AUTHOR'S POV
The two great Alphas, reached the front yard and approach Claudia and her four newborns surrounding Kate. Scott was full of high hopes, while Roman doubted winning from thereupon. Impressed with the undeniably strong wolves, Claudia clapped her gloved hands slowly as she meet their gaze of rage. "Alpha wolves are really impressive. I can't believe I'll live a thousand of years to face two Alphas in a same battlefield", she said as she place her hands in her waist.
As Scott was about to take further steps, Claudia waves her hand in the air as she squinted her eyes at the wolves. A newborn vampire holding Stanley by his neck came out in one of the doorway in the hall. "I think that's enough. You shouldn't take one more step", Claudia hissed.
"I thought so", Claudia gave them a sinister smile as she smack her lips. "Here's what I want. How about, you give me the girl, and I'll spare the lives of that old fool and this useless woman.", she batted her eyes as she offer a trade.
'That's on you', Roman placed the hard decision on Scott's shoulder given that the Alpha of the Black Creek Clan doesn't care about a thing on the lives at risk. If he were to decide, he'd kill everyone in the house who's a threat on the Luna's existence, no matter whose life is needed to be sacrificed.
Scott values Diana, and everyone important to her. He knows that it would break Diana's heart if he let Kate go in harm's way. As for Stanley, he would always hold a special place in his heart despite their arguments. May he be a foster father or his uncle by blood, Scott would always be grateful for being treated like a true son. The old man's life is more valuable than his. Scott shifted his gaze from Kate to Stanley. The newborns are insanely quick, that it might be too late for him and Roman to reach them on time. While he decides, Stanley stood in a daze like in one of his many lost moments while a newborn held him close with a sharp finger resting on his neck. The longer Scott makes a decision, the deeper the newborn's deadly nail sink on the old man's skin.
"No? Well then, you don't mind if you lose another family then", Claudia signaled the newborn to deprive the old man's body with life. The newborn holding Stanley's life in his hands smirked, all ready to perform his much awaited task.
Facing death, Stanley winced and grunted softly as the newborn cut his neck with his sharp nails. Scott growled, as he attempt to save his father. However, the newborn suddenly stopped from his deathly graze. He gasped, dropping his jaw. His eyes turned from bright crimson to coal black before his body turned to ashes. Then from the ashes, Lucas appeared gasping for air securing the old man to the side. "Got your back", he nodded.
One by one, Scott's pack appeared, along with Roman's men. All united for one purpose. "The mansion is clear", Cory declared, as they all surround Claudia and her newborns.
Standing behind the original vampire, a newborn breathlessly whispered to Claudia unsure of what to do next. "Claudia.. I do not have plans to die today. Might as well have a better plan, or we'll meet our doom",he said, as he leaned towards her ear.
Claudia was unimpressed of his cowardice. Her hand straightened like blade, and cut his head off. "Stand your guard", Claudia ordered her newborns as she hiss crinkling her nose in fury while the wolves slowly come forth. She picked up Kate's nape threatening to snap it before they could even get to her. "One more step, and this woman dies", she said without blinking her eyes. The wolves continued to walk as they watch the vampires' every move. "Uh-uh. I mean it", she said, as they stop.
"It's over Claudia", Scott said.
"Over?",
"This is far from over. That woman, whatever she is, is a threat to our being. You should all be ashamed to keep her. She is a threat to your kind too", Claudia gave an eerie grin before turning her head up. "Diana? Diana!!", she called loud enough to be heard from that front yard. "Show yourself, or your dear friend dies tonight".
"Diana!! Do not go out!! I swear, I'm gonna end our friendship!!", Kate whimpered as Claudia tightened her grip. With her weary eyes, she glanced at Lucas as she held Claudia's hand on her neck, hoping he wouldn't let Diana out. "Please... don't"
With depleting patience, Roman pounced closer as he growl towards the vampires followed by Gunner. Scott ran after the two to stop them from their reckless idea. The newborns retracted their claws as they back up a little snarling at the wolves. Claudia was ready to break Kate's neck when suddenly..
"Here's Diana"
Lily comes out of the door, with Diana
"No no no!! Please!", she plead for the life of her dear friend. Worried they might hurt her, Diana thought there's no way to save her friend unless she shows up.
Roman
"Why do you always make the wrong decisions?"
"And who are you?"
"I'm Lily, the Luna"
"Luna, you say"
"Whoever you are, give the true luna to me", Claudia's bloodshot eyes shimmered as she sees what she came in for.
"Please don't hurt her", Diana said. "I'll.. I'lll go with you, just let her go", she bravely walked across the hall.
"No, Diana.. no!", Kate shook her at Diana who keeps on moving forward. "Diana, stop!", she plead her friend to cease from walking. "Remember when I promised you that I'll be protecting you at all times? This is me fulfilling that promise", she said with teary eyes as she smile at Diana. "It's okay, just.. just don't come near me. Stay where you are!", she said.
"How sweet.", Claudia batted her eyes. "So… we have come to this?", then she started to get hasty with the involvement of the wolves.
2 packs, 2 alphas,
more newborns came in
3 newborns and Claudia
********
"Here's a deal.", she released Kate's neck as she took a few steps forward. "Diana, in exchange for this woman's life.. meet me at the Old East Graveyard tonight."
