Chapitre 26

My eyes could hardly see the movements. The training ground was full of young men fighting without mercy. I regularly winced when I saw a punch that would have killed me.

But the werewolves seemed to be made of steel. The snow that trickled softly down on them didn't bother them either. Undeterred and fearless, they carried on while a shiver of horror ran down my spine. My eyes searched the crowd for the tallest of them.

Eros.

All his attention was focused on the opponent in front of him. All my attention was on his shirtless torso. His movements were precise, quick and powerful. With each punch I could see the contours of his muscles.

His opponent landed in the snow after a few seconds. Eros had smashed him to the ground with full force, where the snow broke his fall. Only now did I see that it was Julien who moaned and grimaced in pain.

I could only continue to stare as Eros lifted his gaze from the defeated wolf. Immediately they hit mine and I couldn't stop the tingling of excitement. He straightened up and offered Julien his hand, which he took.

Then he approached me.

Suddenly I felt like a little deer that looked its hunter in the eyes and didn't have the strength to flee. His breathing was slightly quicker from the excitement of the fight, but his eyes shone all the brighter.

"Ephilia, what is it? Are you okay?" he asked, and for a moment his gaze slid behind me to where Castor and Pollux were standing.

"It's all right, it's just..." I began, rubbing the string of my bag up and down. None of my three treasures could help me here. "Can we talk privately?"

He nodded before grabbing a shirt and turning to face the warriors who were still fighting.

"Julien, keep up the training until I get back," he commanded in a loud voice. The Beta nodded, sending an encouraging smile my way before turning to the soldiers.

I could hardly imagine what Julien would be like if he wasn't getting any sleep. Also, I had never heard of a werewolf that couldn't be woken up. I shook my head before realizing we'd run into the woods, away from any prying ears.

"What did you want to talk about?" Eros asked.

"Before you say anything, please let me finish," I replied. Eros seemed to consider for a moment before agreeing.

He stared at me expectantly, his eyes sometimes darting to my lips before recovering. He didn't make it any easier for me, but I had to make sure that a hunter hadn't actually intruded on the pack and paid me a visit.

I almost loved Johnson's explanation of sleepwalking.

"I spent the afternoon questioning people about yesterday's incident. Even though I haven't checked my room yet, I still want to question the guards at the border."

Eros opened his mouth to contradict me, but a raised eyebrow was enough for him to restrain himself. After all, he was a man of his word.

“I want to know what's going on there anyway. What the hunters do..."

Inwardly, I shook at the thought of these people. They killed werewolves in the cruellest way imaginable: with vervain and silver.

Who knows what they would say if I ever met them...

"Oh yeah, I haven't asked you about the night either!" I exclaimed excitedly, remembering Johnson had made a slip earlier. "What were you guys talking about before I barged in?"

Ero's eyes betrayed exactly that he knew what I was talking about. He exhaled with effort and measured my reaction.

"Do you remember up north with the nomads? I spoke to Ilya on the day of the winter solstice."

The memory flashed before my inner eye. Even then I had asked what was going on, but Eros didn't want to destroy the moment. After that, it slipped my mind until now.

"What did you guys discuss?" I asked.

"Silverblood will try to take Mountainshadow again, that's as sure as the moon in the sky. Ilya and I have known each other for a long time and he has assured me of his support when it comes to a fight. United with the nomads, the North is invincible."

I followed his words spellbound, unsure what to make of it. I thought of Uncle Theo, Lizzy and Tommy. They all lived where it was dangerous. Alpha Fenrir was unable to protect himself or his pack.

Eros came up to me and hugged me as if he sensed my inner turmoil. His eyes searched my face, his gaze like that of a storm.

"When?"

"We can't tell. Probably just before the turn of the year. Alpha Udyr wants to claim all of the land beyond these borders before the anniversary that will be celebrated soon."

I wondered what anniversary the Silverblood Alpha had to celebrate. The realization hit me like a wave. Soon the big turnaround was 10 years ago.

10 years since the beginning of the reign of the werewolves.

How fitting that before that, Alpha Udyr wanted to call all the packs his own. I shuddered inwardly at the vile monster that had brought so much pain and suffering to hundreds of families.

"Don't worry, I won't let that happen. We have enough strength to defeat Silverblood. Alpha Udyr will not be able to save himself even in his marble palace."

I nodded and laid my head against his warm chest.

