The night was eerily silent even the chirping insects had all gone silent as if they were able to sense the murderous intent of the curse lycan. On the cold forest floor was the rogue alpha, Alpha Norman, struggling to hide his pain even though it was overwhelming. Trying hard to avoid taking deep breaths but failed because he could feel the air leave him quickly.

"Of all the preparations you spoke of, Norman, is this the best that you can do?" Darren taunted as he walked over to stand in front of him once more and Normal bared his fangs in agitation. "You look like a little pup, all bark and no bite," he bent and held his chin, and stared deep into the eyes of Norman. "I thought I would see a fighting spirit in there but you have already given up," He squeezed his chin until there was a crack followed by another and blood became the final result. "Stand up and fight," Darren ordered and let go harshly.

Norman coughed and spat out the blood in his mouth. Just like before, these wounds were not healing either. "You truly are an abomination," he managed to say but there was no reaction from Darren who just stared at him as if he did not hear what was said of him. "what was the goddess thinking when she allowed you to be..." he words were stopped with a kick to the head, turning his face to the side and dislocating a jaw.

"You finally had the strength to speak and this was it?" Darren said, finding it laughable. "Just so you know, Norman, if given the chance, that goddess of yours, is someone I would like to kill and rip apart if it is possible." Norman gaped at him. This was the first shifter he had ever met who would have the courage to say something like that.

"But that does not matter to you, after all, you came here to kill me so I have no choice but to kill you instead." Darren took hold of his hands in a hard grip and just a moment later, Alpha Norman’s voice rang to the silence of the night, startling some sleeping creatures awake, and scampering away in fright.

"I had no intention of killing you after Ramiel revealed your identity, but your obsession has led you to your bitter end, you have only yourself to blame," Darren said and Normal wondered how he was still so calm.

****

Meanwhile, near the Shadow Moon Pack, Mateo and Lucy stood staring at the witch whom they had anticipated meeting but the Alpha whose presence was felt was nowhere to be found.

"This is tiring," Lucy muttered but Mateo frowned, his guard still up as he focused on the scent of that man.

"He has long left here, he must have gone after Alpha. Think you can handle her on your own?" He asked Lucy but she didn’t reply, her attention on the spell caster in front of her. "I will just take my leave then," he said and walked behind from where they stood. He shifted and ran as fast as he could, racing the faint scent of a rogue whom they had heard so much about but it was getting fainter as the seconds passed.

"Where do you think you are going," Crysta said as she cast a spell aiming for Mateo who had his back to them.

"I am your opponent, Crysta, focus on me," Lucy attacked with a counterspell. She didn’t know when the rogue alpha left but she knew he went after Darren. His state was uncertain and unpredictable, she could only hope for the best out of the situation. "Besides, are you not more concerned about that human, Jared, than that wolf?" Lucy now stood in the way between Crysta and Mateo’s retreating back.

"What do you mean?" Crysta stopped at the mention of that name. No matter how angry she was, she hadn’t gone over her feelings.

"Right there, he is marching to his death as we speak," it was then that Crysta noticed the human army and the shifters were either already in the beast forms or they were half-shifted. "Do you see it now?"

"Jared..." Crysta whispered the name and clenched her fists. "You... I will kill..." her words fell short from the sudden fireball that was shot at her.

"You sure about that?" Lucinda appeared beside Lucy and a hand on Lucy’s shoulder. "Sorry that I took this long to get here. We had a little issue the take care of on the way here," as she spoke, the vampires led by Azrail came into view.

"So you came after all," Lucy said, looking at the long-haired vampire who stared at her emotionlessly. "Do you see now Crysta, you were not focused enough to see this coming? He will die and will someone’s food," Lucy directed her attention to the older witch.

"I can’t sense the Alpha around, where is he?" Lucinda asked and looked around, trying to focus but he was not nearby.

"He left. He wanted to find Luna but I doubt the rogues will let him off without a fight, Alpha Normal is certainly there too.

While they were talking, Azrail walked towards the wounded Crysta who was using a healing spell on herself. He stopped right in front of her and for a brief second, her hand shook but the pain in her body was quick to have her focus on her g her wounds immediately. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

"The last time we met, you hurt her," he pointed at Lucinda. "...Then you ran away without paying for the consequences," he grabbed a handful of her hair and pulled her up to a kneeling posture. "The wolf with you that day, where is he?"

Crysta stared into his crimson eyes and swallowed hard. This was not how she expected it to go. Hearing that Jared was nearby and just might meet his certain doom, she lost focus and composure and then she received a surprised attack and now she was in this predicament.

"Mind you, do not lie, Witch, I will know if you do," Azrail said in an even grimmer tone than before.