Chapitre 2

A huge prison of pure silver enthroned at the end of the corridor. It reached to the ceiling. An uneasy feeling crept over me as the flickering light fell on the deep dents in the door.

What the hell was trapped in there?

Or better who...

"Welcome to the dungeon of Mountain Shadow," said the wolf, turning to face me.

I swallowed.

The wolf followed my gaze to the prison.

"Don't worry, girl. Down here is the safest place in all of Mountainshade right now."

I listened to his words, but I couldn't believe the meaning.

"Hmm, unusual," said the guard, walking toward the battered prison. My inner panic grew louder.

"Unusual?" I echoed his thoughts. It wasn't something you wanted to hear in a dungeon.

"Yes, he is calm. He usually scares all strangers..."

I swallowed. The Warden stopped in front of the Silver Prison, hung the torch in a holder, and donned leather gloves. With a creak that raised the hairs on the back of my neck, he opened a tiny hatch.

My instincts wanted to step forward to see for myself the monster that lurked behind. But panic held me back.

"Who- who's in there?" I asked, my shaky voice louder than I wanted thanks to the reverb.

"Not who," said the wolf, "What is the right question."

I hesitantly took a step towards him. I had to see it myself. I leaned down to the small opening. With bated breath, my gaze followed the light.

Whatever I expected, it wasn't what I found.

His skin was flawless, as if he had been carved from marble. His eyes were closed. He sat in the cell with his back straight, as if he were not a prisoner but meditating. The strands looked like they had been moonlit, a silvery white.

I exhaled almost imperceptibly.

The light next to me flickered.

He looked peaceful and beautiful. A tingle ran down my arms, as if the goose bumps could protect me from the biting cold.

The eyelids opened.

My heart stopped as crimson eyes sank into mine. They seemed to cling to my soul and never let go. I backed away. I should feel fear, I should scream. Why couldn't I tear my eyes away from his?

A tickle ran through my stomach.

"What's the matter with you, girl?" the guard asked, snapping me out of the trance. He looked through the opening himself, but when his head disappeared again, the prisoner was sitting there with his eyes closed again.

I blinked.

Did I imagine that? Did he want to play a trick on me? With a creak, the guard locked the window. Still, my heart beat faster as the sight of the wolf etched itself into my brain.

"You humans are really skittish," he murmured, but he was staring at the silver cell as I was. "It's odd that he's so quiet. He seems to like you."

How wonderful...

"Now may I please go?" I asked, ignoring his words. "I have to find my brother, please. He means everything to me."

The guard raised his hands as if giving up.

"Okay girl. At your own risk. But if a Silverblood wolf cuts you open in the stomach, don't come and complain to me," he said, taking the torch from its holder.

"Don't worry," I said with a relieved smile. We climbed the stairs and the guard unlocked the door. Fresh autumn air wafted at me, bringing with it a touch of iron.

A brown wolf was lying on the road not far away.

"He's not breathing anymore," said the guard and I turned around one last time.

"Thank you, thank you for everything," I replied before sprinting down the street. It was still dead. The fight wasn't over yet.

"Tommy!"

My shoes pounded against the cobblestones. He wanted to go to the rocks, in the middle of the forest.

"Tommy!"

I reached the big square and looked around. My panting breath broke the tense silence. But suddenly two figures appeared on the other side.

"Tommy!"

My voice echoed across the square. Relief washed over me and I charged at him. His eyes were red, but a desperate consolation lit them up.

"Lizzy!"

Fresh tears ran down his cheeks. Like a bullet he hit me in the stomach and wrapped his arms around me. He was fine...

"Thank you," I said.

I looked up at Lia, who was watching us with a crooked smile. Tears glistened in her eyes. I let go of Tommy and pulled her into a tight hug. Something wet sucked through my clothes. Her body was stiff as a branch.

"What's wrong?" I asked worriedly, looking at the wound on her arm. A wolf had attacked her and her blood was soaking her cloak. But there was no pain in Lia's eyes, only regret.

How so?

What happened?

Suddenly, a wolf howled in the distance. I grabbed Tommy's hand. Doors creaked open all around us and wary faces peed out of their homes. A second, victorious howl ripped through the air.

it was over

Silverblood was repulsed. The humans and wolves rushed out of their homes, hugged each other and shouted with happiness. The weight of worry finally seemed to be lifted from the city, and all thanks to Iceclaw.

I looked back at Lia and gasped.

