Episode 24

Condor

I was deeply concerned about Azera's disappearance. Caio seems to be getting along with Jessica, and I can't rely on him. A tense atmosphere pervades due to everyone's worry. Leona has gone to nurse Sophia, and here I am, futilely pacing back and forth, longing for some sign.

A warm breeze swept in as the mansion door flew open and a male, freshly shifted into human form, dashed through. It was Dueine, who donned the overcoat hanging behind the door before approaching me.

"Alpha, I come bearing a message from Areza," he announced.

"At last. Where is she?" I inquired urgently.

"Patience, Alpha. She’s safeguarding the pack and told me to relay the following to the people," he delivered the message, "She instructed not to be alarmed by the darkness, but it is necessary. The attackers are witches and bewitched wolves who cannot see without light."

"Understood. I will address this immediately."

"What’s going on, Condor?" It was Leona, descending the stairs.

Noticing darkness encroaching from outside, I couldn’t wait, so I swiftly prepared myself and briefly informed Leona:

"I must inform everyone, and you will learn with them. Afterward, we can discuss. It’s urgent."

She nodded in acknowledgment as I initiated the announcement just as the lights went out. Following my alert to everyone, I embraced my consort and we settled on the sofa, embracing the silence to stay close while we waited. Sleep eluded us, overridden by our concern over unfolding events.

Wolves are more nocturnal than diurnal; it's our human side that sleeps at night. It’s also wise to keep human hours to avoid being caught off guard by hunters. We hunt under the bright moon that illuminates the forest and, preferably, never alone.

As dawn should have been breaking, we heard bizarre, shrill tones, like very high-pitched whistles, followed by Areza's sinister laughter. Then, light flooded back, and through the mental link, I received the message that it was over and we had triumphed. Yet, I still nee…