Màu nền Màu tối Mặc định Xám nhạt Xanh nhạt Xanh đậm Vàng nhạt Màu sepia Vàng đậm Vàng ố

Font chữ: Palatino Linotype Bookerly Segoe UI Patrick Hand Times New Roman Verdana Tahoma Arial

Chiều cao dòng: 100 120 140 160 180 200

Kích cỡ chữ:

Please do VOTE, COMMENT and FOLLOW if you like the chapter guys. It really does help me out a lot!

Dedicated to IndraniYadla for your never-ending support and love towards Unconditionally. I really appreciate it! Thanks hon!

A huge shoutout to samstyles96 for being such a wonderful and avid supporter. Means a lot to me!

The spectacular banner above was made by the amazing Lectio-Album who never fails to amaze me with her mind-blowing work. I love it. Thank you!

PLEASE DO NOT COPY MY WORK! If I find any followers copying my work, I will immediately REPORT and MUTE you. Do NOT test my patience or take advantage of my friendliness. You have been warned.

This chapter is unedited so please excuse the grammatical errors. Enjoy!

____

RECAP

- Prophecy woke up and told Marco and Ashford that the BorderGuard incident HQ with the two lost Lunas is happening today, on the 27th of July and not the 28th.

- Suzzanah and Rino met Karina in Area 101. The silver beam transfer suddenly started all over again. A large amount of energy was transferred to Suzzanah and Karina started to lose her life-force.

- Rino threw the infamous 'crystals' to Karina, and her body absorbed them, suddenly halting the transfer of energy from her to Suzzanah

- A Shadow Sorcerer showed up and tried to kill Karina.

- A portion of Border at Area 101 blew up which was then restored by Marco but now the BorderGuards of both sides are in an uproar.

- Rino lost consciousness. General Reginald and Zuerien showed up to Area 101.

- Suzzanah told them briefly about what happened at the Border and then fell unconscious herself, and she and Rino were carried away by Zuerien and his company to get looked at by healers.

****

Suzzanah's POV

Anna...

Anna...can you hear me...?

Even though the voice that echoed through the darkness was but a faint whisper, I immediately recognized it. It was the one voice I could never be wrong about. And it instantly compelled me to reach out to it. To respond.

Karina...?

Anna!

On hearing me call her name, her voice instantly perked up.

Oh my gosh! You can really hear me?!

I...can...

Where was I? What was going on? I didn't know. Everything was dark, I couldn't see a thing. I couldn't even feel any part my body, but I could hear Karina's voice, and for that I was grateful.

Karina...are you...okay?

I am, baby girl! I'm okay! I heard her reply, almost sounding choked up, But what about you?! What happened to you? Are you alright?!

I'm...okay too... I replied, although in my current state of bodily oblivion, I didn't really know how true that statement was.

And what about that kid? The boy who was with you, she asked.

Rino...I breathed out, feeling anxiety prick my mind.

Yeah, is he okay? Karina asked anxiously.

...I don't know...I replied, But I think...he will be, I added, Yeah. He will be...

That's good news I guess but seriously, I was so shocked when I saw you Anna! Karina exclaimed frantically, What on earth are you doing in Dublin? How did you get here? she asked me worriedly.

Rina...we came...for you, I replied, We came to get you!

What? Me? I could hear the confusion in her voice, What do you mean? And who is this 'we' exactly? You and Rino?

And others, I added tiredly, not mentioning Zuerien in particular because Karina seemed to already have her reservations about him, for some reason. Also, I wasn't sure if now was the best time to be explaining to her about destiny and soulmates, and about mine being half animal.

We came to Dublin for you. To rescue you, I told her.

But- I- what-? She sounded completely baffled, and I didn't blame her. I would be just as confused if I was in her place.

The more I thought about where I was and what was going on, the more everything that was transpiring felt like a dream. But even if it was a dream, I was thankful to have a chance to hear her voice in it.

And save for her state of puzzlement, she didn't sound too tired or fatigued. On the contrary she seemed just as fired up as ever. When she was carried away from the Border earlier, I had been worried about her but hearing her voice now, I felt relieved. She really did seem alright. So the Shadow People had tended to her well then...

How long are you in Dublin? I asked her.

A-As long as that tyrant Terrence chooses! There's no said dates. We're all at his disposal, she replied, sounding thoroughly befuddled, B-but wait...I don't understand. You're saying you came to Dublin to rescue me? How did you even know I would be here?!

Its a long story...and one I'm not sure I have the time to tell you right now, I replied.

Who knew when this dream-like state would come to an end. Also, because of the chaos earlier, I hadn't had a chance to tell her to come to Jervis Street or the BorderGuard HQ tomorrow, where we had initially planned on executing her rescue operation.

And now I couldn't help but hesitate, seeing as just being near me seemed to be turning detrimental to Karina's health. Had it not been for Rino throwing those crystals to her in time...she may not even have survived...

But that didn't change the fact that retrieving Karina was still our first priority. Perhaps if I kept a safe distance from her, we still had a chance to save her without me drawing out all of her life-force. And if there was even the smallest chance that the conversation we were having right now was real and not a dream, and the words I was saying were actually reaching Karina, I didn't want to loose this chance. I needed to tell her about our plan.

Karina, I know this must all be very confusing to you but please...please listen to me very carefully. I have something extremely important to tell you, I told her urgently.

What is it? she asked uncertainly.

On the 28th of July, tomorrow I think...that is the day on which we initially planned on rescuing you, I told her, trying to collect my thoughts and be as precise as possible, despite my dreary disoriented state, All the necessary preparations to try and help you escape from the Shadow Side have been already, in in two places- one near the Border in Jervis Street, and the other is near the Border by the Werewolf BorderGuard HQ

WHAT?! Werewolf BorderGuard?! Anna don't go anywhere near there! Please! Karina cried out alarmed.

Don't worry, Rina. Its okay, I reassured her.

How do you even know about the BorderGuard?! Please don't tell me you've gotten involved with the Werewolves! She cried out alarmed.

I...have, I replied, I'm deeply involved

Oh no! So then, by the 'others' that you mentioned earlier, the people helping you try and rescue me from these Shadow people, you actually meant the Werewolves?!

That's right

No no no NO, Anna! Werewolves are just as dangerous as the Shadow People! Karina exclaimed anxiously.

They wont hurt us...I replied, They want to help-

But why?! she demanded, Why would they want to help us? Why are they going through all this trouble just to try and help me escape? It doesn't make any sense. There is no way they would do this with so little motivation as 'a good Samaritan' act towards you or me. And even if they're your friends, they couldn't be doing this simply because I am your sister. Its too much of a risk, not to mention the Shadow People are their arch enemies. The Werewolves must have an ulterior motive behind helping Anna!

They did have a motive...but it wasn't ulterior. It was because Karina was our Luna of Hearts. But she obviously wasn't in the state of mind to hear about that right now. If I told her that she was a Luna which in turn meant that, not only me, but even she was mated to an Alpha werewolf out there, she would lose her mind.

They do have a reason behind helping you...but again its not simple enough for me to be able to explain like this...so for now I'm just going to have to ask you to trust me on this, I told her.

She didn't reply and I could picture her chewing on her lip nervously as she fought against her better judgement about this matter.

I know...I know you have questions...and I want to be able to answer them face-to-face, in person with you, I told her heartfully, Which is why you must you remember everything I told you earlier. Please don't forget- the 28th of July. Two places. Jervis Street and the Werewolf BorderGuard HQ.

Jervis Street and The BorderGuard HQ, she repeated hesitantly, Damn it, this is all so surreal and confusing! What exactly do you guys plan to do in those two locations?

We planned on creating a diversion for you... that would be big enough for you to run across the Border, I told her, I'm not sure how exactly the whole thing would be executed...but my friends had everything planned out, until the Barrier in that one area shattered earlier. Because of that...I'm sure the security around the Border will be upped and it may pose a problem for you to try and run through the Barrier but-

Even if the security isn't increased, what you're saying may not be possible Anna, Karina cut me off worriedly, The Shadow people won't let me escape so easily. I promise you, I've tried! Multiple times. But they have eyes everywhere! Besides which I...I don't even know for certain if I can cross the border!

