Julian notices the different mood as soon as, near the end of the meeting, Shandra and Julian finally appear. He doesn't know why they are missing, but he can imagine. Not least because a subtle but unmistakable hickey marks the side of the girl's neck.The werewolves said nothing, but their glances indicated that they had also seen and understood their little escapade.Marcus looks at Sam and says:"I suppose you've already done what you needed to do."Total silence.Sam just lifts his chin."I suppose you've already finished your instructions.""You would have known if you had stayed here," he jokes, winking one eye.Despite the amused look, it's clear that Alpha is still very down about the loss of his half-brother. That seems to be the only thing keeping the demon from kicking his teeth in."Well then. How long will we have to wait?""I know that you would immediately set out on your quest, and I can well understand why. However, that will not be necessary. Our information is still
Shandra knew that, deep down, Julian was the more sensitive demon.Yes, Sam had made his feelings for Shandra very clear, though not in the exact words. But still, the exiled prince seemed to know the line between what was right, and what he wanted.The yellow-eyed redhead seemed to act in the opposite way: prioritizing what he wanted, and not caring a bit about what was right.The girl just stared at him, waiting for him to begin his story.Julian moistened his lips before he began:"I... I've always been in love with Eluna. From the moment I saw her.""Really?"He nods his head in the affirmative."When I first saw her, I didn't know she was promised to Sam. The Count knew that they were already close to getting married, and the Circle was not talking about anything else. The two met a few months before what would be the date of the ceremony.""What was it like meeting Eluna?""At first, difficult. She basically hated me.""Really?! Really. She kept saying that I was trying to steal
Julian is surprised by Shandra's direct question and frowns.Shandra just stares at him in silence.He seems to hesitate for a moment before finally answering. His voice sounds calm, but there is a noticeable tension in his expression."Yes, it is true. Sam and I are brothers."Shandra absorbs the information, processing it slowly. The deep connection between Julian and Sam now makes more sense, and the conflicting feelings they both have towards Eluna take on a new dimension."I see... that explains a lot." Shandra replies carefully, trying not to invade Julian's privacy further. "I believe that this situation is very complex for both of you. But still, you are willing to work together to rescue Eluna.""Yes. Of course we are. She... She means a lot to us.""I know.""But, Shandra." He holds both of the girl's hands. "I hope you understand two things. The first is that you are very special to us, too. I mean, I still don't trust Sam and I don't think I ever will, but... I just want y
The two weeks it took to prepare and investigate the whereabouts of the fallen angels seemed to take two months.Sam and Julian were more tense with each other, mainly because now they had both opened up to Shandra, and in their own way, were trying to protect her.The coppery-eyed demon did not trust Julian. The ruby-haired demon did not trust Sam. And Shandra trusted them both, despite everything, and wanted them well above anything else.During their stay in Zirun, Shandra realized that both she and the boys were just not more revered than the Alpha himself in question. The Shadow, apparently, now had more power and relevance than the former Triad who, in turn, verbalized no discontent with the loss of the authority they once bestowed.In one of the several forays the three were making, Marcus emerged with two members of the Shadow at his side."Vanguards. Beacon of Light. Come with me, please."The three followed Marcus into a secluded room within the headquarters of the Shadow. I
The next few days were days of intense preparation and training for Shandra, Julian and Sam.Under the guidance of Marcus and other members of the Shadow, they thoroughly studied the available information about the fortress in the Tenebris Mountains and planned strategies to face the possible traps and defenses there.Tension was ever-present, but the determination to rescue Eluna and thwart the plans of the fallen angels kept them focused.Shandra delved into the records and maps provided by Shadow, studying every detail of the Tenebris Mountains. She discovered that the region was vast and filled with canyons, ravines and narrow passages, making navigation difficult. In addition, there were reports of dark and dangerous creatures inhabiting the area, making the journey even more challenging.While studying the geography of the place, Sam approached her and whispered in her ear:"Hey."Still focused on the maps in front of her, she murmured:"Yeah?""I need to talk to you.""Now?""N
The walking time to the Tenebris Mountains would take at least five days.Besides Marcus, only five Shadow agents accompanied Shandra and the demons for the impending raid. According to Alpha himself, a significant number of men could attract the wrong kind of attention.Infiltration would be impossible, as everyone inside knew each other, and those who were not known were exhaustively interrogated. So the plan was simple: Marcus would go as the new Clan Leader to discuss situations, create new alliances, and gather valuable information about distant battles that could or could not interfere with their own affairs.Sam and Julian would assume different human forms instead of their usual ones. When Shandra asked if it would be useless since demons and other creatures were recognized by their smell, Marcus simply told her not to worry and that everything had already been taken care of.When they stopped to have lunch, Shandra was amazed to see Marcus and the other werewolves devouring a
The alert cry cut through the air, interrupting the intimate moment between Sam and Shandra. All eyes quickly turned towards the source of the sound, and the group stood up urgently, ready to face the imminent attack.In the midst of the darkness, fast and agile silhouettes emerged, moving skillfully among the trees. Shandra could feel their energies, the spiritual auras that surrounded them... It smelled like death, blood, and lust. They were..."Vampires," she whispered, rising to her feet.Marcus, with his instinctive leadership, took charge. He quickly ordered everyone to assume a defensive formation, preparing for the battle. The werewolves, transforming into their beastly forms, displayed their strength and agility, ready to fight.Shandra felt adrenaline coursing through her veins. As if in response, her magic sparked, wanting to break free, but she restrained herself, remembering her training and how not to let power dominate her instead of the other way around.She joined the
Shandra was completely, utterly, undeniably tired.The past few days had been cold, confusing, exhausting, and far from peaceful.In the rare moments when she managed to eat or rest, it always felt like it would be her last. Apparently, even in small numbers, her auras, scents, and energies seemed to attract the attention of other creatures and fantastical beings.Nevertheless, Shandra was grateful. Grateful first and foremost for the training she had undergone when she was in Zirun, which had given her the opportunity not only to defend herself but also to help others in combat.And she was also grateful to the demons and to Marcus, who, despite all the difficulties encountered along the way, remained undeterred and cleared the path for her.They were less than three days away from their destination. The young woman was nervous to arrive soon, yet increasingly fearful.Now the members of the Shadow, the human, the Alpha, and the demons were near a lake that Marcus called "The Cauldro