Brody, Seungmin, Aisha, Felix, and IN were in the soldiers den waiting Jo to debrief them. The Rouges were loyal and followed Jo, but they were still rogues. They could think on their own, refuse his orders if they wished to die, and their wolves wanted nothing more than to snap the Astral Chains Jo had placed, forced even, around their necks to make them submit or be released from their human vessel. Until they find out the way to escape their chains, breaking them permanently, they were trapped there, having to do unspeakable things, bad things to sometimes innocent wolves. There will come a time when the Rogues would be truly free to make their own choice if they wanted a pack or not or if they wanted to become true Rogues, as long as they could remain peaceful with the Council and Packs. If they had the numbers, they might be able to overthrow Jo and his two treasonous Council allies. The plan would have to be perfectly laid out and sprung, or it would be a Civil War within the
"I know we have suffered greatly today. What started out as a joyous Gathering to welcome a new Royal Alpha to the Packs, instead, we lost both the Royal and his beautiful Luna in the space of a few seconds.” He paused dramatically, with fake concern. “We have 2 Council members, Lady Kitsune and Lady Jisoo, back at the Grounds, looking everywhere for a trace of the Rouges that attacked us, healing the injured, and burying the dead. I assume that since Alpha Rex has taken the initiative. He and his beta will be the ones in charge of putting a team together to go raid the Rogues and to find out if Tristan is still alive, and can be safely rescued. Is that a problem, Rex?" Sir Chad asked. "No, that's fine. I'll want the Alphas and betas from certain Packs with me as well. Their knowledge and experience will be invaluable on out mission." Rex replied. "Fine. There will be no limits. Take who you need and don't be afraid to come to the Council if you need anything. This takes priority.
Catching up with Kit and Makai, Rex shared with them the information given to him by Hoseok, both sat with shocked expressions. “Have you ever heard of a wolf melding with its human?” Rex asked. “Only once. A long time ago. So far back that I was a cub, his name was Taeyong. I never found out why he needed the meld. Since wolves didn’t care for their humans sides, they pushed them away, deep into the recesses of their mind.” Kit explained. “Sounds like a prison sentence. Wait, you mean any wolf could perform a Blood Oath?” Makai asked, confused, sitting on a fallen tree looking up at the other two. “Don’t get any bright ideas, Makai. For one, Vuk can’t grant any help from inside the Tome. Two, do you know of any ancient texts that still exist to grant you the knowledge to prepare the rituals, find the specific items, or 3, a Goddess willing to alter Vuk’s creation and leave her mark on Creation?” Rex asked his beta. “You know the whole process, you could do it again.” Makai said
"There you are you little whore!" Hyunjin growled from behind her. "DONT TOUCH ME, HYUNJIN!" she phased and bit his arm before he could even blink. "I am going to report to Sir Alpha on the advances that have been made since my time with the Royal. Now back off!" Aisha growled louder. "Hyunjin, is she?" a soft, evil voice came from behind them. Aisha shifted back turning to face the voice. It was Jo, Brody, and Hikaru. "Yes, Sir Alpha. She's done her job. The Royal took the bait, and by the end of this night Royal will be dead. Wolf and human." Hyunjin replied. "Congratulations, mommy. I knew you wouldn't fail me. I planned my brother's attack on you, my sister, Hikaru was my ultimate spy. Your other friends are being handled by Lee, Han, and IN. Felix and Seungmin were too soft for the Rogues anyway. Both their wolves and Spirit skills were too weak to be considered 'inner circle'. Once I saw you sneak into the woods, I knew what you were doing.” Hyunjin pointed a finger at her.
