Chapter 195
Kaene
I opened my eyes and I wasn’t in the ritual room anymore.
My vision blurred for a moment as I scanned the room and it looked oddly familiar.
I sat up as my vision stabilized, and saw that this was my room.
I knew the dream had started because I vividly remember being at the ancient ones home, in their ritual room.
Those damn witches.
If only I had my wolf, but I promise to make them pay for what they had done.
Especially Iona, she irks me so much and had the nerve to disrespect Phoebe.
If I had the chance, she would be the first to die by my hands. I desperately hoped that the ancient ones would provide what we came here for, else p>
The door opened, interrupting my thoughts. I stood up, ready to fight.
I knew anything could come from that door.
“Aww, you’re up. I wanted to make you breakfast in bed.” Phoebe said as she walked in with a tray of food in her hands.
She was wearing a pink dress that stopped just above her knees, her hair was part into two large braids as a few loose strands dangled across her face.
My eyes darted to her plump lips that formed into a cute pout and naturally, I smiled.
She looked so beautiful.
I relaxed as I saw her and sat back on the bed. She walked forward, dropping the tray of food on a table near the bed.
“Well, breakfast in bed is ruined.” She said as she plopped on the bed.
Her sweet voice brought my troubled heart to a rest.
“Phoebe.” I said, finally finding my voice.
She hummed in response as she stared at me, batting her lashes.
I found it hard to believe what I was seeing wasn’t real.
She looked the same. Her smile and sweet voice.
A blush crept up her face and she pulled her face from me shyly. I realized then that I had been staring at her for long.
She reached for a pillow, throwing it at my face.
“Stop staring.” She squealed.
I chuckled, grabbing her hands as she tried to hit my chest.
The room echoed with our laughter.
Suddenly, her eyes widened in horror. Her face morphed into fear and shock as her eyes seemed to look behind me.
I turned sharply, checking what could instill so much fear in her.
I looked back and the scenery had changed. I was standing in a dense forest with tall green trees. A place I was all to familiar with.
The pack’s hunting grounds.
But something was wrong.
I could feel it.
The forest was too quiet. No rustling leaves, no chirping birds, no insects. Just silence.
I hurriedly turned, my eyes frantically searching for Phoebe.
Where was she?
Right on cue, I felt my wolf stir, restless but I couldn’t reach him. I knew this feeling, Phoebe was in danger.
I cared less if this place was a trap. I just wanted to save my beloved. I ran faster, dashing through the trees as I screamed, “Phoebe p>
But, I heard no response.
My heartbeat quickened, adrenaline rushing in my veins. I have to find Phoebe.
Then, I saw something sprawled in a clearing ahead.
I held my breathe as I rushed forward. The scent of blood grew stronger with every step I took.
No! No! It can’t be.
It was Phoebe.
Her pink dress soiled as she lay in a pool of her own blood.
“No! Phoebe wake up!” I ran to her body, tears streaming down my cheeks.
I can’t lose her.
I sat beside her lifeless body, gently placing her head on my thigh. Her eyes wide open in horror, her throat torn open as if by claws.
I clutched her head close to my chest as I cried bitterly.
A cruel laugh echoed through the trees.
I turned sharply, my body tensing. I couldn’t place where the laugh came from.
“Who are you?! Show your face.” I yelled.
Stepping out between the trees was my mom.
She was different. Her eyes darker and colder. She wore a flowing black dress, her lips curling into a smirk that sent a chill through my spine.
I was not okay with this. It had to be a shape shifting creature taking her image.
They were playing at my weaknesses.
She tilted her head, staring at me in amusement.
“Why do you look so surprised, love p>
I clenched my fists, “You must think I’ll spare you if you use my mom’s face p>
She chuckled, stepping closer.
“You are just boy who has no idea what world he’s in.” She said with so much confidence.
She gestured to Phoebe’s corpse. “Let’s make a deal and I’ll let you live p>
My jaw tightened. I refused to let the woman control me.
“You should count yourself lucky that I haven’t ripped your throat right now.” My voice coming off as a growl.
She laughed.
I took a step back instinctively, but suddenly, my body stiffened. I was gasping for breathe and couldn’t move.
“Poor Kaene! Always fighting, but you can’t fight this, can you?” She moved closer and it became more difficult for me to breathe.
“I merely laughed and you’re in this sorry state.” She continued.
Something about her voice makes me subconsciously afraid.
She was in front of me now, her hand grazing my jaw. “Will you listen to my deal, love p>
I glared at her, “This is a dream p>
She whispered, leaning in, “Is it? Or is this the future p>
My body tensed at her words.
“I admire your courage Keane, so I’ll change my mind p>
Change her mind? My thoughts process obviously slow due to lack of oxygen.
“Let me do you a favor, You will lose your precious Phoebe.” She said, pointing her slender finger at Phoebe.
“We shall meet again.” She disappeared right in front of my eyes.
And then, I woke up.
Sweat was dripping down my forehead. My breathing was ragged, my hands balling into fists as I remembered her last words.
I was back in the ritual room.
My eyes darted around, searching.
Then I saw her, Phoebe.
She was awake, too. Our gazes met, and a wave of relief flooded me.