Chapter 8
I woke up in an abandoned factory, the air thick with rust and decay, a faint light filtering through cracked windows.
My head throbbed, and as my vision cleared, I realized the rough wood of a bench dug into my back.
“Well, well, well. Look who finally decided to wake up.” Lily’s voice was playful but sharp.
Panic surged as I strained against the silver chains. I tried to shift, but the chains binding my wrists and ankles just burned into my skin, sending more waves of agony through me..
Lily was standing not far from me, her silhouette was a stark contrast against the grim backdrop. She wore a shimmering gown, her high heels clicking on the concrete floor as she walked.
“Long time no see, Sloane,” her voice
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made my skin crawl.
I struggled against the chains. My heart was throbbing fast, and the chains burned my skin.
“What do you want?”
“What am I up to? That’s a great question, Sloane. I don’t know. It depends!” She teased.
I knew she hadn’t gone through all this trouble just for a casual chat. “Is this about Talon? I have nothing to do with him. now. You don‘ t have to do this.”
Lily’s smile faltered, replaced by a flash of anger. “No relationship? Talon is nearly going crazy because of you, and you‘ re telling me that you two have no relationship?”
I was stunned. “Crazy for me? What do you mean?” I had cut ties with Talon
completely. How could I be the cause of his
distress?
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Ignoring my question, Lily studied me.
“Sloane, it seems I underestimated you. I didn’t expect Talon to care so much. In the past, he would quickly apologize and coax me to forgive him.”
“Doesn’t he still do that?” I shot back, “He chose you over me. I am done with both of you!”
“Done? No, no, no. You are the center of all this.” Lily lunged forward. “I’m just curious what you did to make him hate me!” she snarled.
“I did no such thing…” I whispered.
Lily had always seemed delicate. But now, as she loomed over me, she was more predator than prey. I had never seen this side of her, and it terrified me.
“Lily, please. Let me go. I am happy with
my
tribe. I’m not even thinking of coming back to the Nightclaw‘ s pack territory.”
“Don’t panic. I just want to know how much Talon loves you.” She traced my
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cheek with her long nails, each touch sending a shiver of horror down my spine.
“He doesn’t love me, Lily. We both know it was always you!”
“Probably. But I am having doubts right. now.”
“What else do you want?” I managed to choke out.
“What do I want? I want what was originally mine! I want Talon. I want his pack. And I want your blood!”
Lily released her grip on my chin. “Oh yes! I know about your blood‘ s secret. That would make Talon‘ s pack, have an advantage to conquer the neighboring packs. Then, he’ll realize that he loves me and not you!”
I had always assumed Talon‘ s secret meetings with Lily were romantic, that they were drawn to each other. But as I see it, Lily was obsessed with Talon and his power. It was all about werewolf politics.
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“Is this face what he went crazy over? What would he do if this face became a
monster?”
I don’t know what people knew about my mother’s ancient blood or what it is for. But maybe I am a monster for having this kind of blood in my veins and yet, useless to defend myself against Lily.
As I saw Lily’s growing excitement, I asked, “What are you planning to do with me? Drain my blood?”
“That’s actually a good suggestion. I II try ruining your face then before doing that.” Lily said and turned to the rogues behind her. “Bring me the knife.”
