Atlas POV
In a matter of mere seconds, our enemies surrounded us, their growls echoing through the air and filling the space with an eerie symphony of danger. Yet, they were not prepared to fight me, my eyes burning with a hunger for vengeance.
I could feel the tension in the air, my heart pounding in my chest like a war drum. Every muscle in my body tensed, ready to defend against any enemy foolish enough to stand in my way.
The clash of fangs and claws reverberated through the air, creating a cacophony of savage sounds. With each strike, I could feel the reverberation of bone against bone, a visceral reminder of the primal battle unfolding before me.
As Flint held his ground, his movements fluid and precise, I focused on the immediate threat. My senses heightened, allowing me to anticipate each lunge, each swipe of clawed paws. The heat of their breath washed over me, a putrid mixture of decay and raw power.
In this chaotic dance of survival, I was determined to protect Mia and break the spell she was under. Nothing would stand in my way, for anyone who dared to obstruct my mission became an enemy, a mere obstacle to be overcome.
I was a force not to be reckoned with, and they learned that quickly as they lunged at me. The sound of their injured whimpers filled the air as I met each attack with a ferocity that sent them flying. I could smell their fear mingling with the metallic scent of blood. Some of our assailants wisely chose to flee, not daring to face me.
A low growl rumbled from deep within me as my teeth sank into the flesh of one of the werewolves.
The transformation of the werewolf beneath me signaled my triumph, his body convulsing as he reverted to his human form. He lay motionless on the ground, defeated by my relentless onslaught. Yet, even as victory seemed within reach, more adversaries surged forward.
Another wolf thought he had the advantage as he leaped onto me, but with a fierce snarl, I slammed him to the ground, my claws tearing away his life.
Pain seared through me as one of the wolves slashed into my side, eliciting another thunderous growl. In a swift move, I seized him and sank my teeth into his neck.
Blood spurted from the wolf's neck as my teeth sank into his flesh, the metallic taste filling my mouth. Adrenaline coursed through my veins, heightening my senses and numbing the pain from the gash on my side.
My claws dug deep into the soil as I fought against the overwhelming force of my attackers. With every swipe, I felt the resistance of fur and flesh, tearing through their defenses and leaving a trail of wounds in my wake.
Despite the mounting pressure, I held my ground, drawing upon the teachings of Mia and Flint. Their guidance echoed in my mind, reminding me to stay focused, to anticipate and counter every move. Time seemed to slow as my instincts melded with the training, enabling me to dodge, and strike with precision in my Lycan form.
Soon, the werewolves realized they stood no chance against us. As relief washed over me, a strange surge of power disoriented me for a moment. I shifted into my human form, feeling the cool air against my skin. The werewolves scattered, leaving only Flint and me. Suddenly, a young woman, who appeared to be a teenager, emerged from the house. Flint warned me not to be fooled by her appearance, as she clapped her hands.
"I have to say, you two put on a good show," she said. "When I alerted the pack of your presence, I was almost certain you two would be toast. But since you survived, I guess I will hear you two out. Come in." With that, she walked into the house, leaving the door open.
Concerned, I growled, "Could it be a trap?"
"We really have no other choice."Flint muttered as we made our way to the car, the sound of our footsteps echoing in the silence. Flint insisted on bringing extra clothing. We quickly dressed and cautiously entered the house.
As we stepped into the house, the air grew heavy with the scent of dust and age. The sight that greeted us was a chaotic mishmash of objects from various eras, creating an eerie museum-like atmosphere. The young woman, who seemed to defy the passage of time, exuded an unsettling aura. Guiding us towards a small room, her voice carried a hint of malice as she addressed me.
"So, a lycan has finally emerged, and it appears you have ties to the last white royal wolf," she remarked, her eyes fixed on me. Reluctant to reveal too much, I carefully chose my words, but before I could speak, she let out a mocking laugh.
"I don't need you to utter a word, beast, for I can delve into your memories effortlessly," she taunted, causing a low growl to rumble within me. "If that's the case, you already know why we're here," I retorted.
"Let's strike a deal then. I will offer my blood to aid you, but in return, you must serve me once when I summon you," she proposed. Flint, shook his head in refusal, eliciting a smirk from her.
"I may despise Thora, but my assistance does not come free. I will provide what is needed, but only with the condition of your service. Just one favor is all I ask. Should I require the aid of a lycan in the future, you must answer my call and fulfill that request. Rest assured, it will not endanger your life or cause significant harm. You can accept or decline, but know that it will be impossible to forcibly take my blood, and Thora's spell on your white wolf will be impossible for the white wolf to keep resisting. Thora is the most powerful witch. I am your only chance," she declared.
I glanced at Flint once more, a silent understanding passing between us. With a resigned growl, I conceded, knowing it was our only option at present. Her smirk widened as she waved her hand.
