“I would hardly say you’re stuck. The pack rely so much on you to keep them safe.” I reassure.
“I know.” He says with a small smile. “Maybe I have a part to play in your great story yet.”
He clinks his bottle with mine just as Lukas returns from the woods and stands in the centre of the clearing garnering everyone's attention.
“I wish to challenge the Moira bond between Krista and Alistair.” He exclaims.
A hush washes over the pack and I have to stop my jaw from dropping as I stare at him in shock. Dad steps forward.
“A Moira bond cannot be challenged Lukas.” He states in his deep, gruff alpha voice.
“By the will of Zeus I can! Gaia has broken the deal by giving Krista, A Nymph, to someone who is not a Lycan. I want to claim back what is rightfully mine.” He declares as he finally looks at me. His eyes hold no hint of green but bright glowing amber.
Storm clouds roil overhead and lightning strikes in the distance. I sit rooted to the spot trying to get my brain to catch up to what this could mean. Instead of an uncertain, difficult future with Alistair I could have a quiet, safe future with Lukas. But either way I can't help but think I would be somehow trapped in a cage. Whether it is of cold, dark metal and stone or a gilded one of trees and sunshine. Lukas and my father would never let me leave here and who's to say if I go to Alistair in the underworld I could ever leave? I belong to the earth so I should be able to travel around it as I please. Besides Gaia took my powers because of resisting the bond. I doubt she would ever give them back if it was broken for good.
I stand and face Lukas by the camp fire. That's when I see it. The Glint in his eye of possession and control. I've seen that look before. In Nick.
I stand and face Lukas by the camp fire.
“I refuse the challenge.” I say sternly.
Anger and hurt flashes across Lukas's face.
“You would choose him over me?”
“I would choose neither of you.” I reply. “If I had it my way I would be free from any sort of bonds that threaten my own dreams. I would travel the world. Healing it as I go. I would see all of it! I wouldn't just stay here day in and day out to make your progeny and I won't be a prisoner in the underworld. I would be what Gaia wants me to be and that is a servant of nature and balance. That is what all nymphs should be! Not secluded and married off and expected to stay home!”
“And how do you plan on doing that with no powers?” Lukas asks.
“You really think Gaia would return my powers if I break the bond to be with you?” I say with a little more sarcasm than intended.
He says nothing as he stares at me with his brow furrowed and his back rod straight.
The fire crackles beside me as I see a shadow fly over my head. I look up to see Alistair's Strix swoop towards me screeching. The sound is urgent and panicked. Full of warning. I lift my arm for it to perch. It lands but seems agitated as it continues to screech and scream.
“What is it show me.” I say softly as I look into it eyes.
Instantly I'm pulled in and I see Hades on a black chariot pulled by four huge pitch black horses. Their hooves thundering across a blackened waste land towards a bright light. His smile is wicked as he shakes the reins to urge the horses faster.
Then suddenly I'm back by the camp fire and the Strix is just as agitated. Tapping its talons on my arms refusing to stay still. I turn to my Mum and Dad.
“Hades is coming.” I say. “I saw him leaving the underworld.”
Panicked eyes look to my Dad. He stiffens and his lip curls.
“Everyone stand together. Protect each other.” He orders as he and my mum come to stand by my side.
I look to the Strix on my arm before it flies up to a nearby tree and almost disappears in the darkness of its branches.
“Dad shouldn't we leave? I can't protect them.” I mutter.
“Once he leaves the underworld he can appear anywhere in an instant. I doubt we would even make it a mile.”
My mum takes my hand and squeezes. I can see the worry all over her face. We knew this day would come but we didn't think I would be powerless when it did. I silently pray to Gaia. Begging for her to restore my power to help protect the pack and my parents. Silence is my answer.
I look over to Lukas who is stood with Caleb and Izzy. The three of them are tense and ready to shift forms in an instant. Only Caleb glances over to me and offers a simple nod. To the other side of my parents and I are Penny and Jason. Holding hands and both looking ready as they scan around camp.
The next few minutes are charged with anticipation. Even the forest is silent as if it has already shrunk away from the predator that is coming our way. Despite it being night the darkness gets heavier, thicker. The camp fire doesn't shine as bright. The stars are shrouded. I can't hear anything but my breathing and my thumping heart. I try to calm myself. To find composure. Even though I'm powerless, Hades doesn't know that. I need to give the impression that I am confidant and in control. Capable of wielding immense power.
