As the hunters rushed us back to Ethan's compound, I could feel a mixture of relief and anxiety coursing through my veins. The weight of the recent events hung heavy upon me, and I knew that facing Ethan's family would be no easy task. But at that moment, all I cared about was getting Ethan the help he needed.
Upon our arrival, we were met with an air of tension. Ethan's family, including his younger brother, Michael, and his elder sister, Olivia, approached us, their expressions filled with anger and blame. It was clear they held me responsible for Ethan's condition.
"What did you do to him?" Olivia demanded, her voice dripping with disdain.
Before I could respond, Ethan's mother, Elizabeth, stepped forward. Her eyes were filled with both concern and disappointment. "Emily, tell us exactly what happened in the woods," she urged, her tone carried urgency and frustration.
Taking a deep breath, I recounted the events, explaining how Ethan had protected me from the attacking werewolves and the injuries he sustained. I emphasized that I had done everything I could to help him, but it was clear that his condition was grave.
Ethan was immediately rushed down to his chambers for immediate treatments. The pack's physicians attended to Ethan, examining his wounds and monitoring his vital signs. Their faces grew increasingly solemn as they exchanged concerned glances.
"He's not healing as fast as he should," one of the physicians stated grimly. "It seems he was poisoned during the fight. His wounds are infected, and the toxins are inhibiting his recovery."
A heavy silence settled over the room as the gravity of the situation sank in. The physicians explained that Ethan's condition was critical, and without a miracle, he might not make it.
Elizabeth, Ethan's mother, broke down in tears, unable to bear the thought of losing her son. Michael and Olivia stood stoically, their expressions carried a mixture of sorrow and anger.
I was patiently waiting for Ronald to arrive, he could at least be of little solace for me.
Suddenly, one of the physicians spoke up, suggesting a risky and unconventional method of healing. "There is a ritual, a form of black magic. It has the potential to save Ethan's life, but it comes with great risks."
"Whatever the cost maybe, we'll do it!" Michael, the Beta of the pack proclaimed in urgency.
"It requires soul shifting." The physician replied. Everyone was puzzled. He solemnly explained the details of the black magic ritual.
"It requires a volunteer who would temporarily switch souls with Ethan's body. Ethan's safety is guaranteed, but the volunteer's life would be at great risk. There's a high chance that the volunteer's soul might not be able to return to their own body, and even if they do, there would be grave side effects." He explained.
The room fell into an uneasy silence as the physician explained the details of the ritual. They would need a human volunteer to undergo the ritual alongside Ethan.
With a determined but heavy heart, I stepped forward, offering myself as the volunteer. There was no excitement in my voice, only a deep sense of duty and guilt for Ethan.
My heart skipped a beat as the realization of the sacrifice hit me. I knew in that moment that I had to volunteer, despite the risks. I couldn't bear the thought of losing Ethan, not after everything we had been through. After all, he saved my life.
"I'll do it," I spoke up, my voice filled with determination. "I'll be the one to undergo the ritual."
Gasps filled the room as everyone turned to look at me in disbelief. Michael and Olivia exchanged worried glances.
Elizabeth's eyes widened with a mixture of shock and gratitude. She's the only one who had confronted Ethan countless times on my behalf, fighting for my freedom from Ethan.
"No, Emily," Elizabeth protested, her voice trembling. "You've already endured so much. I can't let you put your life on the line."
Olivia quickly retorted, "Mother! What are you saying? It's your son, the Alpha we're talking about. She's nothing but his pawn after all, let her do what her heart desires."
I held Elizabeth's gaze, my voice unwavering. "He's only in this state because he saved my life. I can't stand by and watch him suffer when there's a chance I can help. Please, let me do this." I pleaded, crying without having a second thought about my grave decision.
Reluctantly, Elizabeth nodded, tears streaming down her face. "If this is your choice, then we'll support you."
The room buzzed with a mix of anticipation and trepidation as the preparations for the ritual began. The physicians gathered the necessary materials, and a circle was drawn on the floor with intricate symbols.
