Ryker's POV.
The forest seemed to grow darker as we led the search group into the dangerous terrain, the sun setting, and the trees twisted about us like skeleton fingers.
I pleaded, "We need to move faster," in an urgent tone. "We can't let Thorne get too far ahead."
With determined expressions, the squad nodded, but the weariness started showing. As much as I hated to admit it, the lack of progress was beginning to negatively impact our mood after days of looking.
Lenora, a scout, shouted, "I've got something," in a voice that was just audible above a whisper.
My heart pounding, I hurried to her side. "What is it?"
"A trail," said Lenora, her gaze fixed on the floor. "It's faint, but it looks like Thorne's men passed through this place."
My head racing, I followed the route with my eyes. "Let's go. We can't let them go just yet."
As we continued, the woodland became thicker, the shadows got deeper, and nightfall drew closer. Despite this, my team and I persisted, our senses becoming more acute with each step. We just could not afford to lose the trail, no matter how weak it was. We've gone too far to allow failure to win.
I said, "We're getting close," as I looked about me.
A twig suddenly cracked behind me, and I saw a figure darting quickly between the woods.
"Get down!" I yelled.
It was almost too late as my crew fell, escaping the barrage of arrows. My bow humming, I swiftly returned fire.
"Thorne's men," snarled Rowan, one of my most reliable teammates.
"We need to take them out." I nodded as I said.
My crew and Thorne's soldiers continued to engage in combat. The clang of steel hitting steel reverberated across the trees.
I went up to the opposing commander as the battle dwindled.
"Where's Thorne?" I insisted.
Ryker's feet were spit upon by the guy.
"You'll tell me eventually." I squinted as I spoke.
Tristan's perspective.
Tristan's beta Mark, back at the palace, watched Zara's behavior with increasing alarm. He had gained Tristan's undying trust throughout their decades-long relationship. Before Lucy entered his life, he was the closest thing the lycan kingdom had to a buddy.
Mark's keen intuition was picking up on a subtle hint of dishonesty coming from Zara. Although he was unable to pinpoint it exactly, his years of expertise cautioned him to look into it further.
Mark came looking for me in the toilet room that night.
"Your Majesty," Mark spoke in a quiet, earnest voice. "I've noticed Zara's behavior has been... peculiar."
With a solemn gaze, I turned to face him. "Explain."
Mark spoke with confidence as he described Zara's questionable behavior. "Zara has been with me since she moved here, but she seems... different these days. I worry that she could be concealing something.
I squinted. "I'll take care of it."
Mark's face stayed serious. "Your Majesty, use caution. If my instincts are right, there may be a serious internal danger.
I nodded, demonstrating how much I trusted Mark. "Mark, your advice is priceless. I will not disregard your cautions.
My mind shifted to Zara as Mark left. I've always known she was flawed, but collaborating with Thorne? Being involved in a scheme to abduct the baby of her half-sister?
I never truly believed that she hated Lucy enough to want to inflict such severe suffering on her. I vow by the moon goddess that she will pay a heavy price if it proves to be true. I'll hold everyone accountable.
Thorne was once again in front of his master, the enigmatic cloaked figure.
The figure murmured, "Well done, Alpha Thorne," in a voice as icy as ice. "You have done a great job, and Zara's loyalty is guaranteed."
Thorne lowered his head. "As you commanded, Master."
With its strength pulsing through Thorne's veins, the figure's presence appeared to fill the space.
The figure went on solemnly, "The child's importance cannot be overstated," "With its power, we will reshape the world."
The scale of The Figure was much greater than Thorne's goal. He hadn't yet recognized that he was just a piece in a much bigger game.
"What of Zara's real intentions?" Thorne inquired.
The Figure grinned icily. "Her wishes are... unimportant. Like you, she will fulfill our destiny.
Thorne felt a knot in his stomach. He had believed he was in control of his destiny.
Thorne's soul was wounded by the Figure's lifeless, icy gaze. "Remember where you are, Thorne. There will be loyalty rewards. Betrayal won't happen.
With a hard swallow, Thorne reinforced his loyalty. "What do you wish to become an expert in?"
There was quiet from the cloaked figure. But Thorne could feel his eyes on him, assessing his allegiance.
Ryker's perspective:
Thorne's soldiers had fought a fierce but short fight. Despite suffering some losses, my side prevailed.
Thorne's soldiers withdrew, leaving a number of detainees in their wake. When I questioned them, they didn't say anything useful.
But before he passed away from his injuries, one prisoner muttered a mysterious warning:
"The shadow of the black figure expands... Watch out for the darkness within.
I stared at the corpse of the prisoner. What mysteries did he carry with him to the afterlife?
My trustworthy scout, Rowan, came up to me as I was still trying to figure out what it meant. "Ryker,
I believe I've discovered a
Something.
My most reliable scout, Rowan, came up to me. "Ryker, I've discovered a track. Hidden yet apparent to those who know where to seek are ancient markings.
I squinted. "Lead on."
The signs led the group to a secret area as they followed Rowan through the thick forest.
A massive library with a cool, vine-covered exterior loomed in the center of the deep woodland.
"How did this remain hidden?" I asked out loud.
Lenora shrugged. "Ryker, there are mysteries in the forest. We're just fortunate to have discovered this one.
There was a musty smell coming from the library as I pushed open its enormous doors. Secrets hung in the air within.
"Look for any writings that mention a hint or anything similar. I placed my order.
Ancient books were protected by shelves that loomed like sentinels. Lenora and Rowan scattered in search of undiscovered information.
I reached into the piles and traced dusty spines with my fingertips. Abruptly, I saw a title:
As I opened the book, my heart raced. Cryptic sentences were found on yellowed pages:
"Darkness rules when shadows come together...
The darkness will be unleashed by the child's might.
A shiver went up my back. What was meant by it?
"Ryker!" Rowan's yell reverberated throughout the library.
With my pulse pounding, I hurried over to him.
I said, "What is it?"
Rowan had a pale face. "You need to see this."
He unlocked a secret chamber that had a piece of paper with only one phrase written on it:
"When shadows unite, darkness reigns, the child's power shall unleash the night."
My eyes became big. What gloom?
The torches suddenly faded and flickered.
It became dark in the library.
"Get the torches relit!" I yelled.
However, a man appeared in front of me as the torch flared up again.
Thorne.
"Welcome, Ryker," Thorne said in a sour tone. "I see you've found the prophecy." He smiled slyly as he said.