I knew it wouldn't be a good idea to sneak back into the den at night. However, the moment I entered, the sound of my father's deep, irate voice hit me. In the dim hallways, he let out a low growl that blended in with my mother's usual nervous tone. In the hope of not being noticed, I stopped abruptly, barely breathing, and remained close to the dim corner."This... nonsense prophecy!" My father yelled, I've given it all in exchange for this pack! And now they dare to inquire about us and Dahlia's location?My mother's voice was measured and calm. Please, Rylan. Talk is all it is. The pack is always uproariously stirred up by Mira.He moaned in a low, simmering voice. Maybe. However, I cannot continue to ignore this. She is affected by it.I was punched by it. Again, the focus was on the dahlia. She was always. However, there was something different about their protective and almost desperate demeanor.As Mira's words came flooding back, I clenched my fists to fight the resentment in
Kai held my hand tightly as we sped through the trees, and I could hardly keep up. With every step, my heart pounded in time, and I could feel someone or something coldly watching us through the darkness."Daisy, stay near!" Kai's voice was tense as he whispered. "We must remove you from view.""Me?" I looked over my shoulder and gasped, half expecting to see bright eyes in the darkness. "Why me?"With his grip tightening and his eyes darting around, he muttered, "It's not just a rogue wolf." "They have a specific person in mind.""Like...me?" As though uttering the word aloud made it real, it tasted bitter. Kai's silence, however, only strengthened my worst suspicion.“Yeah. You.”I reduced my speed and escaped his hold. "Hold on. Why would anybody want to find me? Here, I am nothing. Remember the useless Omega?He came to a halt and turned to face me, his expression almost beseeching. "You're not worthless, Daisy. You are... significant.I shuddered at the way he said it. "How impor
Kai and I stood in the open space, the chilly night breeze tingling on my skin as the rush from our run-in with the pack's enforcers started to lessen. I didn't notice how much I was trembling until Kai put a calming hand on my shoulder. "You performed admirably," he whispered, his tone soft and imbued with a sense of wonder. "I've never witnessed strength like that." However, prior to my reply, a shadow moved at the boundary of the clearing. Quickly, Kai stepped in to protect me, yet I slipped past him, my heart racing with an unusual blend of apprehension and excitement. A mysterious, cloaked presence emerged from the shadows, his posture relaxed and unconcerned, but his gaze fixed on me with an unsettling sharpness. He looked unkempt and messy, with hair flowing in chaotic curls around his face, his clothes tattered and mended. However, there was a facet of him that was dangerous and constant. “Who is it that you are?” I insisted, my voice appearing more powerful than I actuall
As Kai and I neared the pack's main hall, the rogue's caution echoed persistently in my mind. The comforting smells of pine wood, earth, and food didn't ease my anxiety. Something seemed off, and the closer I got, the stronger the unsettling sensation became. Kai walked next to me, his shoulders tight. It's best not to inform anyone about the renegade. I quickly looked at him. What is the reason for not doing so? If his statement is accurate, the group must be informed. "What if it isn't?" His voice had more edge than usual. Daisy, you are already facing a lot of scrutiny. There is no need to fuel their suspicions further. I felt a constriction in my chest. He was not incorrect. Despite completing my first shift and hearing murmurs about my increasing strength, the majority of the pack continued to view me as an outsider. Upon our arrival in the hall, we could feel the tension filling the room. Members of the pack moved around in little clusters, speaking quietly. The Elders were
I struggled to stand up amidst the smoke obstructing my view. The room was filled with frantic voices, scattered rubble, and suffocating dust. My heart raced as I looked for Kai or Rowan, but all was madness. "Hey, Daisy!" Kai's voice cut through the commotion. He was hunched down by the turned-over table, looking back and forth at me and the rest in an attempt to restore order. "Have you sustained any injuries?" I shook my head and had a cough. I disagree. "I am okay." "I approve." "Stay near," he insisted, clutching my arm tightly. "We must leave this place." However, I was pulled back by something. The words of the rogue reverberated in my mind: The truth will always come to light. He wasn't only endangering the group, he was singling me out. "What caused that loud blast?" I inquired, however Kai was already pulling me towards the side exit. "I'm unsure, but we must leave this place," he stated, his voice filled with tension. The villains may still be close by. Prior to reac
The atmosphere in the open space was oppressive. The bandits stood right at the edge of the wolf pack, their eyes shining in the faint glow. Their commanding officer, a tall man with scars, advanced towards me, his eyes locked on mine. "His calm voice held a hint of menace as he spoke to Daisy." "Your entire life has been filled with deception." I pulled my arms forcefully, attempting to break free from the enforcers' hold. "What are you referring to?" The rebellious chief chuckled menacingly. "Do you sense it?" That you stand out. That the group has been hiding information from you. Corwin let out a deep growl in his throat, positioning himself between us. Ignore what he says. Rogues inherently tend to deceive others. However, Corwin wasn't even acknowledged by the leader. His gaze remained fixed on mine, his expression never faltering. "Do you lack trust in them?" he inquired in a quiet manner. Incomplete. And with good cause. Daisy, the person they claim you to be is not accu
