*Lily's POV*It hadn't been a day since we had arrived from our strenuous journey when I heard my mom was sick. Infact, it was as soon as we entered the grove, I was informed of it. My mind raced when I heard the news. My mom, sick? She was the one who rarely fell ill in the entire grove. She always had a strong immune system and very strong genes. Was it just a cold or something worse? Because the way the maid told me, she also looked fearful. Gosh, my mind spun in different directions. I told Theo and Sarah I had to visit her and my dad first before we would go to Aunt Belinda's.Before I even went to my room to freshen up, I immediately rushed to meet her and saw my father in their room. I went to hug him. He looked so tired and drained."Dad, what happened?""Where have you been, Lily?" He said, looking worried."Dad, I'd explain later I promise, but what happened to mom?""Lily my dear." My mom's frail voice called to me and I went to her side. I sat by her side, my heart heavy w
*Lily's POV*"She has cirrhosis…"I remembered what the doctor had said before my dad cut him off and took him aside to discuss. The look in my father's eyes said it all. I didn't need to check it up because I had heard that illness before. It was what my father's mother had died from. They had taken her to every healer in the realm, every renowned doctor they could get to travel here, but still, no cure had been found for her.I brought my palms to my face and tried my best to hold in the tears that were on the brim of rushing out. No, nothing would happen to my mom. I had to believe hard enough and I had to stay strong, for her. She'd be fine. The more I'd tell myself, the more it'd be true."No…." My gut-wrenched voice came out which attracted Sarah's attention from the front seat she was sitting in beside Theo, who was driving. Theo looked at me concernedly through the front mirror as Sarah turned and placed a hand on my shoulder."Lily, you didn't have to come along. You could've
There she stood, hair burning in the crimson light that started escaping from the heavy fog.She always gave off a eerie feeling that made me shiver, as if she would attack me out of nowhere and no-one would see it coming. Her eyes were filled with pure hate, showing the total darkness inside her. Every action she took was full of evil intent. She held Aunt Belinda close to her, grabbing her hair tightly as the woman yelped for mercy. Her twisted smile showed how happy she was to inflict pain. At that moment, it felt like all the badness in the world was in the air with us, making me feel scared and anxious."Let her go!" I shouted with all the strength I could muster.Her sickening laugh made my ears bleed. She dragged Aunt Belinda's hair tighter making her spine bend inwards and the poor woman's cries made me tighten my fists in anger."I said let her go, Audrey! What are you doing? What do you want?!"And then, a familiar voice I never thought I'd hear again spoke, "You've gotten a
The silence afterwards between them was nerve-wrecking. The look they exchanged made me wonder what deal exactly they struck between each other to make her talk to someone like Leo like that. And the thought of Leo getting horny for me was far more disgusting than it was scary.Leo finally spoke but this time I could sense he was deadass serious ,"You will not talk to me like that, Audrey. You won't…"Audrey, for the first time ever, seemed submissive and under a command. She bit her lips and stood back. Surprisingly, Leo started laughing then pushed me forward. He went to her side and whispered, "Don't touch her." He gave me one last look before walking back and standing where she once stood.Sarah rushed to my side,"Are you okay?"As we stood in front of Audrey and Leo, the atmosphere turned heavy and filled with tension, like a brewing storm ready to fall. It was a crucial moment, one where we had to think and act carefully. Aunt Belinda's battered face made my insides squeeze and
I looked back and saw Tyler charge forward, a huge number of werewolves rushing behind him. I quickly kicked the vampire in front of Aunt Belinda in the crotch but she was dragged away by someone else. Sarah took up her daggers and also started defending herself upon seeing the reinforcements."Lily, we need to get Belinda. I'll cover you." Theo said to me and brought out his claws. He started slashing at the vampire barricade that formed in front of Audrey and Leo. I saw Leo dragging Audrey back when she wanted to fight. Aunt Belinda was being rough handled by a vampire.As chaos unfolded, the sounds of clashing weapons and screams filled the air. I fought with all my might, trying to get closer to Audrey. I saw how her red eyes burned with anticipation and the hunger for blood. I wanted to stick her, just like I would a vampire. I saw her more like a vampire from thereon, she was with the enemy after all. She was the enemy."We need to get our own held captive back! I will face the
*Lily's POV*I saw Audrey marching to Tyler after the burst of magic she just released. That was the only way I could define what she did now. Magic. Very dark magic.I ran to her and pushed her off the way, both of us landing beside one another."Bitch!" She gnarled at me and dragged me by the hair up, "I'll kill both of you now!"She wrapped her hand around my neck and long nails started growing out of hers, each digging into my neck as she carried me up slowly. I don't know where she got this strength from but it was frightening. Her eyes dripped with rage."Audrey!" Leo's voice sounded."I don't fucking care about your command! She'll die here, right now!" Audrey shouted back without looking at him.Tyler wanted to stand up again but one swoosh of her hand and he was blown back again. I could hear Theo darting towards us but Audrey blew the ball of energy to his gut again. I had not even seen Sonia in a while.My airflow was slowly getting cut off as I garbled in her grasp.She sm
