Death's Daughter (Book 2)

Chapter 12

Zuri's P.O.V.

"Play with me." Henry blurted out. I blinked a few times as I watched him. He looked hopeful. It might be strange to say, but I was not playful. My human counterpart was, but I was not. I disliked the idea of playing. I was a born leader. I knew what I was meant to do. I was meant to lead a war and that's all. Leading is the only thing I really knew.

"What?" I c****d my head to the side. "You want me to what?"

"Play with me, Zuri. I want you to play with me. I may be your Beta, but I am an Omega at heart. I know you know this."

"I apologize, Henry, but I do not play. I was born to lead and that is all I know."

"You're wrong. I've seen you playing with Alpha Levi. You looked so happy. I know it was you. You give off a different power compared to Ava." He wagged his tail. "Please Zuri, play with me."

I started to feel irritated. I was absolutely not meant for playing like a pup. I growled and turned to walk away, but Henry tackled me to the ground. I growled and snapped my jaws at him. I noticed the Rouges looking at us. "That is enough, Henry." I growled. It seemed that my Luna tone was not working on him. That wasn't good. If I couldn't control a pack member, I wouldn't be able to control the Rouges I gathered. If he kept this up, I'd have to use force to make him submit. 

"Play with us, Zuri." Kane spoke this time.

"You are ignoring my orders." I growled. "Ignoring my orders will lead you to be banished from my pack."

"We can ignore your orders if we feel that you need to be protected. At this moment, you need to be protected from yourself. You are allowing the darkness inside you to take over the light. Doing that will lead you to failing to not only protect your pack, but also failing to protect your daughter." He paused, allowing his words to sink in. He was right. Ava and I were becoming lost in the darkness we are meant to balance. "Play with us, Zuri. Bring back that light I feel coming from inside you." I nodded and Henry took a playful stance. I'm pretty sure we both know that this will become a sparring match. Oh well. Apparently, I need this.

Ava's P.O.V

I curled up in the darkness with my thoughts, but the more I thought, the more I could feel myself sinking deeper into the darkness. Someone had hurt my daughter. That someone was none other than my Grandfather's creations. Human Hunters. The hunted our kind, slaughtered entire packs. I sank deeper into the darkness. I want to protect them, but I can't. I'm not strong enough. I'm not a leader. I'm not a Luna. I am just a failure.

"You are ignoring my orders." I heard Zuri growl.

Odd. Who was she ordering? What was going on out there?

"We can ignore your orders if we feel that you need to be protected."

Protected? From what?

"At this moment, you need to be protected from yourself. You are allowing the darkness inside you to take over the light. Doing that will lead you to failing to not only protect your pack, but also failing to protect your daughter."

Kane was right. Zuri and I needed to keep the balance of light and darkness. I realized at that moment, that I am the light and Zuri is the darkness. We had to work together. I couldn't shut down like this. I have to be strong, for my baby. For my back. For all the werewolf species.

I felt lighter now. I could see through Zuri's eyes now. She was playing with Henry. I could feel there were Rouges all around us. I smiled. They had come to help us.

It wasn't long at all before Zuri and Henry were sparring. This was good though. I could feel that she needed this. I know not letting her out to spar or hunt would catch up, but my mind was somewhere else at that moment. I needed to learn to rely on Zuri and she on me. If we want to keep the balance, we would have to.

Zuri had won the spar and was now nuzzling Henry. This was what we did during training sessions. We would fight hard, then care for each other afterwards. "Zuri, can we talk?"

"Yes, Ava. I want to talk to you too."

"You go first, Zuri." I knew she wanted to go first. She usually asks that of me. 

"Thank you, Ava. I want to talk to you about our balance, between light and dark. I realize that we have to rely on each other more. You are my light after all."

"We wanted to talk about the same thing." I giggled. "But yes. You are my darkness as much as I am your light. I realized that not too long ago too."

"So you agree with me than?" She sounded hopeful. 

"Yes I agree with you. We need each other more now than we ever did. We are the balance , and we have to keep it. One day, that balance will be passed down to our pups." I paused.

"We have to learn to be able to teach them." Zuri finished.

"Yes. That is what we have to do. Isabella will get the pack, but our blood born pups will get our powers."

I rented among the Rouges for a while. I could feel that some of them were getting restless. I drew on Zuri's power and created a link with them. "Rest now. We are going to hunt them under the cover of darkness."

A few of the Rouges whimpered, but one responded. "We are Rouges. Having so many of us in one place, causes us to feel threatened." She said.

A couple others agreed with her. "There isn't a need the feel threatened or uncomfortable at all. If you open your minds to me, I can help you feel safe. I am a Luna after all. Lunas help our packs feel calm and loved."

Unknown P.O.V

Reese was on edge this whole time. He hated being around so many wolves. I'd be lying if I said I felt calm. My skin was crawling and I just wanted to run away. Many called me a coward because I didn't like the sight of blood.

I felt a link form and Reese and I listened to her words. This was a different voice. This must be the human speaking now. She had already made Reese feel calm, but I was still very on edge. "You need to calm down. You're the one emitting waves of stress and fear." Reese growled. I know for a fact that he hates me. I can feel it, plus, he told me so.

"I know, but I'm afraid, Reese. We've never come into contact with these wolves and her power scares me to no end. Why can't we just leave? I want to go home Reese."

He growled at me. "Shut up. We can't go anywhere because we responded to her war cry. Until she feels that we are no longer needed, we are bound to stay." After that, he cut the link between us.

