Chapter 14 - Bloodlines...

In his stunned state, Michael's gaze instinctively shifted to Finn, his most trusted companion. The weight of their current predicament hung heavily in the air, and their eyes locked in a silent exchange of understanding. It was Finn who broke the silence, his voice laced with urgency and a tinge of desperation."We need a bigger pack, Michael," Finn's words cut through the heavy silence like a knife. "We need to defend ourselves, even if it seems futile. We need to find the discarded, the unfit, even the wildcards. We must gather our forces and unite as a true pack."The sense of urgency in Finn's tone reverberated through Michael's bones. He realized the gravity of the situation—they were now embroiled in a war, a war against one of the most powerful vampire bloodlines, a war they were ill-equipped to fight. Thoughts raced through his mind, and his heart pounded in his chest like a war drum, each beat a symphony of fear and determination.Everything around him became a blur, the voices and sounds melding into an abstract symphony. The weight of the challenge they faced pressed heavily upon his young shoulders. However, amidst the chaos of his thoughts, one truth remained resolute: they could not face this danger alone.Michael's trembling hands clenched into fists, his commitment to survival solidifying with each passing moment. The call to gather the unfit, the discarded, and the wildcards resonated deeply within him. They needed strength in numbers to stand a chance against their formidable adversaries.With newfound clarity, Michael's focus sharpened, cutting through the haze of uncertainty. He understood that time was of the essence, that the sands of the hourglass were slipping away rapidly. Every moment they hesitated, every second they wasted, could bring them closer to their ultimate demise.Taking a deep breath, Michael nodded in agreement, his resolve burning like a beacon amidst the encroaching darkness. The war had been thrust upon them, demanding they fight for their survival and for the restoration of balance. Though the task ahead seemed insurmountable, he knew they must gather their allies, forge their own strength, and face their fate head-on.Michael's journey had transformed categorically, from an ordinary boarding school student to a warrior in a supernatural battle. With Finn by his side, they would navigate this treacherous path together. As Michael struggled to process the sudden turn of events, he slowly pushed himself up from his chair. His mind was clouded with confusion, and his eyes felt heavy and unfocused. With each step, his vision became blurry, making it difficult for him to navigate his way out of the dining room.Unbeknownst to him, Finn, his loyal friend, walked alongside Michael, offering support. However, Michael's state of daze was so profound that he hardly noticed his presence. Finn's concern for his friend grew with every stumbled step Michael took.Eventually, the disoriented Michael reached his room, barely aware of his surroundings. The moment he collapsed onto his bed, exhaustion overcame him, and he slipped into a deep slumber. Finn watched over him, a steadfast presence even in Michael's subconsciousness.Sunday approached swiftly, but for Michael, it was nothing more than a hazy blur. He attended church, surrounded by the congregation's muffled voices. The words spoken seemed incomprehensible, blending together like an indistinct murmur. Michael's senses were further compromised by the growing effects of the bite he had received earlier.As the journey progressed, beads of sweat dripped down Michael's forehead, a sign of his deteriorating condition. There were moments when he couldn't withstand the strain any longer, causing his body to give in and collapse. Yet, throughout his bouts of weakness, Finn remained faithfully by his side, offering both physical and emotional support."Michael," Finn began, his voice filled with concern, "you need to understand that the power of the werewolf lies in his pack. It is the strength and unity of the pack that determines our fate."Michael, still grappling with his confusion and the bite's effects, looked into Finn's eyes, his own filled with a mixture of fear and hope. "Okay," he responded, his voice quivering, "so we are good, right? We have each other."Finn's gaze remained pained as he answered, his words carrying the weight of their situation. "A pack typically has a minimum of six members, up to a thousand, woven like a web into a bloodline. Our pack, Michael, it's just the two of us. It doesn't look good for us, Mike."As they continued down the corridor, Finn's strides grew heavier, and his eyes were cast downward. They entered the hostel's bustling hall, filled with students going about their daily lives, oblivious to the impending darkness that loomed over Michael. Finn's presence lingered, like a shadow, as he left Michael behind to navigate through the crowded hallways, feeling lost and alone.Michael followed Finn's retreating figure, his steps faltering, feeling like a stray puppy abandoned in a world of uncertainty. His heart sank, overwhelmed by the realization that they were facing the unknown with limited support. The weight of their predicament pressed upon him, pushing him deeper into the realms of despair.As Michael followed closely behind Finn, his footsteps resonating in the silent room, he closed the door behind him. But something was amiss. His vision became hazy, and a blurred world unfolded before his eyes. Struggling to maintain his balance, he whispered to Finn, his voice filled with worry, "Hey, Finn bro, I don't feel so good."Alarmed by Michael's condition, Finn's instincts kicked in. He rushed to lock the door, sealing them off from the outside world. However, Michael's situation took a sudden turn for the worse. He began convulsing uncontrollably, each spasm making his eyes transform into different colors – first yellow, then red, and finally blue. But what happened next left Finn puzzled and fearful.Amidst the chaos, Michael's eyes settled on a bright green hue, a color unseen among the known werewolf bloodlines. Finn's mind raced, realizing that none of the bloodlines, from the valcrum with their blue eyes, the naturally alpha Vanhelsings with their red eyes, to the Lycans with their yellow eyes, possessed this distinct shade of green. It was an enigma, a startling revelation that sent shivers down Finn's spine.