What?

Anna...she said nervously, I told you didn't I? I...I don't think I'm human. I have...powers and abilities that I could never even have dreamed of! I don't even know what I am! But one thing is certain that...I'm not human!

...Neither am I.

WHAT?!

The shock in her voice was not lost on me and I could tell she was absolutely flabbergasted at my revelation.

You're...you're not human either?! she asked alarmed.

Not...entirely, I replied, I also don't know what I am, exactly. But...I may know what you are.

What do you mean?! she asked bewildered, Is that why we're able to talk like this?! Because we're both not human?

I...don't know, I replied because I had no idea how we were talking right now.

Was it mindlink? Or was this a vision or a dream? Was any of this real? I couldn't really tell. But as I thought about those things, I suddenly felt the darkness around me growing lighter.

Anna...

Karina's voice too started to sound more faint and distant, and I knew that whatever this was, it was now coming to an end.

Karina! I said hurriedly, I think our time's up.

What?! Oh no-

Please, remember! I called out to her desperately, Come to Jervis Street and to BorderGuard HQ. I know...you're not human and there is a chance that we may not be able to execute our plan to rescue you tomorrow. But I want to see you. At least for that one reason, please try and make it there. I'll be waiting for you

Anna wait! Anna...!

As her voice started to fade, I began to be able to feel the rest of my body. Slowly I could also feel someone else's arms wrapped around me. They felt warm.

Please Rina... I breathed out one final time before both our voices faded away and the pitch black darkness gave way to bright light.

I woke up to the sound of stern voices, some familiar and others, not so much, and a strange warmth persistently seeping into one of my legs.

"How many were there?"

"Five, Alpha"

"Have they been caught?"

"Three escaped but two were captured"

"Make sure they aren't killed. I want them kept alive for interrogation"

"Yes Sir"

Make sure who aren't killed?

I groaned softly as I awakened, slowly moving my body. My muscles felt stiff as though I had been in the same position too long.

"Heart!"

A large and warm hand cupped my cheek and my eyes fluttered open to find my mate looking down at me with anxious mismatched eyes.

"Zue...rien!" I breathed out, turning my head to get a better look at him.

I realized that we were in a moving vehicle and I was seated on Zuerien's lap with my head resting on his chest.

My mind raced back to the conversation I had had with Karina. Had that been a mindlink? Or just a dream? Was that real? How would I know?

"How are you feeling sweetheart?" he asked me worriedly and I nodded, raising my head.

"I feel...quite good actually", I replied honestly and I saw relief flash across his face instantly.

"Thank God", he breathed out, hugging me close.

I let out a small sigh and closed my eyes again briefly. Had that conversation with Karina just now really even happened? I took a quick second to try and mindlink Karina once more. But as usual, there was a mental block there, and it made me doubt even further whether the conversation had been real or just a dream.

Opening my eyes, I looked over myself. I was still dressed in the same clothes I was dressed in this morning- the material ripped in some places with blotches of chalky paint residue now everywhere.

"How long was I out?" I asked Zuerien.

"Just a few minutes", he replied.

My eyebrows rose, So it wasn't very long then.

And yet already most of my aches and pains from earlier were now gone, save for a faint throbbing in my leg. I then turned my head to find a woman sitting by my feet, her arm extended towards my injured leg. The palm of her hand was glowing and I could feel strong magic radiating off her. It was then that I recognized her.

"You're...that healer", I recollected, "The one who tended to my wounds after we returned from the Northern wall on the first day"

She bowed her head deeply to me, "I am, Luna Queen. I'm Lady Jade of the League of Magic", she replied and I nodded my greeting to her, thanking her for the help after which she got right back to work.

Zuerien pulled me onto his lap to allow her more space to tend to my injury. In the driver's seat there was one other man who I had never seen before.

He must be the one Zuerien had been talking to just now...

"Are you sure you feel fine? Does it hurt anywhere?" Zuerien asked me again and I smiled and nodded.

"I'm fine, my love. I promise", I told him, placing my palm over his chest, "But Zuerien, what were you saying just now, about not killing someone?"

Zuerien's jaw clenched, "Rogues", he replied, "Five rogues were caught in Area 101 shortly after we left from there. They ran right for the abandoned buildings where Rino had collapsed earlier, and our warriors managed to capture them"

"But you said you want to interrogate them", I said, "Is that possible? I thought these rogues had lost all their sanity"

"John told you about rogues gone dark then?" he asked.

"No, Rino did", I replied.

"That's right, most of them have lost their sanity, but a few can still talk apparently", he replied, anger clear in his tone as he spoke, "If they can talk they can give us information as to who is behind all these organized attacks of theirs"

His eyes darkened coldly as he growled out lowly, "I'll make sure they talk, no matter what measures I have to use. They'll pay for hurting you and Rino"

Unease flickered within me at the sight of him looking so murderous and I placed a hand on his chest to calm him down, "Zuerien, where is Rino?" I asked.

His eyes softened slightly as he replied, "In another vehicle that's following ours, some distance away", Zuerien replied, "He's also being tended to by one of the League's best healers. They've assured us that he's alright, so don't worry"

"Has he regained consciousness?"

"Not yet", Zuerien replied.

Anxiety washed over me when I learnt that he was still unconscious but Zuerien gently caressed my back, "Don't worry. He'll be fine, I promise", he said and the strength of his words fortified my assurance.

"And Alpha Penson?" I asked.

"I've informed John that we've recovered you", Zuerien replied, "He should be joining us shortly"

I was relieved to know that Alpha Penson had been informed and wondered what he would have to say when I saw him again. Zuerien then quickly moved my hair out of my face and cupped my cheeks, taking a good look at me.

I smiled at him reassuringly as he examined my features thoroughly once more before exhaling a relieved breath, "You really are looking better", he said satisfied and I nodded.

He kissed my forehead affectionately for a long moment and I closed my eyes, relishing the feeling. His touch induced familiar tingles on my skin, and they were suddenly so powerful now that they almost took me by surprise.

Its been so long since I felt them this strongly, I thought to myself.

Zuerien then turned to look at Lady Jade, "How is it coming?" he asked her.

She raised her head, "All her superficial injuries have healed, Alpha", she replied before frowning, "But this one on her leg is taking particularly long. She is a human so her healing mechanisms are slower...but it honestly shouldn't take as much time as this. I'm using my most powerful healing magic too"

Zuerien's face was immediately pained with concern, the powerful feeling tearing through my veins simultaneously, and although I too should have probably been worried about my leg, I was instead surprised yet again at how well I could now perceive his emotions. I didn't think I had ever felt them so clearly before, not even before I had lost a fragment of my soul. In fact, now it seemed as though I was feeling them in their purest essence.

What's going on?

"She will be okay, won't she?" he asked anxiously and Lady Jade nodded.

"Of course Alpha. She will be fine. But I will need more time to completely heal her leg", Lady Jade said and Zuerien nodded.

She then got back to work, frowning in deep concentration as she used magic to heal my wound, which I noticed was now no longer bleeding or as inflamed and deep as it had been before, but was still far from being fully healed.

Once I was done inspecting my injury, I turned back to Zuerien to find him staring keenly at my face. I looked into his eyes and I could see worry and uncertainty but along with it was also an unmistakable sense of relief as he looked at me now.

In all honestly, it surprised me but without him even saying anything I could tell that relief was born from something new he saw in me. A change, yes I could definitely feel that something about me had changed, and judging by the look in Zuerien's eyes it didn't seem to be a bad change.

But just as I was about to ask him about it, our chauffeur suddenly announced, "We're almost there Alpha. We'll be there in another minute or so",

Zuerien's body immediately tensed against mine, his eyes hardening and concern struck me instantly.

"We're almost where? Where are we going?" I asked, "And what happened?"

"You passed out just before we started from there", Zuerien told me concernedly, "We supposed it was from having lost too much blood. I brought you and Rino with me to Area 102 where a car was waiting for us with Lady Jade, your healer. And right now we're headed to the BorderGuard HQ to find out what exactly happened to the barrier by the Border in Area 101"

"Where is General Reginald?" I asked.

