Dark Aura (under editing)

Part 2 Wolf's Den: The damned and the wicked

Xavier came in, giving me news of festivals and parties. She must be doing well. It's almost a matter of time... Xavier also tells us of a full moon arising. Which will give us the perfect opportunity to flee! I can hardly contain the excitement. Eloise was less enthusiastic, probably because she'll be alone here. That's if she isn't set free... Since I've been given better meals, my magic was slowly coming back. The first time I felt it course through my body, I smiled. I felt strong and whole again with my magic being restored.

This time I won't misuse it! An honorary festival was being thrown for his mate. I couldn't wait till I made an appearance. I was given my last ration, so it's nightfall. It took a while for it to come, it's as if time is teasing me! Taking as long as possible knowing that I'm expecting for the next day to arrive. Morning came, and I was given my ration.

I no longer get insulted from the guards, or any snotty remarks. More needless moments went by as I anxiously waited for nightfall. And it came! The wolf walks over with my ration.

Before he can place it down, a shrieking howl hangs in the air. It's time! The bowl collapses on the ground. All the guards rush out leaving their posts, Xavier runs in. I stand up slowly, since it's been a while, I've stood or moved. My body is not used to this amount of movement, Xavier helps me out.

He leads me through the cavern. Then tell me to remain here. I'm nearly outside the cavern, I take a small glance and see wolves huddled around, glancing upwards and whimpering. I spot in the distance on a tall rock. Laying on the rock are two wolves, one wolf whimpering and howling and the other standing beside it. As the wolf twitches, the wolves' howls ring out. Growing louder and louder each time. Slowly and gradually, the howling wolf's chest rises each time dropping lower and softer.

Then suddenly stops. The other wolf releases a somber sounding howl. I smiled knowing who the owner of that somber sounding howl may be. As great of a ruler he was, he had one flaw, desperation and love. Love is nothing but an emotion for the fainthearted and a tool to exploit your enemies. Xavier returns. He looks at me in fear and curiosity. "What did you do to her?" I smiled even more.

"The herbs, I had them prepared normally. They don't have any effect at first, but if the portions of the broth keep continuing, then the effects kick in. Woodstock is a peculiar herb that only takes effect if the werewolf itself ingests it."

"The werewolf itself?"

"Yes, the werewolf bond I mean, the bond between man and wolf, it seeks to destroy it. In other words, the stronger the bond is. The more painful and excruciating their death will be." He looks at me in fear for the first time. He stares at me for a long moment. Realizing that he is dealing with a prisoner, but a vengeful one.

And reckless enough to go through anyone to achieve that goal. Finally, he comes to his decision, knowing that he has no choice to follow through with his promise. Unless he wants to end up like the rest of them. He leads me out the cavern taking me through what appears to be their village.

"Natalie!" Eloise calls me, Xavier steps back horrified. I guess he could not see her. "You can't leave me here!" She pleads. I turn around and face her. There's a vengeful glint in her eye. And not a hint of sadness on her?

"There's nothing I can do, Eloise." I reason with her. If I knew of any spells with ghosts or souls, I would've set her free! Just because she can't make it out doesn't mean that I can't. Her hooded eyes glance back at me. An involuntary shiver takes over me. I can't waste more time than necessary for her. I turn on my heel, with Xavier behind me.

"Yes... actually there is..." she spat thinking that was muttered low enough. I spun around to face her, Her eyes glowing. It wasn't the normal mage glint I've seen? I ran towards the exit with Xavier. A powerful force yanks me down, I use my hands to get back on my feet, but it's no use! The force weighs heavy on my back, pushing me harder to the ground. My bones thud against the ground, I clench my fists tight. Feeling the raw waves of anger coursing through me.

"Eloise, as much as I enjoyed our time together, and appreciated your help. I'm leaving." I spoke calmly with a hint of irritation. She glares at me with her head high and her eyes on me.

"NO!" The force drags my body swiftly increasing the distance to my exit. I locked my eyes on Xavier who stood there, contemplating! I clawed and scraped at the ground, fighting the invisible force. The useless attempt does nothing but leave claw marks in the dirt. Xavier is frozen, unsure of what to do. Well, he better think of something! She's too powerful for me to use my magic on.

"I agreed to make the wolves suffer, and I killed the Alpha's mate for crying out loud! I FULFILLED MY PROMISE SO WHY CAN'T YOU FULFILL YOURS!" I demanded. She looked at me with her chest heaving and her mouth clamped shut.

"I STOOD HERE FOR TEN YEARS, TEN WHOLE YEARS IN THIS HELL!" she spoke with a demonic voice. Her face turned into an ugly scowl as her arms flung by her sides. "AND THEN YOU SHOW UP! YOU ESCAPE NOT EVEN IN FIVE YEARS! IT'S NOT RIGHT!" I open my mouth to speak, but she intervenes again. "YOU DON'T EVEN HAVE A FAMILY TO GO BACK TO! OR CHILDREN LIKE I HAD!"

"And It's better for me to die." I jerked my head to the side and faced her angry gaze with a cocky one. "Not being given a chance to make a life for myself like you had?" As if I was truly offended and appalled by her comment... Of course, children have never been on my mind! But she doesn't need to know that. I feel a slight tug on my dress, Xavier attempts to drag me while in his wolf form. This seems to aggravate her even more, Elosie thrashes him to the side. Throwing him full force against a tree, he hits the tree hard. He howls out a loud, shrieking whimper. He slides down hitting the floor.

Dammit! She heaves in anger. "I doubt anyone would be looking for you." She spat bitterly. She hovered in front of me and spoke in her normal voice.
"I doubt you even have a place to call home." She spat. She hovered in front of me, staring at me with eyes; burning with hatred.

I gasped as I was yanked up in the air, lying on my back! I twisted my head to see her reaching out her hand. Magic oozes from her fingertips. Unlike other mages, her magic comes out wispy and faint. The color of her faint magic is a bright blue, spring green. I've never seen a mage's magic with such a color. Her hands slowly move in a circle; encasing the magic. As she continues to do this, she keeps her menacing eyes locked on mine.