Angela 's POV
Stepping out of the boathouse, the cold night air felt like a sudden slap, making me wrap my jacket tighter around me. I was frantically trying to connect the dots between all that had occurred and what was yet to come.
Nikolai. Kaida. A werewolf turning on their own species. It seemed as though I was trapped in a never-ending nightmare. However, I needed to remain concentrated. If there was one lesson I had learned from my previous experiences, it was that displaying vulnerability could lead to death. I wasn't going to allow that to happen once more.
I had accepted Devin 's plan because, in my heart, I understood it was the sole choice. However, that didn't make things less difficult. Returning to the group was the final thing I desired to avoid. They left me, ignored me when I needed them the most. Was I expected to return casually and act as if I was there for assistance?
I was uncertain if I could achieve it.
However, if it involved halting Nikolai, if it involved safeguarding the pack from whoever was betraying them, I had no option.
I made it to the dock's edge, my heart racing as I gazed at the deep, undulating water. Out there, Nikolai was planning his next steps, and I needed to be prepared for anything that happened.
Inhaling deeply, I retrieved my phone and dialed a long-neglected number.
"Angela ?" The voice on the opposite side sounded unsure and perplexed.
"I am the one speaking," I declared, keeping my voice steady even as a storm raged within me. I have to have a conversation with Kaida. Immediately.
There was a moment of silence, and I could sense the tension in his voice. "Can you tell me what is happening?"
"I will clarify once I arrive," I responded. "Simply ensure that she is aware of my arrival."
I ended the call before he could inquire further, pushing the phone into my pocket. There was no going back at this point.
As I began moving closer to the pack's area, numerous thoughts rushed through my head. I was unsure of who to trust, uncertain if the pack would welcome me again. However, I needed to attempt.
In support of the pack. Dedicated to Devin .
And for me.
The final memory I had before losing consciousness was exiting the eatery. I was deep in contemplation, attempting to make sense of the flood of emotions that arose upon encountering Devin once more. The world appeared to blend in with each other - the noise of the people, the conversations from the street sellers - all merged into a quiet murmur.
All of a sudden, a sudden sharp pain struck the back of my neck, causing a cold, sinking sensation. My limbs had become so heavy that I couldn't even move them. I attempted to shout, but my words were consumed by the emptiness. I lost my sight as my knees gave out, and I collapsed into emptiness.
Upon regaining consciousness, I found myself restricted to a chilly metal seat in a strange room. The walls were moist and made of stone, similar to a dungeon below ground. The strong odor of mildew and sweat filled the air, while a flickering light bulb created spooky shadows on the walls.
I felt a pounding in my head, and a metallic flavor stayed in my mouth. I pulled on the ropes binding my wrists, but they remained still. I felt a wave of panic in the depths of my stomach as I struggled to recall how I had arrived at this point. Who was responsible for this? For what reason?
I inhaled deeply, attempting to soothe the rapid pounding of my heart. I shut my eyes, accessing my inner wolf, attempting to tap into her power, but things felt amiss. I experienced a muted, buzzing feeling, as if there was an obstacle preventing me from fully changing. I felt blocked by an invisible barrier, like a drug, stopping me from tapping into my skills. I was unable to escape. Feeling powerless.
My eyes snapped open when a loud creak reverberated in the room. A tall and broad-shouldered man, dressed in black, entered the dimly lit area. Though his face was hidden in shadows, I could sense his stare penetrating me.
"Well, well, it seems you've finally come to," he remarked, speaking in a low and mocking tone.
I gritted my teeth, determined not to display any fear. What is your identity? "What is it that you desire?"
He laughed sinisterly, moving nearer, his boots making a clicking noise on the concrete floor. "You are not in a position to ask questions, love." However, since you appear very curious, let's just say you are the bait.
"Are you offering bait?" I was consumed by racing thoughts. What is the bait for? For whom?
"You hold greater significance than you realize, young wolf." There are individuals who desire to witness Devin shattered, and you..." He moved nearer, his warm breath brushing against my ear. "You are the ideal instrument for that."
Devin . Certainly. This was concerning him.