"The invitation is for single person only. And no dogs allowed", she lifted her brows at the raging wolves snarling
"If you don't come.. or if you take someone with you…", Claudia dried Kate's eyes using her fingers. "Your dear friend would be another body you'll mourn for", Claudia scoffed as she glare at Diana. Then, she swiftly grabbed Kate as she rush out.
"Nooo!! Kate!!", Diana ran towards Kate as she widened her eyes in shock. She shouted at the top her lungs. Left behind, the newborns were then attacked and mercilessly killed by the wolves as they were torn apart with their sharp teeth and claws.
===========
AFTERMATH
Gunner and the Black Creek Clan made rounds to make sure there are no vampires left lurking in the mansion, while Lucas took Stanley in a secured room to give him a rest. Scott and Roman led Diana in the living room, making plans on how to retrieve Kate.
"I must go. Kate needs me", Diana
"No, Luna. It's Scott's fault.", Roman shook his head in disapproval as he turn the blame on Scott. "He should've killed that bloodsucker in the first place", Roman said as he sat in one of the coffee tables.
Feeling guilty, Scott exhaled sharply as he tie a piece of curtain on his waist covering his nakedness. "I'll get Kate. I'll make sure she'll be back in one piece".
"With two holes on her neck, I'm sure", Roman stood up as he took a step closer to Scott. "Why don't you just tell her the truth, Scott? That her friend Kate is as good as dead. Original vampires don't play.", he said as if there's no hope for Kate.
"Roman stop it", Scott gritted his teeth as he face Roman.
"That's true", Roman
"I'd rather tell her the truth than give her false hopes",
"Diana your friend is dead"
"You guys, chill!", Reina
"You are not helping. Claudia said, it should only be Diana."
"Lycan King? Luna? I don't think I feel good..", Ofir said as he barge in the living room. Diana squinted her eyes at the lythari elf who was a swaying side to side.
"Are you alright, Ofir?", Diana draw near the Ofir wondering what have happened to him.
Roman followed Diana with caution. "Not too near, Luna", he said.
Looking wrinkly and odd, Ofir's eyes suddenly turned all black as he float in the air. Startled, Diana flinched as she stepped back to Roman in her surprise. "What's happening?", she whispered. "Ofir!!", she called his name to wake him up.
Roman held Diana's arm as he move her away from the lythari elf. "Diana, come here", he said.
Diana stared fixedly at Ofir, then when she looked back at Scott, who was also floating in the air with his eyes all turned black. "Roman", Diana called Roman as she gaze at Scott's body being lifted by an unseen force from the floor.
"What the..", Roman said as he drop his jaw staring at Scott. Then he grabbed Scott's body trying to wake him up from being lost in a trance. "Heyy heyy!! Wake up!", he shouted but nothing happened.
Lucas and Cory grabbed Scott's feet as they try to pull him down, while Diana shouted for his name over and over. His skin was cold as ice, and his body was hard as steel. He didn't even moved down a little even if the weight of the pack's men were holding on to him.
As they try their best to wake him up, they heard clacking of heels walking from the dark. Hissing
They waited until they could see who it was. And when they can sense who the creature is, the wolves stood on guard. Roman position himself upfront backing Diana away. Breathing shakily, Diana didn't removed her gaze up to the time she sees Tamara's face.
Tamara glared at each of the wolf as she lifted her hand in the air. "I'm taking what's mine", she said.
Nagas slithered in and grabbed Scott and Ofir out of the mansion.
SCOTT'S POV
Her beauty is incomparable.
I can see her fair skin glow under the moonlight, while she dance on moonstones smiling genuinely only for me. With eyes so blue unrelentingly staring back on mine, I reached for the Luna my heart hoped would stay by my side. Then, she looked up the moon as she mouthed something to me. I squinted my eyes while I try to see. The moon was extra special tonight as it makes a bow. When I looked back at my Luna, she's leaning against a tree. Looking frightful like she have seen a ghost, Diana held up a silver dagger with gems of three. As I step further, the more she lifts the dagger up. Then she sliced her hand, squeezing her fist until her blood drops. I closed my eyes briefly, and when I opened them, my hands were already full of blood, dripping as it pool on the ground.
"What a beautiful dream", I opened my eyes at the voice of a woman who seemed to know the series of images that just occurred in my head. Lifting my face towards the light, I saw Tamara looking closely at me while she crouch on the ground in between two large rock formations.
This time, she takes her real nagual form. With head full of ruffled hair which looked hard like wire, rough brown skin with a bit of fur, and toned abdomen that looked much leaner than mine. Truly a sickening sight to be feared. "She's very beautiful in your visions, like she always have", she said with her shining golden elliptical eyes under the beaming sunlight seeping through the century old trees.
I tried to move my hand, and realized I'm bound on a boulder with runic inscriptions. As I look around, I saw Ofir in the same condition as I am. "Where am I?", I asked as I groaned. My head spins and it feels like breaking apart, making it hard for me to focus on my ability to see.
"My home", Tamara stood up as she spread her arms. "Wonderful, right?", she said as she breathe deeply.
I closed my eyes, and tried to relax my mind as I take each breath slowly. With my hands kept on the side, I radiated my powers to release me from being pinned on the rock. Grunting from so much effort, I gritted my teeth as I use the power I have left to escape this captivity.
"That's not going to work.. no matter how hard you try", she said with a smirk. "But you can keep up, it will be my pleasure", she said as the large moonstone resting nearby started to blink like christmas lights.
"Where's Diana? What did you do to me and Ofir?", I asked.