"He stayed behind in Area 101 to oversee matters there", he replied, "And also, to scout out the area and make sure no one from the Shadow Side trespassed onto ours", he added grimly.

"I don't think anyone did", I replied, "There was only one Shadower there when it happened, and he too was thrown faraway from the border just like the rest of us when the barrier shattered"

And not to mention, he looked pretty incapacitated before it even happened.

"Perhaps but we can never be too sure with Shadowers. Stealth and camouflage is their specialty" he replied, "I'm just relieved that you came out of all that with not too many injuries. If you'd been any worse I don't know whom I would have killed"

All three of us in the car apart from Zuerien immediately stiffened at his statement, the other two trying hard not to show their nervousness, and I was yet again caught off guard by how vividly and clearly I could sense their emotions. I briefly turned to look at Lady Jade when Zuerien added,

"Prophecy's awake"

My eyes shot back to him so fast that it was a miracle that my eyeballs didn't just pop out of their sockets.

"WHAT?!" I cried out in a mix of both excitement and shock, "She is?!"

He nodded, "She's with Marco and Ashford right now. She urgently went and found Marco as soon as she woke up", he told me but the tense expression on his face told me that the news that was to follow wouldn't be very good news. And I was right.

"Today?!" I breathed out horrified when he had told me everything, "The BorderGuard HQ incident is happening today?!"

He nodded sternly, "At 2:28 pm today, somewhere near the BorderGuard HQ, Prophecy sensed the presences of both the lost Lunas more powerfully than she ever did before", he said, "Cole is getting everything ready by the HQ right now but we're running short on time"

"B-But...But I told Karina to come there tomorrow!" I breathed out worriedly, and Zuerien immediately frowned.

"What? When?" he asked.

"Just now, in my...dream-mindlink situation", I said, not sure which one it was.

Zuerien's frown deepened, "What are you talking abou-"

His words got cut off when his eyes suddenly glazed over in mindlink. A second later, I heard a familiar voice fill my own head.

Suzzanah! Can you hear me, dear one?

Alpha Penson! I exclaimed, Yes, yes I can-

Are you alright? He asked, immense worry clear in his voice.

I'm...fine, I replied, glancing at my injured leg, Almost back to normal

Normal being an incredibly relative term for you, he said and I cringed.

He wasn't wrong, and that also wasn't the first time someone had said that about me.

This is good timing though, John, Zuerien said, Suzzanah, you were just talking about having spoken to Karina. Mind telling the two of us everything in a little more detail?

I nodded, chewing my lip thoughtfully, It could have been just a dream in which case I'm not sure if I actually did speak to her, but I'll tell you both anyway, I said and went on to narrate my dream slash mindlink to them.

They listened quietly, not interrupting me till I was done.

Alpha Penson hummed thoughtfully, Although I can't be a hundred percent sure, I think that was most likely a mindlink, and not a dream, he said, Remember when you asked me about what happens when you try to mindlink someone when they're asleep? The mindlink does get through but for those such as you and Karina who don't have much experience with mindlinking, it can be hard to tell them apart from dreams

I see, I replied, So there's a good chance that I actually did speak to her then?

Yes, I think so

I frowned worriedly, But then, isn't that bad? I told her that the BorderGuard incident is happening tomorrow whereas it is, in fact, happening today, in just a short while!

Alpha Penson didn't reply immediately so Zuerien spoke up instead.

Don't worry about that Suzzanah. Since Prophecy is certain that she sensed the presence of the Luna of Hearts by the BorderGuard then we can be certain Karina will be there today, he told me, The only downside is that she doesn't know that we'll be there too and that we could still try to rescue her today.

Today might not be possible though, Alpha Penson said, Our BorderGuard and the ShadowGuard are both on high alert right now because of what happened in Area 101. Speaking of which, Suzzanah, please tell me what exactly happened. I was very worried when Delta Neil mindlinked me saying that you and Rino had suddenly disappeared from the pavement outside the library. He said that a thick fog suddenly engulfed the entire area around the library, and by the time it cleared the two of you were no longer there

I'm sorry for worrying you, I replied guiltily, But yes, that's pretty much exactly what happened. The fog suddenly surrounded us and teleported me and Rino into the woods. It was the same kind of fog that's teleported me from one place to another many times before, but up until now that fog had only appeared when I'd been in trouble and running from potential danger, or when I was interacting with spirits. Today however, it showed up out of nowhere, and instead of teleporting me away from trouble, it teleported me right into it

Yes, that is very odd, Alpha Penson replied, And unlike the usual, this time the fog's mysterious appearance had no trigger- like impending danger or a spirit's call

His words struck a memory and my eyes widened slightly, Actually...there was a trigger, I said making Zuerien's dark eyes narrow questioningly at me, Not...a spirit's call but...a human's

What are you talking about? Alpha Penson asked.

Karina..., I said, Just a few seconds before the fog appeared out of nowhere, I heard Karina's voice in my head, calling out my name. She was trying to mindlink me I think. And as soon as our mind-links connected, the fog got thicker.

You think that your mindlink with Karina is what triggered the fog? Zuerien asked.

I'm not sure but it really does seem that way, I said, The fog only started to appear after I heard her voice in my head. In fact, there was even a moment when I actually felt Karina's presence right behind me in the fog. I almost thought that the fog would lead me to her

Also, after the fog had completely surrounded me, there was a brief moment when I couldn't hear Karina's voice, I continued, That was also around the same time that I realized that I was being teleported away from the library so I began willing myself to not disappear. When I did, the fog suddenly thinned to a point that I could see a flash of Rino's clothing somewhere near me, but soon after, Karina's voice sounded in my head again and the fog immediately thickened again.

But if the fog had been trying to connect you to Karina then it should have teleported you to Area 101 where Karina actually was, Zuerien said, I don't understand why it teleported you into the woods

What happened after that? Alpha Penson asked, After you heard her voice again and the fog re-thickened.

It was only after that that I was teleported completely I think, I told him, Karina's words via mindlink were not clear and I vaguely heard her call out my name twice after which I suddenly couldn't hear her voice any more. A second later I found myself in the woods

Since her words weren't clear to you it seems that your mindlink wasn't stable, Alpha Penson said, You were right to think that the mindlink was what triggered the fog. It explains why, during the brief moment that you couldn't hear Karina's voice the fog thinned, and why it re-thickened when you heard Karina's voice again. I think the fog really was trying to teleport you to Karina, but since your mindlink was what kept the two of you connected and also triggered the fog, when there was a sudden break in your mindlink, it could have also caused a potential break in the fog's teleportation

So you mean, the teleportation was incomplete? Zuerien asked while I listened intrigued, And that's why she was teleported to the woods instead of Area 101

Yes I think so, Alpha Penson replied, And if my hunch is right then the spot in the woods where Suzzanah was teleported would most likely have been close to Area 101. Speaking of which, how did you manage to actually get to Area 101 from in the middle of the woods Suzzanah?

It was the fog again, I replied, rubbing my forehead, When Rino and I started to run from the rogues the fog suddenly reappeared, just like it has before on the many occasions that I've had to run for my life. But this time it actually led us to Area 101 where Karina was, even though we weren't connected by mindlink anymore

Well...this fog sure does seem to have a mind of its own, doesn't it? Alpha Penson replied, Its such a unique power. And in the end it managed to teleport you to its initial target location after all

It did, I replied, chewing on my lip while Zuerien stared at me with deeply pensive eyes.

What happened after that? Alpha Penson asked and I quickly told them about the second silver beam incident and how it left both me and Karina incapacitated.

Zuerien immediately grabbed me by the shoulder, frustration and worry clouding his dark eyes.

"Why did you try to will the power out again?!" he cried out distressed, making both Lady Jade and our chauffeur jump in alarm.

I cringed, I couldn't help it Zuerien, I told him apologetically, Karina was dying in front of my eyes. I couldn't just stand by and do nothing

And what if something had happened to you! Zuerien grit out, pain flashing across his features, What if you had-

He couldn't complete his sentence as he held my gaze with his dark one. A wave of deep agony tore through me, born from Zuerien's unbearable fear of me dying. His pain made guilt well up inside me.

I'm so sorry my love, I said, cupping his cheek.

