I watched the Kyrexi fall, who never even stood a chance against the masses and ferocity of the werewolves with all their magical and technological power. I had watched the defeat and devastation of the Kyrexi-entire civilization in ruins.Arachne's voice cut through my visions, her eyes aglow with excitement. "You see, Derek," she said, "you are the last of the Kyrexi, the son of the ancient ones. And you have a destiny to fulfill."Confusion and agitation reeled inside of me. A Kyrexi? Me? I had lived my entire life as a werewolf, and now suddenly I was something completely different?Arachne's smile broadened. "The ancient ones were all-powerful, magical beings," she said. "They were known to be the race of beings that had with them the powers of controlling elements and wielding magic. They were the rulers of this land and the werewolves their servants."I listened with horror as Arachne kept telling me, "But soon, time after time, the werewolves took their being uncomfortable wit
Just when I thought all was lost, I heard a loud roar echoing through the forest. The werewolves hesitated, their ears perked up in surprise.And then, a massive grizzly bear emerged from the trees, its eyes fixed on the werewolves.The werewolves all yelped at once as the bear charged them. I used the distraction to make a run for it, darting for the trees as the bear swiped at the werewolves.I could hear the snarling and growling behind me, but I dared not look back. I kept running, my heart pounding within me, until I was sure I left werewolves and bear in the dust.Finally, I slowed down to catch my breath and looked around to get my bearing. Tall trees seemed to stretch up to the sky, and I knew I was deep in the forest.I took a deep breath, trying to breathe calmly. I was going to have to keep a clear head if I was going to survive this.I listened as, suddenly, the bushes rustled. I turned to see the bear emerge from the trees, its eyes fixed on me.But then he did not attack
The poor girl swallowed hard before continuing. "His friend mentioned that Arachne was a witch. I thought you should know, sir."I lifted one eyebrow, my interest piqued. "You're telling me this because?"The little maid ducked her head; her tone turned sheepish. "I just want to make sure our Alpha's in good hands, sir."I growled low in my throat as warning. I wasn't sure if the little maid was a spy for Derek or if she was really worried for the pack."Why did you decide to tell me?" I asked, my eyes boring into hers.The maid finally looked up, her eyes locking onto mine. And then, she did something that left me dumbfounded.She burst into tears; her small body shook with every labored breath. I watched her, taken aback by her sudden outburst. I hadn't expected her to break down like that."S-since -since he became Alpha." she stuttered out, her voice shaking in fear. "The pack -it's been falling apart. No one likes him -they're all afraid of him."I leaned forward, my expression s
I sighed. This guy just won't let me go. "What exactly do you want?" I asked tired of playing games."I want the truth."he replied curtly."I'm just a maid trying to get a roof over her head but you keep making it difficult for me." I replied with the same old answer I had prepared for situations like this."You don't fool me. Now speak"I thought carefully, if I speak the complete truth, would he rat me out? Then it occured to me at that very moment, that I'd sound crazy if I did. So I asked unfazed"What exactly do you want to know?""What's the relationship between you and the Beta?" His gaze was fierce and the glow of his eyes showed he wasn't backing down so easily."Nothing, he tried to touch me inappropriately and I warned him not to do so." At least, if I told him this, he would think I was the victim and spare me the skepticism. But oh, how wrong I was. My response only led him to question who I really was."You warned him? Which useless maid would try to warn the Beta of her
I thought long and hard. I didn't come in contact with chestnuts today. Then I remembered something, that sneaky fogwart. I cursed inwardly, I should've given her a dirty slap but I was still confused, why chestnuts? I tied them all in a nylon, making sure to empty my pockets completely. I even put two small tangerines I saw on the table in my pockets to eradite the smell of chestnuts.I was going to show her what it meant crossing the path of someone who had faced death twice. As I got to the dining hall, I spotted her and rushed over pretending not to see her "Sorry, I was just in a hurry to find out what was happening."She sneered and rushed to Gina's side.Apparently, Gina couldn't breath. She looked bloated like a pufferfish but her face was covered with large red spots. The make up on her face made it less scary but I could still see them. Everyone was in a frenzy but soon the doctor had arrived, administering an injection that instinctively calmed her.It didn't take ten minut
I couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction as I watched Lucinda being dragged away. She had been a thorn in my side since the moment I met her today. But little did I know, my troubles were far from over.I walked back to my quarters, feeling like someone was watching me. I quickened my pace, my heart racing in anticipation. Then I heard footsteps behind me. I spun around, ready to defend myself, but it was just one of the pack's guards."Aurora, the Alpha requests your presence," he said, his voice firm but polite.I nodded, and curiosity overtook me: what could the Alpha want with me now? I followed the guard to the Alpha's chambers, my mind going through many possibilities.When we arrived, the Alpha was behind his desk, a stern look upon his face. "Aurora, I have been made aware of the incident with Lucinda and the Luna," he said in firm tones but then his expression softened. "I must say, I am impressed. You have proven yourself to be quick and clever."I bowed my head in a