"I whispered that Devin will never be deceived by your trap." "He is indifferent towards me."
The man inclined his head, seemingly pondering my words. Possibly no. However, you may be taken aback by the things individuals are ready to gamble on when their emotions are involved.
I swallowed nervously, attempting to control the wave of feelings that was about to overwhelm me. This wasn't a spontaneous abduction. This was intentional, planned. They were aware of Devin 's vulnerabilities - and it seemed that I was one of them.
I needed to discover an escape route. There must have been a loophole, a flaw in their plan. However, since my wolf had been restrained and my body was weakened by whatever substance they had given me, my choices were few.
The man moved around me in a circle, his fingers lightly touching the chair's edge as he went by. "You will remain here in a calm and peaceful manner." Act your role as a compliant pawn, and possibly, you will live long to witness the outcome.
I locked eyes with him, feeling rage seething just under the surface. "I am not a puppet."
Everyone is simply a pawn, darling. Some people only come to understand it when it's already too late.
Having done that, he walked away, leaving me by myself in the cold, dark room. The door closed loudly as he walked in, the noise reverberating in the quietness.
I leaned back in the chair, my thoughts swirling with various outcomes. Whoever these individuals were, their intention was to use me as a means to reach Devin . However, I couldn't stay idle and expect him to rescue me. I needed to discover a solution for escaping and resisting.
I concentrated on the ropes once more, rotating my wrists, searching for a vulnerable point. The ropes caused a burning sensation on my skin, but I paid no mind. I would not quit.
I was unable to.
Time appeared to elongate, each moment seeming like a never-ending period. As time passed, the room became chillier and my limbs became more weighed down. However, I persisted, continued to strive for liberation.
All of a sudden, I heard footsteps coming closer once more. This time, they acted quicker and with greater urgency. The door swung open and a new figure entered aggressively - a smaller one, a woman. I saw her sharp, calculating eyes despite her face being partly covered by a hood.
"You have to accompany me," she said quickly, looking back as if anticipating someone to trail behind. "At this moment."
I squinted. "Can you tell me about yourself?"
"I am here to assist," she murmured, slicing through the ropes with a tiny blade. We are short on time. "If you wish to stay alive, you will have faith in me."
I paused briefly before I gave a nod. Regardless of what it was, it was preferable to remain free from being tied to a chair, anticipating the next action of Devin 's adversaries.
The ropes were quickly removed, and I massaged my aching wrists, grimacing at the tender skin. The woman seized my arm, lifting me up. My legs trembled a bit, but I pushed myself to remain standing.
"We have to go," she insisted, guiding me towards the door.
Entering the hallway, I couldn't stop myself from pondering the identity of the enigmatic woman assisting me. One thing was evident: this was far from finished. Not by any stretch of the imagination.
And no matter what game those individuals were involved in, I was finished serving as their pawn.
We quickly navigated the poorly lit hallway, the woman holding my arm tightly as she led me through the maze-like tunnels that seemed to be underground. The walls appeared to be closing in on us as we walked, the air becoming heavier with each passing step. I was very alert, but I could still sense the drug lingering in my veins, numbing my bond with my wolf.
"Where are we headed?" Whispering, I glanced at her while we turned another corner.
"In a secure location, temporarily," she answered abruptly, continuing at the same pace. However, it is essential that we act swiftly. Soon they will realize you're missing, which will lead to chaos.
I wasn't sure if I could rely on her, but my options were limited. I had a flurry of questions in my mind, but there wasn't enough time to pose them. The sole priority was to escape from this location unharmed.
After what seemed like a very long time of running through the small, twisting hallways, we eventually arrived in a bigger room. The room had a soft glow from torches flickering on the walls, creating an eerie ambiance. I could make out a thick wooden door cracked open at the end, allowing a glimpse of moonlight.
"Go that way," the woman said, letting go of my arm and indicating the direction of the door. "That is your solution. After you exit, proceed directly into the woods. Keep going forward without turning back.
I paused, shifting to look at her. "Can you identify yourself?" What is the reason for assisting me?
