— •🔥 Emilia 🔥• —

Stupid. I feel so stupid. I let her leave and it's been hours. I know something is up, but she's blocked me out of the mind-link so I don't know how I'm meant to contact her.

Can you not just find her? Yanno, like you usually do? Follow the pull.

Thanks Mitzi, why didn't I think of that.

Because you're stupid.

Thanks. I deadpan.

Hey! Your words not mine!

But I better wait until nightfall. It's dangerous to travel during the day with you Mitzi. I can try to track her in human form but with the blocked mind link it's a weaker signal. I honestly have no idea where she is.

You'll find her, just trust the process girl. We got this, we'll find her.

Oh hey Brixel, nice of you to join the conversation.

Yeah well I though I could add some flare to the conversation, it was going kinda downhill.

I-

The only flare she needs is me.

Brixel breaks into laughter at Mitzi's words. Stop with the jokes, I can't.

It was pretty good wasn't it?

Girls stop please. I need to focus and figure out what to do.

Oh yeah, sorry em!

It's okay. Right so I'm going to either travel slowly today, or stay here and then travel at night. There is every chance that the hawk saw us yesterday and my family could be looking for me.

Or Isabella.

Why would they be looking for Isabella?

You think you're the only person who feels her strength when she's in wolf form, she's definitely a high status wolf of some sort. And as for the pull, theres two kinds. There's a weaker pull to her because of her power. I can feel the weaker pull. Mitzi is the one who feels the stronger pull. What that pull means yet I don't know but I do know we need to find her before your family or someone else does.

Yeah you're right. What if they have Isabella? If someone has hurt her I swear to god I'm going to murder them with my teeth.

My body starts burning up.

You need to calm down. Both of you.

I will kill anyone who touches her.

Mitzi! Calm. Please. You'll put yourself in danger like this. Then how do you suppose we find izzy?

I'm take a deep breath in and then back out, repeating until my heart rate is back to normal and my skin is cool.

Sorry girls. I don't know what happened.

I think I do.

What?

I think she's your mate.

My mate?

My mate. We've found my mate. Wait... as a cured spirit can I even have a mate?

But there's still every possibility it's something else and she's not your mate. Just a thought. We're gonna have to see what happens, we can't go calling her out mate when we aren't sure. Besides aren't you supposed to know when someone is your mate.

Yeah you are. And if she's Mitzi's mate then surely Mitzi would have thought of the idea first.

I didn't think I could have a mate.

Sadness overtakes me as she whimpers. Steady on the emotions girl.

Sorry.

I need time to think. Do you girls mind?

I slowly push them to the back of my mind. The constant opposing emotions of both of them can be overwhelming sometimes. Besides, Mitzi's sadness has just put me in a bad mood.

I wander around for a while, trying to find somewhere to rest up before I begin my travel.

Eventually, I lay down and try get some sleep. When I awake it's dusk. Perfect.

Mitzi, you ready?

The thought of finding Izzy is all too exciting and she practically jumps to the front of my mind, pushing to shift.

Mitzi go steady, I want an easy shift, it's been a while since I've been in your form.

Sorry. I'm just excited to finally be out.

I get up and start running, it seems odd but for some reason I find it easier to shift when moving, even though logically it should be harder.

I begin to shift into my second spirit.

The transition begins as my feet slowly turn to paws as I run along the soft grass, my muscles and bones cracking as I sprint, moving to their new position. There's a gentle fizz in my ear as the sound of my bones fusing together in the new formation finally clicks. My skin sprouts thick patchy red and black fur and my face morphs to a snout. Lastly, my fluffy black tail grows in and I shake it out, completing the shift.

I let out an excited yip and slow to try find the direction of the pull.

Being in my fox form, the pull is so much stronger, it's coming from the east. I can practically feel the energy wrapping around my paws and pulling me towards it.

I carry on through the night until I get to an abandoned building. The pull getting both stronger and weaker with every step. The raw ache in my heart ceases but the connection and peace bonds stronger.

I sniff the perimeter, they're here. They've got her. Somehow managing to stay calm and keep Mitzi under control I take rest by the shelter of the shadows, just on the edge of the woods. I need to figure out a plan. Without them finding me.

— •⚡️Isabella⚡️• —

I look up to face my captor. He's actually not bad for someone who is probably going to murder me. I suppose they always are. Villains always seem to have a sick and twisted charm that makes girls fall for them.

Oh wait... didn't one of those wolf shifters say something about an alpha wanting me? What would an alpha want a rogue for? Usually wolf packs kill trespassing rogues or that's what Emilia told me. Unless he wants the satisfaction of killing me himself.

I shudder at the thought. Athena?

...

Athena?

Oh shit this is bad. What have they done to me? They can't know I'm a wolf? How do they know? I have the necklace. Maybe just a lucky guess.

I hope Emilia is okay. I swear if she tries to find me and gets herself hurt I'll never forgive myself. I was mad at her but right now all I want is to see her, instead I'm bound to a chair with a creepily attractive kidnapper, probably about to live through the last few minutes of my life.

