Four Years Ago

I woke up the next morning disoriented and in pain, but placed back in my bedroom from what I could gather. My face throbbed, and I could feel a dull pulsing ache coming from beneath my left rib. I went to touch it and immediately hissed as a wave of pain shot through my body.

Every muscle ached from the fight. Yet, it was my spirit that felt the most battered and bruised.

"Any chance of using that power of mine to heal me?" I asked my wolf.

Silence met me and I sighed as I rolled onto my side, staring out the window. Blue skies and a gentle breeze that ruffled the top branches of the oak tree. My oak tree. Freedom, I thought.

That ancient oak tree stood like a sentinel was my last hope of getting out of here.

I watched the chirping birds fly across the clear sky.

Freedom.

I rolled to the other side, not wanting to watch for a second longer. My freedom had gone the second I stepped foot inside this mansion.

I laid in bed for the next hour. I didn't bother getting out. What was the point anymore? I laid cocooned within the tangled embrace of my bedsheets.

Tears streamed down my face, soaking into the fabric of my pillow. Each breath was a struggle, each inhalation pulling me deeper into a dark void. Happier memories of my friends and my pack came back to torment me. Their laughter and the warmth of their presence seemed so distant. I wondered what they thought of me. Did they even know what happened to me? Did Selina tell them? Had they come searching for me?

I missed them terribly. Their absence in my life left an ache in my heart.

My thoughts drifted to my family, my father, and my mother. I missed her touch, her warm hugs and making me breakfast. All the little things I took for granted. And my baby sister, Lara, whose laughter was the purest sound in the world. The thought of missing her first birthday cut deep, a reminder that I had betrayed my family and my pack when I joined Sebastian.

I even missed my brother, Donavan. The ache in my chest intensified as I remembered them all, each memory a more painful than the last, as they started to fade from my conscious.

I sobbed quietly, feeling utterly defeated. The weight of it all pressed down on me, making it hard to breathe. I didn't even care if Sebastian was going to punish me for not showing up for training practice this morning. Even if I was injured, he would still expect me to be there.

All I wanted was for the pain to end, to return to Havenwood, to my wolf pack, where I belonged.

A soft knock at the door pulled me from my misery. Panic surged through me as I quickly wiped my face, trying to compose myself. The door creaked open, and John entered the room.

A mixture of pity and sorrow filled his eyes.

"If you're here to tell me, 'I told you so,' kindly fuck off!"

"Well, I did warn you Sebastian would hurt you."

"What are you doing here?" I turned to go back to bed. Now was not the time to make friends. "Can't you see I'm reflecting on my poor life choices?"

"I came to talk." John sighed, running a hand through his blonde hair as he leaned against the door, waiting for me to say something. When I didn't, he continued, "Is it selfish of me to feel happy that Sebastian no longer hurts me or my sister because he's too distracted by you?"

"Fuck off."

But John ignored me as a sad expression fell upon his face. "I'm sorry for not defending you."

"You're just a teenager. There's not much you can do against an alpha like Sebastian." I sat up slowly, my movements sluggish from exhaustion.

I knew little about John since arriving at the pack house. He and his sister kept to themselves, and tried not to draw attention. But the few times I had encountered him within the mansion, he was always protective of his twin sister.

And other than the day I first met his sister, she'd hadn't spoken a word to me. She was more aloof than he was. There was something odd about her. She didn't have the normal scent of a werewolf. It was faint. She smelled more human than werewolf.

"How did you end up here?" I asked, my voice hoarse. "You're his younger brother, but you act like his prisoner."

John sat down on the edge of the bed and leaned forward, propping his elbows onto his knees. "Because I am."

Silence fell between us.

"You're not the only one who lives in misery." John sighed, squinting his eyes shut as he continued, "Everyone, the entire pack, even Ms. Lang, are Sebastian's puppets. Sebastian coerced some of us into joining him, while others who attempted to leave ended up dead. So we have no choice but to listen to Sebastian's commands if we wish to live. It's been like that for centuries."

