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
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
A.D Ripman Prologue "Grandma, please tell me the story about the Frost demon again", Six-year-old Gray begged, crawling up next to her feet sticking out from under the patchwork blanket as she sat knitting in the old wooden rocking chair. "Again?" she laughed warmly. "Oh, OK, but you better come and sit on my lap then." Grandma Perla put her knitting down on the small table next to her and gestured for Gray to climb up on her lap. Gray's face broke into a big grin full of missing teeth. He loved visiting his grandma's small cottage at the edge of the territory and would find any reason to sneak out of his own home to come here. Listening to Perla's olden day stories and long-forgotten legends about gods and demons was his most favourite pastime. Perla used her feet to rock them gently in the chair and smiled at her grandson's wide eyes, eagerl
Nueva's hand trembled slightly as she applied the bold shade of red lipstick to her full lips. She had fantasised about this moment all year, a date with the handsome Ryan Tanner, a senior at the Mountain base high school. She was a sophomore and relatively inexperienced when it came to dating. Not because she was unpopular but because she was shy and awkward around boys. Ryan was next level and totally out of her league. So, like most of the other girls at school, she had just watched him from a distance and pretended that he knew who she was. Nueva glanced at her reflection in the bathroom mirror. Her almond-shaped baby blue eyes twinkled with nervousness under the thick black eyelashes. Surprised to the point of being dumbfounded was what she felt when he walked up yesterday at the end of the school day. Her thoughts wandered back to when she and her friends had seen him waiting at the bottom of the stairs. Mira had whispered in her ear, "Da
They walked in silence around the giant bonfire, and she enjoyed the warmth from the roaring flames. Everywhere were people either waving or coming up to chat with Ryan. No one so far had attempted to talk to her, and she felt slightly embarrassed that she was so unpopular at school. Ryan leaned in closer, and the familiar butterflies took to the sky inside her stomach. "Hey, is it OK if we go somewhere a bit quieter?" “Yeah, sure”, she exclaimed in a high-pitched tone. “Why am I so awkward she scolded herself inside her head. Ryan put his hand on her lower back and steered her towards the water’s edge before grabbing her hand and leading her alongside the lake’s lapping water. A breeze winnowed between them, making her shiver. “Here, I’ll keep you warm” Ryan smiled and put his strong arms around her shoulders. “I can see a log just up ahead where we can sit”, he continued and pointed into the darkness. Nueva tried to widen her eyes to see the log he was talking about, but she
She experienced vivid dreams of running with giant wolves through a deep old-growth forest that night and woke up covered in sweat. Her blonde locks hung heavily down her back as she walked to the bathroom. The bite on her hand was practically gone; two small bruised dots were the only reminder of last night's attack. She decided to take a long hot shower to wash away the awful experience. "I am never dating again", She muttered to herself under the flowing stream of water. When the shower didn't help, Nueva got dressed in shorts, a singlet, and her favourite runners. She ran down the stairs and into the white timber hallway, making her way towards the front door, hoping her mum wouldn't have time to catch her and ask about her date. "Good morning darling, how was your big night?" her mum called out from the kitchen. "Damn" She had been so close to slipping past her mum's curious questions. "It was fine, mum. I'm just about to head out
One month had passed since her date with Ryan, and every night she had the same reoccurring dream. The dream was dark and mainly consisted of running through rugged unknown terrain from giant grey wolves under the moon’s watchful stare. Last night her dream changed, and she saw a giant white wolf run amongst the grey flock. The white wolf separated from the pack and followed her, and together they ran through an old-growth forest. Her feet sunk deep into the soggy undergrowth as she darted between the black centuries-old trees with their decrepit and knotty limbs reaching for her in the darkness. Their bark was rough with raised ridges and lumps of wet moss; draped their protruding web of roots. The essence of the earth flowed around her from every sentient being in the forest. They stopped in front of a wall of dense iridescent coloured fog. The grainy wall seemed to pulsate to the beat of Nueva's racing heart. A low terrifying growl seeped out from behind the misty layers. The
It was still early, especially for a Saturday morning, but she couldn’t wait to talk to her friends about what had happened last night. Nueva used the 15 minute’s drive to Evie’s parent’s house to relax and clear her head. She was deep in thoughts when suddenly, a bright voice spoke inside her head, clear as day. “Hello Nueva, I am Eira” “What the hell?” she cried out in the empty car and swerved to the side of the road onto gravel, creating a large grey dust cloud. She sat quietly in the car. Her fingers squeezed the steering wheel, and her chest rose rapidly as she tried to control her breathing by expanding her small lungs with air. “I am so sorry, Nueva; I didn’t mean to scare you.” The voice was softer and somehow calmed her frazzled nerves. “Who are you? Am I going mad?” she sniffled and cupping her hands over her distorted face. “No, you are not going mad, my dear Nueva. I am your wolf.” “My what now?” “Your wolf form” The voice sounded brighter and had a cheerful tone.
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