Hey guys! Not going to waste much time here, so I'll let you guys just kept straight to reading. Thanks again for sticking with me - I love you guys all insanely.
Chapter songs:
Apex Predator from Mean Girls: The Musical (Tiberio's fight)
Run to You by Lea Michele (Kadea's theme)
I am the One from Next to Normal (Kadea mourning)
Layla:
"What is it?" I asked them.
"Something is there." One of the small females whispered.
"Are you certain?"
"Layla," Colin murmured. I turned toward him, but found he wasn't looking at me.
I turned around, and met poison green eyes. I let a small innocent smile slip over my face. "Hello Calex."
Tiberio:
Okay, I was going to be honest. I had no idea where I was.
I knew easily that I was somewhere underground - specifically under the Serpents former cave. The heat was nearing unbearable, and I could almost feel the flames burning the fur off my back. Or maybe that was just the blood drying on my fur, making it go all stiff. I shook myself, getting the shivers. Dammit Ty, just focus on getting out of here. Tilting my head up, I sniffed at the stale, cold air - searching for any sign of the clean, fresh, outside air. Nothing - no familiar scents, or signs of the outside area.
Huffing, I turned and looked behind me. Rubble of rocks, dirt, dust and god knows what else blocked the way, but the flames overhead seemed closer by the sound, feel and smell of it. A rotten smell of decaying flesh and bad blood floated toward me from further down the path and I sneezed. How had I missed that before? I thought with a growl, but prowled forward to follow the tracks. I don't know how long I walked for, but soon I could hear faint voices. At first I thought it was just the tunnels and my mind playing tricks on me, but as I kept going, I realised they were real.
Putting on a little bit of speed, I continued forward, but made sure to keep my steps silent. At a small bend where the tunnel provided a little cover to hide, I stoped and crouched down, listening. There was multiple sets of almost silent footsteps, but they were distinct enough for me to hear, and a few different conversations were happening. None of the voices were familiar, but I didn't pick up on a scent towards the back that seemed a little familiar. The scent was female, and an obvious Vampire, but there was a different tinge to it, something a little more human and friendly. I inhaled a little deeper, focusing on that scent when I picked up on another scent that was painstakingly familiar. Kadea.
I bit down on the snarl, but then I realised the voices and footsteps had stopped, leaving the female with Kadea's scent and another male with her speaking. But then they fell silent too.
"What is it?" The one with Kadea's scent asked.
"Something is here." Another female, a stranger, but too close for my liking. I bared my fangs quietly.
"Are you certain?"
"Layla." That was her name - she was one of Calex's bitches. The male's voice sounded like he was hiding his horror. Something was wrong.
I heard her turn around, and with a voice like silk, she purred, "Hello Calex."
That bastard was here? How hadn't he died in the fire?! I thought, but then a part of me argued against me. How had any of them survived the fire?
"Layla." That voice. I had to stop myself from snarling and revealing myself to rip Calex's throat out. "I must admit, it was a surprise you gave me when you turned on me." Layla had turned on Calex?
"Seems like I wasn't successful however." Layla replied coolly.
"No," Two steps forward, two steps closer to me, "it seems you weren't."
"How many lives do you have now, Calex? Surely you don't have many left."
The Serpents leader chuckled dryly. "Oh wouldn't you like to know, sweet Layla. Do you know how many Vampires before you, have tried to kill me? How many have tried to slip a knife in my chest?"
"I would guess not many."
"Come now, don't smartass me Layla. There have been nearly twenty, including you, who have tried to murder me. But I must admit, you were the first to use Spitfire..."
Long hair swished through the air as the Vampress flicked her hair over her shoulder. "Should I be flattered then?" The coy smile was evident in her voice.
"Feel whatever you want, my dear. After all, it'll be the last thing you feel." Calex purred.
Faint scuffling followed, and the metallic smell of blood coated the air. A few Vampires ran around the corner and came face to face with me. Their faces were coated plainly with fear, but the male who had been speaking to Layla earlier lead them with grim determination. When they all saw me, a small look of relief passed over their faces, but when I snarled back at them, the relief quickly soured and was replaced again with the earlier fear.
Wolf. It was the male. We come without meanings of harm.
Where is my Alpha? I growled. And how can you speak like this?
This is one of my abilities. And the Alpha's are currently escaping with aid.
Why should I trust you? You all belong to the Serpents.