Tension filled the air as we made our way through the dense forest. The eerie echo of the chilling howls was now pushing us forward while also making us nervous. The pendant hung from my neck, its unusual heat always bringing back memories of the rogue's words. I looked back at Dahlia, with her determined expression and eyes searching the shadows. Corwin was ahead, his body taut, every action whispering carefulness. Behind us, the rest of the group spread out, showing their noticeable discomfort. "What is the reason for us to be tracking the howling sounds?" I inquired quietly. Corwin didn't turn around. "We need to understand the reason if they are coming after you." Kai whispered next to me with his bow prepared, "That plan doesn't seem like a good idea." "What if this is a snare?" "It most likely is," Dahlia snapped. However, it cannot be overlooked. At this moment, no. She spoke briefly, but I could sense the tension beneath her words. We arrived at an open space, and Corwi
The Guardian’s statements echoed in my mind like an alarm signal. The lineage cannot be ignored. "Are you prepared to pay the cost?" I pushed against its heaviness with all the energy I had remaining. My heart raced in my chest as the pendant on my neck radiated warmth. In some way, it provided me with just enough strength to escape. Reversing quickly, I yelled, "What cost?" "What are you trying to say?" The Guardian did not respond. It dissolved into the darkness, its bright eyes the final thing to disappear. I was by myself in the room, gasping and shaking. The pedestal holding the stone tablet now shone more intensely, as if it were anticipating my arrival. I paused. Every instinct urged me to go, but I moved forward regardless. The moment I made contact with it, the room surrounding me changed. The walls dissolved, giving way to a swirling depiction of history. It was the group but altered. Wolves unknown to me wandered unrestrained, their eyes shimmering with pride and str
The earth was dark. I was drifting in emptiness, a burden resting on my chest. My arms couldn't shift. My legs felt numb. I wasn’t even certain I was inhaling. “It’s finished, sister.” Dahlia’s voice resonated in my thoughts like an eerie tune. She was all around, her voice, her influence, her strength. And I? I was caught. Once more. “Daisy!” Lucian's voice hit me like a punch, slicing through the fog. All at once, brightness pierced the obscurity. My lungs surged to life, and I gasped for a quick, stinging breath. I gasped as I opened my eyes. "At last!" Kai's face loomed above me, reddened and agitated. “You are living.” "I believed we had lost you." I sat up, moaning as the ache in my body overwhelmed me. My arms felt as heavy as metal. My head ached. All around, the camp was a frenzy, flames roaring, fighters yelling, the atmosphere heavy with the iron odor of blood. "What occurred?" My voice was raspy. Lucian showed up, his face marked with grime and lines of red. “Dahl
Like a storm, the shadows closed in. My vision was blurry. I was having trouble breathing. "Daisy!" The roar of Lucian's voice came from a distance. In an attempt to navigate the dense, whirling blackness, I turned to face him. However, it was useless. The shadows of Dahlia had a life of their own and wound themselves about my feet like snakes. Suffocatingly cold, they pulled at me. Her voice then broke through the commotion. Easy. managed. "Sister, why resist it? This is our power. To you. There was something old and shaky in me that her words tugged at. I gave a headshake. "You're not correct!" A glimmer of light broke through the darkness. When Lucian approached me, his voice was fierce and his claws tore at the darkness. "Daisy, stay with me!" The shadows hissed and backed away as I took hold of his hand, his warmth securing me. Dahlia, however, continued. "Oh, how lovely." The blackness swirled about her like a living entity as she took a step closer. "Lucian is a
I was unable to move. Dahlia’s voice resonated in my mind like a rhythmic thump, sending chills down my spine. “I’m coming for you, sister.” Lucian seized my shoulders, his tone pointed. "Hi Daisy!" What did you listen to?” I looked at him, struggling to push the words out. "She is near, Lucian." Dahlia has arrived. Kai, who had been anxiously walking behind us, came to a stop mid-step. “Hold on, this place?” "Is she like observing us from the trees, honing her wicked villain knife?" A deep growl emanated from Lucian's throat. "We have run out of time." "We have to alert the others." I tripped ahead as Lucian urged me to move, my legs acting on their own while my thoughts whirled. My sister, my twin, was arriving. And with her arrived something much more dreadful than any warning howl or council threat. Kai ran next to me, panting heavily. "Daisy, do you sense her, like an eerie twin telepathy thing?" "Yes," I murmured, my heart constricting. “It feels as though she’s tugging a
