Chapter 6
The trio moved under the cover of darkness, the forest dense and oppressive around them. Their breaths were heavy, their steps quick but cautious. The battle had left them all drained, both physically and emotionally.
"We can't keep running like this," Elena said, her voice trembling as she glanced back. "They'll find us again."
Ethan, still in his wolf form, turned his golden eyes toward her and gave a low growl of agreement. Adrian, walking beside her, ran a hand through his disheveled hair.
"She's right," he admitted grudgingly. "We need a plan, not just a direction to run."
Ethan shifted back into human form, his expression tense. "We need allies. The longer this goes on, the harder it'll be to protect her."
"Allies?" Adrian scoffed. "And where do you think we'll find those? Your clan hates mine, and mine isn't particularly fond of yours."
Ethan crossed his arms, glaring. "You think I don't know that? But this isn't just about us anymore. If we don't get help, Elena won't survive the next attack."
Elena placed a hand on Ethan's arm, her touch grounding him. "Who do you have in mind?"
Ethan hesitated, then spoke. "There's someone. A rogue witch. She doesn't take sides, and her magic could help keep us hidden."
Adrian raised an eyebrow. "A witch? Are you out of your mind? Do you know how dangerous they are?"
Ethan's jaw tightened. "I know. But she's our best shot."
They traveled through the night, the tension between Ethan and Adrian simmering beneath the surface. Elena, caught in the middle, tried to keep the peace.
"Can we focus on the bigger picture here?" she said as they crossed a shallow stream. "We're all on the same side."
"For now," Adrian muttered under his breath.
Ethan ignored him, his eyes scanning the horizon.
By dawn, they reached the outskirts of a small village. It was eerily quiet, the buildings worn and abandoned.
"This is it," Ethan said, stopping in front of a crumbling stone house.
Elena looked at him skeptically. "This doesn't exactly scream 'safe haven.'"
"It's not supposed to," he replied. "Come on."
The interior of the house was just as decrepit as the outside. Dust coated every surface, and the air was heavy with the scent of decay.
"Stay close," Ethan warned, leading them down a narrow staircase into the basement.
At the bottom, a heavy wooden door barred their way. Ethan knocked three times, the sound echoing ominously.
Moments later, the door creaked open, revealing a woman cloaked in shadow. Her eyes glowed faintly, and a sly smile played on her lips.
"Ethan," she purred, her voice like silk. "It's been a long time."
He nodded stiffly. "Aveline. We need your help."
Aveline's gaze flicked to Adrian and Elena, her smile widening. "And who are your friends?"
"No one you need to concern yourself with," Adrian said coldly.
Aveline's eyes narrowed, but she didn't press. "Come in, then. Let's talk."
Inside Aveline's hidden chamber, the air was thick with the scent of herbs and candles. Shelves lined the walls, filled with jars of strange substances.
"So," Aveline said, seating herself in a high-backed chair. "What brings you to me, Ethan?"
Ethan explained the situation, his voice steady but urgent. Aveline listened intently, her expression unreadable.
When he finished, she leaned back, her fingers steepled. "You've gotten yourselves into quite the mess."
"Can you help us or not?" Adrian demanded.
Aveline's eyes flicked to him, her smile returning. "I can. But it won't be free."
Ethan stepped forward. "Name your price."
Aveline's gaze shifted to Elena, her eyes narrowing. "Her blood."
Elena stiffened, her hand instinctively moving to the dagger at her side. "What?"
"Not all of it," Aveline said quickly, her tone almost amused. "Just a small amount. Enough for a spell to cloak you from your enemies."
"No," Adrian said immediately. "Find another way."
Ethan looked conflicted, his fists clenched. "Aveline—"
"It's her choice," Aveline interrupted. "The spell won't work without her consent."
Elena's heart pounded as all eyes turned to her. She swallowed hard, her voice steady despite her fear. "If it'll keep us safe, then fine."
"Are you insane?" Adrian snapped.
Ethan placed a hand on Adrian's chest, stopping him. "It's her decision."
Adrian glared at him, but he didn't argue further.
The ritual was unnerving. Aveline pricked Elena's finger, letting a few drops of blood fall into a silver bowl. She chanted in a language Elena didn't recognize, her voice rising and falling like a haunting melody.
The air grew heavy, the room filling with an otherworldly glow. Elena felt a strange warmth spread through her body, as if the spell was wrapping her in an invisible shield.
"It is done," Aveline said, her voice tinged with exhaustion.
Elena swayed on her feet, and Ethan caught her before she could fall.
"Are you okay?" he asked, his concern evident.
She nodded weakly. "Just tired."
Adrian, standing a few feet away, looked unconvinced. "This better work."
As they prepared to leave, Aveline stopped Ethan at the door.
"Be careful," she said, her voice low. "The spell will keep you hidden for a time, but it won't protect you forever. And... there are whispers of a greater threat. Something that could shatter the fragile balance between your clans."
Ethan frowned. "What kind of threat?"
Aveline shook her head. "I don't know. But it's coming."
Back in the forest, the trio moved more confidently, the spell giving them a temporary reprieve.
But Elena couldn't shake the feeling that Aveline's warning was more than just a witch's intuition.
"What did she mean by a greater threat?" she asked Ethan as they walked.
"I don't know," he admitted. "But whatever it is, we'll face it together."
Adrian snorted. "You mean we'll face it separately, and you'll get in my way as usual."
Ethan smirked. "Keep telling yourself that."
Elena sighed, her head pounding. Despite their bickering, she couldn't help but feel a spark of hope.
For the first time in days, they had a chance.