The smile fell from the Alpha's face, replaced by a gaze of steel. "Then you will find yourself in a very unfortunate position. I don't like loose ends, Aurora."I swallowed hard. There was no way out of this, not right now. If I refused him outright, I wouldn't make it out of this room alive. But if I agreed, I would be walking a tightrope with no safety net. But what happened to the Cida that looked like he recognized me? I was so lost right now."I will need time to think over it," I finally said confidently, though fear was gnawing at my insides.The Alpha nodded with a tinge of satisfaction in his eyes. "Fair enough. But don't take too long. Time is a luxury you can't afford."He waved his hand, dismissing me, and I wasted no time leaving his chambers. Out of sight, I leaned against the wall and took some deep breaths, willing my heart rate to settle. My mind struggled for any way out of the mess that had just got worse.I couldn't trust Cida outright, nor refuse him outright eit
My window tinted a pale shade with morning dawn creeping in. Sleep evaded me, my brain tangling over the ambiguity in both the seer and Mateo's words and surprising movements. Something about what took place last night realigned the balance, and answers I had to obtain.By the time I was dressed and outside, the pack house stirred. The air felt charged, like the universe knew pieces on the board had moved. I kept my head down, avoiding the lingering eyes, and made my way toward the training grounds. If anyone knew more about Mateo, it would be Jaxon, a senior warrior and someone who had a knack for observing everything.Jaxon was sparring with one of the younger pack members when I arrived. His strong strikes and fluid motion made it obvious why he was in his position. When he finished, he spotted me and strode toward me, wiping sweat from his brow."Surprised to see you here, Aurora," he said gruffly. "What brings you to my domain?""I need information," I responded bluntly. "About M
Dorian's POVI took a deep breath and followed Kali into the trees. A few minutes of walking in silence were only broken by the sound of leaves crunching underfoot.As we walked, I couldn't help but notice that the forest seemed to grow denser, the trees taller and the underbrush thicker. I could feel a strange energy emanating from the forest, an energy that seemed to be watching me.Then Kali came to a stop in front of a huge stone door. It was covered in ancient carvings of wolves and moons, and it looked like it hadn't been opened in centuries.Kali turned to me, a mischievous glint in her eye. "This is the entrance to the underworld," she said. "And this is where you'll find what I'm looking for."I looked at her skeptically, was this a trap? The underworld? Stories of the underworld, of the ancient gods and goddesses that reigned over the land of the dead, had reached me."What is it that you're looking for?" I asked, my voice gruffy but barely above a whisper.Kali smiled, a gl
As I stared into her eyes, I felt some form of familiarity. Not because I had met her once but because I had seen her many times. The- the woman in my dreams!"You're the woman in the garden.. you-""The truth is within you," she said suddenly cutting me off. "But first, you must face the lies you have been fed. The Alpha's plans, the Luna's constant criticism-they are but pieces of a puzzle. To see the whole picture, you must step outside the frame."I knew she was right, even as her words spun my head. I couldn't continue to react to the moves others made; I had to make my own.As I left the chamber, a sense of resolve fell into place. Tomorrow, I would begin to amass information-real information. I needed to know who was playing what game and how I might be able to tilt the odds in my favor.But as I reached my quarters, a chilling thought struck me: the only way to find out the truth could very well be to become the thing I feared the most.A spy.The moment I closed my door, ther
My window tinted a pale shade with morning dawn creeping in. Sleep evaded me, my brain tangling over the ambiguity in both the seer and Mateo's words and surprising movements. Something about what took place last night realigned the balance, and answers I had to obtain.By the time I was dressed and outside, the pack house stirred. The air felt charged, like the universe knew pieces on the board had moved. I kept my head down, avoiding the lingering eyes, and made my way toward the training grounds. If anyone knew more about Mateo, it would be Jaxon, a senior warrior and someone who had a knack for observing everything.Jaxon was sparring with one of the younger pack members when I arrived. His strong strikes and fluid motion made it obvious why he was in his position. When he finished, he spotted me and strode toward me, wiping sweat from his brow."Surprised to see you here, Aurora," he said gruffly. "What brings you to my domain?""I need information," I responded bluntly. "About M