"Diana's busy with some vampire.. who she'll deliver to me anytime soon", Tamara said. "Don't worry, this won't take long..", she stared at the moonstone which have stopped glowing.
When my senses were more than calm, it was only then I was able to observe the place I'm kept in. There were three boulders with runic inscriptions. One was with Ofir, another was with me, and the third one is unoccupied. By the looks of it, it seemed like she's trying to make a connection with our physical bodies using the moonstone. "How sure are you that Diana will bring Claudia at your feet?", I grinned at the nagua looking confident with her plans. "That vampire will die and turn to ashes from the claws of the wolves before it reaches you", I said.
"You think?", Tamara let out a wicked laugh. "It's a good thing my magic never fail me.. With just a little spell, the wolves come knocking on my door.. pleased to follow everything I command…, she said.
"Your Lycan blood, the massive power of the original vampire and the lythari elf's immense power will be all transferred to me and soon, I will turn myself as the moon goddess", she said.
MOON GODDESS? Have this Nagual lost some screws in her head and have gone completely insane? These creatures are truly ambitious and hungry for power, as what they have always ought to be. But, I have never taken into thoughts that their obsession for power and delusions of grandeur would reach up to this extent.
In spite of her absolute atrocious scheme, the Nagual's attempt to combine all the powers of us three for the divinity of one body is greatly dangerous not only for everyone else, but also for the recipient of power itself. I have never heard of such thing. According to the clan elders, Nagualli can perform transfer of powers when they have discovered it, only one person at a time. As Alphas who are strongest in our clans, we were taught that too much power could kill you. That's why the moon goddess gifted us a right combination of strength, agility and wits. If the plans of this nagua pushed through, I hope the immense power she's forcefully snatching from us rips her apart, for that's what she deserves.
What I know about this kind of dark power, the body of the creatures that will be taken their powers from will become paralyzed like a log. Numb and weak, the physical body won't be able to move even an inch while the mind is still aware of the imminence of the circumstances at hand. They say, you'll just wish you were dead after the ritual.
AND SO, OFIR AND I HAVE TO GET OUT OF HERE.
"You'll be one ugly moon goddess", I said with a smirk.
"I'll take Diana's form then. As soon as she arrives with my original vampire, I'll slit her throat right in front of you and claim her body, fit for a goddess that I'll be", she said as she lifted her sharp fingernail in the air.
"You wouldn't dare", I groaned as I radiated my powers from my hands. The ground shook and rumbled at the release of my aura, then I noticed her smile when the moonstone glowed again. It seemed like everytime I use of my power, the moonstone glows.
"You won't get out of there anyway.. might as well give you the best seat while I kill your Luna", she said. "Go ahead, Scott Lockwood! Let me feel your rage", she breathlessly said.
I stopped using my powers.
Then, I started using it again as the moonstone started glowing once more.
I get it.
She's trying to piss me off so I would use my powers for her to continue making a connection with me through the moonstone. And when I don't, the moonstone can only get a little power from me.
Clever.
Admittedly, I'm greatly angered for being unable to release myself from this rock. I've got to think better before time runs out. The lythari elf is no use, Ofir is still knocked out and completely out of this world.
"You said.. you possessed another wolf. Who the fuck did you casted a spell over?", I asked while I try to move my hands.
"Ah! Any ideas?", Tamara laughed out loud at my unawareness.
I tried to decipher the indifference among the wolves in the pack. Aside from Damon, none of them are poor in spirits to become possessed. Not anyone of them seemed awkward or not themselves lately. I thought hard, until one person came to my mind..
No shit.
DIANA'S POV
The sun have already shined at its brightest when I walked out of the Devlins Mansion. My tired eyes could hardly open at the warm sunlight kissing my face. No matter how refreshing the breeze was, it couldn't blow my fears and anxieties away. It has been hours since Scott and Ofir were taken by Tamara, and there has been no concrete leads where they might have been taken to. Not to mention Kate being held captive by Claudia. She must have been very scared right now.
Reina insisted to give them time to mourn for Priscilla, Damon, and the rest of the mansion's members of the household. They exchanged roars with their divided aims. Even if I wanted to voice out my priorities, the Luna who cannot shapeshift will not be heard in the argument of the wolves. No one asked for my opinion. I sat there quietly while I listen at their discussions.
Roman and his pack kept mum. They listened with me while we shifted our gaze at every wolf talking out loud. They never intervened. Despite Lucas and Cory's persistence to take some actions immediately before it's too late, they still ended up respecting Reina's decision. The pack also agreed to help in fixing what's left in the mansion until they come up with a plan on how to find Scott.
How about Kate? She wasn't in the picture. My heart beat like a drum, thinking that I'll be alone in this. Roman glanced at me as I tried to hide my anxiety. How about Kate..
"If I may ask", Roman suddenly blurted out. "There are two persons held captive by two separate creatures. Who's first to be saved?", I squeezed my hand when I heard the question from Roman which running over and over in my head. Everyone then looked at me as if the question was intended for me.
Why do I have to be caught up in making a tough decision in choosing between my best friend and my boyfriend?
No one said a thing, until Sebastian spoke up. "Maybe we can plan that out later. For now, let's all rest, recharge and breathe", he said.
Walking my way out, I felt my belly ached a little. I paused and placed my hand on my abdomen as I breathe shakily. Pursing my lips as I exhale, I started to assume that I might be really carrying life in my womb. If so, I need to know.
