Chapter 131

-Grayson’s POV-

The sound of birds chirping and Rickon’s heavy b echoed through t

the damp cat

This place was like nothing I had Countless generations had walked

ever encountered before–dim and ancient, the walls worn smooth with time, as though through these very paths. The humans–or whatever they were that had brought us here had been uncharacteristically hospitable.

Too hospitable.

“Do you think they’re going to eat us?” Rickon whispered, his voice low but tinged with genuine concern.

I sighed, leaning back against the cold stone wall. “Yes, Rickon. I’m sure they offered us food and fresh clothes because they’re fattening us up for a feast.”

Rickon scowled at me, his expression dripping with irritation. “This is the worst time for you to discover the workings of sarcasm, your highness.”

Before I could retort, the sound of approaching footsteps silenced us both. The leader of this odd community appeared from the shadows, his gait steady and his presence commanding. Rickon immediately straightened, but I kept my posture relaxed, my eyes fixed on the man as he walked towards us and sat down.

to someone in his late fifties. His He wasn’t wearing his mask this time. His face, weathered with age, looked like it belonged expression was calm, and my wolf, ever attuned to danger, remained strangely still. There was nothing threatening about him, but that only unsettled me more.

He smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “Did you enjoy the meal?”

Rickon, ever the tactless one, wrinkled his nose. “Not really. Whatever it was you gave us could do with a little everything.”

more…

I fought the urge to glare at him, refusing to take my eyes off the man. The leader’s gaze shifted to me, his eyes sharp yet curious. “Do you share your friend’s opinion?”

“He’s not my friend,” I said curtly.

Rickon let out an exaggerated gasp. “Now you’re just hurting my feelings.”

I reached into his mind, slamming a mental door shut in the hope the jolt of pain would silence him. Instead, he groaned loudly. “What the hell was that for?”

The leader cleared his throat, drawing our attention back to him. His smile didn’t waver, but there was something about the way he was looking directly at me now.

Settling

The silence stretched on, thick and oppressive, until I finally broke it. “Who are you?” I asked, my voice steady. “And what do you plan to do with us?”

The man inclined his head slightly. “My name is Alaric, and as you might have guessed, I am the leader of my people here.”

his eyes darkened–literally. The irises shifted to an inky black, a stark contrast to his wrinkled, calm demeanor. “And,” he added, “I am just

scoffed. “So, what? You’re like werewolf cave

gaze snapped to him, his expression unchanging. “We prefer the term

returned to me, and his smile grew faintly amused “You’re

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Jan

Chapter 131

honor

“You know who I

You, in particular, have made quite

rose to his feet with a fluidity that belied

and I exchanged a glance befo

feet and followed him deeper into

air grew cooler as we walked, the path narrowing. The walls were adorned with ancient markings–symbols and patterns I couldn’t begin to

brushed against mine: This is

I replied:

in silence, the sound of dripping water growing louder. The dim light from luminescent stones embedded in the walls cast an ethereal glow, lighting our way through the dark, winding passage. My wolf remained

above, the sound deafening in the enclosed space. Alaric stopped, gesturing for us to walk through

Without a word, our eyes

necessary.

the waterfall and emerged into

the scent of blooming/ flowers and fresh grass. Small huts, built with natural materials, dotted the landscape, and

in the air, and birds with vibrant plumage flitted between the trees. Everything about this place felt untouched by the chaos of the outside

it all in. I wasn’t one for sentimentality, but this place felt… different. As though I

drew my attention. I turned to see the large, bird–like creature perched on a rock, its intelligent eyes watching us. My wolf bristled slightly, recognizing it as the creature that

doesn’t take well to visitors. And

finally broke the silence. “What is

Alaric replied simply,

we passed, people stopped what they were doing to look at us, their expressions a mix of curiosity and

be about Ava’s age.

shoved him roughly, glaring at him. “Stop

unapologetic. “What? I

help myself.”

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Chapter 131

65%

+5

snapped, my attention shifting back to Alaric as he

breath, before turning back to Alaric. “So, what exactly are you planning to show us?”

it came, was

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