"Thanks for telling me," I whispered. Now, while I was concerned for my family, I was confident that Eros would be able to hold off the attack like he had before.

As if he heard my thoughts, he put his hand on the back of my head, protecting me from the cold. I took a deep breath before internally shaking and realigning.

First I had to make sure that the culprit here was brought to justice. Then I could take care of Uncle Theo, Lizzy and Tommy.

"May I see the guards at the border now?" I asked impatiently, watching Eros raise an eyebrow.

"Okay, but I'll come with you."

I nodded at the compromise and together we made our way through the firs and spruces that wore a fresh layer of snow on their green needles. Still the clouds were sending down white powder and I was glad for the hood of my cloak.

The closer we got to the outskirts, the more warriors we encountered. They bowed their heads and I smiled back. The trunks parted, revealing the other side, which was also covered in snow.

"Luna, I'm Lucas. I was patrolling here last night."

I looked at the warrior who was only a few centimeters shorter than Eros.

"Hello Lucas, I'm very happy."

He bowed before beginning to speak. He pointed to the pointed fir trees on the other side.

"We heard another one at first, but they seem to have noticed our presence and the increased control. This is the perfect hiding place for them. The branches block our view, while the field of verbena under the snow prevents us from smelling it."

"And you heard someone?" I asked in surprise.

"Yes, someone must have been hiding in the treetops, but as soon as they noticed us, they disappeared. Since then we haven't noticed anything. We can't tell how many are hiding there."

I looked at Eros, who by the look on his face already knew everything. The gray clouds loomed menacingly over the forest on the other side; where the last surviving hunters lurked, the last true rebels of domination.

Darkness slowly settled over the earth and I couldn't tell if it was from the clouds or because of the advancing time.

I couldn't be satisfied with that.

Maybe Demetrius could help me with this. I would get to the riddle today if it was the last thing I did.

"Thank you Lucas. I was really happy about it."

Lucas nodded to both of us before turning back to his work. I looked at Eros, who put his arm around me as we headed back.

"So did you find out what you wanted to know?" he asked as I snuggled into his warmth.

"No, but that's not bad. I still want to go to Demetrius to discuss something with him."

The old man knew most of everything. Maybe he could put the pieces of the puzzle together.

"I'll take you to his place. Castor and Pollux are already on their way," he said, kissing me on the forehead. I loved his little gestures that made me the happiest person alive.

I buried my hand in his shirt and sighed contentedly. Even the snow couldn't bother me, quite the opposite. He continued to transform the north into a paradise of ice crystals.

The tree house was a bright spot in the dark evening. Orange rays shone out through the window front, revealing the beautiful mess inside.

Eros climbed the stairs behind me, bearing a new layer of snow. I tugged on the cord, which rang a loud bell, and waited. At the same time, I brushed the snowflakes off my coat.

A dull pounding came closer and I had to smile when I heard the rumbling behind it. The door opened.

Demetrius didn't seem at all amused by our performance. His white eyebrows pointed to his nose as he snorted derisively.

"So so. Can't you work a day in peace without being disturbed?" he asked.

"Nice to see you, too," I replied, smiling before getting serious again. "Demetrius, you're the smartest human...uh werewolf I know. I need your help."

At my words, his eyebrows shot up to his hairline and he leaned back. A pleasant smile twitched at the corners of his mouth.

"Is that so, yes? All right, you may enter," he replied and already disappeared back into his palace of junk and treasure.

With a triumphant grin, I turned to Eros, who showed only mild amusement. He put his arms around me and pulled me towards him.

"I have to go back, but Castor and Pollux will be here shortly. They'll take you home," he said, and at the end of his words his eyes slid to my lips.

"Thank you Eros. What would I do without you?" I asked, walking towards him. His eyes shone with satisfaction.

"Better not think about that," he said before finally condescending to kiss me.

His lips were warm against mine and they still made my body tingle. Eros knew exactly what he wanted and who was I not to grant it to him.

The snow beneath my feet felt like a cloud that made me float. Then I pulled away from him and looked into his hungry eyes. I swallowed. If I didn't go in now, we wouldn't stop.

"See you tonight," Eros whispered before placing his lips over mine for a fraction of a second.

It was a promise I returned.

"See you tonight," I said breathlessly.

He turned and disappeared into the snowy darkness while I stood dumbfounded at the entrance.