"Are you feeling okay?", I heard Sebastian ask as he draw near.
I forced a smile as I turned around. "I wish I could say yes", I said as he led me towards his car.
"Everything will be alright Diana. I'll drive you home", he assured me with a gentle tap on my back. Sebastian insisted to take me home first before he lends Reina a hand in setting up the funeral. With no further talks, I said yes.
Sebastian started his car and zoomed his way out of the mansion. He didn't slowed down until we reach the freeway. I asked Sebastian to pass by a pharmacy for there's something I needed to buy which he willingly did. I bought three pregnancy kits, while Sebastian swing by in one of the open restaurants nearby to buy some food. Keeping the kits in a paperbag, I made sure no one sees what I just bought.
As soon as we arrived the building, Roman was already upfront waiting. He went in, as he check the lobby first before he let me in. The three of us went up through the elevator in silence. Sebastian kept me near him, away from Roman's reach. I often see them glare at each other, must be the wolf thing communication they're having.
I went straight to my bedroom just after Roman checked each corner of my house for my safety. It took me a long while before I finally went in the bathroom because there were so many times that I had to stop and get lost in a daze everytime I think of Scott. I wasn't even bothered when I burned my hand in the hot shower. On the bathroom counter, I laid each pregnancy kit while I wait for the result. With a towel twirled up in my head, I rested my hands on the opposite edges of the white granite countertop until the two red lines slowly appeared.
POSITIVE.
I opened the bathroom door and instantly saw Roman who was about hold the doorknob. "Is everything okay? Uhh.. I'm sorry, you were taking too long I got worried", he said.
"I'm sorry, I just got finished", I said as I hurriedly went out. Roman peeked in the bath, hoping he didn't see the kits I threw in the bin.
The three of us gobbled on the Chinese take-outs Sebastian bought. We finished our meals slowly quietly. I was about to prepare some tea when once again, I noticed Sebastian and Damon glaring at each other. "You should at least include me when you guys talk", I said.
Roman exhaled sharply as he folded his arms on his chest, and leaned back on his chair. "Sorry Luna.. I just told your bodyguard here to leave now, since he have other things to take care of. I'm here anyway", he said.
"I'll hang around for a bit. I'm sure Diana doesn't mind", Sebastian said as he fixed his eyes on Roman.
These two will never give up from their incessant mind quarrels. After I cleaned up, I left the two at the table as I walked to the moonflower plant in my living room which have started to wither. With a pen and paper, I sat on the floor while I write down the moonflower concoction for Scott on the coffee table. I even took a piece of the closed bud and sealed it with the note.
"Diana? I'll go home for a bit.", Sebastian said. "I'll come back when everything's settled. Lucas is on his way", he added as I looked at him with a timid smile. "What is it?", he asked.
"Can you..", I cleared my throat as I stood up. "Give this to Scott?", I whispered while looking at him in the eyes.
"What's this?", he asked as he open the piece of folded paper.
"The alternative cure", Roman peeks at us from behind, probably trying to hear anything from our conversation.
"What? No..", Sebastian shook his head as he refuse. "No Diana.. you give that to Scott yourself", he insisted as he gave me back my paper. "Hey.. we can do this..", he said.
"This is not some kind of surgical operation that I usually do.. or a medical situation I'm best at", I said as I push back his hand with the paper. "I'm afraid that Roman might be right. I might not be able to save Kate, much more Scott. And if I have a chance to win this fight, Scott needs more saving even after we get him from Tamara", I said as I squeezed his hand with the note. I noticed Roman sat on a nearby chair, maybe eavesdropping silently. "Keep this, and give it to him", I whispered.
"No Diana, don't ever do that. Don't lose something that gives you strength" he said as he held my shoulder.
"What is?", with Scott away from my side, where do I find my strength?
"Hope", Sebastian smiled. "I'll be there with you. We'll get Kate.. then we'll save Scott" he said as I smile at him. Then he kissed my forehead before he went out. Sebastian made me remember the strong person that I am. He left soonafter while Roman and I sat on the couch.
"Hey..", Roman sat close to me by the couch. I noticed he haven't put down the satchel he's been carrying around.
"Hey, Roman", I smiled a little, worried he might lose it again and force himself to me since the scent of the imprint lures him so much. "Uh..", I hesitated for a moment.
"Your dad... I uh...".
"He was an arse", Roman said.
"
"Sorry about what I said over Kate earlier", he said as he looked down like a sad puppy. "Us, Alphas? Only our Lunas concern us. Our world revolve around our Lunas, like you're the only one in this world. And.. when we had to choose where our Lunas are involved.. without doubts and hesitations, we simply side them.", he said as he explains himself why Kate shouldn't be saved from the vampires earlier.
Then, he took a deep breath as he rub his face with his palms. "I dont know how Scott do it. How he cares for other people who are somewhat special for you.. I'm not saying he's a better Alpha but, I just want you to know, I only said it because of my deep affection for you", he said in a calm tone. "You're the only one I most care about", he added with a sigh. Knowing Roman for quite a while, he's got an image that's all rough and tough. But when it comes to me, I see a softer side of him that not many sees. Maybe that's the wolf in me that partially imprinted on him.