No, Wolf. We are part of a rebel organisation that plants Vampire's like us in clans such as this one in order to break it apart and destroy it. We work with your kind.
How come we don't know about this?
A select few of Alpha Wolves know, but some suspect our part in this game. If all knew, then what would be the point of our purposeful secrecy? A small smile.
Are all of you here part of the organisation?
Yes, however we cannot talk here much longer. Layla can only hold Calex off for so long.
Shaking my fur free of dust, I stood up. Down that way, the exit is blocked by debris. You could clear it, but it will take a bit of time. The fire felt nearer there as well, so be careful.
My thanks Wolf. After all this has settled, send a blood-note to Colin. If you don't know how, ask your Alpha how to send one.
Nodding, I nudged my head in the direction where I came from. Go. I'll help Layla.
The group of rebels took off down the tunnel, not sparing a glance back. I prowled forward, gathering the strength in my legs. I was going to make Calex pay. Once around the corner, I took in the situation pretty damn quickly. Calex has a chest wound that seemed to be reopened by the look of the toxic smelling liquid that was oozing out and mixing with his blood, while there were shallow wounds on his arms and neck that were healing over slowly as well. Layla was fighting like a valkrye, with blades going everywhere in a dazing, deadly dance. There were a few more cuts on her than there was on Calex, but it was evident he was weaker from the Spitfire poison mentioned earlier.
Layla, duck in a few seconds. I called to the rebel Vampress.
Her fist tightened in a sign of understanding and I sprinted forward. When I came within about a metre, I launched off the ground, spring forward with so much force that when Layla ducked, I tackled a surprised Calex to the ground with a ferocious wolfish roar. We hit the ground hard but Calex's sort of cushened my fall as I latched my teeth around his neck and deep into the flesh. A straggled scream fought its way out of his throat and a burning pain ran across the raw skin that covered my rib cage nearly made me release the crushing grip I had around the Vampire's neck. Calex writhed underneath me, and my grip began to slip slightly.
Layla! I called, unlocking my jaw from his neck and moving swiftly away.
As soon as my teeth moved from Calex's neck, sharp, claw-like nails sliced easily through the fur, skin and muscle coating my neck. The Serpent Leader threw me against the wall of the tunnel, and I heard more than felt a few ribs break. Layla rushed the Vampire with a hiss, but Calex did the same to her. He stalked toward my limp body at the base of the tunnel, a wicked, cruel spreading over his face as he stalked towards me. I bared my teeth at him, but that only made him chuckle.
"You're that mutt that had his dirty little paws over my girl, aren't you?"
What's it to you? And my Alpha isn't 'your girl', bat.
"You do realise that she is dead, right?"
Yes, I know your mother is dead because you tortured her to death.
"Shut it, dog. You and I both know that I'm not talking about that wrench."
Kadea is not dead, Calex. I snarled at him as he stood over me, still with that same smile on his face.
"Keep telling yourself that, Tiberio." He purred to me before kicking me as hard as he could right where my ribs were broken. I bit back a howl of pain as the agony tore through me. "You are, after all, looking at her killer."
Shut the fuck up, you bastard! I roared and threw myself at him. Calex laughed and spun away neatly.
"You try in vain, little pup. Look at yourself. You cannot kill me."
Panting, I growled up at him. Was it just me, or was it getting warmer in here? I thought to myself. I glanced up, and to my horror I saw little cracks forming in the roof. Faintly through the cracks, I could see flickers of flame. Shit. When I looked back at Calex, I found him on the ground, fighting against Layla again. Somehow, I shakily got back onto my paws. Taking a step forward was painful enough that I nearly blacked out entirely. Another step, and the nausea got a little worse. Two more, and I nearly shifted just to vomit. Calex and Layla were still tearing each other part, not noticing me at all. The Serpent Leader struck Layla suddenly, swift as an cobra, and the rebel fell off to the side, pain rippling over her face.
Unexpected rage filled me, fuelling me to run at Calex. Within seconds, I found myself flying through the air with so much force that as I tackled Calex to the ground, an audible snap rang through the tunnel. Ignoring it, I locked my jaws around his neck and thrashed my head around, tearing through flesh, bone and muscle until I felt a release of pressure. I reared my head back, ripping the windpipe clean through his neck, but I spat it out and continued tearing at the dead Vampire's corpse. A tentative hand on my shoulder stopped me from continuing, and I spun around with a feral snarl.
