The Exception

Chapter 34

*Jake's POV*

"And how do we do that exactly?" I questioned.

Nathan's gaze shifted uncomfortably, "Well, the thing is... only another Wielder can set the wolves free..."

Josh said, "But, that's impossible! Even if we found a werewolf/witch hybrid, there is only a slight chance that they'd have the ability to shift. Which is why there is usually only one Wielder an era-"

"I know. I know, just... hear me out, okay."

"Okay, sorry. Continue," Josh conceded.

"I have the gene, but obviously I can't shift so I'm really only useful as a witch. But Josh, you and me combined, well-"

"What are you saying?" Colt said, interrupting him.

Confused, I could only hope he wasn't thinking what I thought he was.

"Josh, you'd have to let me in." 

Suddenly the air felt tense around us as we knew the dangers of letting an entity possess you, but this is Josh's relative we're talking about here. There's no way he'd try to trick him, right?

Seemingly taken aback, Josh looked from me to his cousin, "N-Nathan, I don't think..."

"I wouldn't fully possess you of course. I would just join a portion of my spirit to yours. Think about it! He wouldn't expect it. Obviously, it comes with some risks if your soul isn't strong enough, but I won't be with you for long! Just long enough to take Aaron's soul to free him. And you know it can only be done by another Wielder."

I suddenly felt like this was a bad idea, though I couldn't explain why.

"Come on, there has to be some other way!" I said.

Josh looked back to me, "Do you have any other ideas?"

"No, but this is your life we are talking about here," I said. "There has to be a safer way to do this!"

"I don't think there is," Levi said.

"Exactly," Nathan said with a sigh, "I've researched for years now and this is the best solution I've come up with in all that time."

Silence filled the room as everyone pondered, but ultimately realizing there is no other solution that effectively takes Aaron out for good.

"Look, I won't join you until the last minute," Nathan said. "We need all the time we can get so we have to make sure that this is the plan we are going with. What do you say, Josh?"

After a brief moment of silence, Josh finally responded, "Ok, I'll let you in, but just until we defeat Aaron."

I don't know if my mind played tricks on me, but out of the corner of my eye, it looked like Nathan winced. Either way, Josh's choice of words kept him safe from future possession just in case Nathan tried anything crazy.

At that moment, Nathan's hand glowed a light green as he shook Josh's hand, sealing the deal.

"Ok, sounds like we've got a plan!" Nathan exclaimed.

To be honest, I didn't think his plan had any chance of working. In my opinion, it was too risky, but at this point, what choice did we really have? We were up against a powerful being that's extremely hard to kill. I had no choice but to trust that the witch and Josh would be able to pull off this suicide mission. 

After talking over tactics, we finally made the decision to head out. We gathered alongside all the werewolves before we broke off from Alpha Jordan's team. We knew that we were mostly on our own for this. However, we also knew that there would be no rescue team to come for us if we messed up, at least not until a while. So with Nicole, Tyler, and several Warriors provided by Alpha Korvin, we made our way East towards Aaron's supposed "hideout".

Selena, I promise, I'm on the way... 

*Selena's POV*

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Nothingness filled my mind. Time was frozen here. All capacity to think became a distant memory. I no longer questioned how long I've been here. I no longer cared about where I was. I slowly but surely felt my mind leave me and part of me just didn't seem to care.

I

"Fight" my mind whispered from a far away place. What does it mean to fight? What am I fighting? I think there is some kind of danger, but I feel like I don't really know what that danger is. I feel like my world has been turned upside down and flipped. This confusion lulled me into a false sense of security.

Ma

No longer does the question "Where am I?" flood my mind. A new question took it's place in my newly constructed world. Why do I feel like something is wrong here. I wanted to figure it out, but I suddenly felt tired. What is the point? I don't feel like doing anything any more. I'm tired. I'm exhausted, but I don't know why.

Ohw

!rebmemer ot evah I !aneleS ma I

"There you go," A soft voice calmed my beating heart.

"What's your name?" the voice asked.

"I..." My voice won't answer. What was the question?

"It looks like your friends are finally on their way. I'm going to have to speed things up." The voice informed me. Who's coming for me?

Suddenly, the voice sounded close to my ear. "I'm outside the door, dear. May I come in?"

I don't know why, but something told me not to let him in. Who is this voice I keep hearing?

"Don't be shy. You feel confused right? I can help you remember everything! But you have to let me in first," the voice reassured me.

"Ok, come in." I spoke so quietly that I didn't think he heard me.

However, to my surprise, the door opened and I remembered his name.

"Aaron?!" 

Suddenly, I felt a sharp pain in my arm, almost as if it were burning, but the pain didn't last long.

"What are you doing?" I ask as my memory started to return to me.

"Ensuring my survival," A smile formed on his face, but his eyes looked sad.

"It won't be long now," He muttered.

Dissipating from my vision, I shouted after him, "What did you do?!"

My fist connected with the wall seconds after he disappeared. I didn't even realize that I stood to my feet. I was so angry, frustrated, and confused. 

What did he want from me? Did he enjoy making a fool out of me? Why is he so infatuated with Josh? Nothing made sense any more. I couldn't figure out what was really going on. Clearly something happened to make Aaron want to kill Josh. But what he could have possibly done to Aaron is beyond me. 

At this point, at least I know that my friends are on the way. I'm just worried. Aaron is incredibly strong. Some how, I have to find a way out of this room. I have to help them fight Aaron, even if I barely have any strength left. They could use all the help they can get.