CHAPTER 180 - THE RETURN OF THE SUCCUBUS

POV: SOPHIE

I walked through the pack, passing through the gates and heading to the Succubus camp, which appeared restless, harsh, and less vibrant. Something was amiss; I noticed some of them on the ground, groaning in pain, while others seemed thinner, as if malnourished.

“What happened here?” I murmured to myself, heading to Nyxara's tent.

I sniffed the air; the nuances of desire and power were intense and concentrated only there, but the scent of despair was also present.

“Nyxara? It's me; we need to talk.” I spoke at the tent's entrance, waiting for some response. Nothing came back; I growled, entering.

I found her motionless, staring into nothing, looking distant, with the goblet in her hands, and many empty bottles scattered on the floor.

“Succubus?” I leaned on her shoulder, making her jump in fright. “Are you okay?”

“The beast was tireless, insatiable, and had so much power... So many desires, so much intensity!” She spoke with her eyes still in shock.

“What happened? Did the creature hurt you?” I raised my eyebrows, concerned.

“This is the strangest part, Hybrid; the beast creature never hurt me... It was gentle outside.” Nyxara sat back down, turning the goblet.

“Gentle? The beast?” I sat in front of her, shocked.

“No one has ever been kind to us... We are demons of desire, but the beast is different.” She said.

“So, what happened? Why did the creature make me bring you back?” I growled impatiently. “What did the beast propose to you when it whispered in your ear?”

“Oh, yes... The deal...” She mumbled and was static.

I stood up, irritated, holding her by the shoulders and shaking her frantically.

“Nyxara, wake up; your sisters need you!” I exclaimed, bringing her back.

“Forgive me, Luna... You're right!” She straightened up, sighing. “The beast asked me to help her train in silent possession of the mind, through dreams, something we usually do to feed.”

“That's how you managed to possess the Alpha without him sensing it,” I commented, analyzing. “And what else?”

“In exchange, all of his desired power would be mine... And Luna?” Nyxara turned to face me. “The beast is willing not to invade your interactions with your alpha if you seal the rift that connects the creature's prison to the escapes of the dark world.”

“And is this possible? Wouldn't it be dangerous for the Lycan king?” I asked, confused.

“No, but the beast could never be removed from its alpha again!” The Succubus shrugged.

“This is not acceptable; the beast must go!” I growled, irritated.

“You wolves only care about yourselves!” Nyxara shouted, irritated. “We are not to blame for what we are; we didn't ask to exist, and neither did the creature wish to be imprisoned by an arrogant alpha... Your request is minimal compared to everything it has been through!”

“Why are you saying this?” I narrowed my eyes. “If the beast is as good in your eyes as you say, why did you expel it from there?”

“It was my fault!” She answered bitterly.

“What do you mean?” I raised my eyebrows, watching her fill the goblet even more.

“I fell in love with the beast... For its desires, its ways, and power...” The Succubus sighed. “Soon I, who always guided and forbade my sisters from getting emotionally involved with their food sources.”

“Still, I don't understand the reasons for expelling it.” I scratched my chin, assessing her increasingly hostile posture.

“How naive you are, Hybrid; it's almost disgusting...” Nyxara shouted, twisting her mouth before spitting out the words. “The beast loves you and understands that it will never have you, so it intends to at least be your protector against this war!”

“Love me? How is that possible? We've only had confrontations!” I jumped from my spot, pacing back and forth.

“It seems that the Alpha's feelings are so intense that they reach the emotions of the cursed beast.” She rolled her eyes. “I intend to return after you seal the rift... The creature agreed if it meant taking my sisters along.”

“Your sisters?” I stopped in front of her, taking the goblet from her hands. “Why does he want them too?”

“It's the price; it seems you're worth a thousand Succubus... What an honor, isn't it?” Nyxara mocked.

“The Alpha won't agree to this!” I growled, irritated. “You are not trustworthy.”

“You wolves aren't any better, and here we are...” She retorted. “I will share the source of desires I have accumulated with my sisters who are wasting away out there; I suggest you talk to your alpha; you don't want a thousand creatures possessed by hunger roaming around!”

“Is this a threat?” I approached her, grabbing her by the collar.

“It's a warning; as I said, I can't contain them all!” The Succubus replied slowly.

I threw her to the ground, irritated, preparing to leave. I heard her words from my back.

“You don't deserve the beast you have!” Nyxara said it firmly.

Growling, I left and returned to the pack, needing to urgently talk to my mate. I entered the pack, and saw Elara and her daughter Selene talking to the beta; they had furrowed brows. When they noticed me, they changed the subject.

“My apprentice, how are you?” Elara spoke excitedly, hugging me. “I feel that your magic is getting stronger!”

“Elder.” I hugged her back. “I'm glad you answered the alpha's call; it's always good to see you, Selene!”

I also hugged Selene, smiling.

“It's not like the Lycan king asked nicely...” Selene commented, laughing.

“There's always a threat at the end of each command!” Elara added, laughing.

We chuckled.

“This leads me to ask, Why are you here?” They exchanged glances and then looked at Oliver, who was in his human form, to greet them.

“Forgive me, Luna, that should be addressed directly to the Lycan king; we don't have authorization to speak,” replied the beta, leading them into the meeting room.

“I am the Luna of this pack; I command you to speak, beta!” I growled, threateningly.

“I see that your mate's habits have infiltrated even further into your veins.” I turned my body to face Morgana Obsidian, the recluse witch.

The wolves around began to murmur in shock, some trembling in her presence, and even Oliver seemed uncomfortable with her unexpected arrival.

“Morgana? By the ancestors, what are you doing here?” I ran to hug her and looked at her with a furrowed brow. “What's happening? Why are the recluse witches and ancestors gathering here?”

“Let's go to the meeting room, child; soon, your alpha will join us,” Morgana spoke cordially. I noticed a glint in her eyes, suggesting that the line of life and balance were under more severe threat. “Is this how you welcome an old friend? Will you just stare at me and not invite me in?”

“Of course, please...” I led them and looked over my shoulder. “Isadora and Sibila?”

“I needed to keep them safe. For now, we won't need them; it's better this way...” She replied cordially.

“Is it that serious?” I bit my lip, apprehensive. “Does it have to do with my cub? Doesn't it?”

Morgana seemed to consider how much she could say.

“Let's wait for the Lycan king; I came at the ancestors' request. If I'm here, it means we can figure something out!” She smiled in reassurance.