Chapter 28: Stop! Ian Is in Danger

Isabella knew that time was passing and needed to connect with her Mate. She mind-linked him, but he seemed far away. She and her sister, Douglas, stood before the ancient cabin, its wooden beams weathered by time and its windows covered in a thick layer of frost. The door creaked open, inviting us to step inside. Hesitant but determined, we crossed the threshold, their breath visible in the cold air.

The cabin's interior was dimly lit, the only illumination source coming from a crackling fireplace in the corner. The warmth it emitted was a stark contrast to the frosty world outside. A wooden table stood at the centre of the room, covered in books and scrolls, their faded pages filled with secrets of old.

Douglas picked up a yellowed journal, its leather cover brittle. The pages revealed a series of sketches and handwritten notes as he opened it. It was the journal of a previous explorer who had sought the Snowflake Key, and their hearts raced with excitement at the prospect of uncovering the truth.

The journal spoke of a hidden cave deep within the frozen mountains' heart. It described an ancient prophecy that foretold the coming of a great evil and the Snowflake Key, a powerful artefact said to channel the pure essence of winter itself. Legend had it that whoever possessed the Snowflake Key could harness its magic to banish darkness and restore balance to the world.

The twin gazes locked onto a faded map hanging on the cabin wall. It depicted the treacherous path to the hidden Cave, marked with cautionary symbols and warnings. Determined to save their parents, Sophia clutched the map tightly.

"We must find this Cave, Douglas, "Sophia declared, her voice filled with determination. "Our journey isn't over. The Snowflake Key holds the answers we seek."

Isabella called Sophia aside for a private talk. She mind-linked to her feeling of unease about her Mate. She said that Milli told her that Mate was going to the Cave. Sophia noted that Marguerite, her wolf, told her the same. Isabella told her that since she knew her identity and had to accompany Douglas to find out about his family and their Father, she would give Sophia the Talisman. Sophia and the others could resume their quest. Still, she would have to get to the Cave to save her Mate. With her powers, she can prevent him from getting into danger. Sophia nodded. She told her when the quest was finished, Isabella would keep the Talisman because they shared the powers anyway. She reminded Sophia what Elizabeth said: an altered time zone means that a second of their reality can mean a day there. Isabella made Sophia promise that no matter what happened, she would keep her light shining, and if she were in any difficulty, she would mind-link her and open a portal for her re-entry.

The twins then called the others over to discuss their decision. They will open a portal and usher Isabella back to the Forbidden Cave, where she can meet Beta Ian. Douglas was a bit upset, but he agreed in the end.

Together, they went back outside, and Sophia held the Talisman as they drew their internal powers and evoked a Portal which lay pulsating for Isabella to exit. Isabella wished them well on their quest. She placed one foot into the Portal and waved to them, and in an instant, she was back in the Cave. Isabella was confident her sister would keep her promise and shine her light in the darkness. Isabella was a bit worried for her sister because the words of the Harbinger kept rotating in her mind. What if Douglas' darkness tries to corrupt her? She shook her head negatively and hoped that never occurred.

When she landed in the Cave, she made her way to the exit. She felt something slithering beside her foot, with her powers intact. She waved, and a bright pink light emanated from her palm. It sent light all over the Cave. She saw a three-headed serpent trying to bite her. All it could do was open its three mouths wide and snap it shut, but it could not touch her because her light pink glow had become rosy pink and surrounded her like a body glove. She extended her right mighty hand and directed it towards the three-headed serpent. It shrank to a worm's size. Then she annihilated it to smithereens.

Further along the Cave, she saw the creature. He bowed on his knees before her and pleaded. "Master." She ignored it as she walked on. She was almost to the exit when she heard a growl from a distance. She saw a humongous creature as tall as a tree and white as snow; she approached it. She was confident in her powers and knew nothing could stop her now. She was no longer on the defence. She was now on the offence but will use her powers to bring light and love. What she saw was very disturbing. He was trapped with barbed wires sticking through his legs.

Isabella looked at it with compassion. She waved her hands, and it was immediately free from pain and anguish. She walked over to the gigantic beast and passed her hands on its legs, which were instantly healed. He looked at her with love and respect. Purred and went on its way. Isabella laughed aloud as she watched it rumbling off.

Ian's scent hit her like a ton of bricks as she exited the Cave. Where was he? She called out for him, but she did not see him. She heard a faint cry for help. She followed the direction of the sound and saw her beloved strapped in vines. It seemed like he was tightly strapped for roasting. He was moaning and groaning. She swiftly flew to where he was. Then she realised she had one more superpower, and that was flying. She stretched out her hand and gently waved it around him, and he was unbounded. She thought that he would come running to hug her, but he lay there in a heap, gasping for breath.

She cannot remember lifting him with her superpowers and placing him in the car as she drove like a maniac to the hospital. When she reached the pack grounds, the ambulance and paramedics were coming to her. She quickly pulled to the side of the road and gave them access to her car. They placed Ian on the stretcher and took him into the ambulance. She followed them in her car.

As they reached the hospital, she quickly parked the car and ran into the emergency room. She told them she was his guardian and would sign any documents for him. He was weak and frostbitten. They took him to intensive care and wrapped him in hot blankets to thaw his body out. The doctor told her had she been ten minutes later, he would have died of hypothermia.

She held his hands and begged him to get better soon. His wolf was not responding to Millicent. Millicent told her he was lost, and she couldn't find him. She was whimpering in Isabella's head. She was going out of her head with grief. What would they do if he lost his wolf because he was determined to find her?

My Beloved Readers,

Our Beta Ian has another challenge: Will his Mate help him find his wolf, or will his wolf be lost forever?

Love always,

Your Author.