It was already morning. Sarah told me how I had passed out in the car and Tyler carried me down to my room. I felt my arms and legs, trying to relive his touch on my skin but stopped when I felt how wrong it was."What of Aunt Belinda?" I said with my morning voice."She's in the health centre.""I thought she'd insist on staying in her cottage…" "Well, she did, but your dad insisted she stayed here since we all had to stick together during these times.""What about Theo?"She blushed, "He only sustained some bruises. He's fine." She shifted closer to me, "Enough of others. How are you feeling?""I can't say…" I shook my head and held my hands together."I didn't want to disturb you this morning but it looked like you were having a bad dream. Would you tell me what it was about?" She said worriedly.I remembered what I saw. Audrey, dead bodies, the journal, fire…I closed my eyes tightly and held my hands tighter."Lily…" Sarah said worriedly and held my hand."No, it's nothing…just
It was a solemn gathering. Tyler stood before the elders whilst I sat beside my father. He looked nervous to start but when he glanced at me and I nodded at him, he smiled briefly then cleared his throat.His words were heavy with disappointment and a sense of betrayal as he recounted the events that had unfolded while we were trying to rescue Aunt Belinda, exposing Audrey's treachery and her attempt to undermine our pack by her alliance with the enemy's leader.I could hear when Tyler said, "Henry, your suspicions were right all along."Finally, Audrey's true intentions and the extent of her betrayal was being exposed though I wish she was here to see this. The room fell into a heavy silence and it brimmed with shock and anger. The elders exchanged worried glances, realizing the magnitude of the situation.Henry's expression hardened as he listened, his voice cutting through the tense silence. "Audrey's actions have shown a complete disregard for our pack and its values. She will fac
*Tyler's POV*I didn't even know it was a dream until I woke up later on.In the dream, Lily, Sarah, Theo and I were discussing our next steps to finding a way to stop more vampires from entering our boundary. We were in the main room. Suddenly, darkness loomed over the grove and I saw through the window, Audrey walking towards the pack with an eerie black fog enveloping her every step.The dark fog surrounded her, and her eyes glowed with an unnatural intensity. "Well, well, well, look who decided to show up," she sneered.We all immediately became alarmed and ran outside.Lily stepped forward, her gaze steady. "What do you want, Audrey?" she demanded."Oh, just to have a little chat with my former friends," Audrey replied, her voice dripping with venom. "You see, I've come to realize that I'm better off without all of you."I felt a surge of anger rise within me. "You betrayed us, Audrey," I said, "We trusted you, and you turned your back on us."Audrey laughed mockingly. "Trust is
The evening was spooky, with fog all around as Leo and Ethan went into the caves. They had to find that medallion so they could be given another chance at summoning their demon lord.Ethan who was also confused as to why their search had changed asked Leo, "I didn't want to seem too inquisitive but I wanted to ask why we're no longer looking for the journal and ring but for…a medallion?""You're so simple minded, Ethan. It is not just any medallion. It is the Bodessa medallion, forged from the breasts of the goddess Odessa hersel, the same breasts the demon Lord rested on and slept with. It is the only artifact that can immediately summon the demon Lord upon calling from it, without waiting for centuries to get a single chance which one may likely flop at."Ethan decided not to ask any more questions but just follow and wait. It was pretty obvious their alliance wasn't strong, and they both had their secret plans.When they reached where the medallion should be, according to what Lily
FLASHBACK *Ethan's POV*"What did you just say?" Pablo's eyes narrowed."I am not doing anything you say until you tell me what you did to Jaxon."My heart pounded in my chest as I stood in front of Pablo. I couldn't hold back any longer as anger and frustration boiled through me. I needed answers, and I deserved to know the truth."I taught him a lesson…a lesson he would never forget." He said and licked the edge of his blade. He went on to say more but I could barely listen with a straight face."Pablo, how could you do that to Jaxon?" My voice trembled with emotion. "He would do anything for you yet you'd hurt him.""Apparently not everything…" Pablo's expression remained stoic, and he spoke in a calm, detached tone. "I did what was necessary for the greater good of our mission," he replied, his words echoing with an unsettling sense of righteousness."The greater good?" I spat, unable to contain my anger any longer. "You manipulated Jaxon, you didn't value him. You used him.""He
