Second Thoughts After Divorce

The guards fed me through a labyrinthine passage, each step echoing in the dimly lit corridors, my mind racing with fear as I anticipated the unknown horrors that awaited me. The scent of damp stone mingled with the residual fragrance of herbs, intensifying my sense of dread.

As we emerged from the hidden passageway, the sight before me was nothing short of a ghastly spectacle.

Hundreds of hooded figures stood across a stretch of open grass, their faces shrouded in darkness, creating a twisted audience which filled the open space. The flickering light of countless candles cast eerie shadows, distorting their features as they watched on in silence.

The guards guided me up a short path, Irading me to an ominous stage that overlooked the assembly, Seraphina and Tarrick stood at its center, a commanding presence before the crowd as they wore their own unique colour of blood red robes to stand out amongst the rest.

Their hooded robes billowed ominously, and their eyes glinted with a fervent seal that sent shivers down my spine… from what I had learned, my birth parents were known psychopaths who had held a vendetta against me this whole time…

I stumbled over my own clumsy feet, pushing back the persisting pain that I felt as I was instead filled with complete adrenaline and fear which flooded its way in to my body as its replacement.

The ritual grounds were adorned with strange symbols drawn in powdery white chalk, creating a mystic pattern around us and beneath my feet as I was brought on to the stage.

The air was heavy with an unsettling energy, and a cold breeze swept through the arca as I choked on a panicked sob.

I on edge.

The light wind was carrying whispers of incantations that made the hairs on the back of my neck stand o

My eyes darted around at the crowd, searching for a familiar face, desperately seeking a glimmer of hope which didn’t seem to come… that was until…

Among the sea of hooded figures, I caught a glimpse of Alpha Jacob, as my jaw slackened in horror at seeing the same face I had only greeted back at the ball hours ago.

Shock and disappointment intertwined in my emotions as I knew how betrayed Ashton would feel when he finds out about this… about him… an Alpha

How could he be part of this? He was supposed to be a trusted ally, a friend to Ashton, not some sick bastard like Seraphina and Tarrick- it turns out that Jacob was none other than a wolf in sheep’s clothing-

The realization hit me like a tidal wave, the knowledge that this elaborate scheme might have roots within some of the most established packs.

No wonder they could kidnap those poor children so easily if many of the Alphas themselves were in on it!

The annual ball, where I was taken and had loved every minute of to begin with, now suddenly represented a horrifying darkness. A veil created by Jacobs to hide the true scheme they had been brewing all this time…

It was all a trap…….

up…

He’s the reason Ashton was distracted and they had managed to take me here from right under his nose!

That bastard

My train of thoughts are suddenly rattled, as for the first time I rip my eyes away from Jacob’s dead ones, feeling the guards force me down on to my knees at the edge of the stage as I groan loudly at the pain in my leg.

Seraphina’s voice suddenly echoed through the grounds, her words dripping with fanatic thrill “Behold, for this is the chosen one we had always talked about! The sacrifice that will bring forth the eternal blessings of our Moon Goddess and will bring complete power and dominance to our group!” She cheers, as the crowd instantly come to life when heating her speak cheering and hollering like wild animals escaped from a bon.

Tarrick, standing stoically beside her, raised his hands in a gesture of reverence as he nodded and smiled around at the bellowing support.

The hooded crowd grew quiet, before they responded with an eerie hymn, a chorus of voices harmonising in a language that seemed otherworldly and demonic.

A couple started the song, whilst others joined, it growing louder and louder before it became unbearable for my ears.

My heart raced, and I struggled against the restraints once more, realising the sadden gravity of the situation – I was done for. The white mbes nos clung to me, a stark contrast against the darkness that enveloped the ritual grounds around me, as I sweated like a pig preparing for slaughter.

As Seraphina approached me steadily, her eyes bore into mine with a triumphant gleam. You will transcend, my dear. Your sacrifice will ensure the prosperity of our pack and most importantly–of mine and your dear father’s lives.” She hums, as I shake my head frantically

You are… and never will be… my mother and father!” I sneer, my temper boiling in disbelief that someone as horrific as them could be blood related to

I preferred it when 1 had no family compared to knowing them! Those sick twisted beings!

The crowd’s fervor reached a crescendo, and my eyes darted to Alpha Jacob once more as he remained still and controlled watching on with no emotion.

The guards tightened their grip on me, ready to escort me further into the ritual as my body tensed at the tight contact. My mind raced with the bitter Laste of betrayal, and I couldn’t shake the sinking feeling that Ashton’s trust had been well and truly shattered by those he had known since his younger

The air thickened with anticipation as Seraphina eventually raised her hand, commanding silence from the hooded congregation as they done exactly

that

The flickering candlelight danced on her features, casting eerie shadows that emphasized the malevolence in her gaze.