"Ahem." I hear that same deep voice that just moments ago gave me a very weird welcoming by somehow knowing my name.

I didn't even realise I had zoned out until I returned my gaze to his eyes to see an annoyed fire blaze within them. Ah so he must be used to getting continuous attention off all his other victims.

The man stood before me has brown hair and fairly thick eyebrows and a decent amount of facial hair I must say, a rather rugged look. And his eyes, they're grey. Beautifully grey. Some would say boring and dull, but to me the sheer gleam of hidden secrets is enough to entice me.

He may be good looking for a man who is probably going to kill me, but I'm not going to give him the satisfaction of knowing that- he can't read my mind right? Wait of course not.

I force a bored and irritated tone. "I suppose you're used to all your victims falling at your feet? Have you never had one of them ignore you? The attention must be nice."

He smiles. Yep definitely a villain. I'd have expecting him to scowl or frown, nope we got a smiler over here.

He snarls his teeth back and let's out an obnoxious laugh. "Darling, I love the attitude but if you ever want to see your family again I suggest you shut up."

I stare at him blankly. "I ran away, is it not clear if I wanted to see my family again, I would have gone home by now. I know it's you who has been following me."

He folds his arms and scoffs as if he doesn't believe me. "I mean your real family... for family isn't always blood my darling."

Those words struck a core. Does he know about Emilia? If he hurts her I might just have to kill a bitch.

He must notice my change in body language because he smirks, that knowing look sprawled all across his face. "Ah so there is someone."

I don't speak, internally wishing I could burn him alive with my eyes.

"Well, you can keep being a cold bitch and stay here or you can come with me." He says, spitting the word bitch.

I eye him up and down. Does he really mean it? Can I trust him? Can I trust anyone really?

You can trust Emilia.

Athena!!

Not too excited my child, he reads body language well.

"What are you so excited about darling?" He enquires, raising an eyebrow.

I flash him a smile. "So I'm not allowed to excited at the prospect of being untied from this chair?" I hum.

He frowns. "I suppose..." and then smirks, "but who said anything about untying you darling, I rather like the idea of you being tied up."

I gag, "creep."

He smiles and begins untying me, "oh hush, you like me really."

I clasp and unclasp my hands at the feeling of my wrist being free from the rope. The marks burn deep in my skin. Holy shit, how tight did he tie them? And why am I only just noticing how much it hurts. Adrenaline I guess.

"You could have gone easy on me, my wrists are raw, you practically cut off my circulation." I exclaim, holding my wrists out in front of him.

With that, he grasps my arm and leans forwards, "well I rather like the look of the marks on you."

I pull my arm out of his grip and stare at him. "Oh so you're a sadist."

He leans even further forwards and whispers in my ear. "Only for you darling."

Uh what a creep.

"Whatever, let's just go see the alpha." I say nonchalantly.

I swear I hear him mutter something along the lines of 'I am the alpha... technically.' But I'm unsure. Whatever they put in me seems to have really messed with my senses. Do you think it was wolfsbane?

Doubt it. They don't know you're a wolf... I think. But anyways, it was probably something that makes you sleepy and stuff, I mean they did kidnap you, they're not gonna want you to put up a fight. Maybe it just really drained you. Wolfsbane wouldn't have wore off yet.

"You're awfully quiet darling." He murmurs as we exit the cold, concrete prison and make our way outside.

Maybe I could escape? I mean I could turn into my wolf and kick his ass right? I've taken on three wolves before. Well not really, I've only ever fought one wolf at a time.

He leans down close to me again and pulls on my arm to slow me. "I hope you're not thinking of running away darling. I'm a wolf or did you forget? I could kill you right now."

If I was human I would have shuddered with fear at the thought but I know me and Athena could definitely kick his ass. But I like having the upper hand. Let him think I'm human, I find it amusing actually.

I look up at him, "I'm not going to run, don't worry." And nudge him to continue walking.

He recoils back in shock. "You're not running away?" He asks.

No I'm not idiot. Do I really have to repeat myself?

"No I'm not." I repeat in a slightly irritated tone.

"You know what's good for you that's why." He praises happy.

Well he definitely took that the wrong way. Why is he so weird?

"Besides," I shrug, "I kind of want to see the alpha. I mean why would an alpha want a runaway like me?" I say pondering the idea.

He seems to become saddened by this because his shoulder slump and his jaw clenches tight. I want to question it but realise potentially angering my captor may not be the best idea.

He walks the rest of the journey hastily.

We eventually make it to a huge mansion looking building. There's a huge cobble path leading up to the door. The whole setting has a quaint rustic look about it.

"It's nice." I say scanning the area and nodding appreciatively.

"Glad you like your new home." He mutters.

"My new home?!" I exclaim, stopping in my tracks.

He shows a toothy grin and speaks me into silence. "That's what I said wasn't it?"

I can't believe it. They're really not letting me go. I mean I should have suspected this, they clearly want me for something. I just can't think of what.

Athena?

Maybe they want Athena. They don't know about my wolf right? But what if they do.

As I think about all the possible reasons they want me here? And to stay of all things, I don't realise that we are inside the main building.