She had sat down on the cobblestones. Her face was snow white. I frowned. The fabric on her arm was torn and fresh blood was dripping down her hand. My stomach twisted when I saw what she was carrying on her fist.

Silver.

A silver bracelet gleamed in the sun, only marred with blood. I took a few steps back and took Tommy with me. A deep fear ate a hole in my stomach.

No.

Lia would die.

The crowd parted behind her to reveal a Beta Leo seething with anger. His paw buried itself in Lia's wrist and she groaned in pain. He hoisted her to her feet, never taking his eyes off the silver. He dragged her through the crowd that parted in front of him.

"Phiphi!" Tommy yelled, tears rolling down his cheeks and making my heart clench. I pressed his head into my chest as Lia landed in the stands.

The joy of the people was forgotten. Cold sweat ran down my back as I tried to calm Tommy down.

"Let it go!" Beta Leo shouted, looking down at Lia. Hasty footsteps approached the square and I looked around.

Oh no...

"Ephilia!" Theo exclaimed, out of breath. His eyes broke when he saw his niece lying on the stage floor. He pushed through the crowd, who willingly gave way.

Lia's gaze flickered to him as the front line of wolf warriors held him back. Sheer desperation was in her eyes as she tried to reach for him. But above her, Beta Leo saw his chance. With full force he smashed his boot onto her wrist.

A piercing scream made my marrow tremble.

Tommy gasped in panic. Instead of stroking his hair, I cupped my hands over his ears. Tears pooled along with panic as Lia tugged at the hem of Beta Leo's pants.

Unsuccessful.

He wanted to make an example of her and nobody would be able to stop him. Her hand opened and the bracelet fell dully onto the wooden stage. Beta Leo swung his boot and kicked it into the crowd, causing the wolves in the front row to flinch. My breathing was uneven, completely blocked by fear.

"WHAT IS GOING ON HERE?!"

A wave of horror swept down my spine. The voice shook through the crowd and everyone turned to the source.

Alpha Eros.

His eyes burned and the crowd parted. I took Tommy's hand and we knelt down like the other wolves and humans. The Alpha's mighty footsteps vibrated across the floor as he made his way onto the stage.

I turned my head and caught a glimpse from the side. Lia lay unconscious on the stage, but at least Beta Leo was on his knees too.

The shadow of Alpha Eros landed on him.

"What does that mean, Beta?" he growled, but his eyes were only on Lia.

"She broke at least two laws," Leo replied, but his voice was like a child's. "She belongs in the dungeons."

"No, please," Theo sobbed, not daring to move. I wrapped my arm around Tommy's body to still his shaking.

"All right," Alpha Eros said, catching my breath. He knelt down next to Lia and as he pushed her hair out of her face, I jumped up. He carefully slipped his arms under her body and lifted her to his chest is she still bleeding?!"

He looked at the wound on her upper arm. He stared at the blood, eyebrows furrowed. This was my chance.

"Alpha Eros!" I shouted across the plaza, drawing the big wolf's attention. I swallowed my fear as its eyes pierced me. "It needs to be treated or the wound will become infected."

Beta Leo opened his mouth, but Alpha Eros held up a hand that silenced him. His eyes fell back to Lia and then to me.

"Can you, girl?" he asked, his voice sending chills down my spine. Not trusting my voice anymore, I nodded vigorously. "Leo, take us to the dungeons and where the primewolf is Fenrir!?"

Relief washed through my stomach and I stood up.

"Tommy, you stay here with Theo, understand?" I asked. He nodded.

"Please, you mustn't do anything to Phiphi," he whispered, his voice teary.

"I know. I'll do what I can."

She had saved his life at the risk of her own. It was time I showed my courage too. I planted a quick kiss on Tommy's forehead before heading to Alpha Eros.

Lia seemed to sleep carefree in his arms. The wound dripping with blood didn't bother her.

"I need clean towels, a bowl of water and alcohol," I said as we followed the path to the dungeon.

"All right," he replied, "how long will it take to heal?"

"Cure? In a few days the wound will heal, but the scar will stay with her forever."

Imperceptibly he pressed her body closer to him. His eyebrows pointed down. He treated her with such care, as if she were...

My eyes widened.

Could it be?

Before I could think any further, the silver door of the dungeon came into view. The terror only flared up briefly when I thought of the red-eyed wolf. I shook myself. I was here for Lia.

Beta Leo was the first to step back through the entrance into the darkness.

Next, Alpha Eros left with Lia.

I took a deep breath before following them.