"What do you mean, centuries?" I asked, sitting up again.

"Didn't he tell you? Sebastian's immortal?"

My mouth fell open as I shut up. "Nobody tells me shit! He can't be immortal. How is that even possible?"

"Sebastian was the original werewolf for the Drake family. Turned by the Lunar Goddess."

"Are you immortal?"

"No, but my parents and my eldest brother underwent the same turning process as Sebastian." It's what makes the Royal Packs so powerful and special, they're immortal." John shook his head. "Lizzie and I are still mortal, and we won't go through the process of turning immortal until we turn eighteen. Or so our parents had planned before Sebastian took us away."

I sat up straight in shock and threw the covers away from me. Not caring about my throbbing ribs, I got out of bed and marched over to my bookshelf where my copy of the Wolf King sat. I opened it and flicked through the pages. Why did I never piece this together earlier? I kept skimming through the text until I prodded my finger down on the chapter I wanted.

"Oh, Goddess," I covered my mouth. "Sebastian was the Wolf King's right-hand man."

The story never mentioned Sebastian's name. He was only ever referred to as the Wolf King's right-hand man. A manipulative character who lied and cheated, and was in love with the Wolf King, which made him extremely jealous of the Wolf King's mate.

John nodded. "After the General Wolf defeated the Wolf King, Sebastian was banished from the family pack for his part in the Great War."

All this time, Sebastian had been lying to me. I knew he had been lying to me but not this much. Did that mean the Novaks weren't at war with the Drakes? They were at war with Sebastian. What other truths had he been hiding from me? The Novak heir, did he even want me dead? Was anything Sebastian told me the truth? It was hard to know what was lies and was the truth.

I shook my head, and frowned, sitting up straight, trying to process his words. "Is that why he took you from your parents?"

"Yes." John took a deep breath, his gaze distant as a shadow of pain crossed his face. "Sebastian manipulated me as a child. He convinced me that our father was a bad person who wanted to awaken the Wolf King and had Sebastian kicked out for trying to stop him. I believed Sebastian and joined his pack, even convincing Lizzie to join. But it was all lies. It's Sebastian who wants to awaken the Wolf King. He only wanted me as a hostage against our father to legitimize his rogue pack as part of the Drake Family."

"Why does Sebastian want to awaken the Wolf King?" My voice trembled with a mixture of fear and anger.

"Because of the prophecy that promises his return. But because he wants to bring back the glory days, when werewolves ruled above humans. But he can't accomplish that without the power of the Wolf King."

"What prophecy?"

John's expression turned grim as he recited, "When the crimson moon casts its eerie light, the Alpha Prime shall emerge from the night. Yet the threads of fate are woven with treachery, and his fated mate shall shatter his destiny. His darkened soul shall snuff out the light, bringing the King's power back into might." He paused, his eyes locking onto mine. "Sebastian believes he's the Alpha Prime who will bring back the Wolf King, or some bullshit like that."

"You don't really believe in that, do you?"

"Well, I didn't until..." He met my gaze, and the fear in his eyes was unmistakable, cutting through me like a blade.

"Until what?" My voice trembled, matching the unease in his expression.

"Your power to heal," he whispered. "Sebastian is so fascinated with your power because he believes it's the key to awakening the Wolf King."

A gush of air came out of my lungs as I took in everything John was telling me. That's why Sebastian was so obsessed with me. I looked down at my hands and scrunched them into fists, promising myself I wouldn't allow anyone to use my power to bring back the Wolf King.

"I need your help to getting out of here."

John timidly shook his head. "I can't."

"Why not?," I said, trying to steady myself as I gazed out the window. The full moon would be here in under twelve hours. Tonight was my only chance of escaping, while Sebastian was out on his pack run.

"If I try to help you escape, Sebastian will hurt Lizzie," John's voice cracked. "He uses her to control me. If I step out of line, she suffers. Lizzie's not like us. She's never been able to turn into her wolf."

I knew there was something different about her. She was wolf-less.

