arms blended in slow motion as they flung into the air when the frozen floor gave way under her feet.The beast tumbled and fell sideways into the roughly wedge-shaped cleft. Marigold's small frame disappeared under the massive creature's flaming fur, and her horrifying screams echoed before fading away as she slipped into the unknown. Alpha Gray came running to Nueva, where she lay on the thin ice above the bottomless pit. He placed himself on his stomach and carefully leaned out over the gaping hole; a gust of wind from within ruffled his dark hair as he reached his hands out."Take my hand." Alpha Gray called out. A spasm of worry crossed his face.Nueva held her breath, and the tip of her fingers grasped his hand inch by inch.The sheer layer of ice moaned and groaned unhappily under her weight. She gasped as a hairline crack snaked under her stiff form, spre
The storm howled and roared for hours, concealing the landscape in dull greys. The men had taken turns digging the way out of the snow moulds covering the exit of their Safehaven after the winds finally died down. Back outside, the tranquil winter landscape unveiled a serene weather change that lulled them into a false sense of security. Bright-white hills glisten over the fields basking in creamy yellow sunlight. The temperature was crisp but comfortable. Nueva found a tiny silvery-blue babbling brook between winter trees shivering in the bitter wind. Their naked branches were adorned with snow. Clusters of twigs, gnarled and twisted, extended like the very hands of older gentlemen against the pristine cloudless sky. The group quenched their thirst and drank greedily from the crystal clear mountain spring before continuing the search for the fog. Light purple shadows rested under the heavy fir trees as Nueva trudged next to Alpha Gray at the front in the deep dunes. Eira had f
A distant but penetrating feral roar exploded from the beast's secure holding place outside the campgrounds.The demon rose from within like a blast of bestial raging red amongst the large pieces of tarp flapping freely before taking off with the blustering winds.A man could be seen running from the ripped tent."Gray." Nueva gasped and pulled at the thick ropes. He hadn't spotted her yet.Ryan and Harlow stopped abruptly in their steps, and the colour drained from their faces."Do something!" Ryan yelled at his men as perspiration beaded his furrowed brows.The Rogue soldiers separated and surrounded the monstrous canine, agitatedly stalking closer to the camp."I am the frost demon, and this is my territory." The beast roared in a thunderous bloodthirsty howl before shifting into a blazing inferno when the fire erupted from his fur, eyes, and mouth.Black as coal smoke billowed from his muscular frame. The demon's distinctly almond-shaped eyes burned with green fire, lusting to con