So you'd really have gone through with it?! Zuerien demanded grieved, You would have died to save Karina

I wouldn't have died, I replied softly, I promised that I'd never leave you, didn't I?

His eyes flashed with vulnerability, an emotion he rarely ever showed. It made him look younger, like a little boy who was less certain of himself and of the world.

I smiled gently at him, running my hand through his hair, I wouldn't have died, I repeated, trying to reassure him.

There was one thing he feared more than anything else, and that was to be left behind. To be left all alone again in this world. And only that fear could draw this out this look in his eyes.

And although seeing it now made my heart ache, it also filled me with a fierce desire to...protect him. Maybe I wasn't strong enough to physically protect him from his enemies, or those who wanted to harm him, but I could still protect him from his greatest fear which incapacitated him, which grieved him more than anything else.

I could protect him from it by keeping my promise to him. A promise of forever.

Together.

Zuerien took a second to reel in his turbulent emotions before saying, You still shouldn't treat yourself so carelessly. Why are you so reckless? And you're also always putting everyone else's safety before your own!

He's right about that Suzzanah, Alpha Penson agreed, So much so that this time, your body actually refused to listen to your mind's command and kept you from willing out all the energy which had entered you

But I shouldn't be absorbing Karina's life-force in the first place! I exclaimed concernedly.

I'm quite certain it wasn't Karina's life force you were absorbing, Alpha Penson replied and Zuerien nodded.

Realization struck me and my brow's rose, You mean...

I was wondering how you're able to mindlink with such ease and stability again, Alpha Penson said, It seems the fragments of your soul which you had previously lost to Karina have been returned to you, dear-one

What?! My soul is back?!

Most of it is, Zuerien replied, a relieved smile gracing his handsome features.

How much of her soul is still missing Alpha? Can you tell? Alpha Penson asked.

I can't be certain. Her presence and aura is definitely stronger now than it has ever been before. Much stronger, Zuerien said, looking over me appreciatively, But it still doesn't seem 'complete'. There is a lingering lack, but I'm not sure on how much. I can't read soul structure as well as Elder Abé can.

Whatever is remaining must be the few fragments that she willed back to Karina at the Border earlier, Alpha Penson said.

So those silver beams of energy that came out of Karina's body also drew out the missing fragments of my soul from her and returned them to me then? I asked.

Actually...Alpha Penson drawled out, I don't think that silver energy drew out your soul. I think it was your soul

What?! Zuerien and I cried out together in surprise.

All those beams of silver light that shot towards you at the Northern Border...I think they were all fragments of your missing soul, Suzzanah, Alpha Penson said, Silver is a very characteristic color for you too

But...those silver lights...there were so many of them! I exclaimed shocked.

I'm not surprised. That's how much of your soul you had been lacking all this time dear-one, Alpha Penson replied.

But if that's true, and also seeing as a majority of her soul has been returned to her body now...wouldn't that mean that Karina was the only person who possessed all fragments of Suzzanah's missing soul? Zuerien asked frowning.

Yes, it would seem that way, Alpha Penson replied.

But why? Zuerien asked, disapproval flashing in his eyes, Why did she have so much of my mate's soul?

Zuerien its okay, I said softly, placing my hand against his chest, I assure you it wasn't anything Karina did on purpose. Neither of us even knew about this. How and when could it have happened? And why...?

We can talk about that later, Alpha Penson said, For now we should just be grateful that you got back a majority of your soul Suzzanah. So something good came out of today's incident in Area 101 after all

That's true, Zuerien agreed.

I'm still worried about Karina though, I said anxiously, When that silver energy shot out of her and into me, I could feel her life-force weakening. That was why I thought that it must be her energy I was absorbing. But if it was my own soul that I was drawing back then why was she being so badly affected by it...

That question's answer may lie in the answer to your earlier question- how and when did the initial transfer of your soul to her take place, Alpha Penson replied, Because depending on how long she has been in possession of such a large quantity of your soul, her own body could have gotten accustomed to the excess energy. And now that all the excess soul has been returned to you, her body could be taking time to adjust to the apparent 'lack'

But there is still one thing I don't understand though, Zuerien said, Karina and Suzzanah have been together all their lives. There could have been numerous opportunities for Suzzanah's soul to return to her, but it didn't up until now which is really odd

Yes, you're quite right, Alpha Penson replied, And just like the mysterious fog, I think the return of her soul to her body was also triggered by something...something that wasn't there before. Something that Suzzanah did not possess the last time she was with Karina in person...

And while Alpha Penson and Zuerien went quiet in thought, to me, it was like I was staring right at the answer.

Zuerien, I said, making his dark eyes meet mine again. I blinked, becoming more sure of my answer, Something I did not possess the last time I was with Karina is...a soulmate. Zuerien!

Zuerien's eyes flickered with surprise and Alpha Penson exclaimed, That's right! Brilliant! That is the answer!

So you mean meeting me was what triggered Suzzanah's soul to return to her body? Zuerien asked confused.

Not just meeting you. I don't think a person's soul can be stimulated to move around just based off of a simple meeting with another person, even if the person is your soulmate, Alpha Penson replied, And it also couldn't have been your presence alongside Suzzanah that triggered its return because you weren't with her today when it happened again in Area 101. So the trigger, in my opinion, is something that is far more personal to Suzzanah, something that belongs to her and is a part of her body but is still directly and deeply connected with you

His words created a perfect picture in my head and the answer he was implying came to my mind at the very same time that Zuerien's gaze flew to my neck.

Her mark, Zuerien whispered in awe.

Exactly, Alpha Penson replied, I think the mark of her soulmate on her neck is what triggered her soul's return. The one thing about her person that has changed since the last time she met Karina

Astounded by the new revelation, I traced my fingers across my mark and felt a a faint tingling sensation sizzle down my neck. I had always known that meeting my soulmate was probably the most life-changing experience I could ever have, but who knew that it could be so powerful as to induce such a mind-boggling event.

Zuerien smiled tenderly, cupping my cheek and caressing my skin with his thumb.

I'm glad, he said softly and I smiled back, placing my hand on his.

His touch made intense tingles shoot through my skin, making me barely hold back a shudder of pleasure. It was no wonder I could feel things so powerfully now, especially everything related to my mate. My soul, which had been missing for god knew how long had just largely been returned to me.

This was so surreal and overwhelming that it both excited and scared me all at once. Who knew what kind of new doors and avenues this incident had now opened up for me and my future! Now that I had received so much of my soul back...would I become a different person? I didn't think so, but would it change me somehow? Yes...I'm pretty sure it would. Perhaps now I would finally be able to understand the secret behind my strange abilities and my 'non-human' human soul.

I could feel Zuerien's immense relief and joy flowing through my veins like flood-waters. I knew both him and Alpha Penson were extremely pleased about my soul having made a come-back, and of course I was too but...there was still this uncomfortable feeling at the back of my mind that I couldn't shake off. Like something about all this wasn't right. Like something had gone wrong.

As I thought about it I remembered how afraid I had been the first time by the Northern Wall when fragments of my soul had shot across the Border from Karina's body into mine. Even though they were filling me with immense power, I remembered feeling terrified that something was going wrong. Horribly wrong.

That was what had prompted me to will it all out and back to Karina again, because I felt like if I didn't do that then something terrible would happen.

And today...I saw what that was with my own eyes. I saw how the return of my soul to my body had left Karina completely incapacitated and almost at the verge of dying. That deathly state she was in...it didn't seem like just a fleeting shock reaction from having the excess soul taken away from her. Karina really could have died today...because of me...

Suzzanah

My gaze which had fallen now rose again to meet my mate's deep discerning eyes. By the look in his dark orbs I could tell he knew exactly what I was thinking.

Don't blame yourself, my heart, he said softly, You haven't done anything wrong

You read my mind again, didn't you? I said and he smiled.

It feels really good to be doing so with such ease, he told me making me bite back a small smile and I sighed.

What happened to Karina wasn't your fault heart, Zuerien said.

Maybe not but it still scared me so much, I replied worriedly, I saw her Zuerien. I saw the state she was in. It was really bad. The more my soul flowed out of her and into me, the more her own life-force started to disappear. It shouldn't be that way right, Alpha Penson? Even if the excess soul left her body, her own soul should remain right?

