Well here's chapter 11, took me a long time to write. Just a lot going on and Supernatural. On Season 4, right now. Nonstop watching really. Well, please let me know what you think. PM me if you notice any grammatical errors. I'll be happy to fix them.

The Market: Chapter 11

Raising their hands, ten guns were cocked and aimed directly at their foreheads. The wolves couldn't get through the wall of hunters without being shot.

"On the ground, mutts,"One hunter ordered. They weren't going to kill them immediately, Isaac realized. "Unless you want your bodies filled with wolfsbane." Cora side eyed Isaac as Jackson's fingers twitched in anticipation, waiting for the order to attack.

"Maybe we can discu-"Isaac tried, but two shots fired at his feet silenced his attempts to reason.

"Shut-up and on the ground,"the hunter ordered again. They could try running the other way, but they'd only end up heading back towards the chaos that was now the arena. If they charge them, they would most definitely be shot. Either way they were going to die and the hunters realized that.

"Isaac, what should we do,"Jackson whispered, barely a breath. Isaac opened his mouth to speak, but another shot was fired which caused Cora to stiffen. Her eyes flashed and the hunters tensed. The hunters didn't want to kill them immediately which meant they would be taking them somewhere. To whom, Isaac didn't know, but he had to take a gamble.

"We do as they say,"Isaac stated. Isaac lowered himself to the ground, switching on the walkie-talkie that was hidden within his uniform. He just hoped the others would hear whatever was about to happen. Cora glared before following his direction. Jackson last.

Five of the men moved forward, guns never pointing away from their targets. They pulled the werewolves arms back, handcuffing them with silver, wolfsbane lathered, cuffs. Isaac couldn't hide the hiss. They yanked the three wolves up and marched them down the hall. Their guns were trained on the wolves as they scoped out for other escapees. The alarms blared and Isaac could hear the growls and cries of creatures fighting for freedom. He knew, by the end of this, both sides would have spilled blood.

They entered an elevator and rose to the next floor, before being led down the hall and towards a closed door.

On the other side of the door, he could hear a desperate debate going on between four people. The door swung open, revealing Warren James and three men, and a woman, on a giant screen, discussing the current ordeals. Warren turned, providing a grim smile.

"Haven't you three been a pain in my side,"Warren stated. The four people, Isaac assumed the higher-ups, glared down at the wolves. "And just look at the mayhem you have caused for our business." The screens switched towards the chaos down below, as hunters, patriots, and medical staff were in an all out war against the supernaturals. The supernatural side in favor.

"Glad to be of service,"Isaac quipped. He eyed the American that had dragged him into this mess a week ago. "But, I'm assuming you brought us up here for a reason-"

"How about you start that evil villain speech already,"Jackson bit back. "I'm getting bored over here." A gun was placed against his temple and Jackson growled, teeth gritted. Isaac stored the faces of the four bosses into memory. Information he would surely give to Clark, once they got out of this mess.

"So much bravery and attitude from a dog about to die,"Warren responded. Jackson scoffed, his eyes flashing electric blue.

"Hey, I've got to leave this world with a bang,"Jackson replied. Isaac could hear the increasing speed of his beating heart. Jackson was putting on a brave face, but the shorter wolf was absolutely terrified. Warren's mouth curved into a wicked grin.

"I'll get back to you on the situation,"Warren stated, addressing the four bosses. "Right now, I have to deal with three misbehaving dogs." The screens switched off and Warren focused on the three teen wolves in front of him. Isaac just hoped one of the others were listening to what was happening on his end.

A hunter hit the far wall and Dakarai let out a mighty roar. He leapt and bounded among the chaos. Mara sweeping down from above, her talons scraping another hunter's cheek.

The others had made it down to the lower levels and Mariah was providing a pathway for the creatures that couldn't fight any longer. Her hand shot out, sharp fingers wrapping around another hunters throat as she tossed him into a group of approaching men. The group fell and supernatural monsters, of all shapes and sizes, piled on top. Tearing away their guns, blood spurted gruesomely. Mariah winced, but she felt no remorse for the horrid deaths of heinous men.