As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky with hues of orange and purple, Sarah and Theo rode their bikes along the winding forest trail. It had been a pleasant afternoon, and they were looking forward to reaching the safety of the grove before nightfall.The warm sun illuminated the forest around them, casting dappled shadows on the ground. Birds chirped cheerfully, and a gentle breeze rustled through the leaves. "You're going too fast, Sarah! There's a cliff ahead!" Theo shouted at Sarah who was ahead of him. He was laughing out loud and so was she."I know, dad!" They came into a halt and mounted their bikes. They both walked arm in arm to the cliff and gazed at the rocks down with the amazing greeny ahead."Wow." Sarah exclaimed and rested her head on his shoulder. They took in the beauty and Theo teased her each time he pushed her forward as if he wanted to throw her down."Stop it!." She yelped and hit him continuously but he chuckled.However, their tranquility was
Jaxon's absence had affected everyone, and you could feel the strain in the air. Pablo seemed especially upset, and his emotions were reaching a breaking point.One evening, with the sun setting and the sky colored in beautiful shades, everyone had gathered in the camp. The atmosphere was heavy with tension, and whispers of the recent argument spread among the members.Pablo was usually calm, but now he was pacing back and forth, looking angry and sad. He was trying to understand what had happened and how to deal with it all.Ethan, standing a few feet away, seemed hesitant, but he was determined to make his point known. "Pablo, I understand your frustration, but you have to see that Jaxon had his reasons for leaving," he said, his voice steady but uneasy.Pablo halted his restless pacing and turned to face Ethan, his eyes burning with intensity. "His reasons? A petty argument is what caused all of this?" he exclaimed, his voice rising in pitch. "We are a team, a family, and we should
*Tyler's POV*As the pack faced the threat of the vampire coven, I knew we had to act quickly. The elders gathered in the council chamber. It was obvious they were worried about our safety.With resolve, I approached the council. As the new head general and semi Alpha, I felt responsible for protecting our pack. We needed to strengthen our defenses and prepare for the upcoming attack. I was determined to do whatever it took to keep everyone safe."Brothers and sisters, Elders and generals," I addressed the council, my voice firm and resolute, "we cannot afford to be complacent. The vampires are growing bolder with each passing day, and we must be prepared to defend our home and our people. Theo, one of the pack hunters alerted me a few days ago about some vampires conspiring to attack the grove days before the war finally happens as a means to weaken our stronghold and will before the battle. We need to show them that we're prepared for their advance, but with the use of old devices a
*Theo's POV*The night air was cool and crisp. I had decided to confess my feelings to Sarah tonight. It was the perfect time and perfect place. Tyler had given me advice earlier that day,"Just look into her eyes, hold her hands and let it flow."Sounds easier said than done.She had gone to wear a overcoat because of the cold weather so I tried practicing the lines I had come up with it."Sarah…oh no no no..Uhum. Sarah, I just want to tell you that you're the best person I've ever met in a…no no no! Too generic." I slapped my forehead. At this point, I'd just swallow myself."What's the matter?" I looked back and it was Sarah standing. Shit.She came to sit back beside me, "Why were you talking to yourself?""No, no, I wasn't …just trying to remember something." I said nervously."Trying to remember what?" She raised an eyebrow."Something."She laughed, "You're funny sometimes."The moon hung overhead like a shimmering pearl in the dark sky, casting a soft glow on Sarah's radiant f
As the days passed, the tension in the grove seemed to increase slightly. Tyler had trained more warriors whilst my father and the elders planned how the impending war would play out to our favour. All in all, our unity grew stronger as we worked together to face the impending threat. Amidst the chaos and uncertainty, there was one thing that remained constant - the growing bond between Sarah and Theo.I often found myself stealing glances at them when they thought no one was looking. They had a unique connection that seemed to transcend the chaos surrounding us. Sarah and Theo made a great conflict. Sarah's determination and strength matched Theo's calm and thoughtful nature. When they were together, it felt like they brought comfort and hope in the midst of difficulties.One evening, as the sun set, I saw Sarah and Theo sitting in the garden. They were having a serious talk, speaking softly as if sharing special secrets only they could know. The beautiful sky above seemed to reflect
Theo found Tyle in a quiet corner of the camp going through some documents. The fireflies around illuminated the dark scape. "Sir, we need to talk," He said, his voice steady but hued with nervousness.He looked up at him, "Oh Theo. I've told you to call me Tyler. There's no need to be formal. Come on sit."Theo did so. "Sorry, just used to calling you sir.""You're a friend to Lily, so you're a friend to me too." They shook hands."What is it?""Earlier today, I and some other pack hunters went out for a patrol and I decided to go farther to the outskirts of the Forbidden Forest. I saw a group of vampires and overheard them talking about an impending attack they were planning," I explained. "I know you have a lot on your plate, but I couldn't keep this information to myself. We need to be prepared."Tyler's expression became serious, and he nodded appreciatively. "Thank you for telling me, Theo. I appreciate your honesty."Theo could see the turmoil in his eyes, and he knew he was gr