Damn, I had to concentrate!

Work before pleasure.

I shook my head and stepped into the warm tree house. It was time to find the answer and I was sure Demetrius could give it to me.

***

I stumbled my way through the chaos until I got into the living room. Demetrius was long since engrossed in his work. He sat at the desk and scribbled with his graphite pencil on a piece of paper-thin paper.

I stood a little awkwardly and watched his strokes form a small house. I recognized some of the techniques from the books I had read.

"Are you just standing there, or do you have something to say?" he asked, not letting up on his work. I continued to stare, perplexed, before I finally managed to open my mouth.

"I've asked everyone who might know something and I still haven't come to any conclusions. The best theory is from Gamma Johnson that I sleepwalked."

Demetrius took a deep breath, put down his pen and turned to me.

"And you believe that?"

"It's the only explanation that makes sense. The balcony door can only be opened from the inside and werewolves can't touch verbena," I replied.

"Stop assuming things you made up yourself," Demetrius replied, and I frowned, not understanding his words. "I have a very simple question for you: Are you sure that the balcony door is even closed before you go to sleep was?"

"I..."

Demetrius' words made me doubt. I imagined the room, but a gray fog had settled over this detail. I couldn't remember if it was open or closed, so I shook my head.

"As for the vervain, with plain gloves any werewolf in the pack could have picked it up."

Demetrius had the ability to see things from a perspective that was completely alien to me.

"What about the missing scent?" I asked skeptically, curious to see what explanation he had for it.

"That's actually the best lead you have," he said, and I could see a small glint in his eyes. Demetrius wanted to solve the case, as did I. He jumped out of his chair and ran to a pile of books .

“Not many possess this ability. In fact, there are some remedies that can alter a werewolf's scent, but..."

He rummaged in his books and flipped through them before picking up the next one. He stuck to one and I tried to decipher the title.

Protective potions, ointments and powders.

"You mean there's another way to hide your smell besides verbena?" I asked while Demetrius' eyes darted hastily over the pages.

"Not really, but I read it somewhere before..." he said absently. Demetrius must have studied hundreds if not thousands of books and he remembered so much?

Suddenly the bell rang through the room, snapping us both back to reality. Annoyed, he looked in the direction of the door.

"I'm going," I said, running to the entrance.

Who could disturb at this time? I turned the knob and pulled the door open. The icy breeze greeted me along with one person. I immediately recognized the woman with a checkered apron and red chubby cheeks.

"Hello honey, how are you?" Karen asked while balancing a covered tray in her hands.

"Good thank you. Is that for Demetrius?" I asked, looking past her for a moment. Castor and Pollux were standing in the snow by the stairs. Their eyes were fixed on the dark trees in front of them. The white flakes that trickled down on them like powdered sugar brought them not upset.

"Yes right. I always bring him something because otherwise he would starve here," she said. "I came with the twins. I brewed two extra cups of tea. You should drink it quickly though, otherwise it will get too cold."

She handed me the tray and I accepted it gratefully. Then Karen went back down the stairs and said goodbye back to the pack house.

"Castor, Pollux! Won't you come in? You don't have to be out here in the snow,” I said and the twins turned around for a second.

“Thank you Luna, but we have our duty to do,” Castor replied, tilting his head. I shrugged my shoulders. If they'd rather spend their time out here...

"You can come in anytime you want," I said. They nodded, but turned back to the forest view where the snowflakes were still landing on the trees. I turned , before kicking the door shut.I

came back into the living room, where Demetrius still continued his search for answers, but what he found didn't seem to satisfy him.

It wasn't until I put the tray on the floor that his attention shifted from the books and scrolls to the fabric that was hiding food.

"Finally," he grumbled and left his work. I lifted the kitchen towel, revealing a heavenly smell underneath. Fresh bread, still steaming, along with a tomato paste and olives lay in front of us.

Two empty cups and a large pot stood next to it. I started pouring the tea, which brought with it a lovely pink note.

"It's new. I usually drink green tea," Demetrius said as he began to dig into the bread. Now I knew what Karen meant by starving . I took a cup and blew carefully. I watched as Demetrius enjoyed the meal.

"Did you find anything?" I asked, but he held up his hand.

"We don't talk about work at dinner," he said, mouth full, before turning his attention to the tea. He eyed it skeptically before smelling it.