A gun fired and a bullet sped past her ear, hitting a hunter that was close to lopping her head off. She turned around nodding at Clark, before kicking out her foot and twisting her way through the masses of hunters and soldiers. She could hear screams from down the hall as blood and gore painted the walls.

A ghostly figure floated above, it opened it's mouth and a hunter screeched as he was lifted, telekinetically, up. She really hoped they had released more good-willed creatures than monsters. She couldn't bare it if innocents were hurt because of their doing.

She kicked a woman in the throat, and the huntress flew backwards hitting the ceiling, before sliding down the wall in a crumpled heap. Their main goal was to get out without complications and Mariah hoped that Jackson and Isaac had gotten out safely with Cora. They just needed to get to the exit and they were home free. Clark had set the explosives and they would set off in a couple hours, which gave them plenty of time to get as many people out as they can.

"Mariah!"She heard her name shouted through the chaos. Dakarai approached her, cracking heads and avoiding bullets. He grabbed her hand, running with her towards the exit. "The wolves are in trouble." She glanced at the lion as he roared, claws scraping across a person who had ran at him with a scalpel. The person fell to the floor, blood dripping. "Where are they,"she asked, pushing Dakarai out of the way as a katana swung, nearly taking off their heads. She yanked the arm and there was a snap where the bone broke. Screams followed.

"From what it sounds like,"Dakarai replied, stepping out of the way of another armed man. The man ran straight into the jaws of a hyena. "Warren James has them. Clark says his office is two stories above." Mariah nodded.

"What about the others?"she asked.

"Clark and Mara will get them out,"Dakarai replied. "We need to make sure that we're all together." Dakarai kicked open a door, leading to a flight of stairs. Mariah ran ahead, bounding and leaping four stairs at a time. Several guns fired and Dakarai pushed Mariah out of the way. She gasped, thanking Dakarai as several men came running down the stairs. The two supernaturals whipped around, taking them out quickly enough. Leaping over their fallen bodies, Dakarai and Mariah continued on their mission.

"Mara!"Clark shouted over the ruckus. Two hunters ran forward and he quickly shot them down. A child cried beside him as he placed a hand on her back, keeping her close to his side. The young girl had tripped and was nearly trampled if he hadn't rescued her. She was a pretty child, looked normal to most. But a few of her features showed just how special she was. Her icy white hair and snow colored skin showed fairy origin. Possibly a winter fairy who hadn't grown into her abilities yet.

The raven swooped down, shifting into her hybrid form. Blood lathered her talons and hanging from her beak were clothing rags. She brought up a winged hand and yanked the fabric out.

"We need to get out,"she stated, monotone. She swung around her talons digging into an attacker's chest. Most of the hunters had been killed, but she had heard that they were calling back the hunters in the jungle to help with the supernaturals' rebellion. Which was good for Lilith, Nora, and everyone, but it also meant that they had a bunch of angry armed men coming for them, who were briefed and prepared for anything.

"I agree,"Clark stated, he picked up the little girl and handed her to Mara. "Dakarai and Mariah left to find the wolves. Get as many people out of here. I'll cover your back. You know the exits?"

Mara nodded her head, turning swiftly around and shouting to the supernaturals who were still alive. "Everyone who wants to get out of this alive, follow me. If you see a child, grab them!"

The supernaturals turned to her voice, quickly surrounding her and exiting the hall way. A few found young supernaturals hiding and they quickly pulled the children out, tucking them in the crook of their arms.

Clark was last to leave, quickly shooting down a few hunters who had moved for the guns they lost during the fight.

The ground was covered in bodies and blood. Clark's throat felt thick, gagging on the smell of death.

He had caused this. But to him, it was a worthy cause. A cause that would get many innocents home to families they hadn't seen in years. He ran down the hall, shouting to different supernaturals, he saw along the way, to follow him. He was going to get as many people as he could out.

"It's always been about money and power,"Cora growled. She yanked against the handcuffs, her lips lifting in a snarl.

Her whole life. Everything she had ever face, whether it was Kate Argent burning her family alive, the alpha pack, and every other group she had run into, it had always come down to one thing, power and money.