"I don't think our decisions make who we are. Sometimes, our desires and emotions become so strong that we get blinded in making choices..", I looked away as I continued rationalizing. "You know.. when you're angry, there's a feeling of getting violent. And when you're too happy, you could be very generous to others.." I explained not looking back at Roman whom I felt has been staring at me. "Just like how you wolves are imprinted… So, it doesn't mean that you're a bad person just because you didn't sided Kate. I understand where you are coming from, and it's not like you know her anyway", I said with a soft sigh. Scott is might be far more different from Roman because of the variance where they were both raised.
I saw him smile a little. Then, he hesitantly held my hand gently, softer than he usually does. "No wonder why Scott respects you so much..", he tapped my hand before he drew it back. "I'll still wait for the day you'd turn to me and see me more than how you see Scott", Roman was unusually patient which is totally refreshing. Then, he looked at me again as he come closer.
Before he could inch his face on mine, I rested my palm on his chest and asked, "How about you teach me how to kill original vampires?".
"Not a chance", he exhaled sharply with a smile. He moved back and squinted his eyes. "Luna, original vampires are very dangerous.. unlike any other vampires, they are stronger and hard to kill. Their skin are hard like steel, and they have powers in their eyes that compels humans to do something they don't like", he explained. "Anyone who come their way, ends up dead.. I should know, because I've seen it with my own eyes", he said in a serious tone. The difficulty of killing an original vampire coming from a wolf made me realize I wouldn't stand a chance against Claudia.
Roman then put down his satchel and removed his shirt that startled me. "I don't think it's necessary to take your shirt off", I said as I pull back.
"Relax.. Look here", he turned away giving me a good view of his fully tattooed back. I remembered Scott saying that Alphas get involuntarily marked with tattoos when they experience a milestone. This is the first time I'm seeing Roman's.
He pointed a tattoo of a bat with a stake on its chest near his shoulder blade, beside a spiderweb tattoo with a star in the middle. "I've killed an original vampire once. I found out that a small family in the city was being hunted by an original vampire. I had to intervene since, that part of the city is under the protection of our clan.", he said while I graze his bat tattoo. "Magnus was a thousand years old vampire who loves the blood of the children", he said.
"How did you killed him?", I checked out the rest of his tattoos. It's amazing how it looked like a diary drawn on his back. I noticed a head with a galaxy of stars coming out from it, the moon hidden in the clouds, and couple of spiderwebs with a star in the middle.
"Oli arrived just in time.. she brought a stake with her. While I was bathing in my own blood, her voice woke me up and gave me the stake which I used to stab Magnus on the chest", he said.
Curious with the spiderweb tattoos, I decided to ask him. "Are you afraid of spiders?, I asked.
"Luna, do I look Iike afraid of anything? Pfft", he said as he turned and faced me with a proud smile.
"Then, what does those spiderweb tattoos mean? There's a couple of it on your back", I noticed Roman's smile faded slowly. His face turned pale as he hardened his face.
"How.. how many are there?", he asked.
"Three spiderwebs.. with a star in the middle", I clearly described.
He looked stunned, like he was poured with cold water. "There.. there are tattoos that just appear on my back, Luna. I don't even know some of it", he anxiously said.
"What was I saying earlier?", Roman asked as he force a smile.
"Uhh you we're telling how you killed Magnus", I said.
"Right.. I have something to give you", Roman took something from his satchel. "This is the stake that killed Magnus", he said as he handed me an all white stake.
I admired the intricate design on the beautiful stake that he gave me. There were three holes on it's handle. I touched the sharp pointed edge and flinched as it pricked my skin. "Watch it, it's sharp", he warned.
"Teach me how to swing", I can't win, that's for sure. But at least, I could try. Roman nodded as he teach me how to use the stake.
After hours of practicing, Roman took a shut-eye in preparation for whatever fight he'd choose tonight. I'm glad he taught me some skills, and even gave me an of hope through the stake. Lucas and Austin arrived shortly as they shared with me the things that have taken place during my absence. Their laughters and teases cheered me up, despite the sadness my heart has been feeling. They never left me alone, to which I'm thankful for. For when I'm by myself, my head starts to fill with some thoughts that reminds of me of my anxiety.
Before the night falls, the rest of Scott's pack arrived one by one until my home smelled awfully like men. The plan to look for Scott has been set, which will be headed by Lucas. However, none of them planned to save Kate which made my heart sank.
Unable to hear more of their plans leaving Kate out, I excused myself and went up my room. Then, I heard Roman talking, when I thought he was sleeping alone in the baywindow. As I took a peek, I saw him sleeping like a log. I sat beside him as his face turn to a frown. He seemed like having a bad dream. "Roman", I called his name to wake him up. Calling his name a few times more, he suddenly gasped and get up swiftly. "Are you alright?", I asked.
"Yea.. yea", he breathlessly answered. I stood up and before I walked away, he held my hand and said, "I'll find Scott".
Wondering why Roman had a sudden change of heart, I just placed my trust in him for leading the search for Scott. His pack will be in the search with him for he refused to work with Scott's pack. I looked at my watch and realized it's almost two hours after sunset.
While the wolves engage in a meeting about who's going with Roman, I snuck out of the building as I head onto the basement for my car. Not one of them cared for Kate, so I suppose, I'll save her myself. I'm sure they will do everything to save Scott, which I'll forever be grateful. Besides, the vampire only wanted me. Alone. With a stake inside my jacket, I braved the dark road to the Old East Cemetery where Claudia will be waiting.