"Please," I begged him, falling to my knees in front of him. "If you help me. I promise to come back with my pack and help you escape. Even if you keep Sebastian distracted during the full moon tonight, I'll be able to slip away without being noticed."

"What about Ms. Lang? She's always watching you. She'll know you're trying to escape before you've stepped foot out of the mansion." He was shaking his head. "I can't be a part of this. It's too risky."

"Please, you know your can't stay in this place forever. There has to be someone or something that makes you want to leave."

"Fredrik." A sad frown made its way onto John's face. "He's my older brother. Unlike Sebastian, he was always kind to me when I was a child."

"I'm sure he misses you."

"I know he does." John wiped his running nose as he sniffled. "Every full moon, I sense him nearby when we go on our pack run. Trying to break through Sebastian's ranks and free me."

"Is there anyway you can get a communication through to him? Get him to help us escape?"

John shook his head.

"I can."

We both turned around as the door creaked open to find Lizzie standing in the doorway. A sheepish look across her face.

"I may not turn into my wolf, but I've always been able to connect to other wolves spiritually over long distances. Every full moon I speak with Fredrik to let him know we're doing well."

Excitement brewed within me. A sense of hope that I might finally free myself.

"Would you be able to contact Fredrick and let him know we plan on escaping tonight?"

Lizzie nodded.

"Stop!" John shouted. "This is too dangerous and I won't let you hurt yourself."

"I can't stay here a second longer," Lizzie sobbed. "Sebastian intends to marry me off to form an alliance with another pack that wants to bring back the Wolf King." She wiped her eyes and stared determinedly at John. "You know I wish to find my fated mate. You promised you would help me find him one day."

John screwed his face up. "Fine!"

"So..." I drawled out. "What's the plan?"

John thought for a moment, closing his eyes as he thought of a plan.

"Nate, you will go to your morning practise session as normal with Sebastian..."

We spent the next hour discussing our plan of escape. I would head outside for my practise session as normal. Meanwhile, Lizzie would use her spiritual powers to get in contact with her Fredrik to inform them of their escape. Then, during the full moon, John would attend the pack run with Sebastian, and meet up with Fredrik if possible. Meanwhile, back at the mansion, Lizzie and I would plan our own escape from the mansion using the oak tree to climb over the fence. Hopefully, Fredrik and John had given Sebastian the slip and would meet us at the oak tree. From there we should be able to escape, and with Fredrik's help, we had a better fighting chance of survival.

It sounded easier said than done, but they're still lots of obstacles in the way. John still had to get away from the pack to meet with Fredrik without being caught, and Lizzie and I somehow had to get away from Ms. Lang, who no doubt would watch my every move during the full moon.

I raked my hand through my hair. This was going to be a lot harder than I realized. But it was all we had. I weighed down our options: stay a prisoner in Sebastian's pack or escape. It was an enormous risk. Yet, the idea of escaping, of saving John and Lizzie, and finding a way back to my family was too good to miss.

"It's not a bullet proof plan," I finally admitted, the resolve in my voice masking the turmoil inside. "But if it means getting out of here, then what other choice do we have?"

John nodded. "We'll need to be careful. If Sebastian suspects anything..."

I nodded, a look of shared understanding passed between us. "I know."

I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. "Alright."

"Alright."

We both nodded and once agreed on the plan, John and Lizzie left my room.

I laid back down, feeling a new sense of purpose cutting through the darkness and extinguishing the exhaustion and despair that had gripped me for so long.

For the first time in forever, I felt a sense of direction, a reason to endure. I would play Sebastian's game, bide my time until the full moon tonight, and when the moment came, I would seize my chance at freedom.

***

My hands trembled as I reached for the small tin of nightmoss on the counter in my bathroom. Its earthy scent help to calm my nerves.

Lighting a piece, I took a deep drag, letting the smoke fill my lungs and soothe my racing heart. Each breath brought a measure of calm, a brief respite from the storm raging inside me.

