MasukJacob*The morning air was sharp and crisp as we gathered at the edge of Red Moon territory, a faint mist curling around the underbrush. The light of dawn filtered through the canopy of trees above us, casting long shadows on the forest floor. I stood with my six chosen warriors, each handpicked for their strength and loyalty. Leah, the leader of the scout team who had returned from Eldeg, was among them. Her knowledge of the area would be important to this mission, though I prayed we wouldn’t need to rely on it.Behind us, the Elders stood in a solemn line, their expressions a mix of worry and barely disguised fear as they assembled to see us off. Lenore stepped forward, her hands clasped in front of her as she began to speak.“Goddess of the Moon,” she intoned, her voice steady and filled with reverence, “bless these warriors as they journey beyond our borders. Grant them speed to outrun their enemies, strength to overcome their trials, and wisdom to make choices in your light. Pro
Jacob*The tonic had done its job, dulling the sharp ache that had been hammering in my skull all afternoon. By the time I pushed open the doors to the great hall, I was clear-headed and ready. Inside, the eight Elders were seated around the circular table, their faces illuminated by the soft glow of the overhead lanterns. The sound of their hushed whispers faded the moment I stepped in. As one, they rose to their feet, bowing their heads in unison."Alpha Jacob," they greeted, voices reverent. I inclined my head, acknowledging their respect. "Be seated," I said, my voice steady.They complied, settling back into their chairs as I made my way to the head of the table. It was a place I had earned but not one I ever occupied lightly. The weight of leadership was something I carried every day, but tonight, it felt heavier than usual.I placed my hands on the back of my chair, looking each of them in the eye before I spoke. "Council, I’ve called you here because there are matters that n
Jacob*The sight of Emmett skipping off with his reward lingered in my mind as I stood there alone in the quiet of the forest. I forced myself to look away from the path he’d taken and focused on the letter I now held in my hands. Serah had gone to great lengths to ensure this message was delivered. That alone made me wary. Whatever was inside, it wasn’t something she wanted me knowing.The envelope was already worn from the boy’s small hands clutching it, its corners bent and soft. I tore it open easily, pulling out the parchment inside. My hands were steady as I unfolded the parchment. The message wasn’t long—just a few lines scrawled in a rushed hand, the ink smudged by what looked like dried tears."He knows where you are. He's coming. Leave as soon as you see this. Be safe. I'll find you again."The letters were large and full of Serah’s frantic energy. More dried tear stains dotted the bottom of the page. I read the note once, then twice, then a third time, each read leaving me
Jacob*Pushing myself to my feet, I dusted off the dirt and leaves that clung to my clothes. The tension that had coiled tightly in my chest began to unwind as I stepped away from the maple tree, following the trail the boy had left behind.As I walked, a thought stirred in the back of my mind. Had Serah been writing to Krista?The possibility sent a jolt of energy through me. If Serah was trying to contact Krista, it would explain the fear that had clouded her expression. She was trying to warn Krista against me.As if I was some villain.I shook away the anger that wanted to surface, focusing on the scent. It wound through the forest, weaving between the trees and cutting across the main path. The boy was quick, but he wasn’t careful. His scent clung to low-hanging branches and trampled grass, leaving a trail even a novice could follow. It was an odd mix of grass, sweat, and the faint sweetness of something sugary—perhaps the remnants of a treat he’d been eating earlier. I moved s
Jacob*As I continued to watch them, Bea's voice carried over the bubbling creek, as she speculated on what might happen when I found Krista. I barely listened, though I caught fragments about reunions and the possibility of revenge. It didn’t matter to me. My focus was on Serah.Her face twisted as though Bea’s words were physically painful. The tension in her shoulders rose until it looked like she might snap, and then she did—though not in the way I expected.“I just remembered,” Serah said suddenly, her voice tight. “I forgot to finish something earlier. I need to go.”Bea looked up from her scrubbing, frowning. “Now? You haven’t even—”But Serah didn’t wait to hear the rest. She was already wading out of the creek, the urgency in her movements impossible to miss. Water dripped from the hem of her pants as she slipped into her boots, her motions hurried and almost frantic.I watched her closely, my senses sharpening with every hurried step she took. She wasn’t just rushing—she wa
Jacob *My wolf stirred restlessly in the back of my mind, its laughter echoing in a way that made my chest tighten. It cut through the quiet like an unwelcome guest.Hiding, Alpha? it sneered, the mockery thick in its tone. Are you ashamed to look her in the eyes?I scoffed, mentally snapping back at it. Be quiet.Shame suits you, it continued, softer this time, but I forced its voice away, focusing instead on the scene before me.Bea gaped at Serah’s tone, before bending over the washboard again, her hands working furiously to scrub the large bedsheet, her frustration evident in every sharp movement. It was almost amusing how heated she was, though her words weren’t what interested me. It was Serah I was watching.This was a rare chance. A golden opportunity.The last time I’d tried to speak to Serah about Krista, the conversation had been disastrous. She’d been defensive, rude, unwilling to entertain the idea of helping me. She had not even bothered to hide her disdain for me, and