"Wolf, you have mauled him enough." Layla murmured. "We need to leave now; the ceiling is going to collapse at any moment."
As if listening to us, the cracks rained down dust and small pebbles. One hit me square on the nose, and I sneezed from the dust. The rebel put her hand out, and I shifted and took it numbly. I nearly blacked out again as the adrenaline faded and the pain became noticeable again. Layla opened her mouth to ask me something, but I cut her off.
"I'm fine," I gasped, "just need to get out of here."
Her mouth formed a thin line as she pressed it together before nodding. "Shift again for me, quickly. It will be easier - your Wolf form takes a small amount of the pain away."
I looked at her out of the corner of my eye, but said nothing as I shifted again. Layla then picked me up quickly and slung me across her shoulders. I weakly tried to tell her I was fine, but she only gripped my legs and began to run. As she turned the corner, the roof of the tunnel began caving it, filling the tunnels with sweltering heat that made my pain flare up worse. I saw the fire spilling down into the room, instantly swallowing up the now dead Calex, and before I blacked out, I thought to myself:
He deserved worse.
Kadea:
"Remind me how much longer I have to sit here on my ass, watching as Wolfbloods fight for their lives for Dorian and I without doing anything?" I snarled at the python beside me.
Until your sister reappears, or the poison Calex injected into your bloodstream fades away.
I growled at the snake, and glanced at Dorian quickly. "You got any contact yet?"
"No."
"Is that all you're going to say?"
"Yes."
"You can be a stuck up, arrogant bastard at times, you know that?"
"Yeah."
Sighing, I looked down at the raging battle below me. I wanted nothing more than to go down and stop the fight, but according to the snake beside me, this 'was necessary'. Stupid demon snakes.
I heard that. Azazel glared at me.
I huffed back at him, crossing my arms over my chest. Closing my eyes, I tried again for what seemed the billionth time to contact any Wolfblood down there. Nothing. I cursed out loud, and flicked my eyes around me quickly, looking for something to do. Tall, wide trunked trees sheltered the small patch of land where Dorian, Azazel and I stood in wait, a few fallen logs laying casually around. We were up on a small, grassy slope that enabled us to look out over the clearing where the Serpents cave used to stand. A small waterfall flowed around this clearing, and down through the outskirts of the clearing. Around us, creatures of the night prowled calmly, sometimes curious enough to come up near us and stand there watching us, before they moved off calmly. Chaol had met us here a few minutes ago with another one of the Snowborn Wolves but according to Dorian, the two had left ages ago to return to the fight.
I turned around and walked over to one of the logs. Azazel spared one glance back at me before turning back around. As long as I stayed in this area, the snake didn't care what I did. Dorian, well, by the looks of it he didn't care for me at all. Shrugging, I turned around to the log again, and thought about what I could do to take away the boredom. A little nagging memory snared on my mind, and I smiled to myself. Warming my hands up, I began breaking up the wood into smaller, pieces and arranged them into little patterns. I felt the weight of familiar, narrowed blue eyes rest between my shoulder blades, but I ignored him until he strolled over towards me, stopping a safe distance away.
Dorian stood there, silently watching me for a few minutes. I ignored him, until he walked forward and stood over me. "What are you doing?"
"Doing something to take away my boredom, and the feeling that I'm not doing anything for the Wolfbloods fighting their asses off for our lives."
"Your life, you mean." Dorian whispered, seemingly more to himself than me. We fell silent again, but a few minutes later, Dorian spoke again.
You can help them, you know. Dorian's voice sounded lethargic, sort of hazy in my mind for some reason.
How? I replied on instinct, and found to my surprise that it actually went across to him.
Knowing I was going to try and contact anyone else, Dorian gave me a warning glare. You can't reach them. The snake is lying. He is limiting you to where you can contact the others.
How can I contact you?
I'm within the boundary. Anywhere outside this area, you cannot mind-link.
Why would he do that?
Why do demons do a lot of things? He asked rhetorically. But that's beside the point. Do you want to help the Wolfbloods down there or not?
Yes. Did I not make it obvious enough? I snapped.
Dorian turned away. When I use my ice, run. I can buy you some time, so don't waste it. Once you're out of here, the snake won't be able to have such a hard grip on you. He may have some grip, but it'll be weaker than now.
How do you know he isn't listening to your plan now?
I felt him smile slyly. He doesn't have a grip on my mind.
