Zeph’s POV
“Intruders are in the territory…and they are after you. Terran.” I spoke, their thoughts were so loud and clear in my head. They sounded so close. Why are they after Terran?
Terran turned to leave and I followed.
“No. Stay here, where it is safe,” he said.
“But you are in danger.”
“I can handle myself, Zeph, what I won’t be happy about is seeing you getting hurt. We have no idea what these intruder are capable of.”
He is right. The memory of the day I was ambushed sent a shiver down my spine. These intruders could be like them—or worse. But something was different this time. I am not helpless.
“Please, stay indoors. I am sure the warriors are already away,” he replied.
“Fine” I said. “But if I hear any sound of danger, I am stepping out.”
He nodded and left.
I became restless. What do these intruders want? Why are they after Terran? The thought of him being the target didn’t put my mind at ease. I didn’t stay in the room for another minute and stepped out. Outside, it was weirdly quiet.
“That’s strange…” I concentrated on my mind again, trying to see if I could find any bad thoughts again. But there was nothing, just silence.
As I moved, I felt my instincts kicking in. Move. As soon as I did, a sharp, whistling sound cut through the air.
I barely had time to react before a chain with a curved blade slashed past me, pausing midair and retracting. I turned around and locked eyes with a man, half of his face hidden with a mask.
He adjusted his grip and attacked again, swinging the weapon in a wide arc. The sickle whistled through the air, aiming straight for me.
I ducked and flipped backwards, using a telekinetic push to propel myself out of range. I noticed his eyes widened slightly before becoming normal.
“Who are you?” I asked. But the man didn’t say anything. Fine, you want to fight? Bring it on.
He swung the chain in a very skilled manner, while I used my power to avoid his attack.
“You don’t know me. Why are you attacking me?” I said. I was feeling a bit exhausted carrying myself. I couldn’t even get close to him. And there was nothing I could throw at him. Wait…if I couldn’t reach him, I didn’t need to.
I used my power on him, levitating him off the ground. I could feel him struggling.
“I should be asking you that.” The man finally responded.
“What?”
“Why does someone with rare powers like yours do it in this territory?”
“That doesn’t answer my question,” I remarked. “How many of you are here? What’s your purpose?”
“Like I will tell you.” Of course, he wouldn’t. just stalling time for the work to be done
“So you are stalling for someone?” I asked. He looked a bit confused and looked surprised.
“You read my mind? Impossible. Only rare people possess that ability, unless…you are from the starlight pack. Only that pack breeds this kind of power once in a while.”
That name…I read it from the book.
“You know of the pack?” I asked.
“Why are you fighting alongside the enemy? You’re supposed to fight alongside us.”
Now I am confused. What is he talking about?
“I am fighting. Against you and others that are after the alpha. This is my pack and territory.”
He scoffed. “You sound the opposite of how a starlight pack member should.”
“That pack no longer exists. It’s long gone.”
“The pack going extinct was almost true. But some of them still live.”
What? What does that mean?
“How do you know about that?”
“If you let me go from your hold, I might tell you what i know.”
“Do you think I am dumb? You will kill me as soon as I let you go.”
“I would have,” he admitted “But finding out who you might be changed my mind.”
“I don’t trust you. Tell me what you know.”
He sighed. “Fine. The starlight pack no longer exists…but some pack members still live.”
“Where are they?”
“Scattered around the globe. It takes knowing someone that knows them before you can meet them. And I don’t blame them. After all, their pack was destroyed by people they trusted the most.” His story aligns with what I read in the book.
“Which are?”
“I have given you enough information.”
“I decide when I’ve had enough information,” I said coolly. “Who were the people that betrayed them?”
“What are you going to do with that? Get revenge? You have no idea the enemies they are dealing with.”
I might not get revenge, but at least I will be aware of it. And I wanted to know the truth.
Before I could press further, he exhaled sharply. “Look, I’ll tell you this much—we aren’t your enemies. We’re allies of the Starlight Pack, or what’s left of it.”
My breath hitched. “Allies?”
He nodded. “A Seer gave us a warning. A dangerous power will rise and take over, and when that happens, no one will be safe. Not humans, not wolves, not even those with special abilities like you.” His gaze darkened. “We’re only saving our lives by getting rid of anyone who fits the description.”
“You think Terran fits the description?”
He crossed his arms. “He’s grown suspiciously more powerful over time. More than he should. No normal Alpha gets that strong that fast. We’d rather be safe than sorry.”
I let out a sharp breath, anger bubbling in my chest. “That’s ridiculous. Terran is the wrong guy. There’s nothing sinister about getting stronger over time.”
“Not when it’s natural,” he countered. “But what if it isn’t?”
“You don’t know that.”
I also want to get stronger. Strong enough that no one can decide my fate but me. Strong enough to protect myself, to protect the people I care about.
I lifted my chin. “You’re making a mistake. Killing someone just because they have the potential to be powerful—it’s wrong.”
“Easy for you to say. I have answered your questions. You let me go, and I won’t cross your path.”
“But you will still go after Terran.”
“Who said I wouldn’t?”
“You have the wrong person. And I won’t let you,” I replied.
He sighed. “This conversation is over. You can do your thing now.”
Before I could process what he said, the room burst with powder. When I inhaled it, I coughed so strongly. It was wolf’s bane powder. I lost my grip on him completely and coughed, trying to breathe.
I noticed another figure standing beside him. How come I didn’t notice this person?
“The starlight pack members are going to be thrilled when they are aware of you. We are going to meet again.” he said.
But before I lost consciousness, he looked back and made some kind of sign with his hand, tracing something in the air. What was that?
Then I blacked out.