THE HEIR'S MATE

CHAPTER TWENTY TWO

In the dimly lit, musty basement of an ancient, crumbling mansion, Magnus stood before an ethereal glow that flickered like a ghostly flame, casting eerie shadows that danced across the damp stone walls. Cobwebs draped from the ceiling like tattered curtains, and the air was thick with the scent of decay and damp earth, clinging to the senses. Moss crept up from the floor, softening the sharp edges of the stone, yet only enhancing the oppressive atmosphere that pressed down like a heavy blanket.

Magnus, a tall figure with sharp, angular features and eyes that gleamed with malevolence, stood with a posture that radiated authority. His dark hair was slicked back, and he wore a long, black coat that seemed to swallow the dim light around him, creating an almost spectral silhouette. A sinister aura emanated from him, making the very shadows in the room seem to twist and writhe in response to his presence.

Before him, the translucent form of an elder spirit hovered, its eyes glowing with an otherworldly light that pierced the darkness. The spirit's presence was commanding, shifting subtly as it floated, emanating an impression of immense, ancient power that resonated through the air.

"So, as we expected, Rafe acted impulsively," Magnus began, his voice echoing softly in the cold, echoing in the stone chamber, laced with a hint of disdain.

Alistair, one of the elder spirits in the Silverwood pack, regarded him with a mixture of curiosity and condescension, its ancient voice like the rustling of dry leaves. "Rafe's recklessness played perfectly into our hands. He is indeed our perfect pawn. We'll soon see if Silas's son truly bears the sigma power."

Just then, a sudden flurry of movement filled the room. Dark, sleek crows swooped in through the cracked, narrow windows, their feathers glinting ominously in the dim light. They circled above, their harsh caws blending into a cacophony of sound before merging into a swirling mass of darkness.

From the swirling shadows, a figure emerged—a woman with long, dark hair cascading in loose waves that seemed to ripple like liquid ink. Her eyes were as cold as ice, sparkling with a dangerous intelligence. She wore a flowing black gown that appeared to absorb the light around her, the fabric shimmering with an otherworldly sheen that clung to her form like a second skin. Morgana, the witch, exuded an aura of dark magic, her presence both alluring and terrifying, as if she commanded the very forces of the night.

"Morgana," Magnus greeted, inclining his head slightly, a flicker of respect crossing his otherwise cold demeanor. "I trust you bring good news?"

Morgana's lips curved into a wicked smile. "Indeed. Our plan has worked perfectly. The boy is truly a sigma. A big golden dog... wolf," she corrected, winking at Magnus.

"That's good; now we have two powerful bodies to choose from," Alistair laughed, its voice echoing eerily in the confined space, sending chills down Magnus's spine.

Magnus managed a stiff smile, though the elder spirit's laugh unsettled him. "And the others?"

Morgana's eyes glinted with dark amusement. "They are dealing with their own chaos. Elias's transformation is more powerful than anticipated, and he can't quite control it. So it's created quite the distraction."

"He just has weak willpower, then. The important thing is the sigma power is now within our reach," Alistair replied, dismissing the boy's struggles as an amusing spectacle. "Magnus, monitor them closely."

Magnus nodded, though a shadow of concern crossed his face. "And what of Rafe?"

"Hmmm. I don't care about the others, but we still need that boy. You must continue to manage him and his issues," Alistair commanded, imperious and unwavering.

"Understood," Magnus replied, his voice steady but laced with an undercurrent of unease.

"Ah, If there are any dead bodies from the commotion, bring them to me. I'll need them for some research," Morgana said, her voice smooth and sultry, filled with dark anticipation. Magnus nodded, his mind racing with thoughts of the chaos unfolding above.