Chapter 186: Lost And Hunted

Chapter 186: Lost And Hunted
Brenda’s POV

The air had an odd fragrance, moist and heavy, like smoke and rain. As I walked, my fingers tight on the Moonstone, my boots sinking into the damp ground. It glowed in the mist like a small star and pulsed quietly in my hand.

I said to it in a whisper, "Show me the way."

I was drawn toward the east as the stone flickered and then flashed stronger. My heart was racing. The only thing guiding me to him is this.

In this woodland, every sound seemed alive. My skin crawled when the wind groaned through the trees. The crunch of my own footsteps and the rustle of something or someone moving in the darkness were audible to me.

Despite my twisted stomach, I said, "Come out," in a calm voice.

Quiet. Then, "Turn back," came in a whisper.

I went cold. I let out loud intakes of breath. "Who said that?"

No response. Just the breeze.

My grasp on the stone tightened as I pushed forward. A dark valley was revealed as the trees grew thinner. Like spectral snakes, fog coiled low to the ground. Uncomfortably, my inner wolf woke up.

"I feel wrong about this," I whispered.

"Go on," she said.

So I did.

The Moonstone sparkled brighter as I entered the valley. Through the fog, its light revealed odd markings on the rocks, which I recognised as symbols from the prophetic book.

My heart pounded violently. This has to do with him. I am aware of that.

A howl abruptly broke the quiet. Long, angry, and deep. My blood froze.

It was joined by another howl. Then another.

I drew my dagger and said quietly, "They're coming."

Shapes appeared—wolves—as the fog changed. Black, huge eyes that glowed like embers. Not your typical wolves. These were dark, twisted, and incorrect.

They growled low as they circled me. Inside of me, my wolf snarled, ready to battle.

I spoke louder. "I will hurt you, even though I don't want to."

First to lunge was the largest. I rolled sideways and ducked. It yelled and staggered back as my dagger sliced its flank.

I was attacked by two more. I whirled, kicking one away and slicing the other. However, there were too many.

“Remember, Brenda!” I hissed.

Stronger than ever, the Moonstone surged once more. Heat moved into my chest and up my arm. Its light burst like fire when I raised it.

The wolves' eyes flickered, and they froze, groaning.

"What is this?" I said as I looked at the shield-like brightness that surrounded me.

The wolves retreated and disappeared into the fog.

With trembling hands, I lowered the stone. I exhaled, "You saved me."

However, the light remained constant. Like a thread of force, it became brighter and drew me forward.

I pursued it all the way to the foot of a dark mountain. A cave's dark, icy opening yawned in front of me.

In my hand, the stone blazed hotly, as though yelling: Enter.

My heart pounded. "Damian... Are you inside?

From the cave came the icy words, "He is now ours."

After furiously flickering, the Moonstone went dark.

I opened my eyes and felt a throb of pain. The world whirled, and I briefly lost my identity.

I clutched my chest as I slowly sat up. In my head, my name, my past, and everything else felt like shattered glass.

"Brenda..." Like a prayer, I blurted out the name. However, who was she? Why did saying it make my heart hurt?

From outside the walls came voices. Guttural, harsh remarks that I couldn't grasp. The chains shook. Then there were footsteps.

It shoved the door open. Three black-clad figures came in. Their eyes were red, but their faces were veiled.

One of them growled, "You can't help yourself. This is what you were meant to do.

I tightened my hands and stood. "Don't come near me."

They chuckled. "You certainly don't recall, do you? We own the prophecy, the power, and you.

I gave a headshake. "No. Nobody owns me.

One lunged first. I spun and grabbed his arm, knocking him to the ground. The second struck me with a blade. I kicked him hard as I ducked.

My ribs ached, but I continued to move. I knew how to fight, but I had no idea who I was.

The third seized me from behind and used a chain to choke me. I tore the chain from his hands and smashed my head back, shattering his nose.

Together, they came at me, hissing in anger. I knocked down two with a whip-like swing of the chain before slamming the final one into the wall.

I dropped the chain, panting. I had trembling hands. I was so exhausted that my body burned.

Then a flashback occurred. Warm eyes. A voice whispering my name: "Damian."

"Brenda," I said once again, more forcefully.

Indeed. She was that. She was authentic. It was necessary to her.

Before more guards arrived, I stumbled toward the door and slipped through the darkness. Torches illuminated the twisting path. Every breath felt like fire as my heart raced while I ran.

Then I stopped, though. The corridor split left and right ahead.

Chants came from the left. Screams from the right.

And there was a pool of black liquid in the centre of the floor, swirling as if it were alive.

I crouched next to it and looked. "Damian... come to us," it said, tugging at my thoughts. We have your power.

I felt a sharp pain in my skull. I gritted my teeth and gripped my skull. "No, I'm not yours."

I staggered to my feet, about to bolt—when someone emerged from the darkness.

Tall. Wrapped with silver. Keep your face hidden.

"Who are you?" I insisted.

"The end begins tonight," said the apparition in a cold, quiet voice. And it will be initiated by you, Damian.

The ground gave way beneath me before I could move—and everything was engulfed in darkness.