Shadows Of The Pack (Aria and Knox) novel Chapter 101

Tension crackled in the air like electricity as Knox finally snapped out of his surprise and stood up. His wolf growled low in his chest, irritation radiating from him like a palpable force.

His voice carried a hint of a dangerous edge as he demanded, "How did you get past my sentinels?"

Nicholas held his ground, his hands still raised in surrender. He repeated his plea, his voice unwavering, "I really don't want any trouble. I just want to help."

Ryder, who had been quiet until now, reached up to touch the scar on his face, his eyes never leaving Nicholas. He whispered softly, "Why?"

Nicholas turned to face Ryder, his expression heavy with a mixture of emotions. "Because I've hated you for so long," he admitted, his voice raw with honesty. He looked around the room at the gathered pack members, his gaze lingering on each face. "I've hated all of you for so long."

Then, his focus returned to Ryder, "I didn't think you would still be alive," Nicholas confessed, his voice laden with regret. "But when I sat in my room, with the thought that you were dead, I thought I would feel redeemed, but instead I felt..."

Ryder finished his sentence, understanding the weight of those unspoken words. "Nothing."

Nicholas nodded slowly, his gaze locked with Ryder's, as if a silent understanding passed between them.

Lydia, unable to contain her anger any longer, stood up, her wolf's growl rumbling through the room like a thunderclap. "He is the one who tried to kill you," she accused, her eyes blazing with fury, her protective instincts in full force.

Ryder held up a hand, signaling for Lydia to stop. His gaze remained locked with Nicholas's, a complex mix of emotions swirling in his eyes.

Aria Nightshade pack, had remained quiet throughout this exchange, her sharp intellect absorbing every detail. She now spoke, her voice carrying a calm authority, "Who is Malachi, and who are you?" All eyes turned to Isolde, who had been standing quietly by the entrance.

Nicholas shifted his attention to Isolde, awaiting her response. She took a step forward, her eyes filled with a deep sense of foreboding. "My name is Isolde, and I am a member of the order," she began, her voice carrying a weight of responsibility. "It is our job to keep and maintain balance, and I'm afraid that balance will be disrupted when he is set free."

Aria broke the silence with a hint of confusion in her tone. "I don't understand."

Shana finally spoke, her eyes fixed on Isolde as if seeking confirmation. "Malachi is a werewolf that was banished many years ago. He brought chaos to the realm. The Order had no choice but to separate him from his wolf spirit and banish him," she explained, her voice carrying the weight of history. She looked back at Isolde as if inviting her to continue.

Isolde nodded in agreement. "I'm afraid that he is going to return on the day of the celestial eclipse."

Melody who had been listening intently, spoke up with a trace of hope in her voice, "Isn't there a way you and your people can stop him, The order?"

Isolde's response was a somber shake of her head. "No," she replied, her eyes filled with the sorrow of inevitability.

Aria, her protective instincts as a mother kicking in, held her stomach protectively, her gaze narrowing as she sought more information. "Why will he come for my pup?"

Isolde's response held a sense of profound dread. "I sensed it even from far away. That pup is powerful. The pup will hold extreme power, the kind of power Malachi will need to reunite with his wolf spirit. Once that happens..." She trailed off, the unspoken words hanging heavy in the room, "I'm afraid there will be no stopping him."

The revelation hung in the air like a heavy shroud, casting a pall over the Nightshade pack. Uncertainty gnawed at them, and Tyler gave voice to their deepest fears. His voice trembled with anxiety as he uttered the words they all dreaded, "So we are doomed. We are all going to die."

Jamie swatted her brother on the arm. "Don't talk like that," she scolded gently, though her own fears mirrored his.

The pack house erupted into chaos afterwards. Voices overlapped, questions and concerns flying in a cacophonous storm of anxiety and dread. Everyone was talking at once, each voice competing to be heard above the rest.

"Enough," Knox's voice rumbled, his eyes scanning the room, ensuring that his command was heeded.