This whole organization was corrupt. Down to the lowest employed human in this place. And Warren James was the worst out of all of whole world was corrupt. And it made her sick to live in it.

The American rolled his eyes as if listening to an ignorant child. "Of course it is,"he replied. "This whole place has been around far before I was born. I'm just trying to make it to the top." He tapped his fingers on the desk. "And you three have definitely thrown a wrench into my plans."

"Planning to be one of the big bosses one day, huh,"Isaac surmised. "Who do you plan to dethrone to get your rightful spot?"

Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Jackson fiddling with the handcuffs. A pin in his hand. Jackson had a way of finding and hiding tools without ever being spotted. Something he had to learn while traveling with Isaac. The hunters had never checked them for weapons. They were used to werewolves only using claws for weapons. And considered their species too stupid to understand automatic weapons or simple tools.

He heard a click and knew Jackson had gotten free. A slight nudge to his hand, and Isaac also took the pin and slowly started fiddling with the cuffs. The hunters behind them were oblivious to the escape that was happening right under their noses. Too arrogant and prideful in their abilities to take down supernaturals.

"They'll eventually die someday,"Warren stated, with a shrug. "And will need a replacement. I just need to be the most qualified in all areas of the business. Nothing personal." He shrugged bitterly. "Actually everything is personal with you three, considering you killed most of my men and were the most uncooperative supernaturals I have ever had the pleasure of capturing."

"Sorry for wanting freedom,"Jackson snidely replied which earned him a backhand. He kept his hands clenched in tight fists, remembering he was supposed to be handcuffed. He didn't want to strike out and blow his cover.

"See, I liked you two,"Warren stated. "Liked your spunk. Was thinking of keeping the both of you for myself. But, sadly-"He pulled out a gun and the hunters all aimed directly at their heads. The three wolves tensed. "You brought chaos to the market. Which means I have to end you to send a message to every other animal in this organization."He shrugged. "I can't make money off you three, but you can help me make it to the top. You're obviously the ring leaders, ending you would show just how capable I am for the lead job."He switched on the screen and the four leaders of this atrocious, black market organization popped up. All watching Warren expectantly. He turned around, providing a polite smile to the four bosses.

"Gentlemen and lady,"he addressed. "These three wolves for the past week or so have been a pain in the Columbia Market's side. They have released merchandise, killed many of our finest employees, and caused countless amounts of vandalism. I have considered rehabilitating them-" Isaac glared. Lie. "But, training has proven futile and you already understand the situation with the she-wolf." Isaac heard a click as Cora got her handcuffs undone. The hunters seemed distracted by the conversation going on. It was a perfect time to overthrow them.

"What is your next course of action,"The woman asked, her eyes cold and glaring down at the three werewolves. Warren James chuckled.

"I plan to get rid of the situation,"Warren replied. "They do not hold any valuable information and I can easily come by a few more werewolves for market. Overall, they have caused more destruction than profit. And you wanted to know if I could make the decision best for the company-"He held out his hand, waving the gun. "Well, here it is." The four bosses looked among each other as if assessing the situation and the mental stability of Warren James. Warren provided them a manic grin, which seemed to bring discomfort to the four humans in charge of this hellhole.

"We've been discussing your application,"one of the men stated. "As well as the personal statements from some who have worked with you before."

"From what we've heard,"the woman stated. "You don't work well with many of the hunters and physicians that have been employed to your section."

"Many complaints point towards rash decisions and violent attacks on equals,"another said.

"We cannot have that leading our future market,"the man on the bottom left corner finished. Warren James face fell and his eyes darkened.

"What?!"He howled.

"Your application has been declined,"the woman responded, firmly. "You are not suitable for the future." Warren screamed, firing four shots into the screen. The screen cracked and the images flickered away. He turned around, firing one shot into the group of people behind him. The hunters jumped out of the way, before raising their guns at Warren. Jackson let out a sharp hiss as he hit the ground.

"Son of a bitch shot me,"he growled as he clutched his shoulder. The bullet had gone straight through his shoulder. Dakarai and Mariah burst into the room, quickly attacking several of the hunters.

