CHAPTER 174 - THE RETURN OF CONAN
“No, I killed her!” I took a few steps forward, taking charge of the situation and facing my Luna, who remained still, lacking the courage to own up to her actions.
“How could you kill my aunt like that? She was right; you are a heartless-cursed wolf!” Conan spat out the words, rising from the ground and transforming into his wolf form.
I was surprised by his control over the transformation. He came at me, trying to bite me. Sophie intervened, receiving the bite on her human arm and falling to the ground with a scream, clutching the wounded area.
“Aunt! I didn't mean to hurt you...” Conan returned to human form, crouching in front of his aunt, licking her wound, and holding her arm. “Why did you step in? Why do you defend him?”
“I'm fine, my brave one. There's much to be explained and revealed, but not here... It's not safe!” She caressed his face, pulling him into a tight embrace. “Forgive me, my son; forgive me for not protecting you and for not being here. I love you so much!”
“Now you're here, and I love you too, Aunt Sophie.” He smiled, hugging her tighter.
“We need to go; the witch may appear at any moment,” I said it impatiently, staring at them. I assessed my cub from top to bottom, feeling his hostility and the way he looked at me with hatred, similar to the way I looked at my father.
Furthermore, I sighed; they had corrupted our bond, and I wasn't sure if it could be restored.
“Cub, can you run and show us the way out?” I fixed my gaze determinedly.
“I'll do better than that!” His threatening eyes shot flames as he stared at me. “RETURN!”
Everything around us was shrouded in darkness; we spun, causing a dizzying sensation. For mere moments, I closed my eyes, and when I opened them again, we were in our pack, in the living room of our house.
“Transportation spell, but how do you know how to do that? Aren't you tired?” Sophie asked curiously and was surprised, assessing him from head to toe.
“I'm fine, Aunt. Your arm, please.” He pointed firmly; she extended her arm, and with a simple stroke of his hand, the open wound on Sophie's arm closed without Conan uttering a word.
“Conan... That's amazing; you're amazing!” She smiled, surprised by his power, and hugged him again.
“You're crushing me, Aunt!” Conan grumbled.
“Forgive me, forgive me... I missed you so much; I love you so much, my cub!” Sophie kissed his cheeks, making him laugh. “We need to talk about everything, but just for today, let me pamper you and enjoy the fact that we are reunited!”
“I'll order them to make a chocolate cake and hot milk. I suggest you go take a shower; we'll meet here in half an hour.” I growled, still feeling discomfort in the presence of my son. Something didn't seem right, and that feeling consumed me.
“Great idea!” Sophie spoke excitedly, with a wide smile from ear to ear. I approached the cub, placing my hands on his shoulders, which instantly tensed. I sighed again, crouching in front of him and matching his eye level.
“I'm glad you're home, my son. Welcome back to the pack!” I smiled, wanting to hug him. Conan took a step back, turning his face to Luna.
“Aunt?” He called in a frightened tone, although his scent didn't show the fear I believed wasn't present. “Can it just be us two today, like in the old times?”
The shock at his words was evident on Sophie's face, who looked at me immediately. I nodded, growling, leaving the place with firm steps, pausing to see the image I wanted to engrave in my memory: the two embracing and staying like that for a long moment.
I summoned the Beta to the meeting room. “Lycan King, no one saw you arrive. I'm glad you came back unharmed,” Oliver commented, assessing my wounds that were already closing, leaving only subtle battle scars.
“My cub teleported us here with magic...” I growled, pondering and recalling the nuances of the scent of his magic. It wasn't as rotten as that of the shadows, but it wasn't as light as Sophie's. Something about all of this wasn't right.
“What do you suspect, sir?” The beta detected my discomfort.
“Everything, from his escape to the cub's rescue, was all too easy.” I clicked my tongue, playing with my claws on the table and making deep cuts. “The dark witch was there the whole time and didn't get involved in the fight; the chances of her attacking and winning were high!”
“So why didn't she?” With wide eyes, Oliver scratched his chin, seeming to evaluate the situation. “Is your cub okay?”
“He's being hostile, typical alpha cub...” I smiled, remembering his defiant posture. “I feel they put much more into him than just bad or distorted memories.”
“What do you mean, my king?” Oliver approached, more confused.
“I need you to bring Elara here immediately; I have my suspicions, and I need a witch who knows the soul-capturing spell!” I ordered with an intense growl.
“Soul-capturing? Alpha, is it possible that?” The beta interrupted, raising his hand.
“Do as I'm ordering, and don't discuss our suspicions with anyone!” I roared through my fangs, making him shiver.
“Not even your Luna? If what we suspect is confirmed, she'll be in danger.” He argued. I pounded the table hard, splitting it in half.
“I'll take care of my Luna!” I bellowed breathlessly, feeling the beast wander in my mind. “Disappear, Beta!”
Before leaving in haste, Oliver stopped at the door. “Did she suffer?” He asked, referring to the she-wolf he loved.
“She fought like a warrior until the end, protecting her convictions!” I shrugged. “So... “Sighing, the Beta said, “She suffered!”
“No, Beta, my sister's suffering ended with her death... She was in pain; now she's free from all pain.” I kept my eyes narrowed in his direction. He nodded with a bow and left to carry out the orders.
“It's not a suspicion; you felt the possession in the boy... It hasn't been completed yet; we know it's just a matter of time.” Laughing solemnly, the beast echoed in my mind.
“Beast, you will tell everything you know about the shadow king, and you will start talking now!” I roared back, clenching my fists.