AllFreeNovel
Share Us
The Chief gives a melancholic smile. “We'll finally be free.”
“Free? But isn't the forest gone? Your home.…”
He chuckles softly, a sound filled with a hint of amusement. “Oh, Andrei, you misunderstand. When I say 'home', I mean we'll finally be free to die.”
His words hit me like a physical blow. The finality and the acceptance in his voice reflects a lifetime of confinement and yearning for release.
I nod once, looking at the warehouse. “So now what?” I mutter, knowing the were-bears can't enter.
Chief looks around. “We wait for your people, then lure them out,” he tells me, yet I can tell he wants nothing more than to rip through the place. They all do as they stand at the edge of the dirt, eyes watching, chests rising and falling heavily.
“Exactly how are you linked to them again?” I ask them, and Chief looks at me, his teeth long with venom dripping from them and his eyes have taken on a different color, no longer like that of a bear but something far more sinister.
“Don't worry, we are only toxic to them. I could bite you and nothing would happen to you. We were created for one purpose, and tonight we will be seeing that purpose through!” he tells me, casting his gaze back to the mine.
“I'm tired, and I can't wait to see their faces again,” he murmurs, and the men with him all nod.
“Whose faces?” I ask.
“Our families. They say when you die, your entire life flashes before your eyes. I hope that is true, I want to see the faces of my wife and children again,” he tells me and I swallow, not knowing what to say. I grip his shoulder, and he looks at me with understanding in his eyes.
“Our families… they are the echoes of our past and the promise of our future,” I reply, my voice steady despite the uncertainty that lies ahead.
Chief nods solemnly, his eyes reflecting a depth of sorrow only centuries can carve. “When you’ve lived as long as I have, Andrei, every memory becomes a treasure. Tonight, we reclaim a piece of what was lost.”
I understand his longing, the ache for a home that exists only in memories. “Home is where the heart is, Chief,” I say, trying to offer some solace.
“Yes. And my home… it died with them, long ago. Tonight, we go home,” he says, his voice laced with a blend of sadness and resolve.
I nod, feeling the weight of his words. “Then let’s get you home,” I affirm, turning my gaze toward the mines.
As we approach, Chief hesitates. “But your family? They're not here yet!”
I nod, a plan forming in my mind. “Nothing wrong with picking them off. We just need to draw their attention.” I step forward, leaving the safety of the shadows.
The crunch of gravel beneath my feet feels like a declaration of war as I move toward the warehouse. The Reaper Wolves emerge from the darkness, their eyes glinting with predatory intent. I maintain my calm, pretending not to notice their approach.
Glancing back, I see the were-bears merge with the night, their presence almost ethereal. A surge of adrenaline courses through me, and Donnie’s presence in my mind grows stronger. “I love a good game of cat and mouse,” he growls, echoing my anticipation.
The Reaper Wolves edge closer, unaware of the trap we’re setting. In a sudden burst of motion, I shift, my body contorting as I give Donnie control. The transformation is swift, a seamless blend of man turning to beast as Donnie takes over.
I dart toward the forest, the Reaper Wolves hot on my heels. Their howls fill the night air, but they’re too late to realize the deception. The were-bears, hidden in the shadows, spring their ambush.
The forest erupts into chaos, the snarls, and growls of battle filling the air. I weave through the trees, the thrill of the hunt coursing through my veins. The Reaper Wolves, now caught between us and the were-bears, scramble in confusion.
“We’ve got them now,” Donnie exults. More Reaper Wolves pour out of the warehouse, drawn by the sounds of their friends in distress.
“Let's see how long it takes for them to pick up on our little game,” Donnie says as more come running from the warehouse, hearing their friends’ screams.
ChapterNinety-Nine
Temperance
I am once again trapped, confined. Strapped to a chair, my heart racing, half in fear, half in defiance. The cold, metallic touch of electrodes against my skin sends shivers down my spine. My lifelong tormenter, Satish watches me, a flicker of concern in his eyes. But I’ve dealt with him plenty of times before; I know who he is. So it’s Lorelei's smug satisfaction that truly unnerves me.
The basement door swings open, and in comes Sage, forcefully dragged in. I've only met her once, but the fierceness in her eyes now is unmistakable. “Well, don't you still look stunning!” Satish laughs, leaning closer to Sage, I fight back the urge to cringe when he licks the side of her face.
“You look so much like your mother,” he taunts, yet Sage meets his gaze head-on.