The smile fell from the Alpha's face, replaced by a gaze of steel. "Then you will find yourself in a very unfortunate position. I don't like loose ends, Aurora."I swallowed hard. There was no way out of this, not right now. If I refused him outright, I wouldn't make it out of this room alive. But if I agreed, I would be walking a tightrope with no safety net. But what happened to the Cida that looked like he recognized me? I was so lost right now."I will need time to think over it," I finally said confidently, though fear was gnawing at my insides.The Alpha nodded with a tinge of satisfaction in his eyes. "Fair enough. But don't take too long. Time is a luxury you can't afford."He waved his hand, dismissing me, and I wasted no time leaving his chambers. Out of sight, I leaned against the wall and took some deep breaths, willing my heart rate to settle. My mind struggled for any way out of the mess that had just got worse.I couldn't trust Cida outright, nor refuse him outright eit
I couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction as I watched Lucinda being dragged away. She had been a thorn in my side since the moment I met her today. But little did I know, my troubles were far from over.I walked back to my quarters, feeling like someone was watching me. I quickened my pace, my heart racing in anticipation. Then I heard footsteps behind me. I spun around, ready to defend myself, but it was just one of the pack's guards."Aurora, the Alpha requests your presence," he said, his voice firm but polite.I nodded, and curiosity overtook me: what could the Alpha want with me now? I followed the guard to the Alpha's chambers, my mind going through many possibilities.When we arrived, the Alpha was behind his desk, a stern look upon his face. "Aurora, I have been made aware of the incident with Lucinda and the Luna," he said in firm tones but then his expression softened. "I must say, I am impressed. You have proven yourself to be quick and clever."I bowed my head in a
I thought long and hard. I didn't come in contact with chestnuts today. Then I remembered something, that sneaky fogwart. I cursed inwardly, I should've given her a dirty slap but I was still confused, why chestnuts? I tied them all in a nylon, making sure to empty my pockets completely. I even put two small tangerines I saw on the table in my pockets to eradite the smell of chestnuts.I was going to show her what it meant crossing the path of someone who had faced death twice. As I got to the dining hall, I spotted her and rushed over pretending not to see her "Sorry, I was just in a hurry to find out what was happening."She sneered and rushed to Gina's side.Apparently, Gina couldn't breath. She looked bloated like a pufferfish but her face was covered with large red spots. The make up on her face made it less scary but I could still see them. Everyone was in a frenzy but soon the doctor had arrived, administering an injection that instinctively calmed her.It didn't take ten minut
I sighed. This guy just won't let me go. "What exactly do you want?" I asked tired of playing games."I want the truth."he replied curtly."I'm just a maid trying to get a roof over her head but you keep making it difficult for me." I replied with the same old answer I had prepared for situations like this."You don't fool me. Now speak"I thought carefully, if I speak the complete truth, would he rat me out? Then it occured to me at that very moment, that I'd sound crazy if I did. So I asked unfazed"What exactly do you want to know?""What's the relationship between you and the Beta?" His gaze was fierce and the glow of his eyes showed he wasn't backing down so easily."Nothing, he tried to touch me inappropriately and I warned him not to do so." At least, if I told him this, he would think I was the victim and spare me the skepticism. But oh, how wrong I was. My response only led him to question who I really was."You warned him? Which useless maid would try to warn the Beta of her
The poor girl swallowed hard before continuing. "His friend mentioned that Arachne was a witch. I thought you should know, sir."I lifted one eyebrow, my interest piqued. "You're telling me this because?"The little maid ducked her head; her tone turned sheepish. "I just want to make sure our Alpha's in good hands, sir."I growled low in my throat as warning. I wasn't sure if the little maid was a spy for Derek or if she was really worried for the pack."Why did you decide to tell me?" I asked, my eyes boring into hers.The maid finally looked up, her eyes locking onto mine. And then, she did something that left me dumbfounded.She burst into tears; her small body shook with every labored breath. I watched her, taken aback by her sudden outburst. I hadn't expected her to break down like that."S-since -since he became Alpha." she stuttered out, her voice shaking in fear. "The pack -it's been falling apart. No one likes him -they're all afraid of him."I leaned forward, my expression s
Just when I thought all was lost, I heard a loud roar echoing through the forest. The werewolves hesitated, their ears perked up in surprise.And then, a massive grizzly bear emerged from the trees, its eyes fixed on the werewolves.The werewolves all yelped at once as the bear charged them. I used the distraction to make a run for it, darting for the trees as the bear swiped at the werewolves.I could hear the snarling and growling behind me, but I dared not look back. I kept running, my heart pounding within me, until I was sure I left werewolves and bear in the dust.Finally, I slowed down to catch my breath and looked around to get my bearing. Tall trees seemed to stretch up to the sky, and I knew I was deep in the forest.I took a deep breath, trying to breathe calmly. I was going to have to keep a clear head if I was going to survive this.I listened as, suddenly, the bushes rustled. I turned to see the bear emerge from the trees, its eyes fixed on me.But then he did not attack