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Chapter 4
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Echoes of the Pack Chapter 5
After my encounter with Laurel, I decided to skip the library. Most lunch breaks were spent eating in my car. Eventually, Ahren discovered my hiding spot, and he started joining me there from time to time. He's a good friend, but sometimes, I yearn for solitude. I just wish he'd give me some space. Zaven walks into the room and comments, "Alora, you're early," as he places his bag against the wall. "Yeah, since I haven't been doing much at home, I thought I'd start stretching early." He approaches the ballet barre and begins preparing. I reach down one more time to touch my toes before lifting my leg and resting it against the barre. I mentally count before bending forward and resting against my thigh. I'm relieved that I haven't run into Lucien again. He remains a mystery, and I'm still trying to decipher his connection to Detective Dristan. Lucien doesn't appear to have many problems, so Detective Dristan must know him well. Lucien mentioned they might be family. Zaven places a
Echoes of the Pack Chapter 6
Wind whistled in my ears, carrying the scent of rain in the air. As it tugged at my clothing, I felt the electric energy in the atmosphere dance on my fingertips. Birds flapped their wings and sought refuge in the trees. What would it be like to have such freedom, only limited by the direction of the wind? "We're heading out," a hand rested on my shoulder. I nodded, "Alright." "After work, Ahren's mom is coming over," my mom hugged me tightly. "You and Azura, always so different." "Please, don't say that," my dad interrupted as he picked up their bags. I embraced my mom, but said nothing. "Take care," I said as I grabbed a bag to help with their departure. Their destination was work. What would it be like if they were me? Free to leave without anything tying them down, not even family. I sighed and returned to the house, feeling low. They seemed to be leaving more frequently, and I couldn't help but wonder if it was due to their business or if they simply didn't enjoy having ch
Echoes of the Pack Chapter 7
"Alora." "Azura," I mumble as I turn over and open my eyes. It's chilly. The tip of my nose feels numb, and my breath moistens my lips. As I wake up and realize I'm not in bed, I scramble to my feet. I'm in a forested area, and I reach out to touch wet leaves and branches, which feel frigid beneath my fingers. Somewhere deep in the woods, a voice calls my name. "Azura?" Silence. The pine trees remain silent. I push up onto my hands and knees and glance back. I'm not far from our house, just a mile into the dense forest behind our home. Moonlight bathes everything around me, casting a brightness akin to daylight. It's almost blinding, so I shield my eyes and scan the area, trying to figure out the way home. A loud snap sounds from behind me. Birds scatter as the bushes rustle. I squeeze my eyes shut and press my palms into the ground. I have an urge to remain as still as possible, as though I could hide my head under my arms and pretend I'm somewhere else entirely, somewhere not
Echoes of the Pack Chapter 8
The black wolf, its eyes locked onto me, lays its head in my lap, and I'm paralyzed by fear. Suddenly, the wolf stiffens, its gaze drawn to the forest. I follow its gaze and find myself in an open space, unfamiliar to me. In the distance, I spot the mountains that are also visible from my home. "What are you looking at?" I mutter, briefly considering the presence of the other wolf. But it's not the wolf; it's a woman. With olive skin and loose, dark hair flowing in the wind, her golden-green eyes hold an intense, almost otherworldly quality. She focuses that intense gaze on the wolf. "Is she close?" She murmurs softly. The agitated wolf howls, startling me, and the woman takes a step back. Yet, the wolf doesn't seem to bother her much. She surveys the open space. "It will be her time. The same as her sister's." As I attempt to distance myself from the wolf, it whines and follows me closely. Its large form brushes against me, nearly toppling me over. I hug myself and close my eyes,
Echoes of the Pack Chapter 9
I've finally finished reading the books Dorothy gave me, which were initially intended for my sister, Azura. The content of these books doesn't seem unusual to me. The only one related to alternative medicine is the herbology book; the rest are primarily plant catalogs and care guides. I've returned all the books and now find myself sitting in Azura's room, staring at her bookshelf. It's filled with her favorite romance and fantasy novels. My sister was an avid theater enthusiast, and her shelves were packed with plays and musicals. However, there's nothing about plants, magic, or herbs. She never mentioned the box she left for me or the journal I found. My phone rings, and I see Detective Dristan's name on the caller ID. I let it ring. Since the day I met Lucien and Laurel in the nursery, Detective Dristan informed my parents that Azura's room was no longer considered a crime scene, suggesting that murder was no longer the suspected cause of death. I'm angry at him. I never returne
Echoes of the Pack Chapter 10
As we enter, my heart races. The inside is hot and humid, dimly lit, and teeming with people. I scan the faces – a few familiar, but Lucien's isn't among them. "Here comes the birthday girl!" Ahren announces, and the crowd turns, erupting into cheers that startle me. Ahren hands me a beer, and I'm engulfed in a sea of revelers. Many seem inebriated as they pat my back and offer birthday wishes. I smile at the ones I recognize, then wiggle my way out of the throng. Ahren places a hand on my waist and twirls me around. "Where are you off to?" he asks. "Oh my god, Ahren! Are you drunk?" I gaze at him in disbelief. I push him, but he keeps grinning and responds, "You brought me here, you idiot!" "Alora, don't be so nervous. I've only had three." He laughs, and his breath carries another scent. He brushes my bangs away. "What's this?" I inquire as he reaches for my shirt. Glancing down, I notice the tooth necklace is gone. I gently move his hand and fix it back. "Nothing, just somethi
Echoes of the Pack Chapter 11
After Ahren's words chase me, I pivot and sprint away. "No, Alora! I wasn't thinking!" I navigate through the inebriated teens dancing and the blaring music, making it difficult to hear my own heavy breaths. I'm overwhelmed, torn between wanting to scream or cry. Ahren has always been my friend, so his kiss feels wrong. Despite the fact that he and Azura never had anything romantic, it doesn't alleviate the guilt I now carry. Upon opening the patio door, a rush of frigid winter air invades, chilling my lungs. There's a 40-yard stretch before the dense, dark forest looms. I lean against the wooden railing of the patio deck, attempting to stave off the buttery sensation in my head induced by the alcohol. My wrist stings as if on fire, prompting a hiss from me. I grasp it and scratch my arm where my bracelet rests. Looking down, I notice ice forming on the railing, enough to nudge me toward the decision to head home. Nobody there is in a state to drive, and I can't turn to Ahren. Howe
Echoes of the Pack Chapter 12
I think it's a smart idea to check Azura's piano a few hours after the party. She might not have hidden anything in her room, but she could have stashed things elsewhere. I discover a notebook beneath the piano's lid, tucked amidst the strings so it doesn't obstruct the keys. It's the perfect lead. Azura has meticulously documented her notes from Dorothy's books on the pages, filling the journal from beginning to end. It even includes the locations of the plants she wrote about in her journal. Yet, as I peruse the notebook for the umpteenth time, I can't help but feel like this isn't everything. She would have needed more than one journal. I still don't know what she did with the plants after she located them. This journal only informs her which plants she requires, why she requires them, and where to find them. Dorothy mentioned having a garden, but it remained elusive to everyone. If Azura delved into magic, she would have noted how and why she selected these plants. The initial
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