Leaping out of the way, Cora dragged Jackson away from chaos. Isaac turned around, surprising a hunter and yanking a gun out of his hand. He slammed the butt of the gun into the hunters face as Dakarai, Mariah, Cora took out several others. Isaac swung the gun around like a bat knocking two hunters unconscious.

"Excellent timing,"Isaac stated, leaping over a man before wrapping his legs around the hunter's neck and face-planting him into the ground.

"Sounded like you needed a bit of help,"Dakarai replied, punching another in the face and avoiding a stray bullet.

"Always welcoming help,"Isaac responded. Cora swung her hand, nicking another hunter with her claws. She tossed him into Mariah, who proceeded to bury her fangs into his neck and release venom. The hunter screamed. Jackson leaned against the wall, clutching his wound. His breathing heavier and black lines ran up his skin and Isaac knew it was wolfsbane poisoning. They just needed Warren's gun and they could get rid of the poison.

"He's getting away,"Cora shouted. She suddenly darted down a hallway, a door had opened within the wall. Like a coward, Warren James was running. Leaving his men to die instead of fighting alongside them.

"Cora, wait!"Isaac shouted, he took down one more hunter.

"I'll go,"Mariah replied, quickly following the trail that Cora left behind. "Get Jackson out of here. He needs medical attention immediately." She quickly ran down the corridor, following Cora's perspiration.

Isaac groaned as he glanced over at Dakarai who held a protesting Jackson in his arms.

"I can walk, Goddamnit,"Jackson snarled, slightly struggling. There was a string of foul language, a few insults towards Dakarai's masculinity, and something about the world being at stake if he couldn't walk. Isaac didn't understand the last comment. But, he could tell that Jackson was losing strength. Through all the current chaos, Dakarai seemed to be taking a bit too much pleasure in annoying the shorter werewolf. The hunters laid either dead or knocked out on the floor.

"I'm going after them,"Isaac stated as he inched towards the door. "You think-"

"I can handle getting us out,"Dakarai replied. "There's an exit south of here." Isaac nodded. He quickly pursued Mariah and Cora. The last statement he heard from Dakarai was 'be careful.'

Cora listened to the heavy breaths and pounding footsteps of the American she pursued. Her feet pounded in sequence to his. All she could see was red. All she wanted to do was drain the blood from his body for what he did. She knew it was her wolf talking. But, temporarily, she allowed the wolf to lead her emotions. There was no where for Warren James to hide. She had his scent and she was going to fulfill her promise. Warren James would breathe his last breath in this building. She heard skidding, as he turned a corner, and then it went silent. She couldn't hear his movement which meant he had stopped. Where? She didn't know. He could have easily escaped through another hidden door in this maze.

She growled, sniffing the air. Popping her claws out, she raised a lip and exposed sharp canines. She had lost his scent. Somehow he had masked his scent and Cora didn't know how. She was following him blind, trying to locate the steady beat of his heart. She whipped her head around listening to clatter. She ran forward. A gunshot halted her steps, a bullet blazing past her ear. She heard a swishing noise as something was thrown, landing on the ground.

There was a dark chuckle and Cora knew she had made a mistake chasing after Warren James. She backed up slowly, her teeth still baring and hit an invisible barrier. Shit, mountain ash. She glanced around the area seeing a complete circle surrounding her. She knew she was trapped and at the mercy of a psychopath. Why did she allow her rage to get the better of her? She acted stupid, rash, and now she was going to die. She heard a gun cock and Warren's sickly sweet smile appeared from the shadows as he walked forward.

"Caught you,"he sing-songed, his features mocking. She breathed heavily, knowing this could be her last breath. She had ran right into a trap. She had acted stupid, now she would pay the price. She had nothing to say. "What?"Warren James mocked. "No death threats? No hope that your friends will come? Nothing? I'm disappointed in you, Cora. I quite enjoyed the nonsensical banter."

He waited for her to answer before humming. "No last words-"He aimed his gun directly at her head. "It was quite easy to catch you actually. Mountain Ash-"He nodded his head towards the circle. "If you know how to use it, it come in quite handy." Warren placed pressure on the trigger. "Bye, Wolf."

