River heaved a sigh of relief when the familiar surroundings of Sofia's living room materialized around them. Alex and his wife blinked in surprise, disoriented by the sudden shift and having to witness magic teleport them.It seemed even though it was the second time for the man, he was yet to get over it. "We're back," Sofia announced like they didn't already know, stretching. "Consider yourselves safe here. We'll explain everything in more detail soon, but for now, why don't you get yourselves settled? Wash all that blood away. I'm sure none of us like the smell of it.”Alex’s wife who was still visibly shaken, seemed not in the mood for jokes or talks about showers. She took a step closer to River, her fingers twisting around one another in shame. River knew what she was about to do, so she decided to receive her with a warm smile.The woman, whose name River had learned was Mary mumbled an apology to River and threw her arms around River in an embrace. "I... I overreacted back
"What are you talking about?" Alex replied to his wife in a defensive voice.At least, the husband wasn't an ingrate."I can't trust a witch," Mary insisted.River knew she should have gotten used to being betrayed. She had been betrayed from way back when she was still a fetus. First, it was by her parents, then, by her betrothed, then the first people she trusted once she was back, and now, someone whom she had just fought for.Betrayal was a norm to her now.Yet, she had risked everything to save this woman, and this was the thanks she got? Her anger simmered, ready to spill and destroy."Even if that witch saved your life?" Alex countered his wife."What if she only saved us to hurt us later?" the woman persisted. "Why would she save us anyway? No one does that anymore these days. She owes nothing to us. Hell, she doesn't even know us. It's… It's fishy."River’s fists clenched by her sides. This was greatly unfair. As if Gonzalo could sense her unease, he held her hand and squeeze
Warning: Mature Content Ahead It had indeed been a long day. Fatigue wore River out and all she craved was the comfort of Gonzalo's arms and the soothing rush of hot water. "Let's get out of these clothes," Gonzalo muttered, desire dancing in his voice. He began unbuttoning his shirt slowly, his eyes fixated on the way the fabric strained across her chest. River met his gaze with a mischievous smile tugging at her lips. "Race you to the bathroom," she challenged, already slipping out of her top. With a laugh, Gonzalo threw his shirt off and darted past her. River followed close behind, the thrill of the chase adding another layer to their already simmering desire. They reached the bathroom door at the same time and their bodies collided in a playful tumble against each other. Gonzalo ended up sprawled on the floor, River giggling on top of him. He reached up and let his fingers trailing along the bare skin of her back, making her chillingly shudder. "Looks like I lost," he s
Exhaustion finally won the battle with River, and she drifted off to sleep. Turned out the feeling of safety and love was the most potent sleeping pill. The morning sunlight that sifted through the curtains awoke her. She stretched luxuriously, her bones slightly aching. When she remembered why, the events of the previous night replayed in her mind with a smile. The previous night had it good and bad but it all ended well eventually. Ended with Gonzalo fucking her so well, she never wanted it to end. Reaching over to the other side of the bed to feel her daughter’s warm skin, she found it empty. Gonzalo was missing too. A frown creased her forehead before she heard Rain's giggles coming from the kitchen earlier. Right, she had almost forgotten that things weren't what they used to be. Right now, they were secured by love and a good friend like Sofia. If it had been before, she might have panicked, thinking something had gone wrong. She could remember how every morning in the re
“Gonzalo, really?" Sofia groaned softly, rubbing her temples upon seeing the messy scene in the kitchen. "Can we even salvage anything for breakfast from this?" River flung her hands into the air with dramatic theatrics. Gonzalo and Rain glanced at each other, both looking flustered.River sighed upon seeing this and then closed her eyes. She envisioned the kitchen, clean, as well as her daughter and husband. And with a wave of her hand, they were cleared of any trace of the cooking disaster they just experienced. Next, she focused on the burnt food, and with another wave of her hands, it became quite presentable but most importantly, edible. "Remind me to never let you two cook together again," River uttered to her mate and daughter.And with that, the family ate breakfast, with Sofia only taking a few bites before going back to working on the map. As they chattered and giggled over their meal, their hearts felt full and their bond as a family only grew stronger. A comforting co
Within seconds, the group consisting of River, Gonzalo, Sofia, and Rain materialized right in front of Old Man Thomas's cabin.Not wasting another second, they all walked into the cabin, Sofia leading the way just like last time. She knocked on the door, the sound of what sounded like tens or maybe over a hundred people chattering from inside reaching their ears.Soon, an old man opened the door, a smile forming across his face. "Took you guys long enough." Old man Thomas's thick grey beard shook slightly as he chuckled. Then, he stepped aside, allowing them to walk in. "Everyone, the calvary has arrived!"The people in the room all turned to River and Gonzalo, immediately cheering loudly. It was a huge improvement compared to the way they'd welcomed River last time."It's so good to see you again, Alpha." One of the men from the Moonstone pack came up to Gonzalo, patting him lightly on the back. Then, his gaze landed on little Rain, who clutched tightly to her mother's hands, lookin
The next day, at around five in the morning, before dawn, every member of the rebellion gathered around the table one last time. They'd helped gather the ingredients for River's potions the previous night, and the latter was able to make just enough for everyone after a little struggle.But as expected, a huge amount of her magic was used for the potions, forcing her to rest till the morning while everyone else got ready for battle. Gonzalo and Sofia brought out the maps once again, going over the battle tactics and objectives in the dimly lit room. "Before we begin the main attack, we'll need a diversion. Something big enough to draw out as many of the pack's soldiers as possible." Sofia remarked sharply, using a red marker to draw a fire at a part of the woods surrounding the pack. "So, I suggest we make a fire. A big one. This will effectively draw out some pack soldiers from the pack house, allowing us to incapacitate them first with the potions. Then, we'll tie them up and assig
Within a few seconds, the potion began taking effect. The two soldiers staggered, losing their balance. Soon, they fell to the ground with a loud thud. "The potions are a success!" Old Man Thomas yelled out triumphantly, before giving River a light pat on the back. "Good job, River. Looks like your plan to avoid violence is going to work out after all." River smiled back at old man Thomas but the happy moment was cut short by Sofia's alarmed voice. "We have more company." She growled, readying her hands on her sword. Gonzalo did the same, his eyes fixed on seven incoming soldiers. "It's the traitors!" One of the soldiers snarled, pointing at Gonzalo and River. Sofia scoffed, a smirk creeping on her face. "Hmph. It's barely even a fair fight." "Attack them! Kill the others but capture Gonzalo and River alive. Alpha Echo will be pleased." One of the soldiers who seemed like the leader ordered his men, disdain flashing through his eyes. And with that, the soldiers charged at