Angela's Perspective
Angela awoke suddenly, feeling sore and sweaty. Her head throbbed as if she had been struck by a vehicle, and she had trouble seeing clearly. It took her a second to understand she was no longer on the battlefield. The noise of gunfire and growls had diminished. Instead of that, she was resting on a chilly stone surface, a weak light fluttering from a lamp close by.
Gradually, she lifted her body, her muscles resisting each motion. The shattered walls of the temple surrounded her, now ominously quiet. Devin stood by the entrance, his back facing the door, speaking quietly and anxiously on his cellphone to someone.
"He said she is awake, looking back as he finished the call."
Angela felt dizzy. Her final memory was the altercation - the rogue attackers approaching, the intense wave of power that had torn through her. After that... silence.
"What occurred?" she asked, her throat parched.
Devin put his phone in his pocket and approached, squatting next to her. "You fainted. The power within you - it gained control.
She furrowed her brow, the recollection of that authority searing within her thoughts. It had seemed untamed, unmanageable, as if it would rip her to shreds. "Have I... have I caused harm to anyone?"
He nodded negatively. "No, however, it exhausted you. I needed to remove you from that place before the others approached.
Angela released a quivery breath, her hands shaking while she massaged her forehead. Devin , what is happening to me? That wasn't simply a chance occurrence. I felt... as if I were another being.
Devin paused, his jaw tight. He clearly lacked all the answers, yet there was something he was keeping from her. She noticed how he averted his gaze, avoiding making eye contact with her.
"Whatever resides within you," he started speaking in a slow manner, "is connected to ancient sorcery. The type that hasn't been witnessed in hundreds of years. The Alpha King has been searching for you, as he believes you hold the key to unlocking it.
Angela felt a tightening in her chest, her heart racing with a blend of fear and confusion. "Why am I the one chosen for this?" I am ordinary. I am merely a wolf—"
Devin interrupted her, his voice steady, saying, "You're greater than that." "You've consistently exceeded expectations." You simply were not aware of it.
She nodded her head, attempting to understand his words. It was not logical. Throughout her entire life, she had been average. She was not someone special who the Alpha King wanted to dominate, a powerful being that he selected. She was only... Love.
However, the recollection of that force, that sudden rush of vitality, remained. It had felt genuine - excessively genuine.
"Quietly, she asked, 'How can I manage it?' her voice barely audible." If I am unable to do it, I will be devastated.
Devin 's gaze became gentler, and it was the first time she had witnessed true worry in his eyes. "We will find a solution soon. However, for now, our priority is ensuring your safety. The Alpha King is relentless in his pursuit of you, so we must remain one step ahead of him."
Angela gulped nervously, feeling the heaviness of her circumstances. It was no longer just about staying alive. There was a greater force in motion, something old and risky. And she wondered if she had the strength to confront it.
Devin stood up and said, "It's time for us to go." "We have a secure location close by. Let's gather there and obtain some information."
Angela gave a nod, even though she still felt weighed down by exhaustion. She had some doubts about Devin , but he was her sole ally at the moment. If the Alpha King was pursuing her, she couldn't risk being by herself.
Devin assisted her in standing up, guiding her steadily towards the exit of the temple. Stepping outside, she felt the cool night air on her face, refreshing her thoughts. The forest stood in the distance, gloomy and quiet, serving as a warning of the potential risks hidden in the shadows nearby.
However, as they continued on foot, Angela couldn't rid herself of the sense that this was only the start. Her inner strength was increasing. Before long, she will have to confront the real significance of it.
"Devin ," she murmured softly, "What will the Alpha King do when he learns I am unable to manage it, if he sees me as a key?"
Devin 's stare was intense when he observed her. Next, we ensure he is never given the opportunity to do so.
For a couple of minutes, they walked without speaking, the gravity of their circumstances lingering in the air. The woods were dimly lit as Devin confidently navigated the path, his movements deliberate and assured. Angela pursued, her mind whirling as she attempted to make sense of all that had transpired.
As they neared the forest's edge, a quiet rumble reverberated among the trees, causing them to abruptly halt. Angela felt tense and her hand automatically moved towards the knife on her side.
She whispered quietly, "Not once more."
Devin quickly wielded his gun, scanning the darkness with his eyes. "Remain nearby," he instructed, his voice filled with tension.
Angela could feel her heart racing as the growl increased in volume, accompanied by the swift and purposeful sounds of something approaching rapidly.
There were others with them.
Prior to her response, the shrubbery ahead of them moved, and a silhouette emerged from the darkness. However, it was not a rebellious individual.
The one who was present was Kael.
Angela was breathless when she noticed him, his eyes softly gleaming under the moonlight. He appeared unkempt, as if he had fought his own war, yet there was a newfound toughness in his eyes.
"Angela ," Kael stated with a gravelly voice, "we have to have a conversation."
Devin 's grip on his weapon grew firmer as his gaze became more focused. "What are you up to, Kael?"
Kael glanced at Devin , then turned his gaze back to Angela . "I am present as circumstances have drastically deteriorated."
Angela felt a sinking sensation in her stomach. She was unsure of the how, but could sense in her bones that something had shifted. And whatever it was, it was approaching to her.