The dark of the night was particularly thrilling as I arrive at the gates of the cemetery. The lamps which were usually lit up, were all closed, making the cemetery look more creepy. I left my car running with the headlights on to light way up the wall and in the burial ground. With a flashlight on my hand, I walked my way through the field of tombs as I look for Kate.
Diana slowly walked through the shadows of the trees along the concrete floor. The wind gushed around as the leaves rustle, accompanying her in the dark graveyard. She lighted her way to the tombs only to find no one around. With only the croak of the frogs and chirp of the crickets, the silence of the night made her clearly hear every sound that's made.
She reached the part of the cemetery where there were mausoleums of different sizes. As she walk in between the narrow alleys, she caught a glimpse of a dark figure facing the wall. Diana gasped and swallowed a big lump in her throat. She stopped walking and put up the light pointing to the man's direction.
He didn't moved.
Then suddenly, he turned around with his eyes struggling to open at the light Diana focused on him. With his hands blocking the light to his eyes, the old man grunted as he shouted at Diana. "Do ya mind taking that bloody light off me eyes!", he said to which Diana moved the light away instantly.
"I'm sorry, sir", she apologized.
"That's what they always say", the old man who seemed drunk lit a cigar as he approach Diana in a silly manner. "What are ya doin in a place like this? The cemetery is closed at this time of the night, this aint a bar or a playground", he took a good look at Diana from head to toe. "This is no place for a lil girl at a time like this. Sheesh", he irritatingly said as he cough while he puff smoke from his brown cigar. He then walked out of the alley. Diana followed him as she lighted to way for the man to walk by. "You kids really like to play. What are ya doin? Ghost huntin'?", he clicked his tongue as he scratch the back of his head.
"No sir, I'm actually looking for someone. We'll meet here", Diana said as she trail the steps of the old man. The old man suddenly stopped and lifted his face as if smelling the air.
Then he turned his back in Diana. "In a cemetery? Heh. What, with some boy?", the old man scoffed.
"No, I'm looking for…", Diana said as she heard some footsteps coming. She looked around and felt her heart started to pound with her hair raising under her jacket. "She's here", she whispered.
"This is no place for ya. Whoever you're meeting, forget it. I'm kicking you out", the old man said as he hurriedly pull Diana away.
"No, sir please! I need to meet Claudia! I need to save my friend", Diana said as she move away from the old man.
"Claudia?", the old man stopped and squinted his eyes at Diana. "Ya don't know what yer saying.", he said. Then, the cold breeze blew as the leaves scatter in the air. "You better get outta here, forget that Claudia and the friend of yours", he said as he pull Diana making their way out. When he looked back, he saw a figure of a woman standing at the end of the alley. He widened his eyes and panicked, making him run away leaving Diana behind.
Shuddering in fear, Diana breathe shakily watching the man run away. Then she looked back as she pointed the light towards the empty alley. She walked slowly, in small steps. Diana held her breath as she prepare herself for the most dreadful night she'd have in her life.
"I didn't know you could be so brave to come alone", Claudia whispered in Diana's ear as her cold breath sent shivers down the Luna's spine.
Diana gasped at the sound of Claudia's petrifying voice, making her flinch back. "Where's Kate?", she asked.
"In a hurry?", Claudia smirked. "You'll see her soon", she looked straight her eyes and breathlessly said, "Sleep". Diana's eyes started to feel heavy but she was able to fight the compelling power of the vampire's forceful persuasion. Bewildered with Diana's resistance, Claudia grinned in excitement. "So it doesn't work too. I have other ways", Claudia hit Diana on the face knocking her out on the ground.
Diana woke up on the cold floor with her flashlight on her face. She winced at her aching face as she lick the dried blood on the side of her mouth. With struggle, she picked herself up on the floor realizing she's confined inside an old mauseleum as big as a church that houses only two tombs. It is surrounded with colorful glass windows which glimmered from hundreds of candles lit inside. Up ahead beyond the tombs, she saw Kate lying unconscious by the stairs. "Kate!" Diana shouted as she rush to her friend. She tapped her shoulders, then on her face to wake her up. "Kate!! Kate!!", Diana repetitively called her name until her voice was heard in Kate's dreams.
Kate winced and eventually opened her eyes slowly. "Diana? Is that you?", she weakly asked. "Is this a dream?", Kate said as she try to get up.
"It's okay, I'm here now", Diana said as she sniffled. "Are you okay? Are you hurt?", she said as she help Kate sit up. Diana noticed some bleeding from Kate's shirt. Her operative wound must have opened up, she thought.
"I'm fine.. you shouldn't have come", Kate said.
"Why would I leave you?", Diana asked. "We'll always have each other's backs right?"she held Kate's hand as she helped her stand up. "Let's go, can you stand?", she put Kate's arm over her shoulders as they climb down a few steps.
"Leaving so soon? But you just arrived", Claudia said while sitting on one of the tombs.
Diana put Kate behind her as she face Claudia. "Listen Claudia! I don't work with a nagua! Please let us go", Diana plead.
"Diana she doesn't care about anything. She just listen to her own thoughts", Kate whispered as she squeezed Diana's hand.
"I'd love to play for a little while, before I kill you", she said before she swiftly vanished.
Diana and Kate stay put together as they feel the quick movements Claudia makes. Her acts of celerity blew some of the candles as it makes a whooshing sound. Then, with great agility, Claudia took Kate out before she could even scream.
"KATE!!!!", Diana ran as she looked around for Kate. In a while, she heard a loud thud as she sees Kate's body on the floor. As she approach her in hurried steps, Claudia blocked her way while she lick her fingers. "You're next", she said.