Smoak was about to close her eyes for some much needed shut eye, but a quake ruptured through her brain. That's never good. It's an alarm to all Shaydes to 'Shyft', (or swap one for the other), their target and themselves, to bring them to Dark Alpha Rex. Looking down from her tree expecting to see Aisha asleep, she wasn’t there. When did she have time to get away from her? Smoak cringed. Now she'd have to hunt her down without breakfast. Frowning, she leapt from the tree, forgetting to check her surroundings, a branch coming out of nowhere, hitting her right in the ankles, dropping her to the ground. Wanting to know who would be so foolish as to attack her. It was Aisha! Laying flat on her back, Smoak held up her hands in surrender, showing her she wasn't a threat. "Why were you up there? Who are you? Who sent you? Answer me NOW!" Aisha screamed. "Calm down. I've been sent to follow you and report back to the Packs. They have been looking for you, especially Alpha Tristan." Smoa
"Kit, I told you I will go through you to get out there." Rex towered over the shorter Alpha. "My scouts have told me that the Council has every member under orders to stay where they are: between us and the ones who need us. The Council is hitting us right where they mean to. If we lose our shit now, it's over, brother." Kit barked back at the Dark Alpha. "If the Council has isolated themselves in their Chambers, not allowing us in, making their own plans, why do we need to attempt getting in there? Why shouldn't we be making plans of our own, between the 7 Packs?" Kit reasoned. "We can fight without the Council now as our predecessors did. But I understand where you're coming from. Why don't we pull the Packs and their betas to us? Now that you and Tristan have gone through the Claiming, you two are the most powerful Alpha Voices in the Brotherhood. Please listen to me, call the Pack Alphas, and we will form a plan that fits our needs?" Kit pleaded to his friend. "Do you believe
Waking suddenly, angry that she foolishly fell asleep when the enemy was in so close quarters to her, confused as to why she wasn't dead or waking up in a dungeon somewhere. She then remembered she was still in the perfectly built & concealed cubby hole. Hikaru carefully lifted the door to the hole made to blend in with the the rest of the floor. Seeing no one around, she climbed out of the cubby, stretching her sore limbs from being crammed in that spot all night. "We were a lot smaller back then, weren't we?” Hikaru smiled as the memory passed across her mind like she was seeing all of it for the first time. Walking outside in the early, bright, punishing daylight was torture! Wolves were considered as 'Day Blind', her wolf going momentarily blind from being held in total darkness for hours. Until Hikaru's human's sight had gotten used to the light, her wolf's vision cleared and focused as well. There was something strange around where she stood. She heard no birds, no animals,
"Is there anyway to stop the mark from hurting the pups without taking Aisha's life as well?" Rixa asked. "Other than the Meld, letting one or both pups to die to save Aisha's life, there is one last idea I have.” Doc-O put his finger to his temple, to recall the memory. “There are Old Ones, the wolves before humans. They scattered through the wilds to avoid contact with their brother wolves, for different reasons. Many of them to connect with their human, allowing Nature his balance. Some left to find peace, another to learn the Meld, others for pure isolation. They pride themselves in honoring the Old Ways, and if you manage to meet one, then you are either blessed or cursed depending on the wolf you ask.” He said. “The prices haven't changed, no modern currency, always something useful. No money, try food, clothes, and spices. If you want help from an Old One, you must also be pure of heart for them to consider you worthy of standing on "their plane of battle." Doc-O finished. R
After exchanging pleasantries, the 4 wolves, two from the Rogues, two from the council, made their way from Chad’s council quarters to the path to the Singularis stronghold so Jo and Brody could fetch their wolves under the “proper” supervision. “We could have done this ourselves.” Brody whispered to his brother, “It looks like they really want to be here today.” He rolled his eyes looking at Caius and Zoei. “Whatever, let’s just go. We need our wolves out and to get on with the second part of our plan.” Jo replied. “What are you two girlie talking about over there? Let’s get the show on the road please?” Caius laughed at the Rogues. “Thank you for your help. We would have been fine without Chad’s assistance.” Jo commented. “Yeah, it shows. That’s why you have captive wolves, and none of us have ever been held by the Royals, so this just proves you need a babysitter.“ Zoei sneered, walking ahead of them. Looking at Caius, Brody shrugged at him. “Is she always this fun to be arou
“You don’t honestly believe Chad is sending those two with us to help in any way, do you?” Brody asked his brother.“No. That’s why as soon as we get Hyunjin and Hikaru back, We will be good. I am done taking Chad’s orders. It seems like we always suffer and the Council comes out clean and unscathed. I’m sick of it.” Jo snapped. “Suddenly the Royal's definition if the Council is becoming clearer, huh brother?” Brody teased.“Baby brother, you’re a genius! When those two Council wolves come with we are going to let the Royals take care of them. We have wolves on the inside. Get a message to any of our wolves in there and tell them to inform to stop working against the Royals, and start working with them.” Jo smiled wickedly. “Are you sure about this? I have heard of wolves turning against Chad, and in return, he killed their entire pack. Do you think that we can get away with this?” Brody asked, eyebrows raised.“We have to play off of the hate they all have for each other, plant jus
