Chapter 75: Captured Revenge

Claire’s POV

I crashed to the ground, and the force of the impact knocked the air right out of my lungs and set fire to some undetermined ribs. The battle thundered stridently underneath me, Redwater warriors hunting down the remaining members of Midnight Moon and their hidden allies. The clash of steel, and growling shifted wolves, earth, and blood made up the element but none mattered at that precise moment.

Since I was encircled.

Over me, figures with low, menacing snarls loomed. There was something off about their smell, something familiar but twisted like Midnight Moon had rotted from the inside out. Jared's soldiers. However, they were not alone in this place.

I ignored the sharp sting in my side and forced myself to stand. In the confusion, I lost my blade and knocked it out of my hand. Before I could react, rough hands grabbed me from behind and pulled my arms back, despite my wolf's pleas for me to shift and fight back.

There were too many, but I thrashed. I felt a searing pain shoot through my skull as one of them struck me across the face. They overpowered me in that moment of weakness when my vision briefly became blurry.

A recognisable voice, icy and full of satisfaction, broke through the confusion.

"All right, all right. Now look at you, Claire.

Jared.

With blood streaming down my lip, I raised my head and looked him in the eye. Wearing ripped combat gear, he stood a few feet away, his once-imposing frame now weighed down by desperation. But that warped hatred was still burning in his eyes.

His lip curled as he stepped forward slowly. "You still believe you can win after everything."

I scowled at him without flinching. Redwater is already victorious. Simply put, you are too blind to notice it.

Jared laughed harshly. "You think this is the end? Do you think I will die just because I kill a few of my warriors?" He came down on his knees and held my chin close, pushing my face up to his. "Claire, you took everything from me-my pack. My strength. I am going to take everything from you now."

It's true. A chill in my spine, but I said nothing and held my teeth closely.

 Jared nodded to the warriors holding me down as his hold grew tighter before he finally let go. "Take her."

I thrashed once more but to no avail. They had an unbreakable grip. They pulled me back, towards the thick forest, away from the battlefield. My heart raced for Redwater, not for myself.

Derek.

They were unaware that I had gone missing.

They were unaware that Jared had me.

And it might be too late by the time they realise

The trip was harsh.

My feet scraped the rough ground and jagged roots as Jared's warriors pulled me through the dense forest. Even though my body hurt, I continued to struggle. They yanked me harder each time I attempted to escape, making me keep going.

Jared never looked back, staying ahead. His usual anger was less dangerous than his eerie silence. He was planning, he was thinking. I was more afraid of that than anything else.

We were far into uncharted territory by the time we came to a stop. My nose was filled with the smell of damp earth and pine. In front of me was a clearing with figures waiting there in eerie shadows created by the moonlight.

More fighters.

And another thing.

The sight of them made my breath catch—men in dark armour with hoods covering their faces. They watched, perfectly motionless. I felt cold just being around them.

The unidentified group.

Jared turned, a smirk curling his lips. "I had a plan, I told you."

A figure with a hood moved forward. He spoke calmly and without emotion. "Is she the one?"

Jared gave a nod. Redwater native Claire. The person who destroyed my pack.

The man in the hood looked at me, his face unreadable. Then he faced Jared once more. "In return for our assistance, you promised her."

My blood became icy.

Jared had struck a bargain.

And the cost was me.

I wasted no time.

I twisted violently and kicked the closest warrior in the knee as soon as Jared turned away. His grip relaxed for a half-second, just enough time, and he grunted. Wrenching free, I sprang forward and ran for the tree line.

A whistling sound pierced the quiet air. 

Pain shot through my leg as a wolfsbane-pricked dart struck me. My body betrayed me; my eyesight blurred and my limbs burned. Muscles seized, and I fell to the opened forest floor, panting for breath. 

Jared's grin widened as he settled down to my side. "I knew you'd try that." He held out a hand and, in jest of the most tender act, swept my hair from my face. "But you're not going anywhere, Claire."

 My body refused to comply with my attempt to snarl.

The hooded figure squatted next to Jared, observing me with a disturbing interest. "She has a strong will."

Jared laughed. Yes, she is. Do not worry, though. She will shatter.

After examining me for a considerable amount of time, the hooded man nodded. Excellent. We will now take her.

Jared paused his grin. "Now? I had the thought—

"You do not set the rules," the man cut in, his tone icy. "She is now ours."

Jared's expression briefly changed to one of uneasiness. He paused, but the hooded figures moved forward before he could protest.

Two of them seized me, their hands strangely icy.

As they pulled me towards the darkened path ahead, Jared clenched his jaw but remained silent. I forced my mind to remain clear as I battled the burning in my veins.

I needed to leave.

I needed to alert Redwater.

I was engulfed in darkness. Suddenly, through the insulation of thick cloth, I could hear subdued whispers filtered through the hooded figures. They spoke a language unknown to me, but the horrible realisation unfolded in my mind. 

I had no idea where they were going to take me.

Even worse—

I doubted that anyone would discover me in time.