verb ~ to be deprived of, or cease to have

PHOENIX

I collapsed into a heap on the ground, my wolf drained of his energy. I shifted back almost unwillingly, my head falling to the earth. As soon as I scented the witch on Nova's hair tie, I lost all control of him. I felt unchained, unleashed, and only came back down to earth when my wolf gave up with exhaustion.

I couldn't find her scent. I had been running and searching the entire mountain for two days. I couldn't feel the bond at all but I knew she was alive. Her wolf just lay dormant. It only angered me further.

If they had so much as poisoned her again...

I shook my head, the small flakes of snow that started to fall dampened my skin.

I couldn't think about it too much. If I fell into that dark pit of remorse again, I was afraid I would not come back out.

I was starving, but I couldn't eat. I haven't slept in three days either.

I stood to my feet and swayed, my head pounding with too much stress. When you get so close, so intimate to losing control, it only takes the slightest misstep to not come back.

I sighed, blinking up at the dark sky. I was searching, I was trying. I didn't know what to do. I was exhausted. My heart ached, a cavity in my chest, a space I could not fill. I felt numb now, my mind succumbing to its lack of energy. My wolf tired, my mate gone... I felt alone.

"Alpha?"

My head spun to the sound of the voice, and I found Charlie standing timidly with a checked blanket in his hands. I blinked at him, taking in his tired and pale face. He was worried too, I could feel it. We were close, thick as thieves, and now we were both lost.

He licked his lips, nervously meeting my calmer eyes. "Phoenix?"

I inhaled deeply, realising he was afraid. It has been years since I wolfed out. Charlie was my best friend and rock through those times. We both struggled on our parent's anniversaries, and we both pulled each other through. The day he found me; I had only just become human again. A whole week of losing my mind, until he stumbled through my border.

I blinked, nodding my head. Making my way over to him, I noticed the slight sag of his shoulders. He was relieved.

"I didn't think you'd come back." He muttered.

Instead of taking the blanket from his hand, I wrapped my arm around his shoulder, pulling him into an embrace. He stiffened but his arm raised to pat me on the back in return. I sighed, pulling away as the ache in my chest grew stronger.

"Find anything?" He wondered.

I shook my head, wrapping the blanket around me. "Nothing."

He sighed sadly, before gesturing for me to walk with him. I looked around as we approached a strange building. This whole place was old fashioned, with tall concrete walls and buildings and a small, enclosed plaza. As we made our way through the open space, I noticed the slight cracks in curtains and blinds as we passed by village homes. Walking up a dirt trail, we came to a castle-like house at the top of the hill. Snow was falling gently, the chill in the air seemed to bite harder into my bones. I hoped Nova was nowhere near here; that she was somewhere warm.

Charlie led me to a side door which I had to duck under to get through. Inside though the ceilings were tall, so I was thankful I would not have to spend my time crouched.

"Whose home is this?" I mumbled.

"The Cyrus's."

I hummed, taking in the old-fashioned décor as he took me up some stairs. The carpet was a deep red, warm despite the cold looking walls. Standing upon the landing, I tensed as her scent hit me. Without saying anything further, I moved around Charlie and followed it. I came to a stop outside a wooden door on the first floor and hesitated.

I had to keep my control. I could feel Ares waking at her fresher scent. It has been over a week, far too long for her to be without us.

My hand grasped the doorknob, the cool metal digging into my palm. I breathed deeply before opening it gently. Stepping into the room, my knees almost collapsed as her scent flooded my senses completely.  A whimper escaped my lips as I made my way to her bed. Her sheets were messy, never one to make the bed. Pillows were in every direction; a perfect little nest.

My knees buckled and I fell to the ground beside it, my arms clinging to her sheets. I pressed my head against the mattress, controlling the overwhelming fear I started to feel. Where was she? Was she hurt? Was she conscious? I couldn't feel her... Where was she?

"I put your bag in the bathroom, figured you should change before we deal with this further."

Charlie's voice brought me out of the haze and I tensed, my shoulders going stiff. Raising my head, I found him standing in the doorway. He knew not to enter. It would contaminate the scent.

"Thank you, Charlie," I muttered just as a sudden thought took over my head. "The twin? Where is he?"

"Pollux?" He frowned. "He was in the hospital wing, but I think he's in his own bed tonight. They let him out yesterday."

My eyes searched the room until they settled on an alarm clock by the bed. 4.35 am blinked back at me and I sighed.

"Is he okay?" I asked.

His once sullen face turned up at the corners of his mouth. I narrowed my eyes at his slight amusement which only caused him to shake his head.

"You know, if I didn't know any better, I'd say you have a soft spot for the Lycan."

I grumbled at him. "His annoying arse? Not at all."

He smiled at me, his eyes sparkling ever so slightly. "Okay, sure thing... Come find me when you're ready."

I firmly nodded at him, and he wasted no time in shutting the door and leaving me to my thoughts. I was glad he was okay, and weirdly hoped I would see him soon. I briefly wondered if the other Lycan survived, the one Charlie claimed was bleeding out.

I sighed, shaking my head at myself. I had to stay focused, I needed to find her. Three days was already long enough. I couldn't even tell if she was alive. I had to distract my mind from falling into that hole. It would do me no good thinking so negatively.

I stood from the floor, my knees clicking with effort. I made my way into the open door of the bathroom and ran myself a shower. I would be quick. The less time spent taking care of myself, the more I would spend on Nova.

NOVA

I woke up with the sudden urge to vomit.

