Chapter 13

Eric's mind raced as he processed the shocking information he had received. He had a reputation to uphold, and loyalty was important among his crew. But he was no fool. Fiona's words held weight, and if Kane had indeed been fraternizing with a wolf, it could be a potential advantage— a means to fulfill the prophecy that had haunted his thoughts for so long. But he couldn’t understand why Kane kept it from them. He could’ve sworn Kane was one of his top loyal men.

Either way, this meant that Kane was of no use to him after he got what he wanted. He needed to find out more information from him and knowing Kane, Eric knew he wouldn’t give up anything under duress.

Eric had always suspected that Kane had something to hide though he has been with their pack since he was nineteen. Though he had a quick mind and quick feet that had kept him alive through their wolf hunt till now, Eric still didn’t trust the boy to make quick decisions like he did. Perhaps the wolf-girl has got him wrapped round her fingers.

Unfortunately, Kane would have to go after he provided him with the information he needed. After all, he didn’t need a bad egg deceiving his hunt crew with stories about good and bad wolves.

He gathered his most trusted lieutenants, each of them silent as they listened to his plan. Eric had always been a strategist, his mind sharp and calculating. The information he had received from Fiona was valuable, a spark of hope that ignited a fire within him. He had to act swiftly.

“Where did you see them?” His gaze locked on Fiona as she shuddered at the venomous look he had in his eyes. After she described the area as a cave, he left the hunters’ clearing with instructions to his men to prepare for attack.

The cave was not difficult to find as he knew where to go. He sighted Kane and a young lady sprawled on the ground of the cave, barely clothed as they conversed and stealthily moved closer while keeping away from sight. “We could find food in my grandmother’s hut. Tata’s more of a witch than a wolf and she loves me too much to reject my guest.” Eric stiffened as he heard the female voice. “I’m still not sure why she doesn’t want to move into the palace.”

“A witch-wolf?” he whispered to himself. This must be the wolf in the prophesy. He’d hit gold, he was sure of it.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea, Ophelia. Going there could put her in danger.” That was definitely Kane. “What if we ran into someone from the wolf hunters?”

“We won’t,” the girl said. “It’s the middle of the night. Surely, your hunter friends should all be asleep by now.”

Kane hesitated for a moment before he gave in. “Alright. Where is her hut? We need to move quickly though, before dawn.” Eric listened to the directions she gave Kane and left the cave clearing as quietly as he came. He considered the idea of killing them both now. A pleasing thought, but Kane would put up a good fight and he might not be able to get to the witch-wolf on time. He would have to save the best for later.

“There's a cottage in the woods,” Eric began once he got the hunters’ clearing, his voice low and steady. “I think it’s the witch from the prophesy and we have to act quick before Kane and the wolf get to her before we do,” he added with a hint of disgust. “She doesn't reside in the palace, as we once believed. We have a chance to capture her and bring her back to the fortress.”

Whispers of agreement rippled through the small gathering. They understood the gravity of the situation– capturing the witch could tip the scales in their favor, a decisive blow against the wolf pack that had plagued the human lives for so long.

“We'll organize a secret mission,” Eric continued. “We strike in one hour. Burn down the cottage, corner the witch. If we can capture her, we’ll finally put an end to this war.”

The hunters nodded, their faces determined. They had followed Eric for years, trusted his judgment and leadership without question and even though he was unscrupulous in his fight against the wolves, they knew it was for the greater good. This was a chance to reclaim their power, to strike back against the creatures that had caused them so much pain.

Just before, the hunters moved with precision. The cottage was nestled deep within the woods, a hidden sanctuary that had sheltered the witch from their grasp. It was difficult to find than they’d expected. She was still inside, Eric grinned as he stared at the hut. Before she realized what was happening, it would be too late. Smoke and flames billowed as the hunters set the structure ablaze, the crackling of the fire echoing in the early morning stillness.

****

Kane and Ophelia watched from a distance, his heart pounding in his chest. Horror gripped him as he realized the truth of Eric's plan. He had been blind to the consequences of his actions, his feelings for Ophelia clouding his judgment. The hunters were attacking her grandmother’s home. How had Eric found out about Tata? What did they know that he didn’t? Had they found out about him and Ophelia?

“Oh, my God,” Ophelia’s voice broke. “Tata.”

“It’s the wolf hunters,” he said.

‘We have to do something, Kane, or she’s going to die.”

Dread and guilt churned within him, a storm of emotions that threatened to consume him. He had to do something, had to save Tata from the hunters' clutches.

“Stay here,” he said to her. “I mean it, Ophelia. I’ll go get her.”

Ignoring the danger to himself, Kane darted toward the chaos, his instincts guiding him through the smoke and flames.

***

Inside the burning cottage, Tata's eyes widened in fear as she realized her home was under siege. She could hear the approaching footsteps, the shouts of the wolf hunters who had come for her. Panic surged through her veins, her mind racing for an escape. But she was too old to run and too weak to cry out for help.

And then, through the haze of smoke, a figure appeared, a man who looked oddly familiar, his eyes wild with desperation. Without hesitation, he reached out to her, his strong arms pulling her to safety. Tata's heart raced as she clung to him. He couldn’t be part of the people burning down her cottage if he was helping her.

“My cottage,” she whispered, her croaking voice barely audible over the roar of the flames.

“We need to go,” the man urged, his voice urgent. He led her through the burning wreckage, covering her frail body with his. They emerged from the inferno, the forest welcoming them with its cool embrace. Thankfully, none of the hunters had seen them in their excitement. Kane's heart hammered in his chest, relief washing over him as Tata's safety became his sole focus. He had to protect her, keep her away from the clutches of the hunters.

As they made their way deeper into the forest, a familiar figure stepped out from the shadows – Ophelia, her eyes gleaming with tears.

“Kane,” Ophelia said, her voice steady. “We need to get to safety. The hunters won't give up easily.”

Kane nodded, his gaze locked with hers. He still carried Tata, guilt eating at him as they walked. This was all his fault. If he’d never gotten involved with Ophelia, if he’d just kept to himself, this would never have happened. Now Eric was sure to know about them and that meant only one thing: His life was also in danger.