Diana grunted in anger, as she bravely attacked Claudia. She threw a fit on the vampire's face that made Claudia wince a little. "You hit like a wolf", Claudia said before she punched Diana. The Luna flew a couple of meters hitting a stoned pillar with her head. A little blood dripped on her face as she gasped in pain. She tried to get up holding onto the pillar. Diana noticed a pick axe resting on the side as she stealthily move towards it until it's within her reach.
Claudia eyes widened at the sight of Diana's blood. "Your blood is very tempting like any human.. but at the same time, it's very dangerous to us.", she said as she walk closer.
Diana glared back at her as she reach the pick axe. As soon as Claudia comes nearer, Diana swung the pick axe aiming for the vampire's head. The original vampire grabbed the pick axe and broke it into two as she tossed it away. "Really? That's so pathetic of you for a Luna", she said as she strangle Diana with one hand.
Diana held Claudia's hand while she choke to her death. Lifted up in the air, she tried to kick Claudia to let her go but to no avail. Then, surprisingly, Claudia was driven away with strong force dropping Diana on the floor. Diana gasped for air as she rub her neck. When she lifted her face, she saw the old man whom she met earlier.
"Come on let's go!", the old man said as he help Diana stand up.
"Wait! I can't leave Kate", Diana breathlessly said as she pointed to her friend.
The old man ran to Kate and checked her for a bit. Then, she hurriedly came back for Diana pulling her hand. "She can't come wit us, she's bitten". he said with fearful eyes.
"What? No!", Diana couldn't believe the old man as she forcefully remove his tight grip on his arm.
"Yes she is! Let's go before the old hag comes back", he insisted.
"I told you not to meddle.", Claudia kicked Diana away and snapped the old man's head mercilessly. "No one's going to save you now", she said as she wipe the splattered blood on her face.
Collecting all the courage she have with the remaining strength in her body, Diana stood up as she confront death. She walked towards Claudia thinking that even if she hide or runaway, it will always be the same thing for Claudia will still hunt her for blood.
"It's such a waste not to have you shapeshift.", Claudia admired Diana for her bravery. Then, in a blink of an eye, Claudia lunged at Diana breaking her arm. Screaming from severe pain, Diana panted heavily as she try to land a punch on Claudia. Then, Claudia twisted Diana's broken arm as pinned her on the wall stripping Diana's sleeve.. "Let's hear your scream while my venom kills you slowly.. and painfully", she deeply cut Diana's arm with her sharp fingernail and dropped her venom straight from her fangs. Normally, a human would turn to a vampire with a single drop venom. For the wolves, it's like acid that kills them when it gets to their bloodstream.
While Claudia is dropping her venom, Diana took the chance to grab the stake Roman gave her and stabbed the original vampire on the chest. Claudia gasped as she push Diana down on the floor. The vampire removed the stake and threw it away. "You missed my heart.", she said as she attack Diana once again. However, before she could reach Diana, Gunner rabidly bit Claudia's shoulder tossing her in the air in his wolf form. He stood on guard while waiting for the vampire come at him.
Together with Gunner, Sebastian rushed to Diana securing the Luna in his tight embrace. "I'm sorry I'm late", he said.
"I didn't lose hope", Diana whispered as she let out a sigh of relief. She faced Sebastian with a smile and said, "You're just in time".
Sebastian carefully held her up as he check her injuries. His heart sank seeing how beaten up Diana ended without any help from the pack. After the wolves meeting about their plans of action, he noticed Diana have already left for Kate. With the pack's loyalty to Scott, only Sebastian decided to go after the Luna.
Confused why Roman chose a plan not concerning Diana, Gunner thought something might be wrong with him. He decided to join Sebastian to aid the Luna, because it is in their pact to protect the Luna at all cost. The rest of the pack will be joining him on his course anyway. Then, he'll figure out why Roman left Diana alone.
"I think she.. she got bitten", Diana stared at Kate as she held her bleeding arm.
"You got hurt too", he said as he strip a piece part of his shirt tying it on her arm.
Gunner shapeshifted to his human form and approached Diana. "How did you impaled her?", he asked seeing Claudia still down and not turning into ashes.
"With this", Diana picked up the stake and handed it over to Gunner. "Roman gave that to me", she added.
Sebastian and Gunner looked at each other in complete shock. And when they looked at where Claudia dropped dead, she was already gone.
Scott had frequent visions everytime he shuts his eyes. Some of his rouge nightmares include more deaths and new beginnings. Bound tightly on a rock, he did everything he could to release himself while Ofir just laid back comfortably as he hum a tune with his eyes closed.
The Alpha didn't even noticed how time passed by. Tamara didn't showed herself after the early morning conversation they had. Day turned to night as he desperately thought of ways to escape. Kicking the ground, hitting his head back and using his powers, nothing ever works. Everytime he rests his mind, he deeply hoped the pack would find him as soon as possible, and that Diana should be in safety for he had awful dreams about her.
Hours after the sun have retired, Scott thought of Diana who would probably be in Claudia's lair now.
Every now and then, he experiences throbbing pains through his heart that increases the uneasiness he feels inside. Enduring the unbearable agony, his agitation fluctuates, and it's driving him insane, especially now that he has suspicions that Roman could be another Tamara's puppet. "Luna..", he whispered.
