Power

Be Cautious

Fairytale, that's what it all seemed like to Ivy, or rather a very sick and twisted nightmare disguised as a fairytale in which Ivy was both the star and a victim.

The town of Lilac Shores was an interesting one filled with creatures from fairytales, nightmares, and the monsters under your bed. Ivy pitied The unsuspecting humans. They were at the very bottom of the food chain and perceived as weak, and yes, they were weaker than the supernaturals, but just like every other species, they had their strengths and weaknesses. 
If someone had told Ivy she would be meeting an alpha wolf now, she would have laughed, but she couldn't because everything was so real and disturbing.

"Don't worry, I'm sure he just wants to make sure you aren't a threat. It's what the alpha's supposed to do." Isabel murmured as they swiftly made their way through a bustling crowd.

That was easier said than done. Ivy could not help but worry. She didn't miss the wolves' curious yet threatening stares as they walked by, no doubt wondering what an outsider was doing in their pack.

They soon came upon a three-story cabin-like house. The house exuded rustic charm with its wooden exterior, featuring a mix of log and timber construction. Large windows and a wraparound porch provided a welcoming facade.

Outside, a lush, manicured lawn spreads out in front of the house, bordered by vibrant flower beds and neatly trimmed hedges. A stone path meanders through the garden, leading to a variety of colorful plants and fragrant herbs. In one corner, a small vegetable patch thrives, providing fresh produce. Birdhouses and feeders attract an array of birds, adding to the serene, natural ambiance.

Isabel then came to a halt and stared Ivy in the eyes with seriousness. "Now, like I said, it's really not going to be that bad—that is, if you tell the truth at all times you know, just tell him what he wants to know. He's a good alpha; as long as you're not a threat to our pack, he'll help. Just stay calm." Ivy pondered briefly before nodding. She was unfamiliar with these people. This pack.

She could be marching to her death, but she was confident of one thing: she would rather be with the wolves than the witches right now.

Once they approached the doors, Isabel knocked, and a deep voice rang out, "Who is it?" the voice firmly asked. "It's Issie; the alpha requested to see me." Isabel replied. Ivy felt nervous about meeting an alpha wolf. From what John had told her, they were very intimidating and powerful.

Nevertheless, after a few seconds, the door was opened, and Isabel dragged Ivy through the big yet cozy, dark, bohemian-like styled house. She was pulled up the stairs until she was standing in front of a dark red mahogany door with a howling wolf neatly carved into it. "Come in" A deep voice said as Isabel was about to knock. Isabel carefully opened the door and walked in with Ivy closely behind.

Ivy was surprised to find that the room was decorated with magnificent artworks that evoked a sense of mystery and fascination. Large canvases dominated the space, displaying wolves in various forms—some realistic, with piercing eyes and intricate fur, while others were more abstract, combining the wolves with the human figures they appeared to protect or shadow. The paintings seemed to represent a strong connection the wolves had with the humans sharing the artwork with them, which made sense given that these people were half wolves.

In the center of the room, a large sculpture of a wolf and a person standing side by side commanded one's attention. The sculpture was lifelike, with the wolf's fur intricately detailed and the human figure dressed in flowing, novel-like robes, implying a strong kinship between the two. Their emotions were intense, seemingly capturing a moment of wordless connection.

Other artworks in the area include elaborate wood carvings and metal engravings of wolves in dynamic stances, such as howling at the moon, dashing through woodlands, or laying protectively next to human figures. The artworks were arranged on pedestals and along the walls, each presenting a unique story that combines the fierce spirit of wolves with the complexity of human psychology. The chamber was further furnished with luxurious velvet drapes and antique furnishings, inviting visitors to sit and lose themselves in the narrative told by the artworks.