Alpha Penson hesitated for a moment before replying, Yes. That's right

But for Karina...it didn't seem like it would, I said anxiously, Her own life-force seemed to be evaporating with every fragment of my soul that she lost. Had it not been for Rino throwing those crystals at her, I don't know if...she would have even made it today

What?

Both Zuerien and Alpha Penson asked together confused.

What crystals are you talking about? Alpha Penson asked, The ones that radiate the aura of Rino's Luna?

Yes, the very same. The crystals which always appeared around Megan for some reason, I replied, Just as the last of my soul's fragments were about to emerge from Karina's body Rino suddenly threw all those crystals towards Karina

And they passed through the barrier? Zuerien asked and I nodded.

Blatant disbelief immediately painted Zuerien's features as Alpha Penson gasped out, They passed through?!

I frowned confused, Y-yes? I replied.

And this was before the barrier exploded?

Yes.

But that's impossible. Nothing has ever gotten across border in the Restricted Areas before. What the hell is going on John? Zuerien asked, looking genuinely puzzled.

Its quite incredible isn't it, Alpha Penson replied, sounding awed himself.

And you said Megan is the origin of these crystals? Zuerien asked and I nodded.

Yeah

This day just keeps getting more and more bizarre, Zuerien said, running a hand through his hair in frustration.

So what happened when he threw the crystals to her? Alpha Penson asked.

Her body kind of...absorbed them

Huh?!

I shrugged helplessly at Zuerien's flabbergasted expression, I really don't know how or why, but a lot of the crystals disappeared into her skin and as soon as they did the transfer of soul from her to me came to an abrupt halt. And only after that did Karina's life-force start to strengthen again

Zuerien's eyes wandered our surroundings in puzzlement before he asked, John, only you can figure out what the hell this is all about

Has...Rino woken up yet? Alpha Penson asked after a second or so.

No not yet, I replied, Which is yet another thing to worry about

Alpha Penson hummed absently before saying, So what happened next?

What do you mean what happened next? What about the mystery behind these crystals? Zuerien asked.

Well if I knew the answer to it, I would tell you Alpha, he replied innocently.

Oh really? Zuerien and I asked wearily in unison.

I understand your impatience children but please know that I'm not telling you anything yet because I don't know any more than you, he replied, But perhaps if I hear what else happened we will be able to get more insight into the matter

I sighed while Zuerien frowned at being referred to as a child by his mentor before deciding to let it go and nodding at me to continue with the story. But just as I was about to go on, the car came to an abrupt halt.

I gasped in surprise and Zuerien immediately put his arms around me to keep me from lurching forward, as poor Lady Jade had, but she quickly steadied herself by grabbing the door handle.

Zuerien glared at the chauffeur through the rear-view mirror.

"What's going on?" he demanded and the man gulped worriedly.

"I apologize for stopping so suddenly Alpha but...", he leaned closed to his window before adding nervously, "We're almost at the BorderGuard HQ, and something's definitely wrong. I'm not sure I can take us further than this. Everything appears to be in an uproar by the Border"

Confused we looked out of the window to see what he meant, and there in the distance, where the Territorial Border stood, we could see a large group of people gathered in an agitated crowd. The number of people on the Shadow side was far far greater than the number on our side. And somehow, the sight of the crowd made a distinct unease bubble up inside me.

"What's going on?" I asked frowning and Zuerien's eyes flashed dangerously before he looked at Lady Jade.

John, we're at the BorderGuard and things are bit of a mess here, Zuerien quickly mindlinked, How much longer will it take you to get here?

Maybe another 7-8 minutes, Alpha, he replied, Perhaps its best we continue our talk once I get there.

Right, Zuerien said and we all cut off mindlink.

"Could you finish up, Lady Jade?" Zuerien asked and she looked at him apologetically.

"I'm sorry, Alpha King. I'm nearly done but the wound still hasn't completely closed yet", she said, looking both concerned and confused.

Worry flashed in Zuerien's eyes but I reassured him that I was alright. The wound, albeit not completely healed, was now much smaller than before. I would be able to walk.

"You can continue healing her inside the BorderGuard HQ building", Zuerien said and Lady Jade nodded before quickly getting out of the car.

Zuerien too opened the door and despite me telling him that I was alright and could walk on my own, he ignored my protests and lifted me into his arms, getting out of the car. The vehicle with Rino in it was yet to get here, and by the time we got out, a group of warriors was already by our car, forming a protective shield around us.

"Where's Beta Knightly?" Zuerien asked one of them when a familiar voice called out from behind us.

"Alpha Zuerien!"

We turned to find Cole rushing up to us, his expression tense and brow beaded with sweat. The minute his eyes fell on me, they widened, surprise so strong flickering in them that he momentarily stopped to stare at me before looking at Zuerien and back at me again.

It was the same kind of look I had received from both Zuerien and General Reginald earlier today, and unlike then, I now knew what had elicited it. The large increase of soul in my body was apparently quite hard to not notice.

Cole looked torn between wanting to smile in relief and frown in confusion as he quickly schooled his features and asked, "Luna Suzzanah, are you...alright?"

I nodded quickly, giving him a smile to reassure him, "I am"

He seemed to want to ask me more when Zuerien spoke up, "Cole, what's going on here?" he asked sternly.

"Apparently the ShadowGuard are accusing the Werewolves and holding us responsible for what happened to the Barrier in Area 101", Cole told us, as we all began walking towards the BorderGuard building, "They're saying that it was some kind of scheme on out part to try and infiltrate their territory"

I gaped in disbelief, "But that's not true!" I exclaimed.

"Of course it isn't", Zuerien replied, appearing choleric, "But what else can we expect of those bastards? Typical of them to blame it all on us"

"Can't we argue that it could have been their fault too, seeing as there was a Shadow Sorcerer there when it happened?!" I asked.

"We can but they obviously won't believe us", Cole replied, "Besides which we have no proof that it was that Shadower's fault. At the same time, they also have no proof that it was ours which is further heightening the anger of both parties. Both our BorderGuard warriors and their Shadow Guards are getting really riled up. The BorderGuard leaders are trying to calm them down but it doesn't seem to be working. Since none of the three highest ranking wolves of the Ashford Pack are here to settle the men down, its becoming chaotic. I didn't interfere yet because I was hoping I wouldn't have to reveal my presence in Dublin to the Shadow Guards, but I think it can't be avoided anymore. Things are getting a little too heated up there"

I chewed on my lip nervously as we stopped and looked towards the Border in the distance. The crowd gathered there was getting larger by the minute, with everyone looking aggravated, some shouting, pushing and swearing enraged. A few men were trying to get everyone else to calm down, but as Cole had said, it didn't seem to be working.

"How much time do we have left?"

"7 minutes till 2:28pm", Cole replied, "I've asked my men to take up their positions but after the explosion of the barrier and Karina's presence in the vicinity when it happened, I don't think they'll let her out of their sight. Besides which, things here aren't looking good. I don't think retrieving Karina will be possible today"

He looked at me apologetically, "I'm so sorry, Suzzanah", he said and I shook my head.

"I understand. Its not anybody's fault", I said disappointed, "None of us could have seen this incident coming. Also, earlier when I mindlinked her, she told me she isn't sure anymore whether or not she will be able to cross over the border, because of her powers. She thinks she isn't human"

"But she can't be sure of that", Zuerien said, "The only reason she could have come to the Border near Area 101 alone would be to try and escape the Shadow Side. Why would she come if she was sure she wouldn't be able to cross over?"

He had a point.

"Did she try to get through the barrier while she was there? Did any part of her body pass through the barrier?" Cole asked.

I shook my head, "She never got a chance to try and get through"

"If she still came, it means she isn't sure whether she can pass through or not", Zuerien said, "Unless her powers have advanced greatly, she should be able to cross over"

Powers...

"There's one more thing I needed to tell you", I said, nervousness trickling into my veins, "Earlier today, by the Border, I saw flames suddenly burst out of Karina's hand"

Both their faces scrunched up in confusion and shock, "Flames?" they cried out.

