Chapter 139
**Oswald
Chapter 139
I leaned against a sturdy oak tree, its ancient branches reaching skyward like gnarled fingers. My eyes were fixed on the scene before. me, taking in the gathering of wolves. Among them moved my daughter, her graceful strides commanding respect and admiration. It filled my heart with a profound sense of pride to witness how far she had come and how she had grown into a strong and compassionate leader.
A warm breeze rustled the vibrant green leaves overhead, their whispered song blending with the hushed murmurs of the gathered. wolves. I raised a simple wooden cup to my l*ps, its rough texture a familiar comfort in my hand. The rich taste of mead danced on my tongue, a sweet warmth mingling with the anticipation that hung in the air like a palpable presence.
“You should be proud,” Shawn remarked, his voice laced with genuine admiration. It carried a depth that mirrored the resilience in his eyes. “Kora has become a beacon of hope for our pack.” The bond we had. formed over our shared traumas was evident in our easy camaraderie. and the genuine smiles that graced our faces.
I nodded, my gaze never wavering from Kora’s figure as she weaved through the gathering. Her presence commanded attention-her leadership an undeniable force. “Thank you, Shawn. She has faced many trials, but she has always risen above them. I couldn’t be prouder.”
Shawn took a thoughtful sip from his drink, his eyes still fixed on Kora. “It’s remarkable how she’s brought everyone together. The unity we have now is a testament to her leadership.”
A smile tugged at the corner of my l*ps as he continued, his voice. carrying a mixture of awe and admiration. “Kora has a way of inspiring others, drawing out their strengths, and fostering a sense of belonging. She’s a natural leader.”
Yes, she had always possessed that gift, even as a child. Her eyes would sparkle with determination, her voice steady and full of conviction. She had been the leader of their tiny trio, and the guiding force that kept them connected and hopeful before my betrayal shattered
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everything. At least I could take comfort in knowing that Shawn had always stayed by her side, offering the support and loyalty she deserved.
As the gathering gradually quieted, the wolves found their places, their bodies forming a circle around Eloise-the witch whose visions had brought us together. My attention shifted from Kora to the enigmatic. figure at the center, and my curiosity piqued. Eloise seemed to emb*dy power and vulnerability with her long hair cascading down her back and her ethereal presence. She carried an aura of ancient. knowledge, her eyes reflecting the weight of her visions.
Eloise’s voice trembled with determination and vulnerability as she recounted the dire consequences that awaited us if we failed to unite against the common enemy. Her words hung in the air, heavy with urgency and the weight of responsibility. The wind seemed to be still as if nature paused to listen to the gravity of her message.
I exchanged a brief glance with Shawn, and it was clear that we shared. the same concern. The lines etched on his face deepened, and his brow furrowed in genuine worry. The future of our pack rested on the decisions we would make, and Eloise’s words had stirred something within us, igniting a flicker of hope.
But as Eloise continued, her words were met with scoffs and derision from some of the Alphas. Disgust for her being a witch colored their reactions, clouding their judgment and overshadowing the urgency of her message. Once filled with respect and curiosity, their eyes now held a dismissive glare. My brows furrowed, disappointment etched on
face at their narrow-mindedness.
my
Undeterred by their disdain, Eloise cast a pained look at the dismissive Alphas. Her voice grew stronger as she pushed through their skepticism, her determination burning bright. “I understand your reservations, but I have seen the impending darkness in my visions. It threatens us all, regardless of our differences. We must rise above. prejudice and come together for us to survive.”
One of the skeptical Alphas, a burly figure named Garrett, scoffed loudly, his voice tinged with arrogance. “A witch’s visions? I trust my instincts and the strength of my pack, not some sorcery.”
Eloise’s voice remained calm but resolute, her eyes never leaving Garrett’s defiant gaze. “I’m not asking for blind trust. I’m asking you to
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consider the evidence of our dying lands and the encroaching shadows. that devour everything in their wake. We cannot afford to let pride and prejudice cloud our judgment.”
Mason stepped forward from the crowd, his powerful presence commanding attention. He addressed the dissenting Alphas, his voice. carrying the weight of experience and unwavering conviction. “Garrett, I understand your doubts, but we have come this far because we have learned to trust each other. Eloise has shown us glimpses of a future we cannot ignore. Our duty as Alphas is to explore every avenue for our packs’ survival.”
A murmur of agreement and uncertainty spread among the gathered wolves. Eloise seized the opportunity to drive her point home, her voice a beacon of determination. “We have faced formidable foes. before and have triumphed by setting aside our differences. We are stronger when we stand united. Trust may not come easily, but it is a choice we must make if we wish to prevail.”
Kora was now standing by my side, her presence radiating strength, speaking with conviction in her voice. “Eloise has risked her safety to be here with us, to guide us. We owe it to ourselves to at least consider her words. All of our pack’s futures hang in the balance.”
Shawn leaned closer to me, his voice barely above a whisper, filled with frustration and determination. “It’s disheartening to see such ignorance among our ranks. We should be open to help to aid us in this fight.”
I nodded in agreement, my eyes never leaving Eloise’s unwavering figure. “Prejudice has no place in times like these. We must rise above it and focus on what truly matters: the survival of our race. The issue is at lack of belief in what she has seen, more so than a refusal to come. together for the greater good.”
The dissenters grew quiet, their expressions shifting from scorn to reluctant contemplation. Mason’s firm stance and eloquent words had struck a chord within them, opening their minds to the gravity of the situation. Slowly, the atmosphere shifted from one of animosity to one of reluctant acceptance.
As Eloise relayed her message, a hushed silence settled over the gathering. The weight of her words hung in the air like a heavy fog, permeating the hearts and minds of those present. My gaze swept across the faces of my packmates, searching for signs of unity and
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Shawn turned to me, a determined glint in his eyes mirroring my growing resolve. “It’s clear that Eloise’s vision is no ordinary prophecy. We would be foolish to dismiss it.”
I nodded, my voice firm as I replied, “You’re not wrong.”
A murmur of agreement rippled through the crowd, tentative but steadily growing in volume. My heart swelled with hope as I saw the collective understanding and determination reflected in their eyes. They were beginning to see beyond the confines of their individual roles and acknowledge the more significant threat that loomed over us.
A threat that we cannot run from.