A call to action

The air in the forest was heavy with tense anticipation as we emerged from the shadows. Moonlight cloaked the world about us in an otherworldly glow. I could feel the adrenaline still rushing through me, each pulsating wave igniting my fierce desire to protect my son-from those awful one-on-one encounters with Sarah. But all of that was dismissed the moment we went into a clearing: the ominous weight lay upon my heart-mixed with fear and uncertainty over what lay ahead.

Lucian stood by my side, a tortured, desperate urgency stamped outwardly upon his face. "Clark ," he stammered, his voice gaining strength, yet each word rife with emotion. "You must come back to the Palace.”

I I turned toward him, my brow furrowing. "Back to the palace? After everything that has just happened? The thought of facing Sarah again makes me sick. You know I cannot do that. I can't stand the idea of her tormenting Lorenzo while I'm there."

"Please," he said, stepping in even closer. "My mother's health is deteriorating. She must be healed from the poison that had been inflicted upon her, by your hands. You can save her; you have the knowledge and the power to do so."

I shook my head, wrestling with the feelings inside me. "And what about Lorenzo? I can't just put him in harm's way again. Sarah will find a way to hurt us, and I won't let her."

Lucian 's eyes softened; desperation lined his brow. "I swear to you, when I do so, I will ensure both your safety and his. I will have a battalion of Betas surrounding you both all the time. You won't be alone—we can keep Sarah at bay."

These words hung suspended in the air, a lifeline thrown into the stormy seas of my doubts. Yet, a memory of that nasty grin kept reappearing in my mind, a reminder of all the pain Sarah had caused my family. "Your word isn't enough, Lucian . She will find a way to get to us. She always does."

"Clark , I get it; I promise you I do. If you don't go back, my mother may die; she is the only one who knows how to put the pack back together after the mess that has been created," he stated, his voice slightly rising in urgency.

The weight of his words pressed down on my chest, and a sense of guilt washed over me. For years, I had trained, honing my skills to protect my son and obtain vengeance, but I was now being asked to return to a place that was like a prison.

“What happens when Sarah finds out I’m back? She’ll use everything within her means to destroy me and that includes my son. I can’t risk that,” I said, my voice shaking with emotion.

He stepped forward, still unwavering. “I won’t let that happen. I swear to you I will stand by your side. Sarah might think she has the upper hand, but together we can change that. You are stronger than you know, Clark . Your strength is what the pack needs now.”

I looked into his eyes searching for the truth. His determination was palpable, a fierce promise of protection that wanted to lure me into believing him. But the fear of losing Lorenzo again loomed larger than anything else.

“Promise me, Lucian ,” I said almost in a whisper. “Promise me you’ll keep him safe. I can’t bear the thought of losing him.”

“I swear it,” he said, voice firm. “I’m going to have Betas stationed around both of you, and I will do everything within my power to keep Sarah at bay. You have my word.”

I inhaled deeply, thinking of the weight of the decision I was about to make. The very thought of returning to the palace sent dread through me, but I could not ignore the pressing need of the hour. Lucian ’s mother needed my help, and if I could save her, maybe then I could save the pack from the chaos Sarah had instigated.

"I'm good," I said, finding my voice again. "I'll return, but on one condition: Lorenzo stays with me at all times. I refuse to leave him exposed to Sarah's wrath."

A flicker of relief passed across Lucian 's face. "Yes, of course! He'll be with us, and I'll protect him. You have my word."

"Good," I said, my heart pounding with the weight of that decision. "But I won't stay if I sense any threat to him. You need to know that."

"Understood," he murmured, some of his worry slipping with the hint of a smile. "We'll figure it out together."

As we walked back toward the manor, the mixed feelings of determination and trepidation surged through me. The castle rose ahead, and its daunting structure reminded me of my past and all the troubles that I had faced. I reasoned with myself that I needed to stiffen my resolve, knowing very well that the path ahead was indeed going to be tricky.

The second I crossed the threshold into the palace, I could feel an eerie sense of familiarity. The grand entrance seemed more a fortress than a home, and I could not shake the feeling that I was being watched. There was a heavy cloud of pressure in the atmosphere, and I could feel the tension among the pack members as they whispered amongst themselves about what had recently transpired.

Lucian led me through the corridors, reassuring me as we neared his mother's quarters. "She is expecting you," he said, still in a subdued tone. "I will position Betas around the room. You'll be safe here."

Inside, I hardly recognized my surroundings, as Lucian 's gaunt mother sat at the edge of consciousness; her pallor was telling of being greatly weakened by the poison.

"Clark ," she greeted hoarsely, a hopeless gleam lighting up her expression. "Thank goodness you're here.”

"I'm here to help," I said, trying hard to remain steady while a storm breasted the inside of me. "We'll get you back on your feet."

The urgency was all too apparent now as I made my way closer. I got to work almost immediately, feeling the power of the herbs I had gathered earlier flowing through me. They felt potent, so I hoped they would counter the poison.

Lucian was nearby, his gaze filled with concern as I began the healing. "You're doing great, Clark ," he murmured. "Just focus on her."

I nodded, pouring energy into the healing process as the air shimmered with magic and intention. I could feel the connections binding us—motherhood, the strength of warriors and the promise to protect.

Halfway during my work, I felt the weight of Sarah's presence lingering just outside the door; a reminder that the fight was far from over. But at that moment, all I cared about was healing Lucian 's mom and keeping my son safe.

With every passing moment, I felt stronger, thus proving my journey. I refuse to let Sarah destroy everything I have fought for. Together with Lucian , we will face whatever comes our way, as it is our utmost intention to reclaim our lives and save the future of our family.