Shandra and Julian are standing outside Marcus' cabin. Apparently there were things only the two of them could talk about: intimate secrets they had shared for almost half a century.As Sam said he had last seen him seven years ago, and as the werewolf seemed to be entering his thirties, Shandra knew instantly that Marcus was immortal... or at least lived much longer than a normal human being.That friendship seemed to be quite old, too. Could it be that they had met shortly after the exile of the Prince of Hell?"What's up, you nervous?" asks Julian, leaning against what should be a fence, but besides being extremely damaged, it was too low and anyone (or anything) could get over it."No," she lies, scratching her head as nonchalantly as she can. "Should I?""Actually, yes. You heard what he said. Do you think you can?""I had a choice all this time?!", Shandra rolls her eyes and starts kicking a loose pebble on the ground."There's always a choice, Shandra.""Funny, because it alway

The dawn is cold, much colder than Shandra thought it would be. The three of them had already been heading west for ten minutes, without stopping to talk or warm up. That is, if demons and werewolves even needed to warm themselves.When they reached a specific point in the woods, Marcus signaled for them to stop. He faced the girl directly."From here on, we are in uncharted territory. The ancient temple is somewhere around here, but this forest is unmapped.""Is this where I do my magic act?" she asked in a wry tone, putting her hand on her waist."At least you keep your sense of humor," he grumbles. "Yes, this is when you become our compass."Shandra closes her eyes, takes a deep breath, andOpens them again, looking at Sam."And how exactly am I supposed to do that? I'm still new to this whole sorceress with fairy powers thing."The fire-eyed demon replies:"Focus on your magic, and focus on the presence you sense around you.""How?""Every living thing has its essence, its aura, a

Marcus, his heart racing with anticipation, reaches out toward the Medallion of Zirun. Its pulsing energy seems to call to him, as if it recognizes the ancient blood that runs in his veins.As his fingers touch the surface of the medallion, a wave of power courses through his body. Ancient images and memories of past clans echo in his mind, connecting him to the history and essence of the medallion.A voice deep as earth, hot as fire, glistening as water and whispering as air echoes, coming from everywhere at once:"I sense your presence, Dread Wolf. Descendant of Eluar, do you accept the responsibility of being the guardian of the Medallion of Zirun?"Marcus raises his gaze to the stone ceiling and, with conviction, answers:"Yes, I accept. I accept the mission to protect and honor the power of the Medallion of Zirun."Shandra, Sam and Julian are unable to even say a word. What they are witnessing is too surprising, especially for the human,Tarek nods, with a proud look on his face.

The three figures that made up the Triad exuded power and authority.The first was an imposing looking woman, with dark skin like the night, long silver hair, and golden eyes. She wore elegant armor and carried a black and silver spear. She appeared to be twenty-five years old. Her arms were shapely, and Shandra almost trembled as she imagined herself making the mistake of challenging her.The second figure was a tall, serious man with light skin and dark eyes. He was neither tall nor short, fat nor thin, and the girl knows that if he were not in the honorable attire, she would not even consider him to be a werewolf. He wielded a wooden staff. He looked to be around forty years old.And finally, the third figure was an elderly man with a white beard and a wise countenance. He had Asian features, wore ceremonial robes, and held an ancient book. He looked to be at least seventy years old.It was he who pointed his curved, wrinkled finger at Marcus, his elderly voice was laden with anger

The rest of the night was practically chaotic for Shandra, but she managed to sleep.Not without first, of course, having to be part of the long, drawn-out journey through Zirun, pacing back and forth as the new Supreme Alpha Councilor who, in turn, was unanimously accepted.The former triad was still fulfilling her duties in the pack, but not in leadership. Sam told her that it was very merciful of Marcus to allow them to live, since if it had been him in the werewolf's place, he would have executed all three of them.Julian seemed to be the one most looking forward to the end of that never-ending ceremony. After all, after that, they would finally be graced with the help they needed to have Eluna's whereabouts, or at least a good lead to follow.As she got up, the young woman realized that at some point during the night, Sam and Julian had joined her. The two appeared to be asleep, but she knew they were not feeling sleepy."Guys?"Sam opens one of her eyes."Up already?""Yes. We h