Love Thy Shadow, Satan (LTSS) [#Wattys2018]

Chapter 6 - The Devil and The Beast

Ernest's POV (Faith's Mother)

*THUD*...

"Why can't you understand that I did this all for you?! I did all this so we can be together! Because I love you! I always have." He declared, his face softened with every truth he spoke - but coldness replaced the warmth in his eyes within a matter of seconds, as his voice deepened and turned to a low whisper. "You may have forgotten how we were in the old days but I never stopped remembering the good times we shared..." rage consumed him rapidly as he readied to deliver another blow – one hand balled into a tight fist, as the other firmly clasped a large torch. "We were so good together, so why did you choose HIM?! Why did you have to by HIS MATE?!" He yelled as he finally snapped... again.

*THUD* He delivered another power-packed punch to my face. I didn't even bother to whimper this time... I had given up a long time ago - my mind and body numb from the torture I had already been put through.

I lay motionless on the dirt floor, backed against an old tree - arms and legs splayed like a rag doll. My cuts and bruises exposed, my clothes torn, singed in various places - head hung low, my hair in disarray proving to be an effective wall to block the view of the monster in front of me. The man responsible for the Fall of Moonlight.

He relaxed his fist and slowly brought his hand close – I flinched with disgust as he stroked my cheek with his thumb, slowly and gently. Trying to express his so-called "love" and "concern".

Fake... Just like the rest of him. His promises as Gamma to protect Moonlight. His friendship with his fellow Pack members. His respect for Josiah. His love for his people.

Everything was a lie.

You may think I'm being too harsh to the man, the man whom I once loved – the only other man to enter my heart apart from Josiah – but the extent of his involvement in this scheme is too great to be forgiven. The shock of his betrayal too much for me to handle.

He had mixed Wolfsbane into our food unnoticed, enough to paralyse a wolf within seconds – simultaneously cutting off our MindLink so the others could not be warned. He and his men confidently crossed our household, as we lay frozen in our seats – rendered incapable of escaping our impending dooms. None of us could have been prepared for what he had planned. He must be mentally sick to have enjoyed the show, as his men swiftly set up the stage of our demise. The enthusiasm they expressed as they prepared the silver ropes and doused each of our bodies with oil was plenty to make me nauseous. As the bodies were raised, each was hanged by arms or legs – most likely to prolong their suffering as they burnt to death. Yet they couldn't help themselves ... they used their silver blades to decapitate some – and mutilate others. They amputated kids and elders alike, excitement building within them with every scream.

Ronman scanned the room with satisfaction, watching our agony triumphantly - not a hint of regret reflected in his eyes for what he'd done. For his own selfish gain, he voluntarily destroyed his whole pack.

I refocused on the monster towering above my broken form. He'd done all he could do to me, yet I still ask for death. I don't think I could live with the shame he's bestowed upon me... For what he did to me after dragging my paralysed form away from the echoing screams of my pack... He tainted me...

I don't want Josiah to know of this... Never... atleast the Wolfsbane will work to my advantage in that sense... He will never know... but Dear Goddess, please... save my family... save my babies...

"(Hmph)... It may have took some unnecessary force but you brought this upon yourself! I would have been gentle if you had just listened to what I had to say. Why did you have to be so opposed to us bonding?! Oh well... the deed is done and there's no turning back. At least, now you're finally mine. Jo will die by the hands of the Devil today, if not then Satan will have the chance to slay the Beast. Now, nobody will stand in the way – I have our future set! As soon as all this is over, we can start our new life together on Blood Lust territory. We can be together again - just like old times, my love. All you have to do is... just... say you'll be mine... just say it Ern... "

I took a deep breath, preparing myself for the repercussions of my answer as I obstinately retorted for the umpteenth time "... Never..."

Josiah's POV (Faith's Father)

Why hasn't back up reached us yet?

Are they alright? How are Faith and Jared? Have they reached their destinations? Is my Ernest safe?

My heart worked up to a frenzy of emotions with every unanswered question. Although we were outnumbered 1:16, we have been holding steady ground since the war started – but I know this can't go on for much longer, I can tell my warriors are exhausted. Blocking the MindLink was a good move on their part, but admittedly it was adding to my frustration. It didn't affect my warriors however because my warriors were taught my battle plans in detail, so they are capable of individually discerning their next tactical movement – not relying on my instructions and hence easing me into focusing to the task ahead.

Clearing my way through the battlefield, I delved deeper into the heart of the enemies' formation – looking for the instigator of this war and vaguely identified him as Fenrir, Alpha of Blood Lust. My anger intensified as I saw a smirk appear on his face as he hid behind his line of warriors – seeming to me to be a coward by heart... he doesn't satisfy my anticipations. I easily broke through his protective circle of wolves and attacked him head-on.

This was now a battle of King's – a battle between Alpha's – so none were permitted to interfere.

The war raging around us was brought to a sudden standstill as the atmosphere changed to one of an arena - the air around us turned cold with every passing moment as we gained steady footing and felt the surrounding wolves clearing an area around us. This was it. An Alpha battle is a sacred vow, meaning my win would ensure his pack will be surrendered to me, to do as I wish - and vice versa. Never in my years have I been caught in a situation where an Alpha duel was needed, so I made sure to clearly state my intentions to the on-looking crowd - promptly formalising the duel.

"I, Alpha Josiah White challenge you, Alpha of Blood Lust, to a Battle for Dominance."

Fenrir's POV (Caden's Father)

His aura of power caused my wolf to stir... Josiah - Moonlight's Beast - far exceeded my initial expectations... No wonder he was feared... No one threatened the Beast's pack, his family... No one had ever succeeded... And I now understand why... I caught sight of my son watching as every one of my blows was successfully turned against me, with me not being able to land a significant number of clear hits on my opponent. His expressionless face masking worry and confusion – he has never seen me take such a beating from an adversary.

I pulled myself off the ground again and, for the first time in a while, studied the man in front of me. His speed, skill and stamina superior – his technique flawless. No matter how violently I attacked, he recoiled as easily as if he had predicted my movements – as if he knew what I was planning on doing next.

By no means am I weak - I am feared as one of the strongest and most ruthless – but even I confess his reputed experience in battle overshadows my own.

As I fought for the victory that had earlier been predicted, the unspoken truth was rapidly accepted ... He will surely defeat me...

I was clearly in no position to move, blood exultantly escaping each wound to immerse my skin in its warmth.  He moved closer, determined to finish this so he can rush to check on the rest his pack.

I laughed feebly from my position on the ground, perceptive to the fact that the betrayal of one of his own "family" will permanently scar him.

He hauled me up to deliver the final blow... and as I let myself go I sent Caden one last MindLink.

... Caden... I guess it's your turn now son... Finish him...

**** AUTHORS NOTE ****

[PLAYLIST: Linkin Park - Numb]

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~(Picture: Josiah in wolf form)~