Marion welcomed the new members with open arms, literally. He hugged Harper, Anthony and even cradled the baby on his arms. This surprised Harper, being one not accustomed to affectionate greetings.When Marion saw that there’s a wounded man with the group, he immediately ordered some men to take care of him. He will be transported to his own separate room where he’ll be supervised and treated by the witches. He has no idea yet on who the wounded man is.“I see you have arrived safely. I prayed to the moon goddess to direct your path.” – he said Damon chuckled as they all walk towards the entrance of the roundhouse. The drums have stopped. “We were caught up. As you can see, we… we have someone with us.”“I see that. A friend of yours?”Damon cleared his throat. So Marion has no idea at all. He must have heard his name before but he hasn’t known what he looked like.“No. My… my brother. He’s Beta Brayden.”His word echoed as they entered the roundhouse. It took a moment before it da
The kiss was long and passionate. The couple didn’t mind even if Asher, Norton and Anthony have now come out of their bedroom. Norton even grabbed his phone to take a picture of the beautiful scene in front of them.Asher crossed his arm and stood beside Anthony who was fixing his tie. “Looks like someone already enjoyed his feast, huh?” – Asher said, breaking the kiss of the twoThey all laughed, Damon playfully hit Asher on his arm. All of them are now ready to face the Virgo. They’ve already kept them waiting long enough so Damon led them out of the conjoined rooms. As soon as they stepped out, a spotlight followed them and they suddenly became the center of attention. Marion came to meet them halfway. He was with his two young sons who escorted Harper and Anthony to their seats. The newly-declared members of the Virgo didn’t need to be escorted already. They’re family, not guests. Damon, Asher and Norton followed them on the table. Hector just looking everywhere the light flas
Alora’s hair was being combed by one of her handmaidens at the camp. She hasn’t talked to the Great Alpha yet. She’s still upset about him raising his voice at her. It was not justified, she knew. Of course, it would be normal for her to ask what would be his plan or how would he handle the situation since his son was held captive. He didn’t need to make it appear like he didn’t care. She knows he care for Brayden as much as she. Maybe even worse. “What do you prefer today, miss? Braided or let down?” – her hairdresser asked“Braided.”“Okay.”She sat still as the hairdresser turned and twisted her hair for a quick French braid. She’s planning to go to the city today. If Alpha Draco won’t do it, she should do the initial steps herself. It was easy to sneak out. He doesn’t care about her anyway. Here, she’s just nobody but a mate for a lost Beta. Without him, she’s futile. “Thank you, Maria.” – Alora said as the braid was finished. She looked at herself in the mirror, checking her h
Alora and the boys got inside the bus. There was other three people inside and the driver turned on the radio. A lively country music boomed.The guys wanted to sit with her but she clearly said no. They were asking one another on why she shed a tear over the video, but she shunned them out of her presence. There’s no time to explain anything to them. There’s no one she needed on this journey but herself.She paid an exact amount to the conductor. When she was asked where would she stop, she said on the last bus stop. She couldn’t remember what it was called now. The video of Brayden falling to the side of the road and the sudden immobility that it caused him has shaken her. She can’t focus anymore.The entire ride was accompanied by music and conversations from the other passengers. Turns out, it wasn’t only the three boys from the bus stop that had possession of the video. It seemed like everyone in the bus was talking about it. She could only listen to it with no comment. “I knew
“I’m giving you five seconds…”Mrs. Keevah’s heartbeat quickened. She can feel the sharpness of the knife against her throat. She wants to struggle, but to do would only make it dig deep to her skin. She doesn’t want to have that risk. Instead, she knows there’s nothing she can do but to stand still. And talk.“I swear! They didn’t say anything to me.”“FIVE!” – Alora started counting. “Harper and Damon were too private with these matters!”“FOUR!”“… even Asher. I really didn’t have anything to do with wherever they are now!”“THREE!”“I swear. Please, I only saw the video this morning.”“TWO!!!”“I don’t know what happened after they left the house.”“ONE!”“Please, spare me my-“…and with the edge of the knife, Alora ended the countdown. Mrs. Keevah gave her last gasp before she realized what was going on. As if it was her instinct, her both hands went to her throat, covering the now-gushing pool of blood from her jugular. Alora was in shock of what she has done. It was the firs
Damon, Harper, Asher and Norton were on the first row of seats at the side of the battle grounds. Finally, the boys knew how it felt to be the one watching, not the one doing the initiation rites. Their view was impressive, perfect even. From that angle, they could see the battle grounds from each corner. The lights, the stage, the area where Anthony will be fighting his way into the Virgo.“You’re saying all three of you surpassed this just to be a member?” – Harper asked. The show hasn’t started yet. The Virgo men is still cleaning the battle grounds and placing hurdles therein. Anthony cannot be found, but Marion said he’s in the private room being oriented of what to do and why does he need to do it. “Yes, we did. It’s a part of their tradition.” – Asher answeredDamon was quiet, his elbows were resting on both his knees, his hands intertwined and his face looking serious. He was thinking on what challenge will this be. Hopefully, it won’t be as hard as the ones they had. Obse
Harper and the rest could see it. The beast was prowling on the maze. Closer and closer to Anthony. However, with the help of the witches, Marion made it happen that there will be an invisible soundproof wall between the challenger on the battle grounds and the audience watching. The boys understand it now, why the crowd was too quiet when they were fighting in the battle grounds. “I can’t watch this anymore.” – says Harper. She could only take ten minutes of watching Anthony being lost and confused in the maze. “You don’t have to.” – Damon said and held her hand.Can she help it, though? She’s in a position that whatever’s happening on the maze can be clearly seen. And if not, there’s a huge screen displaying what the maze has inside it. “Don’t worry Harper. Our guy can do this.” – said Asher“He’s stronger and braver than me. He sure can.” – Norton secondedWhether Norton truly believes what he said is not the issue. It is the sight that is in front of them as of the moment. Ha
In the area where light springs forth, there is a green envelope with burnt edges. Anthony picked it up. It was warm. Perhaps the edges were consumed or intentionally placed to be kissed by fire. There was no seal so when it was opened, the long paper was folded twice. When it was completely opened, the letters were written in golden ink, in cursive. The message read:IN ORDER TO GAIN SOMETHING, YOU HAVE TO LEAVE A PIECE OF YOURSELF.Anthony frowned and looked at Marion onstage. He shook his head, hoping Marion would get that he meant he didn’t get the message. On what he is expected to do. The thing that is required of him must be embedded on that one sentence.For some reason, he cannot get the intent of the metaphor. Marion glanced at the clock. 4 minutes left and the challenge closes. Last four minutes of his one and only chance. Anthony sensed Marion won’t help him so he got back his attention to the message on the paper. He’s not a linguist, not a fan of literature as well.