Saviour

Chapter Twenty-Six

     Greyson and I descended the hillside slowly, blending in to the dark shadowed forest around us. It was nearing dusk, and the sun was slipping behind the cottages that I once called home. I could see clearly past the thick coverage of the forest from where I stood, studying the wolves that milled about, hardly patrolling the grounds. They looked even sicker than before. I cringed, not wanting to imagine how badly Ivy was doing... if she was even still alive. 

That's enough. I quieted my traitorous mind, willing myself not to allow it to drag me down a deep path right before this enormous task ahead of us.

It felt like it had been an eternity since it had once actually been my home. My heart tightened with remorse. If only I had been able to get here sooner. I didn't want to imagine what my parents had been through, what my entire pack had dealt with with Patrick's takeover. I knew that they were still alive. The family bond between us had become fainter, but it was still there. That was the single thing that was keeping me upright at the moment; giving me the courage that I desperately needed for what I was about to do.

A strong wind rustled my hair and before I was even able to blink, Aaron was standing next to us with an impish grin on his handsome face. A far-away part of me wanted to run my hand down his smooth cheek, happy he was here with us. I frowned at my own thoughts, confusion written all over my face. Aaron gave me a wink, grinning even wider, if that was possible.

Greyson let out a quiet growl, as if sensing something had changed between Aaron and I. I wanted to assure him that nothing was wrong, but in truth... I had no idea what was going on within me. The thoughts going through my own head weren't making much sense.

"Who is this?" Greyson demanded, making sure to keep his voice low and unable to be detected by the rogues patrolling Patrick's land. We had been surveying the property, making sure there were no risks we hadn't thought of before we attacked. To our relief, the wolves in the field before us seemed blissfully unaware of the danger that lurked just beyond the treeline.

"This is Aaron. He's the future leader of the Hazelmere coven. He's here to help us." I assured Greyson, willing myself to sound confident with everything that was going to be happening in a matter of moments.

I replayed the spell over and over in my head, praying I wouldn't forget a word and ruin our chances of saving everyone. But, before I could allow myself to fall in to a panic attack, my forehead warmed. It was a soothing touch, as if I was being told not to worry, that I wasn't alone.

I breathed out a sigh of relief, knowing the goddesses were both going to be with me throughout it all. Aaron pulled out a black toque from his pocket and pulled it over my head, covering the glowing mark.   

"Here. Can't have Patrick knowing all of our secrets." He gave me a playful smile. Greyson growled again. I moved closer to him and laid my hand softly on his marred, inky looking skin. The curse was really beginning to ware him down. I could tell that it was affecting him more than he wanted to let on. Looking at him, I felt rage begin to burn through my veins like a lightning rod. What I could have sworn was a flicker of my former self rear to the surface, wanting to be unleashed upon Patrick and make him suffer as everyone else underneath him had.

"Hey, it's okay. Everyone here is on our side. The enemies are down there." I gestured down the hillside with my chin. Greyson closed his eyes for a brief second, enjoying the feeling of my cool hand on his hot skin. He opened his eyes after a moment and gave me a nod of understanding.

"Okay. What's the plan?" I asked, wanting to know if Greyson and his pack were ready to move. Aaron watched him as well, a strange expression on his face. Then it dawned on me, suddenly remembering the vision that Agatha had shown him. Greyson and Gideon's parents had killed his family. Under what circumstances, I wasn't sure. However... I couldn't risk a loose cannon within our own ranks.