Pulling back her hood, she uncovered a serious expression surrounded by dark hair. Although her eyes were keen, they contained a hint of a quality that could be mistaken for compassion. I'm a person who does not desire to witness your demise this evening. "That is everything you must understand."
"I said it is unacceptable," I said calmly, despite the surrounding chaos. I need to find out who is guiding me if I am being led into another trap.
She let out a sigh, her eyes becoming slightly more gentle. You are not falling into a trap. I used to be part of their team, working as one of the wolves under their leadership. However, circumstances shifted, and I could no longer simply observe without taking action. A war is approaching, and you will be involved in it, whether you want to or not.
Her words struck me like a powerful blow to my stomach. Is there a conflict? I was unsure about the truth of it, but her urgent tone was impossible to ignore.
"Come on," she encouraged, giving me a gentle push towards the door. "Before time runs out."
I gave her a final glance, scanning her gaze for deceit, yet all I found was resolve. I took a deep breath, then nodded before rushing towards the door, feeling my heart race in my chest.
Upon stepping outside, the cold night air greeted me, causing me to take a deep breath in an attempt to refresh my mind. The forest stood before me, ominous and menacing, but it was my sole choice. I ran through the trees, feeling the branches hitting my skin as I kept moving, fueled by a combination of fear and adrenaline.
As I ran more, the surroundings grew more silent. Thoughts of Devin , my captors, and the woman who saved me consumed my mind. Did she truly support me? Was this a component of a bigger plan that was still beyond my comprehension?
I tripped over a root, managing to stop myself at the last moment. I couldn't afford to ease up, especially since I was nearing liberty. My wolf remained strained, yet I sensed her awakening, attempting to liberate herself from whatever was restraining her. I required her resilience now more than at any other time.
Out of nowhere, a noise in the bushes on my left caused me to stop in my tracks. I listened intently, my heart thumping loudly in my ears, but the woods remained quiet. I felt a sickening twist in my stomach as I came to the realization that I was being pursued. They were heading towards me.
I needed to continue moving. I pushed myself to increase my speed, running quickly between the trees, feeling tense.
The moonlight struggled to penetrate the dense canopy overhead, hindering my vision, yet I continued on with unwavering determination.
Suddenly, a figure appeared in front of me without warning. I came to a sudden stop, gasping for breath, my eyes fixed on the man in front of me. He was of great height, strong, and emitted a sense of authority that gave me shivers. His eyes sparkled in the shadows, and a wicked grin formed on his mouth.
"Where are you headed, young wolf?" he taunted, obstructing my path.
I balled up my hands, prepared for a possible altercation. Move out of my path.
He laughed softly as he moved one step nearer. "I must admit, you are quite courageous." However, you aren't going to leave. Not going down without a struggle."
I felt my heart rate increase upon realising that there was no alternative route to avoid him. I was stuck. However, I wasn't going to give up easily. I mustered all my remaining strength, ready to change, even if it meant breaking through any remaining drugs in my system.
As the man came towards me, I reacted instinctively by avoiding his strike and punching him in the jaw. The force caused a surge of pain in my arm, but I was unconcerned. I needed to continue battling, needed to keep progressing.
However, he moved quickly—too quickly. He grabbed me by the throat and effortlessly lifted me off the ground before I could respond. I tried to kick and fight back, but he had a strong grip that was like iron, making it hard for me to breathe.
"Spunky," he snarled, increasing his grip. "You lack the necessary strength."
As I struggled for air, the world began to blur around me and my vision started to dim on the edges. I was on the verge of losing the battle, and if I didn't act quickly, it would end.
Right when I believed I couldn't endure any more, a sudden howl shattered the silence of the night. The man lost his grasp and quickly turned his head in response to the noise. In that moment, I utilized all my remaining strength to scratch at his face, causing him to release me.
I landed on the ground with force, wheezing and struggling for breath. The man swore while holding his bloody face and stumbling backwards. I didn't pause for him to recuperate. I quickly got up and started running, feeling my lungs aching with every breath.
The howls increased in volume and proximity, and I became aware with a combination of optimism and fear that a group was drawing near. Whose side did they support? Could they rescue me—or complete the task initiated by this man?
