1. A Secret of Snow and Ruin

Chapter XXII

Alistair Wardwell

Elysia had used her strength and drove her arrow even deeper into Killian's shoulder. He screamed so loud; you'd think he was being murdered. Elysia removed the arrow quickly and kicked Killian into the ground. I got up in a hurry and rolled over once I saw the blood trickle out of him. Elysia then picked him up and threw him into the ground. She threw him so far he landed by Vanessa's feet.

I stared in awe as I watched my mate pummel a 6'3 man like it was nothing. He seemed so hurt and groggy that he was knocked out cold. Elysia moved with a grace that belied her lycan strength, her every motion a testament to her fierce spirit and unwavering resolve.

Despite the danger Vanessa posed with her elemental powers, Elysia faced her fearlessly, driven by a determination that mirrored my own desire to protect her. Vanessa raised her hand and vines started to grow and wrap around Elysia. Before Vanessa could even try and use force with her vines, Elysia ripped them apart and stood her ground.

My fists clenched involuntarily as I saw Elysia leap forward, her lycan strength propelling her towards Vanessa. With a powerful tackle, she brought Vanessa down, pinning her to the ground. Vanessa struggled, her attempts to summon elemental forces thwarted by Elysia's relentless determination.

I held my breath as Elysia seized control of the fight, using her strength and agility to keep Vanessa subdued. Despite the witch's desperate attempts to break free and retaliate with her powers, Elysia held firm, her focus unwavering.

Time seemed to slow down as I witnessed Elysia's prowess in combat, her movements fluid yet decisive. With each maneuver, she demonstrated the strength and resilience that had always captivated me. It was a testament to her courage and skill, a reminder of why I admired her so deeply.

Finally, with a final surge of effort, Elysia disarmed Vanessa and subdued her completely. The witch lay defeated beneath her, panting and powerless against the lycan's might. Relief flooded through me as I saw Elysia emerge victorious, her eyes glowing with triumph.

In that moment, I knew without a doubt that Elysia was not just strong physically but also possessed a spirit that could overcome any challenge. She had faced down a formidable foe and emerged victorious, solidifying my admiration and respect for her even more.

"All I need to do is use my mind link." Elysia threatened sternly. "You'll be dead in seconds." Vanessa said a quick spell and before I could even comprehend all that happened; Killian and Vanessa had vanished into thin air.

"Who are they?" Elysia asked me with seriousness. Her eyes darted at me so suddenly that I flinched. "Look what they've done to you." She whispered as she looked at my face. I touched the skin Killian had so easily bruised and battered. I groaned in pain as I realized how sensitive my skin had become. "Who are they Alistair? I remember their scents. I can easily get them back and get them killed for this."

I sighed and stayed quiet. I let the sounds of restless crickets and woodland creatures fill the silence of these woods. "You've read my file...I think you know who they were." I was too embarrassed and guilty to give away their names so suddenly. No matter how badly they both betrayed me; I still felt guilty for my betrayal all those years ago. "Elysia...let's go back." I said.

Elysia carried me the whole way back, she was quiet but I knew her mind was racing with thoughts and theories. I could tell by the vein popping out the side of her head and the pursed lips she had. Elysia was a force of nature someone that couldn't be any different than me in some ways. But there are times I see our similarities for what they are. I was never frugal or interested in anything really growing up.