The Broken Queen

Chapter 48; Threads of FATE:

Dominique's POV:

"Hey guys, so that was..intense" I struggle to find appropriate words to describe what just went down in the court yard outside the pack house not long ago. Ethan and Sophia exchange a heated glance and Hulu seems conflicted but none of them say anything. "I've never been frightened of our Alpha before...but I'll admit, now I'm a little scared." Hulu looks me in the eye silently for a beat before responding. "Dani is nothing to be scared of Nicky. Not if you are a decent person. The only ones that should be scared of Dani are those who cross her or hurt the ones she loves, which is us, if you'd forgotten. Those people should be terrified, because she is getting stronger, and even now, she would tear them limb from limb for their corruption, oppression, discrimination and abuse. Imagine what she will do to them when she comes into her power fully. They haven't realised it yet, but the world as we know it is already on its journey to change. Dani doesn't stand for cruelty or corruption. She stands for love, peace, and equality, and I don't know about you lot, but I will follow her until my dying breath."

I glance over to our Alpha who is talking with Mikey, one of the prisoners we released and took in. His huge muscles bulge under the cotton tee he has on and he looks like he could flatten her but his tense body language betrays the knowledge that he wouldn't stand a chance. He learned that lesson the hard way in the dungeons when she practically strangled him for making a move against Hulu and Ethan. Dani laughs at something he says and pats his shoulder making his angry expression relax to something like gratitude. He unfolds his arms and starts to engage more in their conversation. He probably realises that she isn't holding a grudge against him for his earlier behaviour towards the guys considering he has been well-behaved the last few hours since the incident. A tingly warmth radiates through my bones as I realise I made a mistake by doubting our Alpha. My shoulders sag as the tension in my body evaporates. "You're right Hulu, I'm a little shaken up but I know she is nothing like Edgar, she would never hurt us, or anyone who didn't deserve it for that matter" A small smile breaks out on my face as my tight muscles uncoil further in appreciation and love for our Alpha. Ethan and Sophia turn to follow my line of sight as Sophia joins the dialogue. "She has been through so much, none of us, not even me or Bree know the full extent of it. Dani is the most understanding person I know. I'd do anything for her." She turns to me. "And she would do anything for any of us, you know that"

Lexi's POV:

I weave through the pack house dining room and common area, quietly observing. My skin itches with a restlessness I can't explain. Ethan, Hulu, Sophia and Nicky are huddled in conversation in a corner of the dining room. Sam and Quinn are helping some of the released prisoners, our new pack members eat and relax. Our new companions move their bodies slowly, still stiff and sore from confinement, but now, a flicker of curiosity has replaced some of their trepidation. Some are huddled in the inner court yard on the benches and grass, wrapped in soft blankets, whispering nervously amongst themselves. Their tentative conversation, quiet and nervous fills me with sympathy. It's clear they are testing the boundaries of their new freedom for the first time in weeks, months, even years for some. Others stand uneasily by the food table, poking anxiously at the warm finger food, uncertain of their freedom to eat as they please.

I notice a young teenage wolf from the prison in the corridor jumping at every slight sound. Approaching her slowly, I gently put my hand on her arm, she flinches.

"You are safe with us, I promise. You are under Alpha Brown's protection now, she won't let anything happen to you okay. Why don't you go grab something small to eat and sit in front of the warm fire before there's nothing left. Ethan is quite a savage when it comes to meal times. I laugh lightly. "You don't have to be afraid anymore" With a light squeeze of my hands, her shoulders drop a fraction, a hint of relief breaking through her fear. Hesitantly, she turns toward the food hall, looking back to me for reassurance, or maybe permission, I'm not sure. I give her an enthusiastic nod and a smile before she disappears from my sight. Stepping outside for some fresh air, I am hit hard with the retched stench of blood, smoke and burned flesh hanging in the air. My fangs rip through my gums and my veins dilate at the vile scent. It takes everything to calm my body. But beneath it all, something dense and unsettling tickles my fairy senses. Leaves stir at the edges of the forest, though there is no wind. Not a single creature stirs; the forest beyond sits unnaturally still, every paw and wing frozen in suspense. A shiver runs up my spine. Something feels...off.

I smile at how the warm lighting inside illuminates the courtyard in its golden hue. The soft thrum of conversation, and the occasional ripple of laughter permeating the walls. I notice Mikey outside, awkwardly offering his blanket to the thin wolf Hunter who shivers under his own. Hunter holds his head a little higher than before; Mikey doesn't seem as tense. My heart lightens a fraction. For the first time in days, I feel safe. My happy thoughts are interrupted as, a whisper of a magic catches my attention. It's weak, almost imperceptibly so, but it's there, like a shadow moving at the edges of my vision. I force my eyes closed as I search out the magic I sense beneath the surface. Walking around the side of the pack house, out of sight, I sprout my wings. I instantly feel ten times lighter. Over a week since has passed since I last flew. I'd almost forgotten the exhilaration and freedom it brings. Bending my knees, I leap, shooting up to the back of the roof. The view makes my breath hitch. Wow...

Midnight nears. Tilting my head to the sky, I lose myself for a moment in the feeling of the night air washing over my skin. When I open my eyes, the stars above blink in an odd pattern, similar to Morse code. My heart skips. A magical being is trying to send someone a message, but who? And why? I put the thought aside and raise my hands delicately, casting a magical searching spell. Nothing. My gut squeezes. Something is here, I can feel it. Then a golden thread of magic unfurls from the building, stretching far into the surrounding woods.

Another appears.

Then another.

And another.

My core tightens as I count them-twenty shimmering golden threads reaching across the land, pulsing with an ancient energy I recognise all too well. This is powerful magic, the ancient, culminated kind. This is Erin's magic; it has to be. I felt her archaic magic in my brief introduction to her at the cabin before we left. What on earth is going on here? I've got to tell Dani—before it's too late. My stomach twists with anxiety. Something is wrong...