I didn't have the opportunity to investigate. The only thing I could do was continue running and continue struggling to survive.
I needed to stay alive. Dedicated to Devin . On my own. In preparation for the impending war.
I now understand the chaos enveloping me wasn't a massive, world-shattering conflict. It was a minor dispute - a violent rivalry between a small werewolf pack and a vampire faction within the city. A struggle for land, influence, and existence. It wasn't my fight, yet I found myself in the thick of it.
As I dashed through the thick woods, the far-off cries and the sound of dried leaves being crushed by my footsteps made me feel anxious. Although this battle wasn't mine, I understood the importance of remaining alert.
The enemy was indifferent to obstacles, but I wasn't going to allow them to control my future.
The man I had run away from, whoever he may be, was involved in this insanity. He was a soldier in the conflict, with his cold, calculating eyes and brute strength, almost ending my life as if it were insignificant. I was not anything. I had motivations to continue the struggle, even though this conflict was not specifically related to me.
I decelerated, attempting to regain my composure and have a clear thought. The trees surrounding me appeared to enclose, with their branches extending like the twisted jumble of my thoughts. I had to determine how I ended up in this situation - how I was abducted and thrown into the midst of this turmoil.
It all began when I left the city to collect supplies. I was always careful, staying in the shadows and avoiding drawing unnecessary attention. However, there was a peculiar, unsettling sensation that had come over me that day, slowly making its way up my back. I regret not trusting my intuition as I was too consumed with the task at hand.
That's when they must have discovered me. An unfamiliar pack of wolves, aggressive and predatory, had encircled me like predators closing in on their target. They acted swiftly, without a sound, and overwhelmed me with their sheer numbers and strength before I could even respond. The conflict was short-lived - too short for someone of my kind. I had been given drugs, bound, and taken to this desolate location.
Who were those individuals? What were they aiming for with me? The queries swirled in my head, yet I lacked definite solutions. I only understood that I was a mere piece in a manipulative scheme, and I was resolute in my decision to escape.
As I regained my breath, a strategy started to take shape in my thoughts. I had to locate a secure location to gather myself and carefully plan my next moves. However, the most important thing was that I needed to return to Devin . He required information about the situation, and working together, we could figure out an escape plan from this dreadful situation.
The increasing volume of the howls behind me served as a strong indication that time was quickly running out. I needed to continue moving, I needed to remain in front of whoever or whatever was pursuing me. The dense forest lay ahead, but continuing eastward would lead me to the river, acting as a natural obstacle that could hinder those chasing me.
I continued forward, my breathing uneven and my body in pain from the effort. The drug's effects were diminishing, and I sensed my inner wolf awakening, her power gradually coming back. It may not have been substantial, but it was sufficient to sustain me.
This battle, this conflict—it did not belong to me. However, I was now caught up in it, and in order to survive, I would have to be more intelligent, quicker, and more powerful than I had ever been.
I now understand that the disorder around me was not a grand, apocalyptic battle. It was a minor altercation - a brutal dispute between a small werewolf pack and a vampire group within the city. A struggle for land, authority, and existence. It wasn't my fight, yet I found myself pulled right into the heart of it.
As I dashed through the heavily wooded area, the far-off cries and the sound of crushed leaves underfoot left me feeling apprehensive. Despite not being my fight, I understood the importance of being alert. The adversary was indifferent to whoever obstructed their path, but I wasn't going to allow them to determine my destiny.
The man I had fled from, regardless of his identity, was involved in this insanity. His heartless gaze, his physical power - he was a warrior in this battle, and he had almost taken my life without any regard. I was not worthless. I had motivations to continue the fight, even though this conflict wasn't about me personally.
I reduced my speed, attempting to regain my breath and focus better. It felt like the trees were encroaching on me, with their branches mirroring the chaotic jumble of my mind. I had to understand how I got here - how I was abducted and placed in the midst of this turmoil.
It all began when I left the city to get supplies. As usual, I was careful, staying in the shadows and avoiding drawing unnecessary attention. That day had a weird, unsettling feeling that ran up my back. I regret not following my gut feeling and instead disregarded it, as I was too concentrated on the current job.
