Lyra “The beasts are humans?” I mumbled, shocked, but not entirely in disbelief, “How is that even possible?”Eli stood at the door, watching me soliloquize. He had been silent ever since we returned from my pack. My father had called in sick again and needed me back at the pack. Of course, Draven had been appalled, but this was an issue concerning my father’s health, so of course he allowed me to go. He had also hinted something at the elders needing a luna that would be able to stay in the pack and show that she is actually interested in leading both of our people. Drekka had been waiting for me under the relentless rain. He had been standing at the pavilion in front of the mansion, his bloodshot eyes staring at me impassively, silently judging, and very observative. “You’re back. Your father has waited quite some time.” He had said, “And so have I. You didn’t come for your step mother’s burial.”I shrugged as I had walked past him, Eli following very closely behind, “I had othe
AlruinWe were back under the covers of the willow tree and I was still trying to catch my breath. He had beautiful, ludicrous green eyes that gleamed like embers in a night sky. His thin-lined lips were pursed attentively. His lean, diamond-shaped face carried a strange intensity that added more detail to his attentive features. I thought about it for a while, strained my mind until I felt an ache at the back of my head—I didn't know who this man was. He wasn't that old. Judging from what I could see, he had to still be in his early thirties. “Who the hell are you?” I asked and glanced behind me to see if Malric had noticed my absence, he hadn't. I had been stolen away from him so meticulously that Malric noticed nothing. “She sent me,” he replied and his eyes softened when she regarded me, “I'm sorry for dragging you away in that manner, but I didn't want,” he glanced behind me nervously, “to get his attention.” “Why? And who sent you?”“The witch, Marla,” he puffed out his
AlruinThat night, I walked back into our room with a dejected expression plastered on my face.It had been a long, dreadful day that had ended up fruitless. The clinics were full and no, they didn’t need my assistance in any way. In the doctor’s words, they had enough hands to take care of the sick people in their town. It was a marvel how Malric of all people had managed to get a job in this town while I was still struggling. “You look terrible.” He said flatly.I ignored him, suddenly annoyed by his presence and strolled to the window. I stared at the river again, waiting for it to get dark to see if the fog would rise again. I suddenly felt Malric’s strong presence beside me, but he didn’t say a word. I grew uneasy as the silence lingered on, then slowly looked at him. He was also staring at the river, with more intensity and concern than he had the previous night. “It’s a mist.” He said, “and at first, it never used to appear, then sometimes once or twice a month, then it b
Lyra “The people understand that the Alpha’s position cannot be left vacant and so they trust me to fill in perfectly,” he remarked, his chest rising and falling heavily, and his naked body glistening with sweat. “Lord Sabeleon is too old and surprisingly weak to rule anymore. It seems like the fate of the pack now rests on my shoulders.” I placed a palm on his chest and smiled, “As it should have always been. When was the last time power in Vantheir didn’t rest in the hands of the Blackthorns?” I asked softly.He chuckled, “Centuries ago.” “And now, you are the one who rules. You are usurper, you didn’t take over by a coup. The people accept you regardless of the fact that you are no Blackthorn, doesn’t that tell you anything, Draven?”His eyes widen with fascination, as if just realizing everything I have been telling him. He looked at me and suddenly pulled my hips to his. “You’re fucking right, Lyra. I never really thought about it that way, but the people didn’t cheer for Ma
Malric “I don’t think I have ever seen you in this town, sonny,” the old man said, his dirty sweat soaked singlet sticking to his body like a second skin. He had just finished hammering down on the hot, molten blade of a sword he had just made and now handed it to me to dip it in the wooden bucket of water, “what did you come down here for?”I didn’t reply as I watched the heat fizzle out of the water. It was fascinating how a sword could be created, but I felt intoxicated and beleaguered by the heat in this rusty old shed. He was right behind me now and I frowned in annoyance. I never imagined old people were this chatty, clearly he had no company in years! “I came down for the water.” I replied and took the sword out of the water. I placed it on an anvil. “I hear that’s what this city is about.”He rolled his eyes and lumbered across the shed to a wooden bench. He gobbled down a bottle of water and sighed heavily. “The water, eh? That’s what most folks come to this measly town f
Alruin “What do you mean by I can leave? I came here for you, Alruin.”I didn’t drag my gaze away from the window, “I know, and now I am saying you can leave. You are not obligated to stay with me. It’s not an order, like anyone could ever give you one anyway.” I replied flatly, “This entire thing is not your vibe, Malric. You can’t fit in. Your pack will always accept you, you know that, right?”He scoffed, “My, I really can’t believe this, Alruin. I gave up everything for you and-”“I never asked you to,” I cut in, frustrated by that repetitive hook of his, “I didn’t drag you here, Malric. I didn’t ask you to give up everything, it was a choice. Five years ago when I gave up everything, it wasn’t my choice, okay? Just go if you want to, but I am staying, because I know there is something wrong with this town.” “And what if they are after us? Lorak’s pack? My pack? Just what if? And then we get caught up in a shabby town like this when we should be on our way to that witch of your