Angela 's perspective
The cabin door burst open, shattering against the wall as the soldiers of the Alpha King entered. The small space was filled with the smell of blood and danger as the air moved around. Angela 's heart was pounding, her body weighed down by the ritual, yet she had no chance to rest. Her grip on the knife, which she hadn't noticed she still had, became stronger.
Devin quickly shot a bullet, the noise echoing loudly in the confined area. One soldier fell instantly, collapsing to the ground, while two others took his place, charging forward with fierce growls.
Angela 's natural abilities took over. Dodging the soldier's attack, she moved quickly to avoid his claws, but couldn't match his speed. The exhaustion caused by the blood oath felt as heavy as lead on her. She experienced sluggishness, her muscles were still tense and sensitive from the magic that had flowed through her a few minutes earlier.
"Angela , please shift!" Devin yelled and shot again as another soldier approached.
Angela clenched her jaw and compelled herself to respond. She cut her knife across the closest soldier's arm, the sharp blade cutting through muscle and bone. Despite his howls of pain, he kept pushing forward without much effect on his speed. He struck at her, his claws just touching her side, causing a sharp ache in her ribs.
Gasping for air, she stepped back, but Kael swiftly intervened, pulling her to safety just in time to avoid the soldier's next attack. "We must leave this place!" Kael yelled, his voice filled with tension.
Angela acknowledged, her body craving rest, while her mind drove her onwards. There was a new power within her, buzzing beneath the surface, but it had not fully established itself yet. It felt as though there was a wild creature lurking within her, ready to be set free, yet she was unsure of how to manage it.
Mira huddled in the corner, her eyes filled with fear while the battle continued nearby. Angela was also in the process of recovering from the blood oath, and she understood that their time was running out unless they left immediately.
Devin shot once more, bringing down another soldier, yet they continued advancing, unyielding and savage. The cabin was too tiny, too crowded for a decent brawl. They were getting trapped in a corner.
"In the rear," Kael whispered, his voice quiet yet insistent. He took hold of Mira's arm and lifted her up. "We have the ability to lose them among the trees."
Angela continued, her legs weighed down as they moved unsteadily towards the rear exit. The footsteps of the soldiers grew louder and closer as she listened to them behind her.
Devin took a final shot then took her arm, pulling her into the dark night through the narrow doorway. The brisk breeze woke her up suddenly, feeling like a slap, but she couldn't enjoy the moment. They were still being pursued.
"Proceed!" Devin snarled, shoving her ahead as they raced into the thick woods.
The thick and dark trees loomed overhead, their branches clawing at them as they ran. Angela struggled to catch her breath, feeling aching ribs with every step, yet she pushed herself to continue. The noise of the soldiers moving through the trees made her heart race with fear. They were close by.
Kael confidently guided the way, moving quickly and with certainty, as if he had traversed this route numerous times. Mira was right behind him, her breathing heavy yet consistent. Devin remained by Angela 's side, keeping his gun out and prepared for whatever happened next.
They sprinted for what seemed like hours, with the forest becoming a blur in the darkness. Angela felt her lungs on fire, her legs weighed down by fatigue, yet she persisted. Not at this moment.
At last, Kael decelerated, guiding them into a narrow gorge concealed under a dense canopy of branches. They hunched down, attempting to regain their breath, feeling the chill of the earth on Angela 's skin.
"They will search for us," Kael murmured, speaking so softly his voice was barely heard. "We still have some time."
Angela gave a nod, her body shaking from the running and the lasting impact of the ritual. She sensed the power within her calming down, yet it remained untamed and uncertain. She required time to determine what had transformed, how to utilize it—but time was a luxury they lacked.
Devin knelt next to her, scanning the surrounding woods, his body poised for another potential attack. "He whispered, that was extremely near."
Angela forced herself to swallow, attempting to concentrate. "We cannot continue fleeing in this manner." The Alpha King will continue to send them.
"We have no option," Kael stated, his eyes showing determination. At the moment, we are being used as bait. He intends to force us out.
Mira's voice quivered while she talked. "What is it that he desires from us?" We performed the ceremony. We're no longer in touch with him."
Angela shook her head, her thoughts going a mile a minute. "It's not solely about that." He desires to have power over every single one of us. And he will do everything necessary to obtain it.
The truth weighed heavily on her tongue, making her words feel burdensome. This wasn't solely concerning her or Mira. The Alpha King had grander intentions and they found themselves entangled in something bigger and more ominous.
Devin glanced at Angela , his expression revealing something indecipherable. "We require a fresh strategy."
Angela agreed, feeling her heart still pounding. They were unable to continue running. Eventually, the Alpha King will catch them, and they may not be fortunate again.
"We must change the situation," she whispered, already strategizing in her mind. If we continue to run, we are only doing what he wants. If we lay a trap and lure him out according to our conditions, we may stand a chance.
Kael lifted one eyebrow, looking wary. "Do you desire to entice the King of Alphas?" "That's an act of taking one's own life."
Angela argued that it could possibly be the sole solution, maintaining a strong tone despite her underlying uncertainty. "He's tracking us down." He believes he is in charge. However, if we can trick him into thinking we are succumbing to his deception - if we can surprise him - we can resist.
Devin observed her with narrowed eyes. "In what manner?"
Angela breathed deeply, the plan pieces coming together. We provide him with his desires. We lead him to believe we are giving up.
Kael and Devin shared a look, the tension unspoken, hung heavily in the air. Mira appeared scared but remained silent.
"Angela kept speaking, her heart racing, saying that we laid the trap." "And after he grabs it, we bring him to the ground."
The quietness that ensued seemed to be a heavy burden on her chest. This plan was full of risk and danger, with no assurance of survival. However, there was no other option. They were unable to continue running indefinitely.
Eventually, Devin nodded, his face becoming more resolute. "Let's make it happen."
Kael's jaw clenched, yet he remained silent. "We must use our intelligence." Make one error and it's finished.
Angela released a slow breath, understanding the weight of their upcoming actions. They were on the verge of confronting the Alpha King - and they were going to do it their way.
The snare had been prepared. Now all they needed to do was activate it.