I nodded, "I don't know how? But when that Shadow first went to attack her, she released a bout of flames onto it. Just for a brief second"

Cole and Zuerien looked at each other alarmed.

"Could she be...", Cole breathed out.

Zuerien shook his head, looking completely unsure, "She doesn't have to be", he replied, "There are many magical objects which can allow people to temporarily use flames"

"I wasn't close enough to her to see if she was in possession of any magical object", I told them, "Everything just happened so fast"

"How many times did she use flames?"

"Only once", I replied.

"You're right. Only once doesn't have to mean anything", Cole said and Zuerien nodded. Cole frowned, "But Alpha, what will we do if her powers really don't allow her to cross over?" he asked worriedly.

"Wait, I thought you guys said that the presence of my soul in her body would help her get through", I said, "Given my soul's very striking human but not human and yet still human situation, since she still has some amount of it in her body, won't that help her cross over?"

"It depends", Zuerien replied, "If her powers really have advanced to a degree that she can be considered a full fledged Supernatural then I'm not sure the small quantity of your unique soul which she is still in possession of will help her"

Dread trickled into me and well as a growing sense of helplessness. If we couldn't rescue Karina in Dublin then we couldn't rescue her at all. What were we going to do?

Zuerien noticed my distress and was about to say something when suddenly, loud hollers coming from near the Border filled the air, catching our attention.

"Shut up you filthy mutt! If we wanted to, we could destroy this barrier and come kill all of you right now!"

"Just try you fucking asshole! Come on! Come at us! We're ready for you! Break down your barrier if you have the guts!"

The commotion and shouting got louder and louder and discomfort built up inside me on hearing the things they were saying. I could see it on Cole's face too as his eyes flitted between Zuerien and the Border.

"Things are getting out of hand. They're talking about taking down their side of the barrier!" Cole exclaimed, anger and tension flashing in his eyes.

So much had happened today that I was starting to doubt that things could actually get any worse at this point. Boy was I wrong! Because it was at that very moment that another loud and bone-chilling threat sounded from near the Border, echoing through the air.

"We'll destroy you! All of you! You'll regret messing with us! Have you forgotten what happened to your Royals 14 years ago?!"

I breath caught at that statement, the level of disrespect and carelessness with which such a horrific and heartbreaking incident was brought up making me feel both disgusted and appalled.

The minute those words filled the air, the chaos around the Werewolf border sky-rocketed, the shouting, pushing and screaming doubling in intensity. The men were all dangerous close to the barrier now. Any closer and they would be hurled away from it, just like Rino was when he tried to touch the barrier. But no one seemed to care anymore. They were all was furious, and hungry to spill blood.

The men who were guarding us also immediately stiffened at that Shadower's statement, but their initial fury was immediately replaced by intense fear for the very same reason that I and Cole exchanged panicked glances.

The minute we heard those words, I felt fiery rage begin to roll off Zuerien's body in colossal and powerful waves. Worry gripped my heart and my eyes instantly shot to him, and what I saw made me suck in a sharp breath.

Zuerien's expression was murderous, the cold look in his eyes sending freezing chills down my spine. They flashed dangerously with dark terrifying glow, going from brown to black several times and I knew right away that his control was slipping. His nails began to elongate, grazing lightly across my body and the veins in his arms began to swell. His body was soon trembling with barely concealed fury and dread seeped into my blood.

"Z-Zuerien", I called out worriedly but his eyes remained glued to the Shadow Border.

Cole swallowed hard, anxiousness and worry evident in his eyes as he saw Zuerien's disposition, "Alpha, please carry on into the Headquarters. I'll go take care of things he-"

"Take Suzzanah"

Cole and my eyes immediately widened, all kinds of warning bells going off in our heads.

"But Alph-"

"Take. Suzzanah.", Zuerien repeated chillingly, the command in his deep voice could not be ignored.

Cole immediately took me from Zuerien, and I could see heavy concern swirling in his eyes as he stared at his King silently. He knew we were in for trouble. I looked between the two men alarmed.

"Zuerien, please-"

"Take her inside", Zuerien cut me off, speaking to Cole, his frigid eyes never leaving the Border.

"Zuerien! Wait, what-?"

Without heeding my cries, he began walking to the Border, and half of the men with us looked at Cole pleadingly for directions. They nodded their heads and they immediately followed Zuerien, looking both livid and yet terrified at the same time.

"Zuerien! Wha- what is he-?" I turned to Cole to find him staring after Zuerien, his jaw clenched and muscles taut in tension.

"Cole! Will Zuerien be alright?" I asked him anxiously.

"There is nothing and no one on that side of the Border right now who could pose a threat to the King, Luna", he told me, his voice laced with worry and barely concealed anger, "They should have known better than to bring up that incident. Its unforgivable"

He was right. I too had felt immense ire at that man's statement, but right now my worry for my mate far exceeded my anger. Zuerien had already had an extremely stressful day, and the subject of his family was very sensitive.

I knew he wouldn't allow himself to lose control, because doing so would have repercussions that would be too great, and would involve not just a few people but the entire Kingdoms. But in exposing himself to those people, I feared that some of his old wounds may open up. Wounds that hadn't even healed completely yet.

"What is Zuerien going to do?" I asked Cole concernedly.

"He won't have to do anything", Cole replied gravely, "Just seeing him will be enough to quiet both sides down immediately"

"But I thought he didn't want to be seen by the Shadow People!"

"Yes but its already too late. The Shadow People already got wind of his being in Dublin after the incident at the Northern Wall", Cole said, "So I think the King believes that there is no use in hiding himself anymore.

"But...but what if he loses control?" I asked worriedly.

Cole inhaled deeply, exhaling a ragged breath, "Then God help those Shadow People", he replied in a quiet voice, his fear of that happening not lost on me.

Angst flooded my body as I watched Zuerien go. The power radiating off him was so immense that I could feel it clearly even as the distance between us grew progressively. I knew that the territorial barrier would keep him away from the Shadow People and vice verse, but the very fact that a segment of the barrier had shattered earlier today made trepidation worsen.

I didn't know why but I had a very bad feeling about this. Like something bad was going to happen. I had had this sense of foreboding all day and now it was growing once more.

Zuerien...

"Suzzanah, please don't worry", Cole told me, "The Alpha King is not one to act recklessly when it comes to matters like this. I'll go join him and make sure he calms down. But first, I need to get you inside"

He quickly turned away from the border but I immediately grabbed his shoulder urging him to stop.

"Cole, wait!", I said, still looking over his shoulder at the crowd by the border.

Something about the way things were happening right now was bothering me. Like an ominous feeling. It was like my gut was telling me that this was all leading up to something big. Something...troubling.

"Please put me down Cole", I said to him hurriedly and he hesitated but seeing the look on my face, he let me down. He put an arm around me to support me and my injured leg and I turned again to look at Zuerien.

"Suzzanah I need to get you inside", Cole insisted, "I don't think we have any chance of retrieving Karina today so you don't have to wait for her to see you at that ice-cream parlour like we had planned this morning"

I knew he was right but something was keeping me from leaving this place. And it wasn't just the opportunity to catch a glimpse of Karina. It was Zuerien. I couldn't leave Zuerien here right now. It didn't feel right.

Something's going to happen...

"Cole, please go to Zuerien's side", I said hurriedly, "Don't worry about me. Just go"

Cole looked at me confused, "Luna I-"

"Cole...I have a bad feeling", I told him, my eyes glued to Zuerien's back, "Something big is going to happen today"

Cole immediately tensed beside me, his gaze shooting to his Alpha. His slowly elevating apprehension was not lost on me. I could feel it clearly, just as clearly as I could feel my own. And caught in his dilemma of whose orders to follow through, he stayed right there, by my side, wide-eyes glued to his Alpha King.

It was then that something Alpha Penson had said when he had first mentioned Prophecy's teleportation to the BorderGuard HQ to me, suddenly resounded in my mind. I had asked him why the place she had been teleported to had been in a state of chaos and havoc. And his reply was...

"Well, I'm assuming that if Prophecy sensed the aura of the Luna of Hearts who we think is Karina, then she must have been accompanied by..."

