Chapter: 23 ****** TALON: --- The world around me melted away, replaced by a dense fog that clung to my skin like an unwelcome shroud. I felt my consciousness slip, not into sleep, but into something deeper—a dream that was not entirely mine. Shadows flickered at the edges of my vision, whispers of a time long forgotten. And then, like the snapping of a twig beneath a heavy foot, I was thrown into another life. I stood not as I am now, but as the rogue I once was in a dense forest, the scent of pine and earth thick in the air. The trees loomed above me, their branches entwined like guardians, cloaking my presence in a veil of darkness. I could feel the cool evening breeze rustle through the leaves, but it was not the chill that sent shivers down my spine; it was the pulse of danger thrumming through the ground beneath my feet. A primal instinct surged within me, alerting me to the boundary I had unwittingly crossed. I was not alone. Beside me, two companions moved with
Chapter: 24 ***** TALON: Bound in chains that clinked and cluttered with each reluctant step I took. The metal bit into my wrists, a cruel reminder of my fate, and I felt the weight of the warriors’ disdain heavy upon my heart. They dragged me toward the entrance of the Silvermoon Pack's dungeons, their eyes glinting with satisfaction at my capture. The clinking of the chains echoed like a mournful song in the stillness of the night. With each step, I felt the weight of my fate pressing down on me, the dread of the dungeon looming ever closer. But at that moment, as they marched me toward the dark mouth of my imprisonment, my eyes fell upon a figure that seemed to light up the shadows around me. A young man stood before me, his presence both commanding and gentle, radiating strength. His eyes—oh, those eyes! A mesmerizing blend of white and blue, like the moonlit sky reflected on a calm lake. They held a depth that stirred something deep within my heart, a yearning I had never
Chapter: 25 ***** TALON: The dreams shifted yet again. The days that followed Vale’s daring rescue blurred into an endless cycle of longing and heartache. Each night, as darkness cloaked the world, I found myself haunted by memories of him—his touch, his smile, and those mesmerizing eyes that had ignited something deep within me. I felt adrift, a rogue without purpose, consumed by the desire to see him again. Every night, I crept to the borders of the Silvermoon territory, my heart pounding with a mix of fear and hope. I would stand on the precipice, gazing into the shadows, yearning for a glimpse of the boy who had set my soul ablaze. The moonlight would illuminate the trees like a silver veil, and I would strain my ears, listening for any sign of Vale’s presence—a whisper of movement, the rustle of leaves, anything that might signal he was near. But each time I ventured too close, the warriors of the Silvermoon Pack were there to catch me. Their scornful eyes glinted in the d
Chapter: 26 ****** TALON: Vale surged forward again, his laughter ringing out like a melody through the night as he darted into the open space before the clear river. The moon cast a silvery glow over the smooth grass, and I followed, exhilarated by the chase, my heart racing with every step. The world around us was alive—the gentle rustle of the trees, the soft murmur of the water, and the intoxicating scent of Vale that lingered in the air. But as I reached the small patch of grass, Vale stopped abruptly, and I couldn’t react in time. I collided with him, the impact sending us both tumbling into the soft earth. Laughter erupted between us, the sound bright and joyous, echoing in the stillness of the night. We rolled together, limbs tangled, the warmth of his body igniting a fire within me that I had never known before. “Careful there, Virgil!” Vale teased, his eyes sparkling with mischief as he wrestled with me, his playful nature shining through in every movement. I felt ali
Chapter: 27 ****** TALON: Zora's voice pulled me from a dream that felt more like a distant memory, echoing in my mind as I surfaced into reality. “You are ten minutes late for your first day, Talon, and Lira has been waiting at the door.” she boomed from the small panel on the wall, and I groaned softly, still wrapped in the remnants of sleep. I swung my legs over the side of the bed and shuffled to the bathroom. My morning routine unfolded like clockwork, the initial message about Lira at my door fading from my thoughts. It wasn't until I was halfway into my shoes that the memory jolted back to me. I nearly toppled over, hopping on one foot as I rushed to unlock the door. When I swung it open, Lira's bright face lit up the morning. She had styled her hair, the blonde strands looking even more vibrant in the soft light. “I like what you’ve done with your hair,” I said, stepping aside to let her into my room. “Thanks,” she replied, a warm smile spreading across her features. “H
Chapter: 28 ******* TALON: The tall boy stepped forward, extending a hand. "I’m Kieran. Welcome to the junior training center, Talon. “You… know my name?” I asked, raising my brows in surprise. Kieran laughed. “Of course! You were on fire yesterday, but it’s too bad you passed out, vampire!” “Just call me Talon…” I muttered, shifting my gaze to the ground. “What's wrong with ‘vampire’?” Kieran inquired. “Is it alright if I call you ‘wolf’ instead?” I shot back. “Why not!” he exclaimed, his tone lighthearted. “You can even call me ‘Puppy.’” He winked and laughed. “Let’s see what you’ve got!” He added, extending his hand for a shake once again. I shook Kieran’s hand firmly, feeling the warmth of his confidence seep into me. "Well, wolf. Just trying to find my footing here." "Don’t worry about it. We’ve all been in your position," Kieran assured me, glancing back at his friends. "This is Zara and Jace. They’ve been training here longer than I have, and they can be pret
Chapter: 29 ******* TALON: As I emerged from the shower, towel wrapped snugly around my waist, I joined the others in the hallway. Laughter and teasing filled the air as we made our way toward the cafeteria, affectionately known as the Howling Hearth. The rich aroma of freshly cooked food wafted through the corridors, and my stomach rumbled in anticipation. “Hope you’re ready for a feast!” Jace exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. “The food here is legendary—” He paused, a thoughtful look crossing his face. “You can eat, right?” I laughed. “Yes, I can.” “Okay, good! As a vampire, I thought you’d only drink blood, you know… but you’ll love the meals here! They’re finger-lickin’ good, I tell you!” I could practically taste the food already. “What’s on the menu today?” “Probably the usual favorites—grilled chicken, roasted veggies, and the best bread you’ll ever taste,” Zara chimed in. “And don’t forget dessert! They really outdo themselves with the pastries.” As
Chapter: 30 ****** TALON: The day had dragged on, each training session sapping more energy from me than the last. I felt an unmistakable weariness settle deep within my bones. I hadn’t fed in two days, and the hunger gnawed at me like a persistent ache. Lira had been good to me, keeping a cage in her room with rabbits she had caught for me. However, I had consumed the last of the food a day before she left for special training. She won’t be back for another two weeks, and I’ll have to manage on my own until her return. Since I arrived here, Lira has taken special care of me, all while keeping my secret—my nightly feedings on rabbit blood—hidden within the comfort of her room. Thanks to her, I have survived the camp thus far. Although I occasionally encounter those who hate me, I’ve managed to shield my small circle of friends from the bullying and threats I often face. However, after enduring two days without feeding, my weakness has reached its limit. If I didn’t find someth