My Hockey Alpha by Eve Above Story PDF

Chapter 0772

Nina

I watched with bated breath as the weathered village leader, whose name I had learned was Kai, walked up to the hut where my friends and I were being held. As the others murmured amongst themselves, I kept my gaze fixed on the old leader.

"Sir, please, you have to listen," I said as soon as he opened the door. "We have to--"

"Let me show you what happens to those who venture into Mila's palace."

Kai's voice was low and steady, but his eyes were filled with the look of someone who had been through much in his life. I swallowed, pulling my shoulders back. "show me," I replied as calmly as I could muster."

"Follow me."

Kai didn't turn to face me as we wove our way through the small homes and cooking fires. The distrustful stares from the villagers seemed to burn into the back of my neck, but I kept following the weathered old leader. "Where are you taking me?" I asked, pushing aside some plant fronds on the pathway.

"There was only one who made it out of her palace alive," Kai explained, his voice nearly lost beneath the vibrant sounds of the forest. "We have had to hold him apart from the rest of the village, because he's too dangerous."

"Dangerous?" I murmured, quirking an eyebrow.

Kai merely grunted in response.

Finally, we reached the small hut on the outskirts of the village. Kai gestured for me to enter first, his expression unreadable. Steeling myself, I brushed past him and stepped inside.

The dim interior of the hut reeked of hot animal musk, nearly causing me to gag. In the corner, a large shape shifted restlessly, letting out a low, rumbling growl that set my nerves on edge.

my eyes adjusted, I made out the unmistakable form of a massive panther, its lips curled back to

breathed, instinctively taking a step back. The beast's eyes snapped towards me at the sound of my voice, registering my presence. It became clear to me, then, as I

Kai stated, his gravelly voice startling me. "The only known survivor

and the village leader, realization

him back," he said, a flicker of sorrow crossing his weathered features. "But

steady. Up close, I could see the telltale signs of insanity written across its snarling features the

like the Crescent rogues all over again. Well, almost like them. But close

help," murmured, mostly

girl," Kai scoffed. "Trust me; we have tried

what's one more attempt?" I asked, whirling around to face the old man. "We have seen a similar affliction

furrowed his

you trust me?" I asked. "We really could

emotions flickering

I called out, "Jessica!

few moments later, the three of them ducked inside, their expressions a mixture of

she hissed, taking

held up my hand placatingly. "He's just... trapped, that's all. But I think

the vial from her pack-the same antidote I had used to reverse the turning process in the Crescent rogues. We always kept

watched me prep the syringe. "What are

human." A beat passed before I added, "He'll lose his animal form, but he

the village leader simply stared at me, his expression

"Do it.

a steadying breath, I turned back towards the raging beast. Jessica and Matt moved to flank me, prepared to shift in case of necessity. Meanwhile, Lori stood beside me, helping me to