How?
I'll explain after. Just be ready to bolt. I don't know how long I'll be able to hold him for.
Dorian walked over to where his original position had been, which was about two metres behind the snake, diagonally to the right. He looked out over the view as if he hadn't just stood there talking to me, completely ignoring me. I pretended to focus back on my task, but I really was getting ready to shift. Power built up inside me, and despite the effort I put it to hide the telltale signs, the eerie glow in wolf eyes made my eyes brighten and shine a little.
Dorian, I warned him, anytime now.
A few seconds later, and a loud crack noise erupted behind me, and I spun around quickly.
"Go!" Dorian shouted at me.
I ran. Covering the distance between me and the cliff edge easily, I picked up enough speed that I almost flew off the side of the cliff. The air past the cliff side felt lighter than the atmosphere inside the clearing, and I realised now that it was from Azazel's power he was using. Biting back the snarl, I focused on the task I was currently undertaking. I shifted midair, just as I had showed Ty days ago, and as soon as I touched back on the ground, I took off at a flat out run. I didn't look back, knowing that Dorian was fine, but a small part of me hoped that he would catch up to me soon.
Don't worry about me. I'll come as soon as I can. He told me, his voice clearer than before.
Come soon. Please?
I felt his surprise, but then it was replaced by a warm smile. Of course, Ka.
I growled in thanks, and put on another burst of speed. By now, it felt like my paws were barely touching the ground. The ground beneath me was passing by in a nauseating blur, and soon enough I was at the edges of the battle. I skidded to a halt, barely winded. Taking in the battle, I could see the occasional familiar Wolfblood fighting with another Wolf, unfamiliar Vampires fighting against Calex's own Vampires, and - oh gods, Rowan and his comrades. Around and behind them were a clear path of dead Vampires, but they all seemed to have no blood on them. Off to their left, I saw Manon and her Thirteen fighting effortlessly, the female equivalents of Rowan and his gang. I spied Fannia and Falisha in the Thirteen's ranks, and I smiled. They belonged there, that much was evident.
Ansel, Elide, Aedion and Maelynn were on an obvious warpath as well, and to the North of the fight, the Rukhin Pack - Alpha Sartaq's pack - fought alongside their eagle-like birds called Ruk. Sartaq's siblings were there fighting as well, with their smaller packs - Arghun and his Shadow Whisperer's Pack, Hasar and her mate Renia with the Southern Rulers Pack, Duva and her husband's Sun's Song Pack - and Kashin with his Horse-Lords. Kashin at a young age had been made to give up his Wolf side, and focus on being human in order to join the Horse-Lords, but people who were close to him knew that there were times that the Commander of the Horse-Lords shed his humanity for his Wolf. Duva was currently away from the fight, most likely looking after their firstborn child that was named Tumelun, after the siblings now dead sister.
Dorian in his Wolf form came up beside me, a cloud of dust billowing around us as he skidded up beside me. He panted at me playfully, making his tongue fall out to the side of his mouth like a puppy, and bumped his muzzle against my neck. You ready?
Never been readier. I nipped at the corner of his ear. Are you?
I'm obviously readier than you are, Ka. He teased.
We both faced forward, and I was about to take a step forward when a small, toddler form climbed onto my back. Dorian looked back, alarmed but I smiled and woofed like a dog. What are you doing here, little missy?
"Surprise, Ka doggy!" Cindy squealed.
Afanas stepped up beside me. Kadea Ashryver Galathynius. Well met.
Well met, Afanas. Should I ask how and why Cindy is here?
She kept following me, no matter how hard I tried to get her to stay put. I gave up eventually, and just allowed her to come with me.
Won't she get hurt? I mean, there is kind of a war going on.
She knows how to defend herself and attack. If it's fine with you, I told her that for her to stay and fight, she needs to stay on your back and guard you.
I smiled and chuckled. That's fine with me I guess.
The mute Vampire nodded and walked forward a few steps, but paused. Kadea.
Yes?
If Cindy gets hurt, I will hunt you down personally and kill you. Slowly. I don't care how important you are, or how small the injury is, I will kill you.
My eyes narrowed in warning, but I nodded. Understood.
Good. Also, look for a green tattoo around some of the Vampire's wrists. Those ones are in an alliance with your sister.
Noted. Thank you Afanas.