Feeling somewhat more composed, I dressed quickly, pulling on my training clothes. I glanced at myself in the mirror; the image reflecting a face covered in black bruises, but my eyes glinted with determination. Taking a deep breath, I practiced my fake smile; the expression looking almost natural after a year of practicing in front of Sebastian.

With one last look in the mirror, I squared my shoulders and headed outside for morning combat practice. Ms. Lang was hot on my heel the moment I made it down the stairs.

I walked out to the training grounds, my bō staff held firmly in my hand. The crisp morning was air filled with the sounds of the forest waking up, but I focused solely on the upcoming session.

Despite last night, I'd grown stronger since meeting Sebastian. My body had built muscle, my endurance had increased, and I had become a formidable wolf. I just had to remind myself of that. I needed to remember that I was strong and confident, ready to face whatever Sebastian threw my way.

As I approached the training grounds, I saw Sebastian waiting, his eyes narrowing as he caught sight of me swinging my bo staff.

"I didn't think you'd come after last night," he scoffed. "Color me surprised."

"Are we doing this?" I rolled my shoulders.

"You're eager?" He arched his brow. "Ready?" His voice carried a hint of challenge that ignited a fire in my heart.

I nodded, gripping my staff tighter, feeling the power surge through me. "I'm ready."

The session began with the usual intensity, but this time, I was more prepared. I moved with a newfound confidence, my body responding almost instinctively to Sebastian's attacks. I countered his strikes swiftly, with precise and powerful movements.

Sebastian's expression grew more serious when he realized I was not the same submissive trainee I had been. And with my bō staff, I was a more dangerous and formidable opponent. If only they had allowed me to use the staff during our ritual combat, I would have easily defeated him.

My attacks were strong and well-placed, catching Sebastian off guard several times. A forceful blow nearly knocked him off balance, earning a glare of irritation.

Sebastian's annoyance grew with his frown. He fought back harder, his strikes becoming more aggressive and punishing.

Despite the escalating ferocity, I held my ground, deflecting and countering with remarkable skill. Swinging the staff around my body effortlessly, it had become second nature, an extension of my arm.

Sebastian growled in frustration when I landed a strike on his head. His face having screwed up. It spurred me on, and a small, rebellious spark ignited within me.

In a burst of anger, Sebastian lashed out with a brutal swing, catching me off guard. The blow hit me hard in the torso, causing me to gasp as the air was knocked out of me. The hit sent me sprawling to the ground. Pain radiated through my side as Sebastian stood over me, his eyes cold.

"What are you doing?" he snarled.

"Sorry," I gritted through my teeth, reminding myself I needed Sebastian to believe I was submissive to him, so not to arouse suspicion. "I don't know what came over me."

I ground my teeth through the pain as I pushed myself up, standing tall despite the throbbing ache in my ribs.

"Why do you always make me have to hurt you?" he snapped.

Sebastian ended the session with a frustrated growl as he stormed off.

I allowed myself a small, triumphant smirk. Despite the pain and the harsh words, I'd irked Sebastian. It was a small victory, but it was mine.

Standing tall, I took a deep breath and gripped my bō staff with renewed strength. I swung the staff with precision and strength, the movement fluid and deadly.

I focused on my technique, channeling my frustration and anger into each swing. The staff became an extension of my will, a symbol of my defiance against Sebastian's control.

I moved through a series of complex maneuvers, each one more powerful and precise than the last. Finding a rhythm that matched the pounding of my heart.

The surrounding air seemed to vibrate with the intensity of my routine, the sheer force of my swings sending ripples through the surrounding foliage, echoing through the otherwise silent morning.

As I continued to practice, my mind cleared and my focus sharpened. The oppression of Sebastian's rule all faded into the background. In this moment, it was just me and the bō staff. A dance of strength and skill that reaffirmed my growing power.

My smile grew, enjoying the deadly dance. I was understanding why the Wolf King's favorite weapon was the bō staff.

Each swing and each strike was a step towards my goal. I would endure, I would grow stronger, and one day...

"I will kill you, Sebastian Drake."