AllFreeNovel
Share Us
He nodded. “Because it’s reading body heat as its main measurement, it would pick up on a pack of shifters faster than it would humans. So it is possible this is just a pack settlement. But it’s one we’re unaware of, so it’s cause for concern either way.”
“We should go pay them a visit,” I said.
Hugo nodded. “The entire security team is on alert, as well as the area packs. Major players are ready to assist if needed. We’re hoping that whatever we find will come to a peaceful resolution, but we’re ready to settle things by any means necessary.”
My blood ran cold. I did a quick body scan. After spending so much time on my own, I had become acutely aware of what was happening in my body. I used my own internal compass to tell time, predict weather, and ward off enemies. But since I’d partnered with the show, I’d let my defenses down. My instincts slip.
And it almost cost me everything.
“What might we find when we get there?” Hannah asked.
“The ancient texts speak of healers that used blood, spices, herbs, and what can only be described as pure magic to rehabilitate sick members of their pack,” Wendy said. “We don’t recognize all of the ingredients, but enough of them to think they’d be able to piece this together.”
“Blood of enemies,” I corrected. “We believed they couldn’t attack us because we had their blood flowing through our veins. We were one and the same. It was believed to bring peace after a particularly violent battle. It was also a way to signal that we couldn’t be defeated.”
“What else can you tell us about it, Lars?” Laura asked. “We should’ve asked you right away. But in my head your pack predated these texts, and the truly ancient methods would be different from the ones in the books.”
“I wasn’t involved with those things, but I can look over the information and tell you what’s missing.”
“Do we have time for that?” Hannah bit her lip. “We’re not trying to resurrect anyone?”
“Is there a way to counteract the spell?” Bibi asked. “In case their experiment goes horribly wrong, or they’ve harmed the people they’ve captured?”
“No,” I said, expecting the surprised faces of everyone in the room. “Can I see the book?”
Laura nodded and brought it to me. She was human, as was Wendy, and they wouldn’t be able to feel the power vibrating from these pages. My pack, the way of life as I’d known it, had long perished by the time this text was written, but to every other creature in this room, the text held long-forgotten ideas.
I recognized the spell. “The ritual has changed since my pack used it to help heal shifters wounded in battle, but the intent was the same. We never took enough of someone’s lifeforce to harm them, and it was considered a great honor to participate in the ritual.” I flipped through a few pages. “There was never any need for an antidote.”
“So the only way to stop them is to…stop them,” Hannah said.
“Violence shouldn’t be our first option.” Bibi got up and paced the room. “These are cunning beasts. Adaptable, even if they are stubborn. They’re fully capable of understanding the changes that have happened to the world since they were last here. Maybe they simply need to be familiarized with the consequences of their actions.”
“They don’t understand compromise, and as far as they’re concerned, they’re the authority. Rules and laws won’t interest them,” I reminded her.
“So we fight,” Hannah said.
“I won’t put you in danger.” I growled.
“The shifters will all have their hands full with actual fighting. I was thinking I could get inside the place, take a look around. If Zoe—and whoever else—are being held there against their will, I can get them out while the rest of you are kicking ass.”
“We are shorthanded.” Hugo ran his hand over his bald head. “Our team is spread thin on this one. There are posts I’d hate to leave unguarded. We could use all hands on deck.”
“Excellent. I’m in.” Hannah waggled her brows, then gave me a kiss.
Bibi looked at me. “We’ll load up the vans with all the usual equipment. Is there any unusual equipment you suggest we should bring?”
I shook my head. “If my brother’s behind this, there’s only one way to settle it.”
* * *
There was no official map, no modern technology that marked the spot that Armand and my brother had chosen for their debauched activities. I still held on to hope that this was all a giant misunderstanding. That Hannah’s friends from the forums were somewhere safe, and my brother hadn’t done any lasting harm.
But I knew better.
The terrain got steep quickly. Hannah trotted beside me, her breathing labored.
“Are you alright?” I asked. My instinct was to pick her up and carry her the rest of the way. But we were about to face down too many beasts that didn’t take her seriously. I wouldn’t be doing her any favors. Tanyth used to fight beside me. But she was the same size as me, and made for these mountains.