At times I forgot that Demetrius was also a werewolf. He always struck me as so human that it made no difference.

"Hmm," he said. "What's that mixture? I smell apple, hibiscus and..."

Suddenly a frantic wind grabbed the snowflakes and whirled them all around. The more time passed, the more uncomfortable it became outside.

"I didn't know you were also an expert on food," I said, grinning as he took a deep sip. The heat didn't seem to bother him.

He continued to muse in silence, completely unconcerned with my comment. He gargled the tea and I wrinkled my nose.

"That taste," he murmured, cocking his head to one side.

There was a painful howl outside, like the wind whipping through the trees. What was that? I looked worriedly at Demetrius, who was still staring into his cup. Something was wrong.

Suddenly his eyes lit up in recognition.

"Naturally! Either deadly nightshade fruit or deadly nightshade leaves!"

Silence settled over us like a lead coat.

deadly nightshade

He had said deadly nightshade.

He immediately lost his smile as he stared at me. I could read exactly what he was thinking in his eyes. It was the same thing that had flashed through my mind, the only thought I could hear.

Deadly Nightshades, poisonous to humans.

poison.

I swallowed and looked down at the cup I was holding. The sight of the delicate pink did not foreshadow anything bad. Quite innocently, warm steam rose towards me.

My whole head went blank as I understood.

poison.

How many times had I drunk the tea without foreboding?

poison.

Someone had tried to poison me

A scream shook the night and shook my bones. There was a loud rumble at the door and the disgusting cracking and breaking of wood followed.

Something was wrong.

I jumped up. While my head was still processing the thoughts, my body was already ready.

My heart shoved into my throat and pounded painfully against the windpipe. My legs were softer than twigs in a storm as they prepared for the incoming visitor.

My thoughts raced as to who was about to walk through that door. My one hand held the teacup in disgust while the other was clutched around the bag.

Demetrius got up and turned to me. His expression was stormy as he opened his mouth. Before the words could come out, all light died and plunged us into pure darkness.

My senses screamed at me as my eyes searched helplessly in the all-enveloping blackness. Everything looked the same, unrecognizable, a dark mass of nothing. New footsteps came toward us, heavy and loud.

paws.

They shook against the wooden floor like a dull drum and came closer and closer. They knew exactly what they were looking for.

"Demetrius?"

The words were barely comprehensible, I had pushed them out of my throat so quickly. My breath was audible in the air as I groped in front of me.

"Ephilia, flee," Demetrius said. He must be somewhere in front of me, but I couldn't see him, and I certainly couldn't leave him alone.

The paws came to a sudden stop as they reached the room entrance. My ears were ringing with fear. I didn't move an inch. My cells were frozen, as if waiting to be deployed.

"Ephilia," Demetrius began again. His voice was as intense as the darkness. "Flee."

My neck was completely tense like a board. I could hear his words, but my muscles were unable to break out of the shock. My full attention was on the Presence standing just a few yards from us.

I felt hatred, anger and death.

Suddenly the creature lifted its head.

Red eyes bit into my soul, making waves of naked panic. My heart tried to escape through my throat.

The primeval wolf.

"Now!"

The shrill call was the starting gun. Without thinking, I threw the cup of tea in my hands towards the monster. A rumble of growls vibrated throughout the house.

Then I turned to the window front.

As if the devil were after me, my legs charged towards the dark night. I raised my arms protectively in front of my face and my body hit the glass with full force, which gave way with a clatter.

Without stopping, I flew out of the tree house in free fall. My arms flailed wildly in the air as a scream clawed through my throat. Shards fell with me, as did fresh ice crystals.

My body braced itself for the impact, which came faster than I thought. My voice trailed off as I sank into the soft snow. My heart beat against my ribs with relief.

I groped for my bag and looked up at the tree house, from which a muffled scream could be heard. Suddenly the paws approached the broken window.

My joy froze and I picked myself up. The shards fell in the snow. The monster made its way to the front window and stared down at me with its ruby eyes. The saber teeth dripped with fresh blood that slowly dripped to the ground.

My whole body was electrified, alert, and on a rush of adrenaline with one goal: survive. The ancient instincts awoke from their slumber at the sight of the monster that had directed nothing but hate at me.

As if of their own accord, my feet took a few steps backwards. I hissed around and charged into the gloomy forest. The blizzard wrapped itself in my biting fangs.

A thunder followed me.