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Chapter 6 - Sanctuary
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2024-03-06 07:38:30The Bloodmoon Pack House stood like a sentinel in the heart of the forested clearing, its stone walls rising four stories into the dawn sky, unyielding against the shadows that clung to the wilderness. Ancient runes etched into its facade pulsed faintly, their protective power a silent shield against the sinister energy the group battled mere minutes ago.
The memory of the grotesque creature, its red eyes and smoky aura, haunted them - a stark reminder of the Nightshade Pack’s dark influence. Alpha Mikhail Silverclaw led the team, his commanding presence steadying the group after their harrowing encounter. His amber eyes, still sharp with the intensity of their forest skirmish, met those of Alpha Damien Bloodmoon, who stood in the foyer of the pack house studying the group.
Damien’s muscular frame exuded authority, his dark eyes assessing the Order with a blend of caution and resolve. His weathered features bore the weight of leadership, yet a warmth lingered in his gaze, hinting at a man who cared deeply for his pack. Beside him stood Gamma Leo Whitepaw, slightly shorter but no less formidable, his steady gaze signaling readiness. The air crackled with unspoken questions, the creature’s attack binding the two groups in a shared urgency.
Damien’s gaze flickered to Aurora, a brief spark of curiosity, or perhaps recognition, passing through his eyes before he addressed Mikhail. “You’ve seen what we’re up against,” he said, his tone grave. “That creature you fought, it’s not the first. Our young women are vanishing near Nightshade’s borders, and our elders are… changed, as if something’s pulling at their minds. We agree that Nightshade is to blame.” Aurora’s heart quickened, the memory of the creature’s smoky aura clawing at her senses. She exchanged a glance with Maya Swiftwind and Kira Frostfang, their expressions confirming they too recalled the sinister energy that targeted only them. The runes on the pack house had shielded them upon entry, a sanctuary against the darkness, but the threat lingered just beyond its walls. “We have officially confirmed that we do not suspect your pack is behind these creatures - quite the opposite infact,” Mikhail clarified, his voice steady. “We are happy to be here to gather information and assist.” Damien nodded, his stance relaxing slightly. “We share a common goal to protect our world from those who threaten it. Come, let us show you to your quarters and discuss further.” When they had crossed the threshold, Aurora felt the forest’s oppressive weight lifted, replaced by the warmth of polished wood and flickering hearth fires. The foyer was a grand expanse, its high ceilings adorned with chandeliers casting golden light across tapestries depicting Bloodmoon’s storied history. A spiral staircase, its banisters carved with delicate filigree, led to the upper floors, each step resonating with the pack’s enduring legacy. Aurora’s senses drank in the details - the scent of cedar and woodsmoke, the soft murmur of pack members, the faint hum of the runes. This was more than a stronghold; it was a home, woven with love and resilience.A woman approached, her black hair cascading over her shoulders, her purple eyes warm with welcome. “I’m Beta Althea Stormborn,” she said, her voice bright yet measured. “Welcome to our pack house.” Her gaze lingered on Aurora, a subtle pause stirring unease in Aurora’s chest - was it recognition? - before shifting to Marcus, whose emerald eyes lit up with a roguish grin.
“Althea, you must be the genius behind this place’s charm,” Marcus said, his tone smooth as he stepped closer, offering a playful bow. “These runes, are they your handiwork? They’re practically singing.”
Althea’s lips twitched, a blush coloring her cheeks. “Flattery won’t get you far, Gamma,” she replied, her voice teasing but warm. “The runes are our ancestors’ legacy, though I’ve helped maintain them, along with our Luna Kiyiya, and myself. She’s with her and Alpha's son, Cuan, right now, but you’ll meet her soon.”
Rylan snickered via mindlink, nudging Liam. “Look at Marcus, already trying to charm the Beta. Didn’t take him five minutes!”
Liam grinned, his silver-streaked hair catching the light. “Careful, Marcus, or you’ll be carving runes with Althea instead of scouting Nightshade.”
Marcus shot them a mock glare, his grin unwavering. “Jealousy doesn’t suit you, Rylan." He mindlinked back. "Maybe Althea appreciates a man with taste.”
Aurora stifled a laugh, catching Kira’s amused glance. “Don’t encourage him,” she said aloud, nudging Marcus. “We need you focused, not writing love ballads.”
Althea’s laugh was soft, her purple eyes sparkling. “I’ll keep him in line, don’t worry.”
Before Mikhail could respond, Damien gestured toward a side chamber. “Let’s speak privately,” he said, his tone urgent. “There’s more you need to know.”
The team followed Damien and Leo into a smaller room, its walls lined with shelves of ancient tomes and maps. A large oak table dominated the space, its surface scarred from years of strategy sessions. Damien sat at the head, his hands clasped tightly, betraying a flicker of vulnerability beneath his stoic exterior. “I’ve led Bloodmoon for a decade,” he began, his voice low. “My father taught me that our pack’s strength lies in unity and tradition. These runes, carved by our founders, have protected us for centuries. But what’s happening now… it’s unlike anything in our history.”
Aurora leaned forward, her silver-blue eyes locked on his. “The creature we fought, it targeted women. Maya, Kira, and I felt its energy before it attacked. It’s tied to Nightshade, isn’t it?” Damien’s jaw tightened, a shadow crossing his face. “Three young women have vanished in the past two months, all near Nightshade’s borders. Our elders, mothers, grandmothers, are acting distant, hearing whispers in their dreams. My own mother…” He paused, his voice catching. “She’s been waking at night, speaking of shadows calling her name. It’s tearing our pack apart.” Mikhail’s amber eyes narrowed. “You believe Nightshade’s rituals are behind this?” Damien nodded, his gaze distant. “Our elders speak of Nightshade’s connection to the land’s spirits. Centuries ago, their rituals were benign, strengthening their pack. But rumors say Alpha Raven has turned to darker practices—blood rites, forbidden magic. If they’ve awakened something malevolent, it could explain the creatures, the missing women, everything.” Kira’s turquoise eyes widened. “Forbidden magic? That’s… dangerous. The runes on your pack house, are they holding it at bay?” “Yes,” Damien said, his voice firm. “Our founders wove these runes with the blood of our first Alpha, binding them to the land’s pure spirits. They shield us, but only within these walls. In more recent years, my mate and Althea have worked to expand our protection to the gates and have added more runes to our internal fixtures to ensure max protection. Beyond it all, the forest is tainted.” Aurora’s thoughts churned, her mind flickering to Vincent’s warnings about Nightshade’s unrest. Could he know more about these rituals? “We need to understand Nightshade’s endgame,” she said. “If they’re using magic, we need proof and a way to stop it.” Damien met her gaze, a spark of respect in his eyes. “You’re not what I expected from the Order, Aurora. The respect and secrecy of the Order sparks rumors and a bit of fear in our kind. We weren't sure what to expect. There’s a fire in you, a strength and resiliency. My pack will stand with you, whatever it takes. Althea, I'm being summoned to help with bath time. Will you show them to their rooms?”"Of course" Althea chuckled.
Althea led them to their third-floor rooms, explaining the pack house’s structure. “The lower floors house our unmated wolves and staff. We don’t rank by birth—everyone contributes as they choose. Mated pairs live to the west or on the second floor with our warriors. The third floor is for guests and Leo’s family; the fourth is for me, and Damien and Kiyiya’s family.”
As Althea led them to their third-floor rooms, Marcus positioned himself beside her, offering her a wink. “Hey, If you ever need a sparring partner to test those runes, I’m your wolf.”
Althea smirked, unfazed. “Keep dreaming, Marcus.” The team’s laughter echoed as they continued into each of their rooms.
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