HIS HUNTRESS

CHAPTER NINE

ARAWN CLANThe scene that greeted her was more depressing than the thought of having a werewolf as a mate. Bodies were everywhere. Children clung to their parents' bodies as they cried for them to come back. Noel was trying to give orders to everyone to come together so they could think of a way forward, but it looked like he was having a conversation with himself as no one was standing. Some people were badly wounded and screaming in agony, while others were bleeding to death. Smoke was rising from their homes, but no one seemed to notice as they were busy weeping over their dead loved ones. Those who were lucky enough were helping the wounded get better.Iris walked over to where Noel was. "Where are my parents?" Iris asked Noel."I've been looking for them everywhere, but I can't find them, not even their bodies, which is a good sign because it means wherever they are, they are not dead," Noel said, trying to offer hope to his leader and role model. Noel had secretly admired Iris for a long time."Since they're not here, we need to take charge. Help me get everything in order. Get all the men who can work in one of the dorms that are in good condition. Then I will look for any of our nurses or doctors who are not injured and can teach a few people how to take care of the wounded," Iris said."Maybe we should call all those in stable condition to work so that we can see how many we have. That way, it will be easier to get things done when we see what resources we have," Noel suggested. Iris agreed, seeing that it was a better idea.They began gathering all the stable people who could work, including children, to help with the efforts. They also managed to secure two doctors and five nurses. With a team large enough to start working with, they began assigning tasks to everyone. The children were directed to follow a group of women who were going to organize the kitchen, while another group was tasked with collecting linens for the dorms. The men worked on repairing and organizing everything they could find, ensuring that the beds were prepared for the wounded.Doctors and nurses began training some of the men, women, and even children in basic first aid for those who were not severely wounded. As things progressed, people started getting organized, with men repairing and women cleaning rooms to host people. Wounded individuals were taken to one of the prepared dorms, which served as a makeshift health facility. Those who received treatment and were deemed stable joined the others in helping to restore order.Iris and Noel walked around, assessing what could be salvaged. They found the weapons store empty, offices in disarray, and the clinic in shambles. Despite the chaos, they managed to salvage some usable equipment and machines for a new clinic. During their walk back, a young child approached them, holding out a phone."Mommy told me to bring you this," the child said, shyly handing the phone to Iris.Iris accepted the phone and, without bothering to check the caller ID, answered it. "Hello?"A voice on the other end introduced itself as Darrell, the alpha of the Blood Moon Pack. He claimed to have Iris's parents and proposed a meeting to negotiate their release. Iris, understandably skeptical, questioned his credibility."Why should I trust you that you have my parents and that you've kept them alive until now?" Iris asked.Darrell acknowledged her doubt and offered a choice: she could either meet with them to negotiate, or they could stay put and potentially face dire consequences. He warned her not to attempt a rescue or sneak into their dungeon, as it would lead to dire consequences.Iris, rather than responding to his threat, hung up the phone and angrily smashed it against a nearby wall, shattering it into pieces. Frustrated and upset, she began kicking the wall. Noel, concerned for her safety, approached her and gently pulled her away from the wall.He held her close, allowing her to bury her face in his chest as she cried. Noel had admired Iris since they were children, and he had developed feelings for her beyond friendship. He had always tried to protect her from bullies in school, but Iris never seemed to notice his affection.Once she had calmed down, Iris moved away from Noel's embrace and splashed her face with water from a nearby tap, as it had become puffy from crying. Noel, still curious about the phone call, asked, "Who was on the phone with you? What happened to make you this upset?"Iris shared the details of the call, revealing Darrell's claim about her parents, the prophecy, and the revelation that Darrell was her mate. Noel was incredulous, unable to accept that Iris, a huntress, could be mated to a werewolf.Iris continued, explaining that they couldn't simply attack the werewolves due to the risk of losing their warriors and the prophecy. She also mentioned the need to unite with the werewolves and witches to face an impending supernatural threat."What about the prophecy?" Noel asked, intrigued.Iris revealed that the witch who had saved her had spoken of a coming doom that would affect the entire supernatural world, including hunters. Noel pondered this revelation."I didn't know that. But some of our people have been highly trained as hunters," Noel remarked.Iris went on to explain that she couldn't just refuse the meeting with Darrell, as her parents' lives were at stake. She instructed Noel to find a group of soldiers for the meeting."You have no right to tell me whether to go or not, and I wonder why you're acting like a possessive alpha all of a sudden. Those are my parents' lives that we're going to save, so don't say that you won't let me go. Now, go get the soldiers before I lose my patience," Iris said, dismissing him angrily.Noel returned half an hour later with five soldiers, two females and three males. Iris instructed them on their roles and prepared to meet with the werewolves, who were waiting for them in the Dead Valley.