Chapter 124

Lucas' POV

My sister, the woman I'd known all my life, was trying to kill me. My family was unorthodox, often suprising each other by revealing worse traits. For Sabrina, I saw the hate in her eyes that stretched far beyond the spell that controlled her. Somewhere deep inside, she truly wanted me dead.

Just as Sabrina's claws were about to make contact with my face, a powerful force knocked her sideways. She tumbled across the ground, snarling as she regained her footing.

"I won't watch my children kill each other." Our father roared, positioning himself between us. "Not after everything I've fought to accomplish with you."

I stared at him, momentarily shocked by his intervention.

"This isn't her," I shouted across the field, while I watched Matthew disappear into the trees the second he saw my father. "She's under Amaris's control. The spell controlling her gives the witches and Matthew, temporary control of her."

Father's eyes narrowed. "I know. Which is why we need to subdue her without causing permanent damage."

"You take her left, I'll take her right. Pin her arms."

I nodded, falling into the familiar rhythm. Suddenly, it was like old times. Dad teaching us how to fight each other. We moved in tandem, approaching Sabrina from opposite sides.

She lunged at him first. I used her distraction to dart behind her.

"Sabrina," I called out, hoping to reach her. "Fight it. You're stronger than this."

She charged at me again, but Father intercepted.

"Your mother's awake," he said as we regrouped, keeping our eyes on Sabrina. "The doctors are examining her now."

I felt my heart skip a beat. "She's alive?"

"Yes." Father's voice was strained. "Once she's checked and alright, we'll know the identity of Amaris-whose face she wears. Then we can finish her once and for all."

Sabrina let out an inhuman screech and charged again. I dodged, grabbing her arm and twisting it behind her back, careful not to break it. Father moved in, trying to restrain her other arm, but she was unnaturally strong.

"If Amaris dies," Father grunted as Sabrina's elbow connected with his ribs, "the spell controlling your sister weakens. The witch's magic weakens as well."

I tightened my grip on Sabrina's arm. "So we kill Amaris, and we save Sabrina?"

"And end this madness." Father nodded, his eyes meeting mine. "Killing Amaris is one victory that scores us all."

Sabrina thrashed violently, nearly breaking free from my hold.

"Are you ready to kill her?" Father asked, his voice hardening. "No matter who she turns out to be?"

I thought of Elara, of our unborn child, of everything that had been sacrificed already. I thought of my sister, trapped in her own body, forced to attack those she loved.

"I've had enough of this madness," I growled. "Amaris must die. I don't care who she's possessing, I'll rip her head off with my bare hands."

Father nodded, satisfaction in his eyes. "Then let's end this."

We moved in perfect sync. Father feinted left, drawing Sabrina's attention. I swept her legs out from under her. As she fell, Father pinned her arms. I secured her legs.

She thrashed and screamed. "You can't stop what's coming,"

Father met my eyes and nodded. With a swift, precise movement, he struck her temple, rendering her unconscious. Her body went limp in our arms.

I stared down at my sister's face, peaceful now in unconsciousness.

"We need to get her to the pack doctors,"

My father nodded, then frowned as he looked over my shoulder. I turned to see what had caught his attention.

In the distance, Matthew was watching us.

"Come and get me, Lucas.'' He shouted, baiting me.

"Coward," my father spat.

"Matthew spent enough time with Elara's mother and aunt," I said. "Those witches must have told him something." I turned to face my father fully. "Carry Sabrina to the pack doctors. I'm going after Matthew."

My father's eyes widened. "You think he knows who Amaris is?"

"If anyone knows, it's Matthew," I answered. "He's been working with the witches all along. He might even be leading us to her right now."

He hesitated, then nodded. "Go. But be careful. If Matthew is running toward Amaris, you might be walking into a trap."

I smiled, but there was no humor in it. "I'm counting on it."

Then I launched myself into the forest, following Matthew's scent. This business with the witches, with Amaris, had gone on for too long. I wanted it to be over. I wanted Amaris dead. Only with her death will life move on. Amaris had been the cause of everything. The spell the witches cast on me, forcing me to reject my mate was under the ancient command ofAmaris. She was hidden, but somehow, the witches still got their orders from her. Perhaps, once Amaris is gone, I can get rid of my father. With him away, my pack and mate would be safe.

Behind me, I heard my father calling out, "Bring back her head, son!"

For once, I was all too happy to obey.