Not the nicest way to wake up, I know. My stomach heaved with exertion, my throat burning as the fiery liquid left my body. I breathed heavily, my eyes blinking back the tears. I still felt tired, but I was warmer and not as uncomfortable.

Raising my head, I looked around to find I was in my cell. I was confused for a moment until my mind woke and the memories of Raven and a masked man carried me into here...whenever that was. I needed to know how long I have been here.

I wiped the corner of my mouth with the blanket that I had been provided, noticing my hands were no longer cuffed. My ankles were instead, and I almost rolled my eyes at the cliché of it all. It's not like I could get out of the cell anyway. The number of people that would take me down before I even tried was no doubt astronomical.

I leaned against the cool wall, wrapping the blanket around all of me to avoid looking at my body. My eyes found the window, the bars securing it ruining my view. I squinted as something hit the glass, trying to focus on what it was. Coming up short of ideas, I stood from the creaking bed. I swayed slightly, most likely from the lack of nutrition.

My head only just met the bottom of the window, and I pulled myself up onto my tiptoes, my fingers gripping at the small ledge to get a glimpse. My eyes widened as I took notice of the snow-covered ground. It was thick and heavy, making me wonder how long I really have been here.

I stared as it fell gently to the ground, a soft caress from one lover to the next. It was blinding white, untouched by footsteps or dirt. If I had to guess, I would say it was about four inches deep. I instinctively shuddered, pulling the blanket tighter.

The sudden click and bang of my door had me jump in surprise and I moved away from the window, pulling the blanket tighter around me. My eyes warily met those of my so-called "owner". He was not wearing his thick woollen coat today, his lean body coming into my view. He stood casually with his hands deep in his pockets as he stared at me with a smirk.

"You're awake." He stated.

I swallowed nervously, my throat scratchy and desperate for a drink. I decided to just nod, as the vivid memories of his blood-red eyes filled my mind. His lips curved into a wicked grin, and he stepped closer, clapping his hands. I flinched slightly but stood my ground by the window.

"Ah yes, the first snowfall of the season. It gets awfully cold up here." He hummed, eyes flicking to the window.

"Doesn't it, Jay?" He spoke louder.

I glanced behind him to see a petite figure enter behind him. "Jay" stepped into the room, their arms in front of them, head bowed with the same black mask like everyone else. Their lips curved into a small smile as they nodded.

"Yes, Master."

The voice was feminine and for some reason, the hairs on my arms stood on end. I felt like I heard it before. I squinted slightly, seeing dark brown tendrils of hair falling through the hood.

"It's no good being so small with such a harsh winter." He spoke, turning his attention back to me. "We better get some food in you, before you freeze. Does that sound good?"

I licked my lips, looking between the two warily. I wasn't sure what to say, whether it was a trick or not. Jay lifted her face slightly, looking up from the ground to smirk at me. My nose twitched, a habit I often found myself doing when I wanted to scent someone. I couldn't of course, and Jay knew that, as her grin turned into a wider smile.

"That would b-be nice," I mumbled, my throat aching.

"Something to drink too, yes?"

I nodded. "Yes."

"Yes, Master." He grunted.

My eyes widened slightly, scanning his face. He was serious? He wanted me to call him "Master"?

He saw my hesitation, my distaste for the title, and his eyes narrowed.

"Would you prefer to have a repeat of what happens when you are not respectful?" He sneered.

I shook my head, dropping my gaze automatically. "No, Master."

I heard him inhale deeply and I sneaked a glance to see his face light up with approval.

"Good." He chuckled. "Let's go. Jay, the chains."

"Yes, Master."

She stepped closer, bending down in front of me. I clenched my jaw shut as she released my feet from the chains completely. I waited for them to be strapped back on, but instead, she moved them to my wrists. I frowned at the already healing skin, red raw from the chains in the basement. It was the first time I really looked at them, otherwise choosing to pretend it never happened. They were burnt in places, small blisters covering my wrists.

I winced when she locked them tight and watched her as she stood straight. She held no scent, not even to my human nose. No laundry detergent, deodorant, perfume or shampoo. Nothing. It frustrated me. Was my nose broken? Everyone surely smelt of something.

She stepped away, keeping her head down so I couldn't get a close look at her face. I frowned, and her grin fell into place once she was far enough away. She dropped the chain's lead into Master's hands gently, bowing her head as she let go.

He hummed again, playing with the chain absentmindedly. He shortened it, pulling me closer in the process. I flinched when I now stood right before him, a mere foot away from his chest. He bent down slightly, smelling me again. A low grumble left his lips, and I wasn't sure if it was a good thing or not.

"I am glad you learnt your lesson. I was not happy with what I had to do, but you see now, misbehaving has its consequences." He sighed, his hand tracing my cheek.

I mutely nodded, clenching my jaw so hard. I wanted to sprout a profanity, to complain about how this must be some weird, kink clan. But I knew better, I was smarter to know not to run my mouth. I had become comfortable in my pack, being Luna, and being able to boss around the high-ranking males. Being here reminded me of my old pack, how lightly I had to step. I had to be careful. I had to make myself better, no matter how hard it would be to listen to him. I had to get food, I had to sleep and be looked after. So that when it comes to escaping, I could tear his smug smirk from his face.

"Come, little Lycan, let's get you fed."

I nodded, allowing a small smile to fall on my lips as he led me from the room.

•••

Hello everyone! Monday already! The weeks are flying by for me

Question of the Day:
What's a saying you often find yourself repeating or living by?
Like hakuna mattata, seize the day etc

wc: 2366

Finding Luna © 2021 XDeafening_SilenceX on W a t t p a d