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Austin rolled his eyes. “I did ask him to help. He wasn’t happy. I think he was busy, if you know what I mean. He said he’d be here as soon as possible though. So, you’re after his blood?”
“I am. Marrock, can you take us to the site where Loren was killed?”
I noticed that despite Lycaon’s warning that I should stay away, he now moved to stand beside me, listening intently to everything I said.
My face burned as Lycaon caught me off guard, staring at him. Quickly, I glanced away.
Marrock shifted from foot to foot. “Of course I can take you there. But Zale…”
I waved my hand. “If we can convince Zale to help, it would mean he and his lover’s spirit find some peace. They have every right to be livid and punish those responsible. But not innocents.I understand though, he’s been angry, heartbroken for so long he doesn’t know another way. But,weneed to find a way to help him. In the meantime, Austin and Grace can form a barrier of protection. Lycaon, I’ll need a drop of your blood.”
His voice softened as he pinned me with his stare. “How do you suggest we coax Zale into submission? Even I cannot do that.”
I glanced at Grace before answering Lycaon. “We have to convince him by working together. I’m not asking for anyone’s submission. It’s up to us, actually you and me, to convince him that slaughtering everyone isn’t going to give him justice. From what Marrock told me, a hundred years ago everyone was more obedient. No one back then questioned these rules that werewolves and witches had to be segregated. I know many still cling to this. I think it’s outdated and an affront to our intelligence, our rights, and freedoms. We already have a silent council who act when immortals step out of line. That’s fine. We need them. We need Zale to know that what happens today impacts the future.” I glanced at each of them. “This is bigger than us here. This impacts all of our kind, werewolf, witches, vampires, heck even Nephilim and angels. I could go on, but you get the picture. This injustice could pave the way forward to create a better future. I know it’s asking a lot, fighting against the old established ways. Luke’s presence, as well as his blood, would help.”
Lycaon dared a small smile. “Elsa, I’m impressed by your bravery. You walked into the wolf’s den alone and held your own against Marrock. That takes guts. And now this. A visionary. I had never thought to think so far ahead. But Zale is old, as is his thinking. I’m even older. Most will oppose you, many would kill you for saying this, let alone try to change the order of things.”
“Yes, but this segregation is insane. We live in a world packed full of humans. We know that if they found out about our existence, they’d wipe us out within a few years, maybe sooner. They may not have magic, but they have science. And weapons. We would be seen as the threat. We need community, to come together, not hide in spiteful factions. That’s the bigger picture.”
Marrock slapped Lycaon’s arm. “We may not see eye to eye, all of us. But I am willing to step into the future, who knows, maybe I’ll even stop eating humans?”
Hakon narrowed his eyes at the alphas. “Well, gee, that’s mighty big of you.”
Tightening his jaw, the father of wolves shook his head. “I’m letting these ideals get ahead of me. Although I like it, there’s a problem. A huge flaw in your plan.BecauseZale and Loren were together, their being together, that much supernatural power caused this evil to manifest, or so we’re told.” He frowned.
Hakon waved his hand. “That’s bullshit. I mean, really? I can hear it in your voice, you don’t really believe that. Who would? Yes, back in the day lies were told to keep immortals under control. No, this energy unleashedcouldwell be from the ravaged soul of the witch. But there are other forces about, always have been. Who’s to say it’s not something else or someone with an ulterior motive?”
Marrock’s voice was low as he said, “Food for thought. We have many enemies. It could be magic, or someone stirring it up from the grave. The timing is certainly telling. We’re almost upon the anniversary of Loren’s death, and with the upcoming autumn equinox, which falls on the full moon...”
Silence clung to us as his words left us with more questions than answers.
“Were you able to get anything from Zale, has he spoken to you?”
Lycaon shook his head. “He’s turned feral. I had in the past searched for him. After I found out what had happened, of course I went looking for him. But it was futile. He completely disappeared. I didn’t even sense him. Until now.”
Marrock nodded. “Come then, I’ll take you to the place where this catastrophe began. But be warned, it has a sinister energy. No one goes there. Nothing grows there. Keep your wits about you.” His shoulders slunk as he led us through the forest.
Every sound, a broken twig, an owl's cry piercing the silence in the distance, made me flinch. And still the feeling that we were being watched.
A few figures from the pack stalked from the depths of the forest, their shadows moving swiftly through the thick copse, though they made no sound. All of us were silent. I tried to watch every foot fall, as Marrock led us deeper in the wood.
My muscles burned from walking, I realised we were slowly going uphill. The trees looked like charcoal under the canopy and the chill of the night nipped at my fingers. But for now, the rain held off. I slunk my hands in my pockets, as silver moonlight struggledto peep through the branches above. Ivy entwined around tree trunks and draped like ribbons, whilst firs and spruce were mixed with oaks and elms. All interwoven above us.
Beside me, I could feel Lycaon’s glances warming on me. As we trudged deeper forwards I caught his eye. My cheeks were hot for the moment as we locked our gaze, then I saw his cheeks flushed, too. A warmth ran through me, like the comforting heat of the hearth with this alpha as he never left my side.
Marrock's voice was husky as he said, “We’re nearly there.” But he didn’t have to say anything. You could feel it in the air, the magic prickling like electricity. It was thick and oppressive.
I could see a small cabin set to one side and the clearing, where even the branches from the outlying trees touching the circle, were bare, like bony fingers reaching down to the ground.
No grass, no foliage, just barren soil, moist from the autumn weather and a feeling that chilled me to the bone.
A lone torch was staked in the ground, the sooty flames flicked in the breeze.
I gulped and looked at Hakon, whose pale face turned paler.
He muttered, “Bloody hell, mate.”
In the centre of the clearing, skulls were arranged in the shape of a pentacle. Werewolf skulls. Large craniums, short snouts and fangs. And in the centre of the pentagram, a witch’s skull.