A knock at the door confused the Royals, Kit sprang up and answered it. Shyfter was on the other side. “What do you want?” Kit growled. "Down, boy. I’m here to talk. There’s a situation brewing, and we need to get you all out of here now.” Shyfter shoved past Kit and into the room. “Yes, come in.” Kit sighed and shut the door. “What’s the situation?” Rex asked. “Kai and Anaki have crossed a line. They have brought your Council friends to shadow and attack tomorrow morning after we leave to guide you back to the border.” Shyfter sighed. “Why would he do that? I thought you and your brothers were going to keep him on a short leash?” Kit shouted. “The 3 of us will not be able to handle a Council attack while we are loaded down with that trunk Anatashi gave Tristan.” Rex said. “Your stuff is already back waiting for you, Moon zapped it there. Left a note for your friends, who are desperately in need of your assistance.” Shyfter laughed at their expressions. “What trouble? Is ever
That night there was no sleep for the Royals. They packed their gear, and met in the entrance, not wanting to keep their loved ones waiting….thinking that help was coming, but it wasn't to be. "You 3 can't leave. Anatashi has asked to speak with Tristan. Don't make your decision until after you have talked to her?” Moon asked, waiting for Tristan to go with him."Fine, let's go. I'll be back shortly." Tristan smiled at Rex.The walk to Anatashi's room was silent, awkward, and uncomfortable."Enter." She replied. "Thank you Moon. Get back to Kai and the others. I will call for you when we are finished." Anatashi said quietly."What is this about? First you couldn't tell us what was going on, now you're being honest with me? It doesn't make any sense, you’re not making sense." Tristan sighed."I promise you, after you hear what I have to tell you. Please, sit?" she asked.“You have never been the type to keep secrets." Tristan said."What I'm doing cannot be undone. I made a promise to
"OK, Hikaru. It's just you and me now. Tell me what is going on. Why did Jo send Hyunjin to come after you, or spy on us?" Skai asked."I have been trying to find the Royals for a while. It was chance meeting up with Hyunjin. He was sent by Jo to find you guys and lock all of you down, so Chad can come in and take Aisha. Is she safe?" Hikaru said."That's why the Royals are not here. They are looking for a way to save her. Do you know of a way to help?" Skai asked hopefully."I know the Nightshade side, but the Royal side, not so much. If I know Jo, and I am his sister, he will be sending reinforcements as soon as Hyunjin doesn't report back. Those cubs are more important to him than I am apparently." Hikaru looked down."How did you know Aisha?" Skai asked, more out of curiosity than concern at this point."Nightshade are few and far in-between, I know every existing Nightshade, that's how few of us are,actually left." Hikaru smiled sadly."Wow, I'm sorry. I never knew. I am young ye
"Why have you come back, Kai? I ordered you to stay with the others." Anatashi inquired."You backed the wrong 'horse', so to speak. The Quad is working with Anaki and I to ensure the Royals don't acquire the one thing that could save Aisha, your spirit. I will not stand by and watch you sacrifice yourself for a weak, unless bunch of wolves. You are mine, or have you forgotten?" Kai leaned over her."You forget your place, Kai. No male wolf can force me to submit. I don't even believe a female could do it either. Anatashi stood to her full height, almost 2 times bigger, with many more centuries of life, knowledge, and strength than the wolf who stood before her."You are everything to me, my light in the dark, my reason for living. Now you want to take that away from me, from us, to help a foolish omega that messed up and is getting what she deserves. Think of youself and your pack more than a bucnch of strangers!" Kai yelled at her."You cannot force my hand in this, Kai. You know me,
Loki, Caius, and Stryxx were 3 quarters away from the border between the Rogue's territory to the Old Ones. Chad had reminded them that time passes differently in the Old Lands due to a ever potent spell place by those who came before Anatashi and her motley pack of misfits."Do you believe this mole is as loyal to Chad as he says?" Stryxx, always, the thunder cloud over everyone's heads."I believe in Dove and his capabilities to sell just about any plan to even the smartest wolves. I guess he's really Chad's,vrother." Loki mentioned."Yes, but the males in Chad's family used to be allowed to develop on their own, but the emergence took too long as the wolves started forsaking their teachings and training became more lax. After learning from Chad, pushed Dove into using skills and abilities that he wasn't ready for." Caisu added."That explains it. Why would her sacrifice his brother’s sanity and wolf spirit to a complete a plan that's falling apart?" Stryxx asked."As long as Chad ha
"Now that you 3 know how it feels to meld your wolf and human, the next thing you must learn is to control the wolf WITH your human." Anatashi paused to look at all 3 Royals."That is the hard part. Your Wolf is wild, lawless, and vicious. Your human is the light side, the calm, voice of reason. If your human cannot tame and contain your wolf, you will be a loose cannon, and I will have to alter my plans in order to save you young omega and cubs." Anatashi looked at Kai right in the eyes."Plan B, which is?" Tristan asked, pulling her gaze to his."That is none of your concern. I know what needs to be done, and will happily do it for Aisha and your cubs. Now Anaki, Moon, Kurgi, and Shyfter will take you to take this final step. I am going to take a rest. I need my strength for what comes next." She smiled and left them to their training.Kai had slipped away while Anatashi was speaking to them, and Moon had his thoughts as to where he was going.*Moon*'I want to know where Kai's run o
"What happened out there? Moon, how could you let that get so out of hand? I'm not going to be here forever, and I expect you to lead the pack until Aisha takes over. That is why I need you to be smarter than that. Thank goodness we were able to get Kit back." Anatashi scolded Moon."Forgive me. I thought it would be easier to put pride against pride. Lesson learned, I won't be doing that again." he replied."I know you meant well, but the best of intentions can have the worst consequences. It's all apart of life, you will figure it out." she exhaled loudly."Just get some rest. You and your brothers have been through a lot. I will sit down with the Royals and get Kit back. He won't have enough strength to put up a fight. We can hadle it." She ordered."I've always wanted to witness the Singularis Curse up close, Kit, but never that close. What happened?" Tristan asked."I honestly don't know. I saw Rixa and something fractured and shattered in me. Like I'd never see her again after K