I stood within the designated space, my heart pounding in my chest. Elizabeth approached me, her eyes filled with a mother's love and concern. She placed a protective hand on my cheek. "Stay strong, Emily. We're all counting on you."
The ritual began, the air crackling with an otherworldly energy. The physicians chanted ancient incantations, their voices blending together in a harmonious.
I closed my eyes, focusing on Ethan and our connection. I could feel the energy shifting, swirling around us as the ritual reached its climax. Suddenly, a surge of power coursed through me, causing me to gasp.
As the ritual progressed, I felt an otherworldly energy surround me, embracing me with its mysterious power. The world around me blurred, and my consciousness slipped away as my soul embarked on its perilous journey.
When I opened my eyes, I noticed a subtle change in my surroundings. The room seemed brighter, as if illuminated by an invisible source of light. I glanced down at my hands, and to my astonishment, they were covered in a faint shimmering glow.
Meanwhile, Ethan's body lay motionless, his soul temporarily absent. Elizabeth and the physicians stood vigilantly, their eyes fixed on Ethan's still form. Time seemed to stretch on as they anxiously awaited our return.
Minutes turned into an eternity, and doubts began to creep into their minds. They feared that the transfer had failed, and that we were forever lost in the void.
But then, as if by some divine intervention, Olivia gasped. "Look!" she exclaimed, her voice trembling with a mix of hope and fear.
They turned their attention to Ethan's body, and to their astonishment, his eyes fluttered open. It was Ethan, back in his own body, safe and sound.
Relief washed over the room as Elizabeth embraced her son, tears streaming down her face. "You're back, Ethan. You're alive," she whispered, her voice filled with gratitude.
But as the celebration began, a realization struck them. I was still lying unconscious, my body was lifeless. Fear gripped their hearts as they believed that my soul had been lost during the ritual.
In that moment, Ronald rushed in after hearing what had happened. He saw me lying within the circle, lifeless. "What happened to her?! what did you people do with her?!!" He shouted, holding me on his arms.
Ethan, who had no strength voiced out. "What is he talking about? Who is he talking about? Where's Emily? I need to see her." He said.
Ethan was laying down on his four feet bed, so he couldn't see me who was being placed on the floor.
Elizabeth, Ethan's mother started weeping. She didn't know what answer to give to Ethan. "It was the only way, son." She proclaimed.
Ethan was completely puzzled, "What was the only way? Someone talk to me!" As he tried screaming, he felt a deep pain on his back, his wounds were still healing.
However, just as they were about to lose hope, a faint glimmer of light appeared above my lifeless body. It flickered and danced before descending and merging with my form.
My eyes shot open, and I gasped for air as life surged back into me. But something was different. My eyes had a wild intensity, and a newfound strength emanated from within me.
Elizabeth approached me cautiously, her voice filled with concern. "Emily, you're.... you're alive!" She burst into tears of joy, hugging me with all her might.
The physicians rushed to my side, ensuring that I was stable. But all I could think about was Ethan.
As I approached Ethan's bedside, his eyes fluttered open, and a weak smile tugged at his lips. "I told you to run," he whispered with a weak grin.
Tears welled up in my eyes as relief flooded over me. "How can I run when I'm the cause of this," I replied, my voice choked with emotion. "I'm glad you're safe."
But as I reached out to touch his hand, a jolt of electricity coursed through me. My body trembled, and a surge of unfamiliar energy surged within me. My body started growing out furs like a wolf.
Ethan's eyes widened with astonishment as he looked at me, his voice filled with wonder. "Emily, you... you're growing out furs."
I stared at my body in disbelief, my mind reeling. "What is happening to me?" I asked shuddering.
The physician's voice trembled with uncertainty. "I... I think Ethan's soul had left few abilities within Emily's body." He explained.
"And what does that mean?" Olivia asked.
The physician sigh, he touched my growing furs and said, "The Alpha's Abilities has been divided among them. They're both carriers of the Alpha's powers."
Curiosity plaque the air.
To be continued... Will Ethan be happy for Emily? or will her situation only get worst since she now have part of his powers?
Next chapter: Carriers of the Alpha's powers