The gun went off. Cora squeezed her eyes shut. "No!" a woman shouted. Mariah shouted. Nothing pierced Cora's skin. She peeped an eye open, smelling the familiar scent. Mariah was struggling with Warren. Five more shots were fired. Warren bared his teeth. Blood dripped from Mariah's lips. Her eyes startled as she moaned in pain. Her grip weakened.

"Mariah!"Cora cried, tears bursting from her eyes. Mariah's knees wobbled as she lost her balance. Her eyes going dark as life slowly left her body and pain-filled gasps filled the air. "No,"Cora whimpered. "You...can't" Her teeth chattered and she fell to her knees. Her hands covering her mouth. Eyes wide. Warren chuckled, straightening his blood covered suit. Scratch marks covered his face.

"You killed her,"Cora growled. Warren cracked his back and neck.

"Yeah,"he replied, aiming his gun. "She got in the way."Cora screamed,slamming against this invisible barrier. He chuckled darkly. "Bye."

The shot fired, but fingers wrapped around his leg, tripping the American and ripping a portion of the fabric from his pants. Cora heard a howl down the hall as Isaac came charging forward, smelling the blood and death that coated the air.

Rushing Warren, he tackled the horrid man. Warren's body hit the mountain ash circle, dispersing it. Isaac struck Warren over and over again, his voice hoarse from his angered roars. Blood covered his fists, ripping the flesh from his knuckles with each strike. His eyes glowed a murderous yellow, but Mr. James only chuckled madly in his face, blood poring from his lips.

He glared at the wolf with a demented smile as Isaac wrapped his claws into the fabric of his collar. Isaac's face had morphed.

"Always a monster,"He laughed, blood coursing down his chin. "A cold-blooded killer... is all that you'll ever be." Isaac's eyes widened, flashing back to blue. His grip loosened on the cackling man. Warren's head smacked the ground with a thump, but it didn't seize his mania.

"No,"Cora interrupted, stepping forward. Her eyes cold. Tear tracks ran down her cheek. "A monster hurts the innocent." She crouched in front of the battered American, his breathing a struggle. "And you're the biggest monster I've met yet." Her claws elongated, fresh tears bursting from her eyes. "I made you a promise, James, and I intend to keep it." She gasped, her heart breaking for her friend. Her family. "I'm ridding one more monster from this world."

He gave a crooked smile as her claws came down, slicing his throat. Blood gurgled from the wound as he gasped for breath. Life left his eyes. Warren James was dead. Cora sniffed, throwing her head back. Tears dripped off her chin.

A gentle hand touched her shoulder and she buried into Isaac's chest, strong arms wrapping around her frame. Her tears soaked into Isaac's shirt as her knees wobbled, unable to hold her weight any longer. Isaac lowered her.

They knelt on the ground, next to Mariah's body which had finally scaled over, taking on a reptilian appearance. Blood dripped from the exit wounds. Her empty eyes stared up at the ceiling. Cora placed a gentle hand on Mariah's forehead, salty droplets hitting her cold corpse. Pant fabric was tightly wrapped in Mariah's hand.

"She died...saving me,"Cora sniffed. "If I...If I-" Cora burst into fresh tears and Isaac pulled her closer.

"It wasn't your fault,"Isaac whispered. His own eyes wet. Mariah had died today. But she died a hero. She died protecting her pack. And that was the most honorable death.

"It was my fault,"She cried. "I was the one-"She heaved and let out a sorrowful wail. "It should have been me." It should have been me. Isaac had thought the exact same thing when Allison had given her life for him. It had destroyed him. Made him change. He could see Cora starting down that road. "Nobody needs me,"was her last statement. "She should have saved herself." That broke Isaac.

"Don't say that,"He responded, his voice hoarse. "Don't you ever say that." Cora glanced up, her eyes red and swollen.

"What do you-"

"I need you Cora,"He growled, running a tired hand down his face. "The pups need you. The pack needs you. She saved you because you're important to us. To her. So, don't you dare throw Mariah's sacrifice back into her face." His voice wavered, trying to stay strong for Cora.