When the light disappeared completely in the sky, his
anger started to heighten once again. No food was supplied, and only the drizzle of the light rain dampen his dry mouth. He looked at Ofir who was still resting peacefully as if his current situation doesn't bother him. "Ofir!!! Wakeup!! Ofir!!", he said with much irritation.
The lythari elf groaned as he opened his eyes. "Do not shout Alpha! You're disturbing the songs of the owls", Ofir said as the owls hoot in the dark.
"Ofir, why don't you to use your powers to take us out of here", he asked.
"My what?", Ofir asked.
"You heard me", Scot replied with a glare.
"I'm so glad that the Alpha has finally admitted he needs my help", Ofir smiled ear to ear at the helpless Alpha. "But… even if I wanted to, I can't", he said.
"Now is not the right time to make jokes", Scott really hoped it was a joke.
"Alpha", Ofir said with a nervous smile. "I forgot to tell you.. I contained my powers in.. in some marbles. And I gave to the Luna" he said.
"So you don't have powers at all?", Scott then realized why the moonstone near Ofir doesn't glow at all ever since he was hooked on the rock.
"Not a single magic", Ofir said. "Don't worry.. help is on the way", he said as he lifted his hands and placed them at the back of his head.
Scott stared at Ofir in such amusement. "How did you do that?", he asked how the lythari was able to move his hands.
"Do what?", Ofir squinted his eyes wondering what he did that amazed the Alpha.
"You can move your hands!!", Scott realized that he might have said it too loud. "You can move your hands", he whispered.
Ofir stared at his free hands, and then he stepped down of the rock like he wasn't bound at all. "I can, can't you?", he asked. Despite the nagua got him captive, the runestone couldn't trap him for he has ni powers to use.
"Will I be hanging around here if I want to? Get me me out of here!", he gritted his teeth as he start to get more impatient.
"Alpha, this is a runestone. It attracts power and then, connects the energies of two bodies through the moonstone. The more power you use, the more power it gets, and the more stuck you will be in that rock until it suck all the remaining energy you have.", Ofir explained. Scott was able to understand why Ofir didn't stick on the rock. He has no power left to be bound on the runestone.
"So how can I get out from here..", Scott sadly asked as he started to radiate his power, thinking that maybe, draining his powers would release him from the stone.
Widening his eyes, Ofir waved his hands stopping Scott from using so much of his powers. "No no Alpha! It doesn't work that way", Ofir worriedly said knowing that draining his powers would make things worst.
"Help me get out of here", Scott said. He turned his head when he heard someone coming. Worried it might be Tamara, she mouthed to Ofir to go back to his runestone.
Ofir smiled. "It's alright. I told you.. help is on the way.", he said as he face the part of the bushes where he sees something glowing.
Then, a man in a dark cloak appeared holding Ofir's marbles. "Who's there?", he asked as he put down his hand with the marbles stuck on it.
"I've been waiting for you. Do you mind giving me my marbles back?", Ofir said with his hands in his back. Scott squinted his eyes on the tall man.
"How did you get here?", Scott asked without removing his gaze on the man's face. He could see his untimely resemblance with Diana and he could tell easily that this man is no other than Daniel Woodsworth.
"The marbles led me here. They knew their way to the lythari.. as always", Daniel said.
"So much powers are in there, like they have a mind of their own. They will go back to where they rightfully belong", Ofir said. "Long time no see, old friend", he smiled at Daniel.
"Yours? How did you knew my daughter? "
Is she here?", Daniel asked as he look around.
"She's not here", he said. "We've known each other for quite a while", Ofir added.
"Must be a long time for you to give my daughter your marbles.", Daniel said. "What caught up this time?", he asked.
"This guy over here needs help,"Ofir nodded at Scott as he hop down a rock. "You arrived perfectly on time", he said.
"Who's this guy?", Daniel gazed at Scott trying to remember where did he saw those ash gray eyes.
"I.. I am..", Scott couldn't even introduce himself. This is the man who he knew killed his father, who tortured him every night and the one who persuaded his father to deal with a nagua. He thought he have wholeheartedly accepted Daniel, yet here he is, he doesn't even know what to say.
"Cat got your tongue?", Daniel asked as he lifted his brows at Scott. "Look Ofir, here's your marbles. I don't want to do anything with them. I just want to see Diana that's why I gave in with them", he said.
Daniel was about to hand over the marbles, when he sensed a nagua nearby. "A nagua's coming", as he said as he kept himself hidden behind Scott's runestone. Ofir went back to his rock and waited for Tamara to finally show up.
Meanwhile, the wolves have finally reached the rainforest by nightfall. Combing the field tall grasses, the wolfmen trudge on the sharp long slender stalks led by Roman.
"WHY ARE WE SAVING SCOTT AGAIN?", Troy said while he push the grasses away.
"You can go back if you're scared", Flynn said as he walk carefully on the muddy ground.
"Scared? Pfft", Troy quinted his eyes at the derisive
"Like.. why didn't we just go with the Luna instead?", he said as he glance at Roman. Roman remained quite while his pack exchanged loud questions. He never explained why he chose to let the Luna went to Claudia alone. Lucas and Cory stared at each other while the Grayback pack make their reasonable assumption on Roman's nonchalance on Diana.
"How did you know where to go anyway? I mean, nagualli don't show themselves that easy right?", Matt asked as he looked back at Roman. Hearing each other's perceptions, they only have come to realize that Roman may not be himself.