Chapter 16: INTERLUDE; Scorching Death Poison.
INTERLUDE
The forest's density formed a natural fortress that hides the sanctuary from prying eyes. Shafts of sunlight pierce the thick canopy, casting patches of warm light on the ground, while the air becomes cooler and filled with a tang of damp earth.
The trees are grand, their trunks gnarled and wrapped with creeping vines that hang like veils. These natural archways lead forward, beckoning you into the heart of this secretive realm.
Water trickles through the hideout, creating a small pond. These waterways are lined with moss-covered stones, providing a serene setting for the wolves to relax and rejuvenate. The water itself seems to hold a mystical quality, almost as if it possesses a life force of its own.
These structures serve as communal areas, where the wolves gather for important meetings, celebrations, and rituals.
The werewolves waited patiently for one of their own to return.
A lone scout, Donovan, finally returned to the heart of the pack's camp, his breath ragged and his eyes wide with urgency. The air was thick with anticipation, a tension that seemed to echo the weight of his mission.
“Alpha Lazarus” Donovan panted, his voice a hushed urgency, “I've just returned from the perimeter patrol. I've sighted her.”
There was a murmur around the group.
Alpha Lazarus, his fur a shimmering glow of ebony and silver, stepped forward. His presence was commanding, his eyes gleaming with both power and concern. “Luna?” he inquired, his voice a low growl that mirrored the unease coursing through the pack.
Donovan nodded, his gaze unsteady. “Yes, Alpha. She was with a man, a renowned wolf catcher, known for his ruthlessness, cunning, and speed.”
The pack members shifted uneasily, exchanging glances that spoke of shared worry. Beta Selene, her silver fur glistening like moonlit water, spoke up, her voice soft yet resolute.
“Then we must act, Alpha. Luna is not just a pack member, she's family. She risked her life for all us, and it's our responsibility to make sure, she doesn't suffer it”
Alpha Lazarus nodded, his voice carrying the weight of command. “Agreed. Gather the pack. We'll plan a stealthy rescue operation. We can't afford to underestimate the danger they pose.”
The scout's eyes were downcast, his shoulders sagging beneath, “No, you don't understand. She wasn't captured, she was with them”
“What?” Lazarus thundered
There was a spark of outrage and murmur among the pack
“Are you sure of what you have said” Selene demanded
“Yes, I'm certain. She wasn't just with him, they seemed fond of each other. They spoke earnestly, as if allies, not strangers.”
Alpha Lazarus's expression darkened, his eyes narrowing with a mixture of disappointment and anger. “Are you certain of what you witnessed?”
The scout's voice quivered, his conviction wavering. “Yes, Alpha. I hid in the shadows, watching and listening. There's no mistake. She alerted him to my presence when I wanted to spring a surprise attack on him. And he nearly killed me for it, I barely escaped with my life”
Beta Selene's voice held a tinge of sorrow. “Luna was like family to us. How could she align herself with those who seek our downfall?”
Alpha Lazarus's voice held a chilling edge, a tone that conveyed a decision born from necessity.
“I trusted her completely, believed that our bond was unbreakable. But now, I see the truth.” He paused, the moonlight casting shadows on his face as he collected his thoughts.
“We cannot ignore this betrayal. Gather the pack. Luna is hereby declared a traitor, and when encountered, she should be killed on sight”
There was a murmur of agreement among the pack.
A woman jumped out of nowhere and knelt in front of the Alpha.
“Alpha, Luna will never betray us” She said.
“I know what I saw Verena" Donovan bellowed
“I am not refuting what you saw, but Alpha, whatever it is Donovan saw, there must be a reason for it”
“Verena, I understand she is your sworn sister, but betraying the pack has only one consequence” Lazarus replied
“Give me some time, I will bring her back” Verena argued.
There was a murmur of disagreement among the pack.
“We all know how close you are, you can be in on her betrayal for all we know” a voice came from the crowd. “The most logical thing to do will be to detain you until you confess her whereabouts”
There was a murmur of agreement.
“Alpha, use the Scorching Death Poison on me” Verena mused
There was a gasp of horror from the pack.
The Scorching Death Poison is the deadliest poison in the underworld. It is usually used on werewolves who betray their pack to grant a painful death. It eats the werewolf inside out, and unless the pack decides to forgive the werewolves and grant it the antidote, often in the Alpha's possession, it would be the most painful death. Her organ would melt painfully in three days span.
Its very existence is shrouded in mystery because it was rarely used. It is almost unheard of for a Werewolf to betray its pack, knowing the fate that awaits him.
“Are you certain, Verena?” Lazarus asked,
“I am sure. It is the only way I can be trusted.”
Lazarus threw a pin viciously, it poked Verena on the neck. She winced at the sudden jab.
“You now have a Scorching Death Poison running through your Vein. Bring back Luna in three days, or even I can't save you”
“I understand, Thank You, Alpha.”
She disappeared swiftly, as she has appeared.
The Alpha, sure she was gone, addressed his pack.
“I have decided Luna can't be trusted, nor Verena, she was too eager to have the Scorching Death Poison embedded in her.”
“ My decision for Luna to be killed on sight still stands, and if Verena dares stand in your way, Kill her too!"
“Yes, Alpha” They chorused.