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.

the unmistakable form of a massive panther,

I 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

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

panther and the village leader, realization dawning. "Is he

bring him back," he said, a flicker of sorrow crossing his weathered

my movements slow and steady. Up close, I could see the telltale signs of insanity written across its snarling features the wild, uncomprehending gaze, the constant twitching and pacing, the foamy drool leaking from between

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

I can help," murmured,

you can do, wolf girl," Kai scoffed. "Trust me; we

face the old man. "We have seen a

his

trust me?" I asked.

million different emotions flickering through his eyes. Then, finally, he nodded and leaned on his staff.

back towards the entrance, I called out, "Jessica! Lori! Matt!

few moments later, the three of them ducked inside, their expressions a mixture of wariness and confusion.

she hissed,

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

used to reverse the turning process in the Crescent rogues. We always kept

watched me prep the syringe. "What are

A beat passed before I added, "He'll lose

me, his expression inscrutable. Then, finally, a

"Do it. But it

beast. Jessica and Matt moved to flank me, prepared to shift