**LIAM**



Staring at my sister who looked like she was going to burst into tears any moment soon as she walked through the door with Damien made my heart ache and I wondered how guilty I would have felt if I didn't come to look for her.


What if the Goddess didn't grant me access after all those tests?



~~FLASHBACK~~


The Goddess gestured to a nearby mountain, its peak shrouded in mist. "The final trial is the Test of Courage," she said. "You must climb the Mountain of Shadows and retrieve the Crystal of Truth. It is guarded by fearsome creatures and treacherous paths, but with courage and determination, you can succeed."



I nodded, my heart racing with anticipation. I had come so far, and I was not about to let fear hold me back now.


I began the ascent, my feet pounding against the rocky terrain.


The mist grew thicker, making it difficult to see more than a few feet ahead.


I stumbled and fell, skinning my knee on the rough ground.


But I got back up, gritting my teeth against the pain. I had to keep going. For Leila, for our family, and for the truth, I had to be brave.


As I climbed higher, the creatures of the mountain began to emerge from the shadows.


Snarling wolves, venomous snakes, and giant spiders all sought to block my path. But I fought them off with my sword and my wits, refusing to back down.


Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, I reached the peak. And there, nestled in a bed of black rock, lay the Crystal of Truth.


It pulsed with an inner light, calling to me.


I reached out and took it, feeling its power coursing through my veins.


And in that moment, I knew the secrets of my family's past. I knew the truth about Leila's powers, and the reason why Leila was in danger.


I descended the mountain, with the crystal held tight in my hand. And when I emerged from the mist, the Goddess was waiting for me, a smile on her face.


"Well done, Liam," she said. "You have passed the Test of Courage.


You have unlocked the secrets of your family's past, and you have the knowledge of what your sister's powers can do."


"You can go ahead and find her now, may the moon lead you."


And with that, the forest around us transformed, the trees blooming with vibrant colors, and I was in the front of an unknown pack.

I stood before the unknown pack, my heart racing with anticipation and a hint of fear.


Their alpha, my uncle Antonio a towering figure with piercing eyes, gazed at me with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion as I had gone into the pack in guise to seek some answers. There has to be some reasons why the priestess helped me get here.


Firstly, seeing my uncle Antonio made me weak in the knee but it also meant that Leila was close by.


"So, you're the one seeking refuge," he said, his deep voice echoing through the silence.


I nodded, trying to appear confident. "Yes, I am. My pack was... destroyed. I'm looking for a new home." I hoped he didn't recognize me, if he did everything would be over for me.


The alpha's eyes narrowed. "We'll consider your request. But first, you must prove yourself worthy."

As I waited for their decision, I wandered around the pack's territory, trying to blend in. That's when I overheard a hushed conversation between two pack members.


"...heard it was a girl who did it," one of them said. "Set someone on fire with just a touch."


My heart skipped a beat. I knew instantly who they were talking about. My sister, Leila. She had always struggled to control her powers...


I felt a surge of protectiveness and worry. What had Leila gotten herself into now? And how far had her powers grown?


I knew I had to find out more, and fast. My sister's safety was at stake, and I wouldn't let anyone harm her.


I made a mental note to investigate further, all while keeping my true identity and connection to Leila hidden from the pack.


For now, I had to play it cool and gather information without arousing suspicion. My sister's life depended on it.


And if she is here, I plan to get her out as soon as possible.


"Liam, isn't it?" he said, his voice low and mysterious.

I sensed a strange familiarity about him, but couldn't quite place it.


I nodded, wary. "Who are you?" Gulping down, I sent my hands to my swords in case this conversation ends with us having a duel.


"Damien," he replied, his gaze piercing. "We've met before, though you might not remember. But I remember you. You're here for your sister, Leila. Right?" He questioned and I twitched my brows. My hands were wrapped firmly over my sword and I took a good position.


My heart raced. "What do you know about Leila?"


Damien's expression turned serious. "I know she's in danger. And I'm willing to help you ,help her escape."


I was taken aback. "Why would you do that?"


Damien's eyes seemed to hold a deep understanding. "The resemblance between you and Leila is striking. I've seen the fire in her eyes, and I see it in yours too. You're driven by the same passion and protectiveness. I admire that. You're almost like twins, hold on, are you twins?" He questioned and I eyed him suspiciously.


If I trusted this man, I was handing my fate over to him.


I was skeptical, but Damien's words resonated deep within me. Maybe this stranger was the ally I desperately needed.


"Why do you want to help? You helped Antonio with a raid to take my sister back from Lucian," I stated recollecting the reason for the familiarity ,something was wrong.


"Let's just agree that Antonio doesn't deserve to be helped. Now do you want my help or not?"


"What do you propose we do?" I asked, my mind racing with possibilities.


Damien smiled, a hint of mischief in his eyes. "Leave that to me. Meet me at the old oak tree in the heart of the forest at midnight. Come alone."


With that, he vanished into the darkness, leaving me with more questions than answers. But I knew I had to trust him.


For Leila's sake, I had to try.