His statement completed itself in my head and new-found dread poured into my veins.

Oh no...

My eyes stayed unmoving from Zuerien's frame as he made his way to the Border. I could feel his tumultuous emotions that threatened to annihilate anything that got in his way. My heart seemed to beat in sync with every step he took forward, and despite all the commotion around him, my eyes only saw him.

As he approached the Border, the sky suddenly seemed to grow a few shades darker, the earth seemed to tremble under the power of his footsteps and the wind seemed to quiet down, as though afraid of speaking over the King.

The crowd by the Border was enormous, with every man there fueled by nothing but anger and the lust for his enemy's blood. It was a rambunctious wild mob which couldn't possibly be calmed even by 10 men, one that would not listen to reason, word or deed. And yet, the minute they but sensed Zuerien's presence approaching them, I saw half of them suddenly turn as still as statues.

The first ones to note his aura were the werewolves right at the back of the crowd, and the minute their eyes found him, their untamed fury and murderous intent disappeared, instantly being replaced by intense fear and reverence.

Their voices caught in their throats and they bowed deeply, parting hurriedly to make way for him. His aura was so powerful that it seemed to command people to clear his path, like an invisible force pushing them away from him for their own good. And his presence was so unmistakable that before they even saw him, people were already making way for him, their head lowering and bodies shrinking away involuntarily.

I watched in both awe and apprehension as group after group, line after line of his men fell away from his path, shuddering and shivering as he walked past. Even the air before him seemed to part for him, too scared to come in contact with his skin.

For a moment it felt like time itself had slowed down for him, and yet when I blinked my eyes Zuerien was already at the front of the Border. Next to me, Cole stood as stiff as a pillar and I watched in stunned silence as the last of the men by the Border gasped and scrambled away from Zuerien's path, until no more werewolves stood in his way. Until he came face to face with the people who were on the other side of the Border.

The Shadow People.

This was the very first time that I was witnessing such a scenario, where Shadowers came face to face with the Alpha King. I truly had no idea what to expect or what to envision. But anything I may have thought could never even come close to the actual scene that was now laid out before my eyes.

Because if I thought the werewolves were afraid of Zuerien, I could not have even imagined the reaction of the Shadow People.

The instant they laid their eyes on him, every single one of them was shocked into oblivion, and a delinquent crowd that had just been as loud and uncontrollable as a freak thunderstorm, immediately fell deathly silent.

I watched as the forerunners and instigators of the uproar on the Shadow side stumbled several steps away from the border, their eyes-wide and lips parted in absolute disbelief. For a second it was almost like they were in denial, unable to grasp the fact that he was really there. But it was when that second ended that everything actually began.

Terror so inconceivable, so unfathomable and so insurmountable suddenly exploded inside my body that I felt like all air had been knocked out of me. Like my chest had been drawn in firmly and my heart clutched so tightly in the hands of fear that it could barely even shudder let alone beat.

My body suddenly felt like it was trembling so hard that the friction would cause my bones to erode away. And in that minute I wouldn't have minded. I wouldn't have minded even if I ceased to exist, even if my heart stopped and I dropped dead right then. For it would be better. It would be better than looking into the eyes of that man.

Zuerien Kai Royale

The Shadow Reaper

I coughed out a constrained breath, bending over and clutching my chest in shock. Cole immediately grabbed me, gasping out my name in alarm and asking me panicked questions but it was no use. His words fell on deaf ears. I couldn't hear him or anything else. I couldn't see, heck I couldn't even think! My mind was completely consumed by Zuerien.

As I raised my gaze back to the Border, my throat felt completely dry. I couldn't believe this was real! The sheer magnitude of this all-consuming fear blew my mind. These petrifying emotions were too powerful for me to be able to handle. And the thought that was the most terrifying of them all was that although these emotions were not my own, they were real. They were all real.

Everything I had just felt, every emotion I had experienced had been a reflection of what the Shadow People at the Border were feeling right now. Just the sight of Zuerien had rendered them so absolutely aghast that my body and mind couldn't even begin to comprehend it.

I watched breathlessly as the ginormous crowd on the Shadow Side now began to panic and fall away so fast that my eyes almost didn't catch their movements. An alarming number of the men just dispersed in the blink of an eye, disappearing as though they had never even been there.

The others who remained staggered several steps away from the Border, looking not only paler than ghosts but also just as deceased as them. All their eyes then shot to the ground, their heads bowing and bodies shuddering, some even dropping onto their hands and knees in shock while others somehow miraculously remained standing.

By the time the scene stabilized once again half the crowd on the Shadow Side had dispersed, equaling out our numbers, and the half that now remained looked like they would drop dead any second.

And all this before Zuerien had even spoken a single word.

My God...

Never in my life had I seen anyone as feared as Zuerien was. A part of me still couldn't believe that it was my mate who was responsible for inducing the unimaginable amount of terror in people as I had just felt. And even though the air was now as quiet as in an abandoned graveyard, the terrified whispers from earlier continued to ring in my ears like a eerie rhythm.

The Shadow Reaper...

That's what they had called Zuerien in hushed and panicked voices. And the words had escaped their lips so quietly that it was like they were afraid to actually speak them.

Over the time I had spent here, I had already learnt that despite the abundant amount of love and adoration everyone here held for their King, it always came with an unspoken yet undeniable sense of fear. It was like the two emotions went hand in hand. They loved him, but they also feared him. And more often than not, the latter seemed to just slightly overpower the former.

Knowing the sheer magnitude of Zuerien's power a part of me had understood that fear, but another part of me, the part that knew the kind man deep inside, was always confused by it. And yet now, as I watched this entire scene unfold before my eyes, I realized that whatever I did not understand of their fear lay in the stories I that I had yet to hear.

The stories that were taboo, that no one wanted to tell. One in particular that I was waiting for my mate to tell me himself, and what I had witnessed just now only heightened my curiosity even further. I wanted to know...where all this terror was born from, and why.

I wanted to know the story...of what exactly happened...between the Royales and the Shadow people...

Zuerien remained terrifyingly calm as he looked over the people cowering on the other side of the border. Judging by the effect his presence had had on both parties, it was safe to say that the tumult from earlier had now ended. One word from him would be enough to either disperse or destroy both sides, and I desperately hoped it would be the former.

Zuerien was a wise king. And like Cole had said, he wouldn't be reckless with his actions when it came to truly important matters, and yet...somehow my apprehension still didn't fade. On the contrary, it actually grew.

Even now, as the Alpha King stood tall by the Border at the forefront and the uproar from earlier seemed to have faded away, that ominous feeling in my gut remained, like an exigent reminder to my fears that they were yet to be fully sated. I could not shake the feeling that something bad was going to happen, and that is what kept me glued to my spot, preventing my eyelids from even blinking.

My mind however could not understand that feeling, or justify its origin. And it seemed compelled to shush my worries till...it struck me.

Zuerien had still not said a word.

He was already where he needed to be, but he hadn't said a word.

Why?

The minute that question flashed in my mind, the answer also came. Not in the form of a thought or a word...but in the form...of a person.

Because the person he was to speak to...wasn't here...

Yet.

A sudden gust of wind suddenly shot across the horizon, chilling everything it touched. And as it tore across the sky, its howls seemed to announce the coming of disaster. And the clouds overhead began to coalesce, blocking out the sun's rays entirely and casting dark shadows over all the earth, as though in anticipation of an even darker hour.

Zuerien...!

In that moment I didn't know what came over me, but my legs seemed to move of their own accord. And before I even knew what I was doing, I found myself running. I was running, as fast as I could, through the crowd and towards the Border. Towards...my mate.

I need to be there! I need to be by his side!

That was the only thought that was running through my mind, and I couldn't even explain why.

Something's going to happen! I need to be by his side!

Cole tried to grab a hold of me but I slipped through his fingers. I could hear him rushing after me, but I didn't stop. I could barely even feel the pain in my injured leg as I ran. My surroundings to me were a blur, as if I were running through a mirage. And with every step I took, I felt my heart rate spike as though in anticipation of the one event that I had been secretly dreading all day.

Its happening, my instincts told me, Its happening...!