Strike swiftly. Kill quicker. That was our saying before Calex came in and ruined the clan. Afanas told me before running into the fray.
I looked up at Cindy. You ready, little miss?
"Ready, Ka doggy." She grinned down at me.
Dorian?
Lets do it. Focus on yourself; I'll protect Cindy.
Thanks. I told him, before taking a step forward.
"What's the plan, Ka doggy?"
Get to the highest point, or the centre of the fray; get the Wolfbloods attention; get out before the Vampires start to come and target us.
And if that doesn't work? Dorian asked, eyebrows raised.
Go to plan B?
"And that is?"
Dunno yet. I paused, shrugging. Gonna wing it if need be.
I like how you think. Dorian muttered.
With that, we ran forward together, ready to release a whole new wave of hell onto the field.
Rowan:
The battle was getting on my nerves now. The Wolfbloods had all the bats cornered in one big area, with Rolfe's Vampire occasionally causing panic and chaos within their ranks, buying us a few moments to come forward and lessen their numbers even more. There was the odd Vampire that tried to run into our ranks and escape, but they were put down quickly. Chaol and I were holding the line together, while we tried in vain to look for a way through the wall of Vampires that stood in our way of getting to Aelin and Kadea. Chaol had told us when he returned that he had gotten Dorian out safely, but wasn't able to find Kadea. They had also left little signs around the cave to make the Serpents think they were being invaded by multiple teams of Wolves, but in reality, it had just been two Wolves. Apparently they hadn't been able to find those other teams before the cave went up in smoke. Shame.
Another Vampire tried to run, coming towards me this time. I quickly ran him through with two daggers - one to the gut, the second to the throat. The Vampires closest to me shed away in fright, bleating out their panic like goats. I smiled dangerously at them, daring them to try me. None rose to the challenge, but their wide eyes left me as something flew over the top of me. I looked up, but they had already touched down, and disappeared into the ranks opposite me. The Vampires around where the intruder had came in started and tried to run away, but Rolfe's Vampires took the chance to start another bout of mayhem, seeming to be buying the intruder time for something. I discretely sniffed the air aboveboard me, to try and scent out who it was, but the scent must have been hidden by magic, because I couldn't detect anything. Strange...
Sartaq, Arghan. I called to the two brothers. You got anything about the intruder.
Wolf of some sort, I would say. Arghan replied. Can't tell gender though.
Sartaq?
I've got a few Ruk's in the skies searching for scents on the pack, or just anything about it. They can't determine colour for certain, but it looks like a sooty, charcoal black perhaps.
Keep it up. Follow the Wolf, see if you can gather anything else -
Shit. The brothers said at the same time.
What? I growled. What is it?
Rowan, the Wolf has a Changed one with it. Female, and young. Roughly about seven or eight in age. Arghan told me.
So?
Rowan, I found out who the Wolf is. Sartaq whispered, shock making his voice numb.
Who is it?
She's a female, but the actual Wolf is -
An earth shattering roar echoed around the clearing, loud enough that the raging fire seemed like a squeak of a mouse compared to it. Everyone looked up, forgetting the fight completely to see what the noise was for. When I saw who had roared, the blades in my hands slipped out of my hand, and I dropped to my knees with a sob. Above the flames - no, she was in the flames - stood Kadea and Dorian, with a small girl on Kadea's shoulders. Kadea's waist length, unbound, jet black hair fanned out to the side in the wind, matted with dried blood that was bright enough to seem like it was hers. Her dark skintight t-shirt and combat pants had layers of dust and splatters of blood on them, while the bare skin on her arms had new, raw looking scars on either side. There were cuts over neck that were bleeding slowly, but overall she seemed fine. My cousin was safe, and looking even more badass then before.
"Wolfbloods and Vampires," Her voice was strong with anger, carrying the volume of a natural born leader, "you have fought enough. Calex DeAndre is dead."
"How do you know this?" A Vampire called up.
Kadea's vision zoned in on that one Vampire. "Look around you. The Spitfire is dimming. The Spitfire was tied to his life." The Vampire wailed, but Kadea raised her vision to the rest of the crowd, seeming to look every single one of us in the eye. "For the rest of you, now is the time to return to your own lands - Wolves to their packs, Vampires deciding where to go and what now to do. Count your lost, help the wounded, honour the dead. The war is no more. If there is any fighting to be seen or heard, they will deal directly with consequences dealt by me."
