Chapter 18: Shadows Over
Redwood (Ariana’s POV)
The sun was setting as I trudged back to Redwood, the weight of unanswered questions pressing heavily on my shoulders.
Scott had been in the library, his scent and presence lingering in my mind. Seeing. him, even from the shadows, had stirred emotions I’d thought I’d buried. But I had returned home empty–handed.
The diary’s cryptic words still gnawed at me. The curse, the legacy–it all pointed back to the Shadowstone pack and Scott. Yet, no one had given me the answers I needed. It was just more puzzle.
When I reached the edge of Redwood, something felt… off.
The familiar scents of home–the pine trees, the earthy trails, the faint scent of wildflowers–were overpowered by
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Chapter 18: Shadows Over Redwood (Ariana’s POV)
something stronger, more aggressive. Shadowstone.
I quickened my pace, my heart pounding.
As I entered the clearing, the sight before me made me freeze.
The Shadowstone’s warriors were
everywhere.
The pack‘ s flag, a stark black wolf silhouetted against a silver moon, was planted firmly in the center of the village square. Redwood‘ s elders stood at the forefront, their faces etched with a mixture of anger and defeat.
“What is going on?” I whispered to myself.
The answer came quickly.
“Redwood pack is no longer yours to command.”
The voice was sharp, cold. I turned to see Elias, the Shadowstone council member I had trusted. He stood beside a towering
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Chapter 18: Shadows Over Redwood (Ariana’s POV)
warrior clad in Shadowstone’s dark armor, his expression unreadable.
“Elias,” I called out, my voice laced with disbelief. “What is this?”
He turned to me, his gaze briefly softening.
“Ariana, it’s for the best. Redwood cannot stand alone against the growing rogue threat. Shadowstone is stepping in to ensure the pack‘ s survival.”
“By claiming our land?” I snapped, stepping closer. “This is an invasion!”
Elias sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “It’s not like that. The rogues are organizing, forming larger groups, and targeting smaller packs. Shadowstone‘ s strength will protect Redwood, but only if the packs unite under one banner.
I turned to Elder Merrick, Redwood‘ s oldest and wisest leader, hoping for some resistance. But his shoulders sagged under the weight of defeat.
“We have no choice,” Merrick said, his
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Chapter 18: Shadows Over Redwood (Ariana’s POV)
voice barely a whisper. “Our numbers are too few. We cannot fight off both the rogues
and Shadowstone.”
I felt a flare of anger rise in my chest.
“Shadowstone isn‘ t here to protect us- they’re here to take control. You‘ re handing over everything we’ve built.”
“Ariana.” Elias‘ s voice was calm but
firm. “This isn‘ t about control. It‘ s
about survival.”
The air grew tense as murmurs spread among the Redwood wolves. Some looked angry, others resigned. Children clung to their parents, sensing the unease in the air.
The Shadowstone warrior took a step toward me, his posture threatening. “Careful, girl. Defiance won’t be tolerated.”
I refused to back down, meeting his gaze. with defiance of my own. “This is my
home. My pack. You don’t get to waltz in here and act like you own us.”
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Chapter 18: Shadows Over Redwood (Ariana’s POV)
“Ariana, stop,” Elder Merrick pleaded. “Please.”
But I couldn’t. Not when everything I loved was being taken away.
Before the situation could escalate further, a loud howl cut through the air. Every wolf turned toward the sound. It was a call to
assemble–a command.
Elias straightened, his expression unreadable. “That’s the Alpha‘ s call. I
suggest everyone prepare.”
That night, I couldn’t sleep. The weight of everything–Scott, the curse, the
Shadowstone invasion–pressed heavily on my chest.
I stared out the window of my small cabin, watching as Shadowstone warriors. patrolled the edges of our territory.
This wasn’t over.
I didn’t know how, but I would find a way to protect Redwood. To protect my child.
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Chapter 18: Shadows Over Redwood (Ariana’s POV)
So, I put my cloak on and knocked on Elias‘ room. As soon as he opened his door I said, “I’m leaving. I need to hide from Scott and your pack until I get answers to protect my love ones.”
“You do know I cannot lie to Alpha,” he said, hesitating.
“You don’t have to. Just don’t twll him unless he asked. Please, Elder…”
HHedidn’t agree and just nodded his head.
After that meeting, I walked away and hid
in the shadows.
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