Creepy captor over here aggressively shoves me up the stairs as I stop dead.

I want to argue but honestly, anxiety is eating me away and I can't even bare to think of a witty comeback.

He seems to notice this because he stops being so rough and speaks with a much gentler tone. "Don't worry so much darling, the alpha doesn't bite." He starts, "well I suppose it all depends on how you react, keep this shy submissive act up and you'll live. But I suppose he may like your cold edge. You never know with the alpha."

I gulp. Great, so we have a bipolar alpha that may or may not kill me. Well this day keeps getting better.

When we reach the top of the stairs, we turn left and head through the door, into what I assume is the alpha's work room. There are paintings and pictures on the wall with good detailing glittered around the room, giving it a somewhat regal look, compared to the warm and cozy feel of the rest of the building.

The far end of the room holds a window on the wall which looks out over the forest, hills, lake and would you guess, my camp. So he's probably been watching me, stalker.

Just before the window, is a large pine wood desk that is fairly tidy actually. I suppose as an alpha he has a reputation to uphold.

Creep guy pulls on my arm slightly as a cue to follow him. We walk over to the space next to the desk and wait.

I guess we are waiting for mr alpha to very kindly join us.

Athena? Do you think he's going to hurt us?

No, although I'm not quite sure what he wants. I'll always help you through anything, no matter how awful, okay?

Okay.

And on that note the door swings open and a powerful presence encompasses me. I was expecting the power emitted to be stronger than it is but I suppose there could be a reasoning behind that. Maybe he's a new alpha or he's ill.

Or maybe it's because we are stronger than he is?

But he's an alpha?

Yeah, and you're a badass, now shush and grace the alpha, you don't want die yet. Not until we find somewhere to escape from.

I kneel before him, whether I'm supposed to or not I feel this act of submission and courtesy would give me brownie points.

He smiles with satisfaction and grunts. "At least you have manners."

I scoff, completely loosing my shy and quiet facade. I do however manage to bite my tongue and hold back whatever crude comment I was about to make.

Mr creep gives me a glance as if to tell me to behave. I roll my eyes and give my full attention to the alpha.

"So what are you gonna do with me? Kill me? Torture me? I mean what do you want a homeless person for?" I demandingly ask.

He seems slightly taken aback but replies with a steady tone of voice. "Without the safety of your camp, you will just get put down as a missing/killed person. You are going to be staying with us sweetheart and as for what we are doing with you, well that entirely depends on how you behave."

I just nod my head in agreement. I don't want to show fear and give him the satisfaction of scaring me.

He makes a 'hmmm' noise and then says "follow me." And turns around, to which I obediently follow.

We go out onto the corridor, past the stairs and to the other side of the building.

Walking through a big archway, I'm met with rows of doors, something like a hotel or apartment would have, I think that's what they're called.

He walks to the end of the corridor and signals to the left. "This is your room. I'll send someone to get you some new clothes, or retrieve yours old ones." He says.

I open my mouth to reply but he's already out of the door. Alright then.

After that wonderful welcome, I decide I probably need a shower. I go towards the door at the other side of the room, hoping that it is a bathroom.

Of course it's a bathroom. What did you think it was gonna be? A torture room?

I mean maybe, you never know with these lot.

The bathroom is mainly white, with a rose gold tinge running along the tiles, the rims of the toilet and shower, the toothbrush pot holder thingy and the other thingy that is by the toilet.

I strip and hop in the shower, pleasure running through me as the warm water hits my skin.

My shower is ruined when a sharp pain hits me in my chest, it rolls over my body wave after wave. The pain jolts me backwards slightly and I slip, falling to the floor of the shower clutching my chest. Am I having a heartattack? Am I going to die?

You're okay. It's not a heart attack.

Then what is it? It hurtsssss.

I don't know.

When the pain subsides slightly, I look down and notice my necklace has changed from its usual purple colour to green. Huh? Why has it changed?

Athena?

Green? That's odd...

Wait, do you think it's something to do with Emilia?

I don't know, I thought Emilia's changed pink to clear when she released her spirit.

Yeah... so did I.

There's a strong throbbing in my chest, which makes me feel quite overwhelmed after the previous heart attack scare.

I don't notice but it is gradually getting weaker.

I feel a warm sensation in my chest which almost feels like it's pulling me towards the West.

I think Emilia's coming.

I hope so.

Overwhelmed by the strange pains and sensations of my body I decide do finish up in the bathroom and go to sleep on the large luxury bed which I didn't really notice when I first walked in.

Head, hitting the pillow, I fall asleep instantly.

Word count [3362]

Hey guys, so I finallyyyy let you in on what Emilia's second spirit is, there's some other secrets about her that you'll learn pretty soon as well.

Did anyone guess it was a fox - I know foxes don't climb trees which led a few of you to think maybe a panther of some sort. The clues were her speed and agility, but they could have been passed off as her assassin training which may have tricked a few of you.

If you still read my book (I know it's been a long time) comment here what you thought her second spirit was, I'm curious.

If you read to the bottom of this authors note thank you, love you, stay safe and I'll see you in the next chapter

- Bri xox