"How do we know that you won't turn on us?" Another Vampire called up.
"You have our word, that the Wolfblood and Vampire feud will be put on hold, until the Vampires have recovered and agree to meet up with us. Then we will discuss new terms." Dorian stepped forward, his ice blue eyes blazing with intensity. The Vampire averted their eyes from the weight of the gaze.
"Is this understood to either side?" Kadea called down.
Everyone down here agreed, and the two Alpha's nodded. "Wolfbloods, find your Alpha and reunite with your Packs. We will contact your Alphas in regards to a Gathering soon, once you all have recovered from this." Dorian called down to us. "For now, we will leave the Vampire's lands, and bring the dead and wounded with us. Understood?"
The Wolves all nodded, and started to move away - those who were near the injured and the dead, they started carrying them away. The Vampires turned away, all moving towards the tree line opposite the direction where the Wolves were headed. I looked up at Kadea, and found her eyes on me. I smiled up at her. Kadea then moved the cloud of flame the trio stood on toward me carefully, and then when they hovered in front of my comrade and I, the cloud disappeared with a puff of smoke, depositing the two Alphas and little Changed One neatly in front of us.
"Ka," I breathed, and wrapped her in a massively hug. "I thought I lost you."
"It's okay." She whispered. "I'm here."
"Where is Aelin?" Dorian asked, confused.
I stiffened, and pulled back. "In the fire." I murmured, glacing at Kadea's face nervously.
But to my surprise, the younger Alpha smiled and closed her eyes.. "She'll make a dramatic enough entrance when she wants to. I mind-linked her before when I was telling you guys what was happening, and she's aware of everything."
"So Aelin's okay?"
"Yeah. A little pissed that she didn't get to dramatically come out of a billowing fire, carrying me bridal style like a stereotypical firefighter, but Aelin will get over it."
I laughed hoarsely, and turned away to cough. It must have been the smoke in my lungs, I thought, but as I took my hand away, there was bright, fresh blood over the skin of my knuckles. Gavriel noticed it and narrowed his eyes in warning.
"Excuse us Alphas, but Rowan and I have to go check up on our pack." He told them as he placed a hand on my back and started leading me away.
"Oh, yeah, of course." Kadea said, alarmed. "You guys should all go check up with your own packs as well - make sure everyone is okay," my cousin addressed them calmly, "we can talk later."
I heard the rest of my comrades nod and walk off. I coughed again, harder than before - and more blood came up. Gavriel looked at me out of the corner of his eye, the muscles tensing in his arms and back. I shrugged him off with a growl. "I'm fine."
"You got that cough now, didn't you?" I nodded mutely. "Do you know what it's from?" I shook my head. My friend sighed. "Fine. Let's get you checked out at the medical tent."
"Gavriel, I told you - I'm fine."
"Rowan, stop." He tugged on my arm, stopping me. "Look at yourself, Rowan. You just fought for hours straight, in front of one of the most uncontrollable fires that is used as a poison. It releases toxic gases that eat away at the tissue in your lungs until they reach the lungs. It's the modern version of phosgene gas, Rowan. If what I think you've got is correct, you could die in a matter of days."
I stood there staring at my friend, surprised at his knowledge. "How -"
"You think I didn't find out what happened to Aedion's mother?" He growled at me. "She died from inhalation of Spitfire gas. That's why Calex tied the Spitfire to himself, and why he used Spitfire to burn the cave: Vampires don't need to breathe, but we do. This was his final attack on us. Can't you see that?"
"Aedion lost his mother from Spitfire?" I gaped.
"He doesn't know. I couldn't bare to tell him after he had just come back from dealing with a rogue group of Vampires planning to destroy the Whitefang Mountains with hoards of the stuff."
"Gavriel - I,"
"You didn't know." He murmured, avoiding my eyes.
"How long ago did she pass?"
"It was ten years ago, yesterday."
"Oh shit."
"Yeah. No kidding."
A few months later...
Kadea:
It had been three months since the Great War, and during that time eveyone had settled back into their everyday lives - aside from me. Sure, when I was around everyone in my pack, I was fine, but when I was with people who really knew what was happening, that was when I let my fear, worry and hopelessness take over. I had visited him everyday, but it was the same thing that happened: I sat by his unmoving body, listening to the achingly slow heart monitor beep, grip Tiberio's hand, and either talk to him or just sit there thinking. He'd been in the coma now ever since that night, but the doctors had said that when he had first come in, Ty's condition was life threatening. When word had got to me about Ty's whereabouts, I had lost it - completely trashing my house, destroyed walls, ripped my clothes and curtains to ribbons, smashed photos and memories, and had nearly killed five of my own Wolves as they tried to calm me down.
