Avenge

The mere thought of facing the man who had taken everything from me without a second thought sent shivers down my spine.

His callous disregard for human life as he ravaged and destroyed hundreds of souls filled me with an intense anger and desire for revenge.

For countless nights, I had imagined this moment – finally getting the chance to make him pay for all the pain and suffering he had caused not only in my life, but in the lives of so many others.

But as I stood there, consumed by hate and rage, I realized that it was only dragging me down. The weight of these emotions felt like chains holding me back from true freedom.

Suddenly, a familiar voice broke through my thoughts. "Hello, Ciana," Lily said, appearing beside me.

Her presence brought me both comfort and concern. "You are worried?" she asked gently.

I nodded, unable to hide my feelings from her.

"I understand, Ciana. You fear losing those you love again. It's a heavy burden for one person to bear," she said empathetically.

Tears welled up in my eyes as I thought about the possibility of losing any more loved ones. "I don't want to go through that again," I admitted.

Lily placed a hand on my shoulder. "Remember what I told you before – you and your wolf are one. Lean on each other. Her wisdom will guide you. Stop focusing on the rage towards one man and instead focus on the love of your people."

Her words struck a chord within me, reminding me of the strength and connection I shared with Aella, my inner wolf. But before I could thank Lily or ask for more guidance, her spirit began to fade away.

"Wait, you're leaving already?" I panicked, feeling a sense of loss.

"I must go for now," she said softly. "It is time, Ciana. He is here."

My heart raced as I rushed to the window, peering out at the hundreds of warriors led by Ethan as they made their way towards the castle. Below, I could see our own warriors standing their ground, with Zion at the front.

‘Ciana, it is time,’ Aella's voice echoed in my mind. ‘I want us to be happy. It is time to leave the past behind and focus on what lies ahead – Clover, Jackson, Bryce, Zion.’

Taking a deep breath and feeling Aella's support, I knew what needed to be done. "You are right, Aella," I said confidently. "I know just what to do. Slight change of plans."

Together, we headed towards the impending encounter with determination and purpose, ready to finally free ourselves from the pain and darkness of the past.

My feet pound against the ground as I sprint towards the front of the towering castle, determination fueling my every step. The heavy wooden doors creak open under my touch, revealing the place where Zion and Ethan stand engaged in conversation. As soon as they hear me enter, their attention turns to me.

"How are you, Zion? It's been a while." Ethan's words drip with cockiness and arrogance.

"It's time to end this, Ethan. Your tyranny ends now." Zion's voice resonates with authority and pride.

"Don't any of you realize it's already over? We have won. Your precious blood wolf is in my custody. Surrender or die." Ethan sneers, his tone laced with evil.

"Enough!" I shout, causing every warrior around us to part and reveal my presence. Anger and hatred radiate from Ethan's face, while Zion is taken aback by my unexpected intervention.

"Ciana," I hear Ethan growl out my name with disdain.

"This has to stop," I plead to everyone in the room.

"Who do you think you are?" Ethan spits out, his contempt for me evident.

"You will not win, Ethan. You have spent your life spreading death and fear. But karma always comes back around for people like you," I say firmly.

"This cycle of hatred needs to end. It's consuming all of us alive. For years, all I wanted was revenge – revenge for everything you've done to me..." My voice cracks with emotion as I pour my heart and soul into this moment.

"But revenge will only destroy me. There is more at stake here than just me. I no longer seek revenge; I want justice for those you have hurt, those you have deceived," I confess with honesty.

"Isn't that just the cutest," Ethan mocks me with a derisive laugh.

I turn to face the warriors surrounding us – Jackson looking at me with understanding and a small smile, Bryce with admiration, and then Zion.

I can see the tears welling up in his eyes from worry and love, but he looks at me with an unmistakable sense of pride.

"Things have changed. There will be no war today," I declare loudly for everyone to hear.

"No, we just came all the way here to hear your voice. Are you stupid?" Ethan scoffs.

"No, because I challenge you for your position as Alpha," I retort with a smirk of my own.

Gasps echo through the room as the shock of my words registers on everyone's faces.

Even Ethan is left staring at me in utter disbelief. No one can interfere; only he and I will fight.

The other warriors are left to watch – this is how I will protect those I love and settle this once and for all.

Even if that means death.