Cora nodded. Emotions ran rampant inside of her. She felt guilty, depressed, mournful, and relieved. What she hated most was that she felt relieved. Relieved she had a chance to continue living. Relieved that she could see the pups again. That she didn't die without anyone knowing where she was. But with her relief, came tremendous guilt. Her rashness killed Mariah.

"Cora,"Isaac's voice broke her away from her thoughts. "You didn't kill Mariah, a monster did. She died a hero." Cora's bottom lip wobbled as she wiped away tears. He knew how she was feeling. That she was punishing herself for what had happened. Maybe, one day she would believe it wasn't her fault. But, not today.

Isaac helped Cora to her feet. She had nothing to say to him as he picked up Mariah's limp form. They would give her a proper burial. "Grab the gun,"he instructed. She picked it up, checking if there were bullets. There were several bullets still loaded. Jackson would need it to counteract the wolfsbane poisoning. "Clark set the explosives and we need to get out of here before we're barbecued." Cora nodded. She felt cold, empty. She wasn't able to function properly. Unable to think. To feel. She was numb. She followed Isaac out of the corridors and into the office. They headed towards the exit.

"Have you seen the others?"Dakarai asked as he spotted Mara and Clark ushering people out, both supernatural and human alike.

The supernaturals immediately made a beeline for the jungle, not even looking back. They were free and they weren't going to take the chance of being recaptured. They had homes and families to reunite with. The humans that had escape, most customers, were ranting about the lack of safety. Some were traumatized by the sheer ferocity of the attacks. But when Clark told them about the bomb. They ran. Not many of the hunters made it as far as Dakarai and the rest could tell.

"No, we haven't,"Clark responded, looking towards the building and then back at the fence that had been knocked down.

"How much time do we have,"Jackson wheezed. He wobbled, nausea taking over. Dakarai held him steady.

"Five, maybe ten minutes,"Clark answered. Dakarai and Jackson glanced at each other. "You two better get as far away from this building as possible. Mara and I will meet up with you in a couple minutes. We need to make sure most are out." An alarm had been blaring inside the building, telling whoever was inside to get out quickly. Dakarai lifted up Jackson and escaped into the jungle, getting as far away from the explosives as possible.

It was a few minutes later when Clark and Mara did show up. Jackson's breathing had grown heavier as the wolfsbane spread further into his system. They needed the bullet from Warren's gun fast.

"Have you seen them,"Dakarai asked once more, worry taking over. He tended to Jackson. The bullet had made a clean exit through his shoulder, only the wolfsbane poison was in him. Clark shook his head, keeping watch.

"No,"Clark replied, biting his lip. "And they're running out of time."

"Maybe, I should go back and look for them,"Mara suggested as she started pacing. They had to make it. The whole point of this rescue mission was to save Cora. If Cora didn't survive, if Mariah and Isaac didn't, than they would have attacked for no reason. She would only lose more family and she didn't know if she could bare it. And Jackson was already hanging by a very thin thread.

"Let's give them a few more minutes,"Dakarai stated. He didn't want Mara to run out and get herself killed.

"Do we even have a few minutes,"Mara asked, crossing her arms. The building could explode any second and her family, her flock, would be lost forever. Dakarai placed a gentle hand on Mara's shoulder, squeezing reassuringly. Mara leaned into the touch with a sigh.

More time passed and the world rumbled as the explosives went off and the building caught fire. Torching every heinous memory that resided in that building. Debris fell from the sky, raining down on them and the wildlife went nuts from the extreme disruption the destruction caused.

They stood still, bowing their heads and mourning the lost of their friends. Clark coldly stared in the direction the building once stood. A place that had stolen the lives of many. Many more organizations like this one, still do the same. He was going to destroy them all. Make this world a better place in his own way.

"We should probably head back to Adric,"Mara stated, numbly. Dakarai nodded before bending down and scooping up Jackson, who's head lolled to the side.

"The druid might be able to help Jackson,"Dakarai agreed.