I struck the ground with such force that the breath was expelled from my lungs. The shadows ejected us as if we were just worthless refuse. I turned onto my back, struggling for breath, my body hurting everywhere. “Daisy?” Lucian’s voice pierced the haze in my mind. "Still alive," I rasped. Kai emitted a groan from somewhere on my left. "Can anyone clarify why plummeting into darkness must feel like being pushed off a mountain?" "Twice?" I compelled myself to sit upright. My hands shook while I dusted off my clothing. The air around us seemed cleaner and lighter, yet the tension in my chest wouldn't subside. We had left the Shadow Veil, yet I sensed this was merely the start. Lucian’s keen eyes surveyed the open area. "We have returned." "Back to where?" I whispered. "Pack area," he said, his jaw tense. "Close to the council premises." Kai's eyes grew large. "Ah, wonderful." “Since we certainly required a family gathering at this moment.” Lucian cast him a fierce look. "It is
The world returned in pieces, noises, followed by brightness, and then the chill. My body hurt as if I had been tossed in a tempest. My hands struck wet, irregular terrain while I gasped for air, shadows still winding around my wrists like serpentine chains. “Daisy!” Lucian’s voice was far away yet piercing enough to cut through the fog. I raised my head. The shadows encircling me twisted as though perceiving my motion. I trembled, attempting to rid myself of them. They remained unmoved. I listened as heavy footsteps rushed toward me, accompanied by a recognizable voice shouting, “Take her out of there!” Kai. Before I had a chance to respond, Lucian’s hand seized my shoulder. His face came into sharp focus, the marks of concern carved deeply. “Daisy, are you able to stand?” "I believe so," I whispered. I wobbled while attempting to rise. The shadows initially fought back but then… moved. It felt as though they supported my ability to stand. Kai came to a halt beside us, a combi
The darkness surrounding me seemed vibrant. They slithered up my legs, icy and relentless, as if they were driven by their own will. My heart raced as Dahlia moved nearer, her wolf following her, its amber eyes shining in the faint, heavy light of this dark realm. "Well, Daisy," she started, her tone silky and teasing. “Are you sensing it?” "That small spark of energy I’ve granted you?" I fought against the darkness, staring at her fiercely. "You didn't provide me with anything." "What have you done to me?" She inclined her head, pretending to be innocent. "Come on now." "Don't say you haven't seen how they react to you." She pointed to the twisting shadows beneath me. “They recognize their master.” "They don't belong to me!" I spit, wrenching my legs loose. I staggered back, yet the mark on my arm throbbed, and the shadows trailed, wrapping around me like a second layer. Dahlia chuckled, the noise reverberating oddly. "Refuse to acknowledge it as much as you like, but the eviden
The cave hummed with suspense as Dahlia's shape appeared from the darkness. The massive wolf towered behind her, ominous and threatening, its golden eyes glimmering with malicious intent. I tightened my fists, the lingering energy from the ordeal still pulsating in my veins. "Didn’t think you’d run into me this quickly?" Dahlia’s voice resonated, sleek and scornful. She approached nearer, her movements intentional. "You cleared your small exam." "I'm nearly impressed." “What brings you here?” I insisted, moving ahead. My voice remained calm, yet my heart raced loudly. Dahlia angled her head, grinning. "To help you remember your position." Do you believe that a spark of power alters your identity, Daisy? You remain the Omega. "Yet the less strong twin." Kai laughed dismissively, moving next to me. “Is this the moment when you bore us to death with a monologue?” “Since we have destinations to reach.” Dahlia's wolf growled, and the cave appeared to tremble with its snarl. Kai recoil
The Earth whirled as I fell into the abyss. Frosty wind rushed against my face, my hands reaching out for something to hold. My wolf instincts howled, yet all I felt was the sensation of freefall. A sudden jolt halted my fall. Agony surged through my shoulder as I hung from a stony ledge. Above, Dahlia's laughter resonated like a storm. "Wait a moment, Daisy!" Lucian’s voice echoed from a higher location. "I'm not leaving," I yelled in response, even though my hold was weakening. Kai's face emerged from the edge, his hand extended. "Grab it!" I extended, exerting all my strength. His fingers brushed against mine, but an abrupt roar trembled the cliffside. The stone split underneath me, and I fell deeper into the void. I struck the ground with a jolting thump. I was engulfed by darkness. My body ached, yet nothing seemed fractured. With a groan, I turned over and attempted to get my bearings. "Daisy?" Lucian’s voice sounded, weak and far away. "I'm still here!" I yelled in repl
We emerged from the cave into the soft light of dusk. The woods unfolded ahead, quiet and unsettling. Every noise caused my muscles to tighten. Each shadow appeared to be animated. Lucian kept his sword down, his gaze sweeping over the forest edge. "We're vulnerable here." We have to locate shelter. "Seriously," Kai remarked, tousling his wet hair with a hand. "Could we manage to have five minutes without being pursued, cursed, or lectured on prophecy?" I sighed in exasperation. "Unlikely." "Let's go." The ground under my boots seemed unsteady, as if the earth itself was unsure of what would happen next. The image from the glyph lingered in my thoughts, Dahlia atop a mound of debris, the eclipse engulfing the heavens. “Daisy,” Lucian’s voice brought me back. He was observing me attentively. "Is everything all right?" "Not exactly," I confessed. "However, there's no time for me to break down." Kai laughed without humor. "That's the mindset." "Suppress now, worry later." We vent