Unknown POV
The efficiency with which Tyler Knight moved through the hospital corridors was almost unreal. Tensions seemed to dissipate in his wake, and his presence was already redefining the pace of the place, for better or worse.
His eyes, a blue as deep as the ocean, seemed to see beyond the surface; a trait that provoked a strange mix of caution and fascination. He didn't say much, but his silence already spoke volumes.
His gleaming white coat only further highlighted his features and imposing presence. His kindness, elegance, and professionalism captivated the staff and patients fortunate enough to cross paths with him. In a short time, his dedication and commitment to the hospital were evident: first to arrive, last to leave. Some even spread the rumor that he never went home, and they weren't entirely wrong.
At the end of his regular duties, he dedicated several hours to reviewing the current research laboratory project again and again. Although not yet thirty years old, research was his passion, and he only accepted the administrative position on the condition that he be allowed to work on, review, and contribute to the current project.
He felt the need to spend more time in the lab; he knew for a fact they weren't progressing fast enough. Time was running out for everyone; he didn't even want to imagine the consequences of not finding a solution quickly. Failure was not an option, not for this.
He packed his bag; he was a wolf with a purpose. He was going to war, and his resolve to emerge victorious propelled him every step of the way. His primal nature, rooted in every breath, and his apparent calm did not reveal the storm he carried within.
Isla
In the first few days of the fourth week, my body started to respond. I felt my hands and feet move; though my eyes felt heavy and still wouldn't open, I could speak. I definitely felt more energetic in some way.
I almost scared Jayce to death when, out of nowhere, I spoke, answering his most frequent question:
"My little Luna, when will you wake up?"
"If I told you I've been awake, would you believe me?"
Soon, Sabina entered my room. I heard her moving about, checking the IVs and monitors connected to my body, not truly understanding what was happening. I, meanwhile, tried my best to explain how I felt without revealing too much about my dream with the Goddess. I wasn't sure how to feel about it, so I planned to take my time to think before even discussing it with anyone else.
"It's not a medical issue, it's a supernatural matter," was the shapeshifters' conclusion beside me, and I could almost imagine their expressions at that moment. For some reason, my instinct guided me to trust these two wolves. Although I couldn't open my eyes, I could discern a warm aura around them, with no reflection of ill intentions towards me.
Deep down, I knew, without a doubt, that they were right: this was something more, it was supernatural. The only way to know what was truly happening, what implications and opportunities I had, I didn't like it at all. It was a path that forced me to travel to an entire pack of wolves, to an unknown environment, and to get involved with one or more sorceresses and rituals. The mere idea sent shivers down my spine. But at this moment, did I have another option? The answer, I knew in my heart: I didn't.
A few minutes later, as I smelled my herbal tea for the first time in weeks, I felt comforted. The first sip brought an avalanche of flavors I had never experienced; apparently, my palate could now distinguish the separate essences of mint, spearmint, echinacea, with a touch of honey. It was, in a way, like tasting them for the first time, a new experience.
As the minutes passed, I noticed that without the sense of sight, my other senses were definitely more alert, my hearing sharper. I could swear I heard Sabina's and Jayce's heartbeats a moment ago. Taste, definitely, and my nose also detected perfumes more deeply: Sabina smelled of lilacs and Jayce had a pleasant pine scent.
By late afternoon, we agreed to travel the next morning to Jayce's pack: Jewel of the Moon, a four-hour private plane ride followed by three more by road; definitely a long but necessary journey. How was I going to decide the fate of a species if I knew nothing about it?
Goddess Selene gave me the opportunity to be part of this "community"; now I was a bit like them thanks to my son. Uninvited tears streamed unbidden down my face. I wasn't sure if I would ever get over his absence. I remembered his image, his beautiful face, and his tiny hands. I suffered for not being able to hold him in my arms, for not seeing him grow up. For him, I had to do this, to ensure that never, no one else would suffer this pain, to fulfill his destined purpose, and perhaps reunite with him at the end. Could I go with Selene at the end of my life? I made a mental note to ask the Alpha and the sorceress who were waiting for me.
I had so many questions, oh God, I hoped most of them had answers. I didn't know how this journey would end, what I would find on this path. I felt like a lamb willingly walking towards wolves who could end me whenever they wanted. I smiled at this thought, seeing the irony, as that's literally what I was doing.
I'd never traveled on a private plane before; I regretted not being able to see it. I felt butterflies in my stomach during takeoff. With a sigh, I leaned my head back. Let the adventure begin! However, in the darkness of my closed eyelids, an image flashed with terrifying clarity: emerald eyes that didn't look at me with love, but with a raw fury that promised to destroy. The scent of cinnamon and honey, which I thought I had banished, suffocated me, and I knew that destiny had already begun to weave its trap.