"Clark,"Mara called. The hunter didn't move, completely focused on the brush ahead. The raven moved closer, placing a gentle hand on the hunter's shoulder. Clark didn't flinch. "We should go."

Clark raised a hand, telling her to quiet down. Dakarai sniffed the air, putting Jackson back down. Mara suddenly went still.

"They're here,"she whispered. The brush rustled and Cora stumbled out. Her face was covered in soot and tear tracks created a clear pathway through the dirt on her cheek. Mara laughed, happy to see her friend, and pulled the wolf close. Dakarai ran forward, hugging Cora.

"Here,"Cora stuttered out. She handed the gun to Dakarai. "For Jackson." The lion kissed her forehead, taking the gun. He grabbed the lighter that Clark had and quickly burnt the wolfsbane poisoning out of Jackson.

"Is Isaac-"Clark started. Cora nodded her head, before breaking down into fresh tears.

"He's coming,"she responded. "But-"

Her response was interrupted by the raven's loud grieving scream. Mara crumbled to the floor, staring at the broken, ghostly figure of Mariah. Several gunshot wounds oozed from her stomach and chest as the ghost of Mariah stood in the tree lines watching her clan.

"She's dead!"Mara cried. Cora held her close as the raven hollered, hiding her face from the ethereal version of her friend.

"I know,"Cora sobbed. "I'm so...sorry-" The others couldn't see what Mara could see, but Cora knew. Knew that Mariah's spirit had followed them. To say goodbye.

"Who's dea-"Dakarai started to ask, just as Isaac appeared, covered in soot and a limp body in his arms. Dropping the gun, Dakarai fell to his knees. His heart broke into a million pieces. Clark released a sharp breath.

"I'm so sorry,"Isaac repeated as he held the reptilian woman in his arms, tears leaking from his eyes.

"No...no,"Dakarai said, shaking his head. "She wasn't supposed to-"He buried his face into his hands, heaving sobs. Mara shielded her face in Cora's collar, unable to look at the body.

"There must have been silver in the bullets."Isaac mumbled. His head bowed. Dakarai stood to his feet.

"Give her to me,"He ordered, his lip wobbling as he wiped away tears. "Now." Isaac nodded, handing her body over to him. The lion took her in his arms, cradling her.

"Mariah,"he whispered her name. Her empty eyes staring up at him. "Why did you have to-" He turned his head, unable to look at her. "You promised us all, when we first escaped, that we would...be safe. That you would never leave us." He looked up at the sky, his eyes flashing an angry amber. "Why?!" he snarled before looking down at her face. "Why would you take her away?!" He lowered himself, leaning against the tree.

Tears ran down his cheeks as he held the woman who helped pull the clan together all those months ago. Who had made a home out of a bunch of misfits. Who fought bravely beside him to protect their people. Who had saved Cora from a terrible fate. And died, protecting the young she-wolf. He pressed his lips to her cold, scaled forehead. Salty tears landed on her cheek, Dakarai's hand stroking her hair back. He shook, unable to push back his feelings. His broken heart.

Jackson woke moments later, his wounds healing, thanks to the treatment. He rose to the smell of sorrow. And seeing Mariah's body, he let out a long howl. A howl that both Cora and Isaac joined in. And in the distance, he could hear other wolves howling, giving their condolences for a brave woman lost. A hero who had died protecting those she cared about. Isaac had moved over to him and Jackson leaned his head on his pack member's shoulder, seeking comfort.

They had to leave. Get back to the others and allow them to mourn Mariah properly. But, they couldn't move. The tragedy they had faced was now over, burnt to ashes, but not without a cost. Not without a hero dying. They would have to give her a proper burial and after, Isaac knew he and Jackson would have to leave. Their work here was done.

Well, one more chapter to go. I couldn't allow everyone to get out safe. We'll find out what happens with Isaac and Jackson, the remaining group, and the supernaturals who had escaped. I'm so sorry for killing Mariah. I know it was fast and unexpecting, but most deaths are. R.I.P Mariah. And yes, Warren James is dead, the crazy psychopath won't be terrorizing this group anymore.