That is when they must have discovered my presence. A pack of unknown wolves, aggressive and predatory, had encircled me like predators closing in on their target. Fast and noiseless, they overwhelmed me with sheer numbers and strength before I could even respond. The fight was short - too short for a person like myself. I had been drugged, bound, and taken to this desolate location.
What was their identity? What was their intention towards me? My mind was filled with questions, yet there were no definitive answers available. I knew only that I was a pawn in a corrupted game, and I was set on breaking away.
As I regained my breath, an idea started to take shape in my head. I had to locate a secure location to gather myself and plan my next moves.
However, most importantly, I needed to return to Devin . He required knowledge of the situation, and with our combined efforts, we could discover an escape from this horrendous situation.
The increasing howls behind me served as a clear indication that time was running short. I needed to continue moving, I needed to stay in front of whoever or whatever was pursuing me. The forest was dense, but by continuing eastward, I would eventually reach the river, which could act as a natural obstacle to delay those chasing me.
I continued, my breathing uneven, my body sore from the effort. The drug's impact was fading, and I sensed my inner wolf awakening, her power starting to come back. It wasn't a lot, but it was sufficient to sustain me.
This battle, this conflict—it didn't belong to me. However, now I was deeply involved in the situation, and in order to stay alive, I would have to be more intelligent, quicker, and more resilient than I had ever been.
I now understood that the disorder around me wasn't a massive, apocalyptic battle. A lesser altercation occurred between a small werewolf pack and a vampire group within the city, resulting in a bloody feud. A struggle for land, influence, and existence. It wasn't a fight I was involved in, yet, somehow, I was pushed into the midst of it.
As I dashed through the thick woods, the far-off cries and the sound of stepping on foliage made me nervous. Despite not being my fight, I understood the importance of remaining alert. The enemy showed no concern for anyone obstructing their path, and I was determined to not let them control my destiny.
The man who I had fled from, whoever he may have been, was involved in this insanity.
He was a soldier in the conflict, with his cold, calculating eyes and brute strength, almost taking my life without any significance. However, I wasn't anything. I had motivations to continue the struggle, even though this fight was not directly related to me.
I started to move at a slower pace, attempting to regain my breath and clear my thoughts. The trees surrounding me appeared to encroach, their branches extending like the jumbled mass of my mind. I had to understand how I got here - how I was taken and placed in the midst of this turmoil.
The beginning was when I left the city to collect supplies. I was being careful, like usual, staying in the dark corners and avoiding drawing unnecessary notice. However, that day had a peculiar, unsettling sensation that slowly climbed my back. I regret not trusting my instincts, as I was too consumed with the current task to heed them.
That is when they must have discovered me. I found myself encircled by a pack of aggressive and predatory wolves, like hunters cornering their target. They swiftly approached without making a sound, overwhelming me with their superior numbers and strength before I had a chance to react. The fight was short-lived - too short for a person of my caliber. I was drugged, bound, and taken to this desolate location by them.
Who were those individuals? What was their purpose in regards to me? I pondered over the questions without finding any definite answers. All I was aware of was that I was a mere pawn in a twisted game, and I was committed to escaping.
After taking a moment to breathe, an idea started to take shape in my head. I had to locate a secure space to gather myself and plan out my next moves. However, most importantly, I needed to return to Devin .
He needed information about the situation, and we could work together to escape this terrible situation.
The increasing volume of the howls behind me served as a strong indication that time was quickly running out. I needed to continue moving, needed to remain in front of anyone or anything following me. The forest was dense, but continuing eastward would lead me to the river - a natural obstacle that could impede my pursuers.
I kept going, my breathing uneven, my body sore from the effort. The drug's impact was fading, and I sensed my inner wolf awakening, gaining strength once more. It may not have been a lot, but it was sufficient to sustain me.
This battle, this conflict— it did not belong to me. However, I had become intricately involved in the situation and in order to make it out alive, I would have to be more intelligent, quicker, and more powerful than I had ever been before.