CHAPTER 50 #2
“The only damage our clothes might have will be bloodstains if we shift back into our human form.” He frowned, voice turning serious.
“The moment there’s trouble, turn into your werewolf form immediately.
I know using the vial’s magic is easier to control in your human form, but even a second’s hesitation can mean death.
” His gaze darkened as uncertainty seeped into his features. “Lenore—”
“I understand,” Lenore said. She nodded at him, reflecting his gravitas in her own features. “I promise I’m listening to every word you’re saying. I’ll leave the front lines to you.” A soft smile crossed her face. “And I’ll be in the back, supporting you.”
“You’re putting me in great distress, that’s what you’re doing,” Edmund replied with a sharp frown. He made a sudden stop, pulling Lenore close to him before she could stumble. As she looked up at him in surprise, the change in his expression struck her.
Pain. Worry. The rawness of his emotions cut her deep, leaving an aching pain that tugged at her very soul—at the bond between them.
“You can still change your mind,” Edmund said quietly. “You can stay here, and I’ll come back to you.”
Lenore wavered from his words, nearly agreeing to his desperate plea before she tightened her jaw, physically steeling herself against her own weakness. Her delicate fingers intertwined with his cold, silver claws.
“I’m not leaving you, I want to be by your side,” she whispered back. “Fight hard, and I’ll support you with all I can. We’ll do this together.”
The storm that brewed in Edmund’s eyes was barely quelled. A heavy breath escaped his nostrils. “Together then,” he said. “There’s no turning back now.”
Lenore swallowed hard, then she nodded tensely. Edmund’s jaw tightened, and for a second, she thought he would ultimately leave her behind. She took hold of his hands tightly, refusing to let go. The crease between his brows softened, and he turned forward, gently pulling her along with him.
Deeper into the forest they went, where the last remnant of sunlight barely peeked through the thick barrier of trees. Lit stone lanterns on the sides of the path soon became the only sources of light, a mark that spoke of the night’s reign.
They soon reached a place where a stone archway stood at the top of a flight of wide stone stairs.
It almost felt natural, with how the wilderness grew around it—vines intertwined around the arch, and the edges of the stairs were hidden underneath moss.
Behind the arch was a clear view of the full moon, bathing them all in the glow of its cold light.
Movement to Lenore’s side caught her eye.
She turned her head slightly and saw that it was Cade.
He looked at her, offering a quiet nod as a greeting.
Gwyneth appeared next to Edmund, the blue of her eyes intensified by the dark lining around them.
Above their heads, Pip flew by, landing on Azelf’s shoulder near the front of the crowd.
“If I take down enough Lucyns, you better finally promote me to the Duskryns,” Gwyneth said.
“I’ll consider it,” Edmund replied, a hint of humor flickering in his gaze. Cade’s eyes were closed in silent prayer before opening them once more.
“I hope we can save our pack,” Cade said quietly. “I hope we can rescue Grandma.”
“... Whatever happens, the Moon’s Sovereign is with us,” Edmund murmured. “Honor that by giving your all tonight.” His eyes stayed forward, as if holding onto a quiet hope despite the uncertainty. Lenore raised her hands to her lips, offering her own silent prayer too.
“I’ll give more than my all.” Cade clenched his fists. “I’ll destroy any Lucyn that’s in my path.”
An approving grunt was Edmund’s response.
They fell silent as they looked ahead. Varek and Kyrie stood at the top of the stairs.
He faced his pack with a dominant confidence that had Lenore submitting instinctively, watching and listening with respect.
In the quiet of the night, his voice boomed, upholding his powerful aura.
“You’ve seen the damage of what a Lucyn can do, right here in this pack.
We would’ve never known we had already lost a few of our own to Lucynhood if the white raven hadn’t come and marked their deceit.
” His gaze hardened. “Many of us thought the white raven was just a folktale that came from the aftermath of Ieric’s victory centuries ago—but it’s real.
And it means that the Lucyn have become more than just the rare stray—they’ve gathered together.
” A growl rumbled in his throat. “For them to do something like this, there has to be a greater force at play.” His narrowed eyes swept over the pack. “Lunantha is back.”
Eerie silence answered Varek’s words. Every werewolf’s gaze turned grave, their eyes piercing against the dark of the night.
“But even against a demon, we’re not alone in the dark.
” He turned his head toward Azelf and Pip, nodding as the pair headed toward the stairs, taking their place just a few steps below.
“A light mage hasn’t been with us for generations, centuries even.
But now we have one, right here—Azelf of the Lunavie Pack. ”
Pip soared to the sky, chirping gleefully—a contrast to Azelf’s uncomfortable smile from everyone’s eyes on him. He looked ready to dismiss the anticipation building in the crowd, but thought better of it.
“Just try not to lose your heads,” he said breezily. “That’s something I won’t be able to fix.”