What next…

I panted and turned to stare towards the new hooded figure which approached the stage with a long black wooden box.

He took his time, which only furthered my dread, before Tarrick thanked him briefly and retrieved the box before presenting it to the watchers.

I gulped harshly, as I watched him retrieve the item from inside – revealing a long silver, ceremonial dagger, its hlade glinting ominously in the dim light around us – resembling something in which only a true horror movie could depict.

The guards loosened their hold on me completely for the first time, allowing me a momentary surge of panic as I thrashed around – finding of course, no luck, against the cuffs and injuries stacked against me as I released a loud sob of panic.

“Prepare for the ritual of sacrifice, Seraphina declared, her voice echoing through the unnaturally still night commanding their members once more to continue their next chants.

The sound of drums began to pound out in to the night, mimoring the pounding of my frantic heart as the tears began to flow from my tired eyes.

This is it…

The hooded executioner Tarrick, circled around me, the blade’s cold steel tracing light patterns on my exposed skin which only confirmed how much they both enjoyed doing this.

It was like a circus show for them…..

I clenched my jaw, determined not to show weakness despite the terror coursing through my veins and the tears falling down my cheeks… the least! could do for Ashton is to die with what Ettle courage I could muster!

A surge of power emanated from the crowd, their fervent chants reaching a crescendo. The atmosphere vibrated with an otherworldly energy, amplifying the gravity of the impending ritual.

This really isn’t personal my dear… or perhaps it is… but it’s for the greater good of our kind!” Seraphina states, her tongue sliding across her pearly teeth briefly as she grins from ear to ear,

Any last words

Απγ

Tragedy?” Tamrick booms, as I close my eyes briefly and remain silent… my old name cutting deeper than all else.

As the dagger hovered above me, poised to strike, a sudden commotion erupted from somewhere in the crowd causing my eyes to snap open once again in confusion

Whispers swept through the assembly like wildfire, heads turning in confusion and alarm. The rhythmic chants faltered, replaced by a murmur of uncertainty and panic.

A quincital force rippled through the air, causing the hooded figures to part turbulent sea as they were each tossed aside some even beginning

gang om 21 Salence!” Seraphina attempts to regain control, as the commotion continues,

Astonishment pointed their faces as some figures emerged from the crowd, a silhouette leading the pack whose large frame flickered under the candlelight

› Tamiliar voice formed through the hallowed grounds, resonating with authority that shattered the eerie silence around us.

TET HER GOF

In that moment, timme seemed to still, as I released a sigh of relief for the first time since being here – hearing that overpowering familiar voice once again

The bonded congregation recaled as Ashton stepped forward into the spotlight, his eyes ablaze with a fierce determination and his features dang only calm.

The ponds, momentarily stunned, lightened their grip on me as if realizing the gravity of their actions…

“Ashton?!” Seraphina hissell, her composture momentarily shaken by his unexpected intrusion as Tarrick remained behind me with the dagger–his

Ignoring her, Asliton advanteil with a primal interssity his strides long and meaningful. I glanced up to find Tarrick as his mouth opened and closed in

hesitated, iligger bozen midair, unsure whether to proceed with the sacrificial act before he could reach us or whether to beg for his life instead…

*Release NOW or you diet” Ashton’s command echoed like thunder, prompting the guards to step back, uncertain how to confront the Alpha challenging their dark ritual.

I glanced around at the crowel, taking note of the masses of numbers Ashton seemed to have brought with him as they gathered up the cult–tying them up and beginning to forcefully escort them away from the scene.

“It’s over! We’ve raided your compound! Any guard or supporter who isn’t standing here right now is already dead!” Ashton pushes, getting closer to the stage in the hairs on my arms stond alert.

The tension in the air reached a breaking point, as for the first time since I had been here, Seraphina and Tarrick both looked scared for their lives….

Good…

The hooded congregation teetered on the edge of chaos as Ashton’s men shoved and pushed them around to find order. Ashton began to climb the steps, as his gaze bores into Seraphina and Tarrick, challenging their authority which was simply unmatched to his.

In that electrifying moment, I clung to the small glimmer of hope in which the Moon Goddess had provided me, knowing that Ashton’s unwavering determination could now tilt the scales in our favour,

The stage was set for a confrontation that would decide the fate of not only my life but the delicate balance of power across the country… if he doesn’t take them out, complete chaos will unleash and even those poor children won’t find their escape.

Without question

Ashton must win this fight!

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