Chapter: 47 ******* TALON: As I stood beneath the towering arch of the university, a wave of emotions crashed over me. The sun cast a warm glow across the campus, and the air was thick with excitement. It was graduation day, a milestone I had anticipated for years. Yet, as I adjusted my cap, a familiar heaviness settled in my chest. I took a deep breath, inhaling the scent of freshly cut grass mingled with the faint aroma of blooming flowers. The atmosphere buzzed with energy, yet I felt an unsettling emptiness. Around me, graduates in their caps and gowns laughed and chatted with their families, the sounds of joy echoing in the air. I scanned the crowd, searching for familiar faces, but found only the vibrant laughter of my peers celebrating with their loved ones. The realization hit me hard: I was alone. I had walked this path for years, and while I had forged friendships that became my family, the absence of my mother was a wound that never fully healed. She was the one I lo
Chapter: 48 ****** TALON: The memories rushed back like a tide, each wave crashing over me with a force that left me breathless. The day Lira graduated from Camp Elysium was etched in my mind, vivid and haunting. I could still picture the sun shining brightly, casting a golden hue over the campus as the ceremony unfolded, a perfect backdrop for such a bittersweet occasion. Lira had been like a big sister to me, a guiding light in the dark corners of my life. Her laughter, warm and infectious, filled the air as she donned her cap and gown, the fabric fluttering like the wings of a butterfly. I remembered how proud she looked, her smile radiant as she walked across the stage to receive her diploma, a moment that felt monumental. But beneath the surface of my joy, a storm brewed—a swirling mass of fear and uncertainty. After the ceremony, we found a quiet spot beneath the old oak tree, its branches heavy with leaves that danced in the gentle breeze. That was where I lost the battl
Chapter: 49 ******* TALON: A week had passed since graduation, and with each day, the silence in Camp Elysium grew heavier, wrapping around me like a suffocating blanket. The laughter and companionship that once filled the air had faded into echoes, leaving only memories of what had been. My friends had left one by one, each day marked by tearful farewells and promises to visit. Kieran, Jace, and Nara had all urged me to come see them in their respective Packs, their eyes filled with hope for the future. But I felt like a ghost, fading into the shadows of a life I no longer belonged to. If only I were allowed to visit, but even if I were, I didn’t want to. Altair needed me within the Pack, and I couldn’t leave, no matter what. I followed each of them to their cars, standing on the gravel driveway as they loaded their bags and climbed in, my heart heavy with sorrow. “Promise you’ll visit,” they’d said, their voices mingling with the sound of engines starting. I nodded, forcing a s
Chapter: 50 ****** TALON: As I entered my room, the familiar scent enveloped me like a warm embrace. The walls, adorned with memories, seemed to whisper stories of my past. My small, modest space—one I had called home since I was fifteen. I was a boy, uncertain and lost, but now I stood as a man, carrying the weight of decisions and responsibilities. Yet, as I looked around, I couldn't shake the feeling that, despite the years that had passed, nothing had truly changed. The bed, unmade and slightly sagging in the middle, still bore the same faded blue quilt that Zara had gifted me on my nineteenth birthday. The walls, once vibrant with posters of heroes and fantasies, now felt muted, as if they too had aged alongside me. I took a deep breath, letting the nostalgia wash over me, but with it came a pang of sadness—a reminder that I was about to leave this sanctuary behind. With a heavy heart, I walked to the closet and pulled open the door. Inside, my modest collection of clothes
Chapter: 51 ****** TALON: The East Wing was an exquisite setting, adorned with vibrant flowers and lush trees that enhanced the building's charm. The prospect of residing in such an environment began to seem quite appealing. As I approached my new living space, I encountered several familiar faces. “Hey, Talon!” said Rosa, a fellow instructor, her hair a wild cascade of curls. She approached with a bright smile, her eyes sparkling with warmth. “I heard you’re moving to the East Wing. That’s quite a step up!” I returned her smile, feeling a twinge of gratitude for the warmth she radiated. “Yeah, it’s a big change, but it’s time.” “Just don’t forget us little people!” she joked, nudging me playfully. I chuckled, reassured by the friendly banter as we exchanged pleasantries with other staff members. The warm welcome from fellow instructors felt good, a reminder that I wouldn't be alone in this transition. Finally, as I approached East Wing, my heart raced with excitemen
Chapter: 52 ****** ALTAIR: I arrived from my training just in time to see Beta Knight walk into the Manor. I knew I had to hide behind the trees and await his return. As I waited, time ticked by slowly until he finally reappeared, exiting the Manor. He was followed by my Birth Omega’s Betas, but I held my ground until he was alone. When I saw him walking toward the gates, I slipped behind the trees, creeping to intercept him. “Good evening, Beta,” I said, startling him. “Altair,” Knight exclaimed, surprised to find me hidden behind the tree. He stepped around to stand beside me. “I didn't see you there,” he continued, a smile spreading across his face. “Good evening, young wolf.” “I knew you would come,” I replied, glancing around to ensure we weren't being watched or followed. “Have you been standing here long?” Knight asked, scanning our surroundings. “I have,” I said, emerging from the shadows. “Please, walk with me.” I gestured toward the garden, and we ventur
Chapter: 53 ****** TALON: I stirred from my slumber, the heavy blanket of sleep clinging to me like a fog. Blinking against the dim light filtering through my window, confusion clouded my mind for a moment. I glanced outside, and the world had transformed; night had fallen, cloaking the Elysium in darkness. The moon hung high in the sky, casting silver beams that danced upon the ground, illuminating the path for those brave enough to wander. Instinctively, a restlessness thrummed within me. It was time to hunt. I rose from my bed, the cool air of the room brushing against my skin, igniting the dormant energy inside me. Ever since that fateful night in the forest—when I had woken up after Rax and his goons had attacked me—I had felt a profound shift within myself. Memories of Altair flooded my mind, uninvited yet persistent. I wondered how he was faring, if he was safe if he was eating well, if he was taking care of himself. Each thought pierced my heart, a reminder of the connect
Chapter: 54 ******* TALON: The sun hung high in the sky, casting a warm glow over the training arena, where I stood in the shadows, surrounded by a sea of eager faces. Twenty recruits, ranging from fifteen to eighteen, fidgeted with anticipation, their youthful energy palpable. Their eyes sparkled with a mix of curiosity and determination. Today, I would push their limits, and I would help them discover the warriors within themselves. “Alright, listen up!” I called, my voice steady and commanding, cutting through the chatter. “We’re starting with basic combat drills. Pair up and get into stance!” As the young werewolves shifted into position, adrenaline surged through me. Training them wasn’t just about honing their skills; it was a way for me to connect with my own past. I could still remember the days when I was the odd one out, the only vampire in Camp Elysium. “Hey, Instructor!” A lanky boy with tousled hair caught my attention, his eyes bright with curiosity. “How did yo