Zuerien's head turned sharply to the side ever so slightly, and I knew he had sensed me approaching. His concern swept over me like a massive wave, followed by the immediate urgency with which he wanted me to be kept away from the Border.

And as though in response to that order, Cole grabbed me when I was but a couple feet away from my mate. He hurriedly pulled me back into his chest before pushing me behind him and standing in front of me protectively. Many other warrior wolves also hurriedly joined Cole, engulfing me in their midst and acting like my shield.

Cole's frame in particular towered over me blocking my view, or so I thought, till realization sunk in. He wasn't keeping me from seeing who was before them. He was keeping someone before them from seeing me.

Its...happening...

In that moment, Cole's body was stiff and unmovable, the muscles in his back taut as though from the heavy strain. I could feel immense trepidation rolling off him in waves and it only added to my own. I had never seen him this tense before. Which told me that whatever he saw before him now must be...terrifying.

Just like him, everyone else around me had also gone as still as statues. They looked petrified. Every pair of eyes was directed forward, not a single person blinking, not a single person breathing.

And although that should have been enough motivation for me to stay back, it wasn't. So as quietly as I could, I took a step to the side and peeked out from behind Cole's broad frame, dreadfully unprepared for the sight I would see.

Across the border, every Shadower who had but seconds ago looked too scared to even move, now suddenly wore dark, unreadable expressions as they stared at us with vacant eyes. And a fey aura began to radiate off of every single one of them, slowly making my blood run cold.

Like an army of ghosts, the crowd of Shadow People then silently began to part, every person stepping to one side or the other creating a straight, unhindered path through their midst.

And there in the distance, down that long, quiet road my eyes found one solitary figure now walking towards us.

I was certain that I had felt him before I had actually laid eyes on him. That must have been the source of the ominous sense of foreboding that had pricked at my gut me all day long. Because his aura, much like Zuerien's, was not one you could ignore, especially if you had already sensed it once before.

But unlike Zuerien whose footsteps had echoed with an unmistakable weight, his feet made no sound when they touched the ground, almost as though he were floating over it. And I realized, with inconceivable unease, that his footsteps could not have been truer to his identity.

Because he came...as silently...as a Shadow.

Suddenly it was like my eyes could no longer perceive color, because with every passing second, the Shadow Side grew darker and darker. Starting right at the back of the crowd and moving swiftly forward, one by one every Shadower's skin was engulfed in the veil of obsidian.

It was like that man had come riding a massive wave of darkness, because every person he crossed was immediately washed in pitch black. And soon every single individual all the way up to the men at the forefront of the Border, stood before us in their wraith-like Shadow forms.

A massive shudder tore down my spine at the sight of so many Shadowers now before us in their true forms, silently watching us with their faceless visages. I had never before witnessed such a disturbing sight in my entire life. But the most discomposure was still raised in me by the one man who was approaching us though the parted crowd.

Although shrouded in black from head to toe just like the rest of his people, he was the only one of them now who was not in his Shadow form, and yet he passed over the cement pavement just like one, leaving everything in his path darker than it had been.

A black jacket cloaked his tall torso, its hood pulled over his head keeping half of his face hidden underneath. But as he covered the very last steps up to the Border, he slowly lifted his head, finally revealing his face.

Dear God...!

The dull light seeping through the thick clouds overhead illuminated only one side of his countenance in a bluish glow, while the other still remained overcast by thick shadows. And as I looked at him now in barely concealed terror, I realized that there could not have been a more accurate depiction of him than what I saw right here, in that moment.

Half human, half shadow

The Dark Emperor of the Shadow People.

His hood fell away revealing thick blond hair that framed his face to perfection, the soft waves in his locks a stark contrast to his sharply chiselled features. A large forehead, thick eyebrows and a slightly crooked nose led down to his thick five o'clock shadow that gave his refined air a rugged appearance. And his lips which up until then had formed a straight line now slowly curled into a characteristic smirk.

Amused.

That's how he looked, even as he walked towards the Alpha Supreme. That's how perhaps, or in my opinion, he always looked. And I was certain that he was the only man who could somehow manage to terrify me even when he was smiling.

But surpassing them all, the most striking feature in his face was undoubtedly, his eyes.

They were the same piercing blue eyes that had looked right into mine a few days ago, and someone managed to scare the freaking daylights out of even my spirit. They had haunted me ever since that day, often robbing me of my peace of mind and sending chills down my body every time I even so much as thought of them.

And as the eerie light of the dark day now reflected off of those very eyes, I realized that that one thing would never change. His eyes...I would never get used to seeing them, or rather, the look in them.

Taking his very last step, he finally came to a halt and now stood face to face with the almighty Alpha King- a sight I had never even dreamed that I would get to see so soon.

Now that he was close, his aura hit me like freight train and it was as unmistakable and characteristic as I remembered it. One of tremendous, unimaginable power wrapped in a thick layer of infuriating nonchalance.

And even though it left me exceedingly short of breath and greatly devoid of color, I couldn't help but stare on in unrestrained disbelief as I took in the sight before me.

Nothing I could have ever imagined could have compared to the actual sight of the two enemy Kings finally standing opposite each other. Just the sheer magnitude of pure, unadulterated and infinite power that was in this one place at the moment was absolutely incomprehensible.

Zuerien...

I tore my gaze away from the Shadow King to look at my mate. All this time Zuerien had neither moved nor uttered a word, but what alarmed and worried me most was that his emotions were now just as tightly sealed as his lips. All his cataclysmal rage and boundless power now seemed to be tightly contained within a compact shell. But I knew better than anyone that that shell was but one wrong move away from exploding.

And that when it did, all hell would break lose.

Before us now stood a man who was, in some form or another, related to and perhaps even responsible for the death of Zuerien's entire family. Just the thought of that made my heart ache for my mate.

The tension in the air was now so thick that it weighed down on us like doubled gravity. This moment was so unfathomably legendary that it was like time itself had frozen to try and capture it in the pages of history. But sooner than any of us were ready it began to move again, and just like every silence that is eventually broken, so was this one.

By that man.

Terrence Magnifis.

"Its been a while..."

The brazen casualness of his greeting was as disconcerting as a death threat, and I silently shuddered at the sheer magnitude of nonchalance in his deep voice. But if I had thought those four simple words had sounded outrageous, then nothing in this entire world could have prepared me for what he would say next.

Because as he stared with his dark, nearly iridescent eyes at Zuerien, who remained impossibly still, his terrifyingly pleased smile widened and he added,

"...Brother"

****

A/N

Hey guys,

I'm not sure how to begin this Author's note, mainly because I'm pretty sure most of you want to beat me up right now lolol.

*Clears throat and begs* Please don't.

I'm really sorry again for the long wait. Writing on Wattpad has just really been stressing me out a lot lately. Not to mention the story is getting really complicated so its harder to pen down the chapters exactly how I visualise them in my head, which is why its taking me longer to update. Not making excuses, just stating facts.

I don't want the anxiety from having to update on Wattpad to take a toll on my mental health. Writing is something I genuinely enjoy and I love reading your comments too so I will continue to write of course, but the updates will be slow. Please understand. I hope you will bear me.

Thank you again for all your patience and support. Now let's get on with:

PACK TALKS

1. Karina and Suzzanah have finally had a decent enough talk through mindlink, apparently. And its only a matter of time before Karina finds out that her sister is mated to the Werewolf King. How do you think she will react?

2. And Karina is also scheduled to show up at the BorderGuard HQ today. What's going to happen?

3. Also, Suzzanah's wound is taking quite a while to heal. But its okay, nothing to worry about. Right?

4. On a brighter note, most of Suzzanah's soul is back! Yay! So why was it gone in the first place?

5. And could this be the beginning to knowing more about Suzzanah's unique powers?

6. The BorderGuard is in an uproar, and for good reason. Zuerien has shown himself to the Shadow People and they're terrified of him. Thoughts?

7. And the infamous Shadow Lord has finally made an appearance! And some greeting that was too, no?

8. Two of the most powerful beings of the Supernatural World now stand face to face. Is the world going to end?

I guess you'll know in the next chapter.

So, did you like this chapter?

If you did, please do VOTE, COMMENT and SHARE.

Until next time,

All my love,

May