"Extend your hand. The deal requires the binding of our blood," she explained. I complied, offering a small amount of my blood on a blade. With another wave of her hand, a vial materialized, and she cut her own hand, allowing her blood to fill it. Handing it to me, she reveled in her triumph.
A sense of relief washed over me as I tightly clasped the cold glass vial in my hand.
I knew whatever the witch would ask me to do would not be easy, but my determination to save Mia surpassed any doubts. The weight of the vial in my palm was a tangible reminder of the price I was willing to pay. As I looked into the woman's piercing eyes, her voice resonated with a mix of warning and intrigue.
"That little white wolf must mean a lot to you, to so easily make a deal," she said, her voice laced with an underlying power. "For that, I will give you something for free. My sister is not one to easily work with a wolf, especially one for years. You all see the Alpha as an enemy, and rightfully so. But he is merely a puppet for a witch with the power to take down an entire pack. You Lycan are no match for my sister's might."
Her words hung in the air. The room seemed to grow colder, as if the very atmosphere was warning us of the impending danger. She continued, her voice filled with a mixture of resignation and caution.
"The only one who may come close to her power is that little white wolf of yours. I am not one to meddle in the balance, nor will I stand in my sister's way. This is a fight I am not meant to be a part of. It is not the Alpha who will disturb the world we know, but my sister. If she is able to get her hands on the last of the white wolf's power, make sure she is prepared to face her. For her future, as of now, ends with her in my sister's hand."
"This meticulously crafted plan, spanning centuries, is now reaching its climactic conclusion," she whispered ominously. "Beware, for the wrong alliances could spell your downfall. Her influence has permeated far and wide, lurking in the shadows. Often, it is the smallest, most astute factions that emerge victorious," she cautioned.
Grateful for the advice, I nodded earnestly. "I understand and appreciate your wisdom," I replied.
Her stern expression softened momentarily. "Now, be on your way. I do not enjoy the company of shape-shifting creatures," she declared, guiding us towards the door. With a resounding thud, we found ourselves thrust back outside. Clutching tightly to what we had come for, the weight of her warning lingered heavily in my thoughts. The danger that Mia and all of us faced was far more sinister than I had ever imagined.
"Although there is nothing good about that witch," Flint spoke, his voice laced with a hint of distaste, "I agree with the deal you made. I just hope whatever she asks of you is not bad, although I doubt it."
"We need to get back to Mia as fast as possible," I said, urgency evident in my voice. Flint nodded in understanding, his eyes focused on the road ahead as he started the car. "I understand since we used the motel but did not leave anything, no need to go back. I doubt this ride will be as smooth getting back," he said, his tone tinged with caution. But I was already prepared for the challenges that lay ahead.
"I swear those immortal witches are creepy," Flint stated, his grip on the steering wheel tightening. As he drove, the engine rumbled softly, creating a steady background noise. "Do you have any clue how old she is?" I asked Flint, curiosity piqued.
"Old enough to be a dinosaur, I'm sure. They are basically impossible to kill. That being said, we are up against the impossible now," he responded, his voice filled with a mix of resignation and determination. The road stretched out before us, the asphalt beneath us vibrating with each passing mile.
"Well then, we need to make the impossible possible," I responded, my voice filled with conviction. "I don't like not knowing how Mia is right now," I admitted, a knot of worry forming in my stomach. "Bryn may not be a strong fighter, but her magic in regards to protection is strong. Mia is safe within the barrier." Flint tried to reassure me.
"I just worry she will try to run again," I admitted, my voice tinged with concern. Brutus, mirrored my worry. The witch's words had unsettled me, her prophecy of Mia falling into her sister's hands haunting my thoughts.
"I doubt she will, but if she does, Bryn can stop her. When you get back, complete the bond with her so your Lycan can feel her more when you two are not together. Not just that, if we are going to survive an immortal witch, a supercharged Lycan may be needed," Flint chuckled, the sound vibrating through the car. I shook my head, a mixture of disbelief and desire coursing through me. I never thought that sex would become a necessary tool for survival, but I also never thought I would want someone as fiercely as I did Mia, all the time.
As we continued our journey in the car, time seemed to blur together. We took turns dozing off, finding brief moments of respite like our travel here.
In the back of my mind, I knew that the real danger would only arise once we ventured beyond the boundaries of the human realm. Until then, we were relatively safe. However, I couldn't shake the worry that each passing minute put Mia at risk. Without shifting, she was vulnerable to both pain and illness.
This knowledge fueled Brutus, his determination evident. His senses were heightened, constantly on alert for any potential threat.
I silently prayed that whatever obstacles we encountered wouldn't delay us for too long. The longer we stayed in this precarious state, the greater the risk to Mia. We needed to reach her swiftly, ensuring her well-being above all else.