Ever since then, I hadn't gone into my house. Hadn't gone near the street with my house. Maelynn had managed to knock me out that night, and had taken me into her house. For the past few months I had lived with my best friend, neither of us talking about that night. None of the other three - Dorian, Aelin, Fannia and Falisha - had mentioned it either, but I was thankful of that. I still hadn't gotten over the shock that I had nearly managed to kill the twins, and as far as everyone knew, I had put that night behind me. None of them other than Mae knew that I still had nightmares, although no one had managed to stop me from killing them. I blinked back the memory, and focused on the hospital bed in front of me. Outside, the sky was clouded over with grey storm clouds, and the clock hanging on the wall showed me that it was quarter to seven. It was daylight saving currently, so the sun was only just beginning to set. I sighed, and leaned over, pressing Ty's hand against my forehead.
"Please Ty. Please wake up." I whispered to my boyfriend. I could almost feel myself slowly sinking further into the mild depressive state I was in.
The light in my life had seemed to be completely gone out without Ty awake and by my side. Each week on Sunday, Hafiza came in and ran tests on Tiberio, but she's never shared the results. I didn't know what was going on, but I felt like there was something the Healer was hiding from me. The door into Ty's private room opened, and I half-heartedly looked over my shoulder. A figure stood in the doorway, their whitening hair shining in the light. Familiar blue eyes rested on me, and I silently took in the faint tear streaks that ran down her cheeks. A black coat hung off her shoulders, revealing a pale green shirt underneath that was paired with charcoal black leggings. Worn out, paint splattered slip on shoes squeaked slightly as the woman stepped forward.
"Kadey," Tiberio's mother murmured, "I didn't - the doctors didn't say you were in here..."
"They don't know I'm here." Samantha didn't realise that her son was a Wolfblood, or that the hospital she was standing in was being run by half-human people. My almost second mother didn't even know I was a Wolfblood either - the closest thing to Samantha knowing is that I was an exceptionally fast runner, I can jump pretty high and land from incredible heights without hurting myself, and I was trained at a young age to fight (using weapons, or my hands and feet).
The 'human doctors' who ran this hospital had told Samantha that Tiberio was in here after being the victim of a huge car crash that happened one evening while he was driving to my house after finishing up his shift at his part time job. The 'other driver' was killed in the crash, and no witnesses were around to see or hear anything other than a massive ball of flame go up in the air.
"Then how did you get -" Her eyes followed mine, and came to rest on the open window. "Ah. I see."
"Visiting hours for non-family members ended a few hours ago. I was caught up with university work and couldn't come see him until a few minutes ago." Another thing Samantha didn't know - my 'university work' was Pack business. Believe me, I hated lying to Samantha, but it was necessary in order to keep her out of harms way.
Ty's mum smiled softly. "How are you handling everything after the crash?"
"Getting there, I guess." I shrugged, and looked back at Ty. "How about you?"
The woman sighed and walked the rest of the way towards me, stopping behind me and placing a hand on my shoulder. "No better than you I imagine."
Tears burned against the backs of my eyes, but I blinked them back. Samantha squeezed my shoulder, and I lifted a hand to place it on hers. "His chance at survival is lowering." I whispered hoarsely.
"I know."
"He can't die though." The tears fell openly now, and I let them fall. I had a feeling that Samantha was crying as well. "He can't."
"Sometimes people's times come sooner than expected, Kadey."
The way she said my nickname to heartbrokenly made my self determination to not tell Samantha about our world living amongst the humans nearly broke, but a small part of me held fast my tongue. That was one of the things Samantha did - she made everyone she cared about a nickname that ended with 'ie' sound. Ty's was Riri, his sister's was Loui, mine was Kadey. I made hers Sammy, and that was the name I referred to her most as.
"He doesn't deserve to go yet."
"No one does." Sammy came around in front of me, blocking my view of Ty purposely, and lifted my head with a finger under my chin. "Head up though, Kadey. He isn't gone. Ty is still here with us, it's just that the chances of him pulling through are lowering slowly. Don't think like he is gone - trust him that he will pull through."
