ONE HUNDRED AND FIVE

Ace's POV

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"You're not coming with us?" Ellen asked her grandmother. Seeing how happy she was to finally have a family that cared about her made me smile. It always gladdens my heart to see her in a good mood.

Acantha had taken us to her cave, which was just underneath a cliff, and she had revealed that she wasn't coming with us to the pack house.

Acantha shook her head no, "it's too risky. I was banished from ever returning there."

"Ace can lift it, right?" She threw me a look, her doe eyes holding a plea.

"Of course, as long as it's what you want," I readily agreed. "We will be glad to receive you again, you have helped us a lot."

"It's not just about him, his people might not accept me. The elders would recognize me, and it could create chaos in the pack; I don't want to cause any trouble."

"But Acantha-

"I will be fine, child. I have lived here for decades and survived. Trust me, it is much more peaceful here for me than anywhere else," she encouraged her, but Ellen wasn't having it.

"It is peaceful in the pack too, and we will be closer to each other," she attempted to convince her.

"No matter where you are, I will always be close to you. I will always feel when you need me and I will run to you."

Noting Acantha's determination to remain in the cave, I decided to give them some time to bid farewell to each other. I stepped out of the cave and observed the area, letting my emotions sink.

Even though she didn't like me, Acantha had put her life on the line to break the curse. It worked, I felt it, so I wouldn't mind having her in the pack. She was Ellen's grandmother anyway and I was willing to do anything for her.

Being close to Ellen was everything to me, seeing her again washed away every atom of anger that I initially felt towards her.

It wasn't just about the mate bond; I was in love with her, and it was enough for me that she felt the same way.

Slowly and together, we were breaking all the obstacles that restricted us. My next target was Derek and just the thought of him erupted a burning desire in my chest. The desire to get rid of him. This time around, he had crossed a line, and the Crimson pack was going to pay the price for it. I would make sure Derek never gets to repeat this.

"Hey," I jolted out of my thoughts to find Ellen beside me. She was holding a leather bag, similar to the one that Acantha had. "Are you okay?"

"Of course," I smiled, wrapping my arms around her. "Are you done?"

She nodded, "I wish she would come with us though."

"Me too, but we should let her do what she wants as long as she's safe."

"True. She wished us a safe journey; I'm sure she would have wanted to talk to you, too."

"Do you really think so?"

Ellen hesitated before shaking her head, "She's still coming around."

"There's no rush. Can we go now?" I asked, wrapping my palm around hers. She nodded with a smile, leaning into my side.

"What's in the bag?" I asked as we embarked on our journey back home.

"Some energy herbs and food. Acantha gave them to me, she taught me a few spells and she also made us a map with safe spots so we wouldn't encounter much trouble," Ellen said, revealing the scroll.

We walked for long hours, and thanks to Acantha's map, we were able to avoid spots with Derek's checkpoints.

We passed through unfamiliar territories, sleekly walking past the patrols and scouts of the Crimson pack.

Despite Acantha's help, we still had a few encounters with Derek's men. I wondered what the case would have been had she not given us a map.

We had walked for hours, and soon it started to get dark. I was willing to keep going, but Ellen seemed tired, so we decided to rest for a bit.

I walked around to find a hideout, and I noticed a secluded cave; we could rest there and reevaluate our next step.

Ellen and I walked into the cave, it was empty but carried an unusual aura. Sharply and suddenly, I felt some presence that exuded massive strength.

"Wait.." I stopped Ellen who seemed too tired to notice what was amiss.

Seeing the look on my face, she suddenly became alert.

"There's someone here," she muttered and I nodded. Almost immediately, a deep growl echoed through the cave and two black bears appeared before us.

Quickly but gently, I shoved Ellen behind me, facing the animals with a daunting expression.

Staring into their eyes simultaneously with my brows deeply contorted and darkened eyes, they growled even louder, their eyes holding hostility.

In a calculative manner, I retreated, attempting to maintain a distance from the angry-looking beasts, but they advanced towards us.

"Ace.." Ellen's voice shook with fear.

"It'll be okay, I will handle this." Just that little distraction and I was scratched; the force threw me backward.

Without hesitation, I transformed and attacked the bears. With how skillfully they fought, I could tell that they were no ordinary beasts.

No matter how hard I fought back, they didn't seem to grow weak and I noticed that my scratches and bites had no effect on them. Their wounds continuously closed up without a single trace while my body grew weaker by the second. Their strength is overwhelming.

Regardless, I didn't relent. It seemed fruitless, seeing how they repeatedly stood strong, but I kept fighting back. I needed to protect Ellen, they would eat her up if they got close to her. I was certain they could perceive her powers already. Her repeated screams made me want to run to her and hold her in my arms, to assure her that I would protect her.

The intense battle raged on for hours, and I fought with all of my might despite my failing strength.

A wild growl sounded and I was violently shoved back. It was hard to move away from them with both their forces merging and their claws sinking into my sides. I hit the wall and dropped to the ground, transforming.

Dylan was weak, and my body was badly bruised, blood gushing from my wounds.

"Ace!" Ellen rushed up to me, holding me up. Her heavy breathing showed me how worried she was.

"What should I do? I don't think those things can be killed. We have to run."

"My body hurts," I groaned, realizing that I couldn't stand without support.

"I'll heal you," she quickly set to work. She placed her hand on my chest and shut her eyes. From my peripheral vision, I noticed the beasts advancing toward us, their growls reverberating through the room.

"Quick, Ellen!" I hurried her, awaiting a relief. She was taking time!

"Ellen.." my voice trailed when her eyes flew open and I saw them filled with tears.

Terrified, she shook her head slowly.

"I-it's not working," she stuttered in fear. "I'm trying but it's not working."

"What?" My brows arched. "What do you mean it's not working?"

She shook her head again, the tears dropping from my eyes. "I think my powers are gone."