"How do you know he's going to come through?"
"Because I know my baby. Tiberio will come out of this stronger than ever, and will be more alive." A sad smile tugged at Sammy's mouth. "Trust him, Kadea; believe in him."
I looked at her, feeling a final tear roll down my cheek. Samantha reached up and wiped it away adoringly, and kissed my head. When she came back down to look at me, I nodded at her understandingly, and stood up slowly. I was taller than Samantha by about half a head, but she seemed to stand over me. My boyfriend's mum took my hand an drew led me over to the window, and I moved over to straddle the windowsill. Before I could slip over the side, I looked back at Samantha and pulled her into a tight hug.
"Thank you, Sammy." I breathed. "For everything."
"Anything for you, Kadey." She whispered.
Breaking the hug, I swung my other leg over to hang out into the open air with the other one. I half smiled up at her. "See ya, Sammy."
I dropped down the four storeys easily, and I looked up to see Samantha's face anxiously poking out the window. She trusted me when I did anything, though I knew it still scared her witless when I dropped down from so high up. I waved up at he to signal that I was all fine, and I saw her smile weakly before moving back in the room and closing the window shut. I looked down around me at eye level now, and found a serpentine head directly next to mine. I blinked calmly at the snake, staying still as the forked tongue slid out and flicked over my face.
"Well met, Azazel."
Well met, Kadea. Long time no see, my dear.
"It has indeed. Been eating well I see." I looked at the seemingly longer body that lay mostly hidden body that lay in the bushes in front of me.
I have. But remind me how that is relevant?
"It isn't. Merely just thinking out loud."
Calling me fat?
"Never."
Good. Now, it is time to discuss what will happen with that deal we made all those months ago. Unless, you had forgotten?
"I hadn't." I crossed my arms over my chest. "How could I forget a deal with a devil?"
You would be surprised how many have.
"Would I now?"
Trying to buy yourself time, my dear?
I smirked. "You know I don't buy what I can get myself."
The snake seemed to smirk back at me. Oh?
"Now you're buying time. Name your price, and it will be done."
Oh, you don't do anything, dear Kadea. All you need to do is sit back and watch the cards being dealt.
Something at the back of my head flicked into hyper-aware mode. "What are you getting at, snake?"
Have to wait and see, won't you?
I growled, baring my teeth at the corners of my mouth. "Tell me. Now."
Your Alpha influence won't and can't work on me. Azazel sneered.
"Neither can your magic on me. But brutal force can get me the same information."
Is that a threat, Kadea?
"It's a promise. I don't make threats." I turned around and walked away from Azazel, just to add a little more salt to the wound.
I could feel the anger radiating off the snake, but I ignored it as I continued walking down the pathway that led away from the private hospital. Remembering after I had arrived at the parking area that I had run here, I sighed before shifting. It took less than five minutes to run back to Maelynn's house, and when I arrived, I went straight to the spare room that I was occupying and laid myself on the bed. I stared up at the roof, unthinkingly, and heard Mae coming softly with Bluey.
"Hey."
"Hey."
"How was Ty?"
"Still the same."
"Huh."
"Guess who came in just before I left?"
"I'm guessing someone who I have no idea about?"
"Samantha."
"Really?" Mae's eyes widened in surprise.
"Yeah."
My phone ringing beside me interrupted me, and Mae nodded at it. "It might be the hospital. Take it. I'll be in the kitchen getting dinner, so come down when you're ready."
I smiled gratefully at her, and she returned it before slipping out the room. Picking up the phone, the screen flashed No Caller ID up at me. Lightly confused, I answered it.
"Hello?"
"Kadea?" It was Samantha. She was crying.
"Sammy? What's wrong? Are you okay?"
I heard her sob and when she spoke, I went completely numb and the phone slipped out of my hand.
"He's dead. Tiberio is dead."
Hey guys, just in case you were curious on the pronounciation of the nicknames that Samantha gave Kadea, Tiberio, and Tiberio's sister, here they are:
Riri = Ree-Ree
Kadey = Kay-Dee
Loui = Loo-ie
Thanks again guys for reading, and remember to please review or PM me for any suggestions that you guys have for the sister story that I'm thinking of doing. Also, I'm sorry to end on such a cliffhanger - I promise you all that it won't end too sadly, but I feel like this may be the official second last chapter I may do (with perhaps a epilogue). Love you guys, and see you next chapter!