I did not want to stay here, and I was not about to listen to her any longer. I took a deep breath and forced a link on her. Mind you, I think I opened a link to everyone. "I hereby challenge you for my freedom." I spoke loud and clear.

Everyone looked at me. The shock was clear in their eyes. They all heard my challenge. "I accept your challenge." Came her reply.

I gulped. "Now look what you've done, you i***t!" Reese growled. I closed my link with Reese. He was just going to force me to submit to this sheltered pack wolf.

The pack wolf and I stood ready to fight when a huge black wolf popped up out of nowhere. I felt a link be opened. "By my blood, I, Death, brother of the the Moon Goddess, put a stop to this challenge!" I watched as he tore open his front leg and let the blood drip down to the grass. I stood there in shock.

"Did he just say he is the Moon Goddess's brother?" I heard someone ask.

"I think so." Another responded.

"Dad, what are you doing here? Where's Mom and Zayden? Are they okay?"

"They are fine and safe. I'm here because a name popped up on my list." He looked at me. "Harris, I have spared your life. Now, do not challenge her again. You are going to be needed."

I gulped. How did he know my name? Why do I feel like he's looking right through me? "Reese." I reached for him, but it felt as if he wasn't there anymore.

"Your wolf won't respond because I am in your presence. All creatures fear me because of who I am. Don't fret though. He's still there."

"How do you know know my name? Why does it feel like you are looking right through me? Why did you stop my challenge?"

"I am Death, Luna's older brother, your Moon Goddess. Your name popped up my my list. Fighting my daughter would have lead to your demise. I know who each and everyone one of you are simply because your name hangs above your head in my eyes. I don't look through you, I look at your soul. The true you, if you will. I also stopped your challenge because you and your wolf are needed in this war. Trust in my daughter. She is a wonderful leader. Alpha born."

I felt scared, but I couldn't look away. I couldn't move at all. I was frozen to the ground. I gulped. The only thing I could even think about doing, was submitting to them. Their power was way too strong to fight against. 

At first, I didn't realize, but when I did, I was already on my back exposing my belly to them.

"Dad!" The Luna growled. "That is enough. You are making everyone restless. " I whimpered as her power surged forward. She must have heard me because it vanished and she walked over to me. "I'm sorry. I am still learning to control my powers. Forgive me, Harris." I watched as she lowered her head to me.

This was something that never happened when it came to the high ranked pack wolves. All the ones I had ever met were very stuck up and down right rude assholes. To say that I was shocked, would be a very big understatement. I had no idea what I should do. I felt Reese take over. He nuzzled his head against hers and raised her head with his snout.

Ava's P.O.V

Night had come and we were on the move. These Hunters had no clue as to what was about to happen.

I had already gone and checked out the area. There were plenty of hiding places in the forest. It was a good thing I had so many Rouges with me. There were no longer just three Hunters here, no, there was now between twenty and thirty of them. They were getting ready for something. The only thing I could think of, was another attack. My pack was the only closest pack. They knew that too. I had sent Harris back to my lands to warn them, just in case some get passed us at the front.

It was almost the dead of night when I charged forward. Quietly, we got close to the cabin they were in.

A single shot, and hell broke loose. My Rouges were dropping like flies. I was soaked in blood from the Hunters. I felt pain shoot through my left flank. I looked around and saw that Levi was down with a bullet in him. I kept looking, but I couldn't see Henry anywhere. "Ava! It's time! Shift!"

I shifted and clawed at a hunter with my claws. "What am I doing now, Zuri?!" 

"Repeat after me! 'Ignis umbram meam vocationis! Quæ immolabitor exietinimicis!'"

I repeated her words loud and clear. I watched as fire and shadows killed the hunters.

I watched as the last one fell to the ground on fire. I could barely stand now, but I still made my way over to where Levi had fallen. I dropped to my knees beside him. "Levi?" I touched his fur.

"I'm--- here." His reply was weak. I had to do something, and fast. Those stupid hunters were using silver and wolf's bane bullets. Quickly, I dug my fingers into the wound and pulled out the silver bullet. It burned my fingers, I could only imagine what Levi was feeling right now. That was inside him, poisoning his blood.

"Henry!" I used my link. He was okay. He had some small cuts, but he wasn't hurt as bad as Levi was. "Get the Rouges back to our territory. They will get treated and then they can do whatever they wish after that. I'm taking Levi through the shadows."

Not even bothering to wait for his reply, I slipped into the shadows and  popped out just inside the pack hospital. At this point, I could barely move. "Ava." Zuri sounded weak. "We need to rest. We can't heal anymore. Our body is too tired."

"Just a little longer. I need to get Levi treated first." I pushed myself off the ground and slowly walked towards the front desk. "Help--" I managed to say before everything went black.

I slowly opened my eyes. The room was bright and it burned my eyes for a moment. I closed them again because of the pain. When I opened them again, I looked around. I was alone. I groaned and tried to sit up, only to cry out in pain and fall back onto the pillow. "Luna. I'm glad you are finally awake. Please don't get up yet."

I turned and looked at the nurse that had just walked into the room. "What happened?" I sounded raspy with my dry throat.

"You were injured and needed surgery. As long as you get plenty of rest, you will heal very well."

I furrowed my brow at her soft smile. "I wasn't hurt in the battle, Levi was. Where is he? Is he okay?"

"Luna, you were stabbed with a silver dagger. Alpha is fine. He is waiting for you to wake up. He had to step out for a few minutes, but he will be back." With that she left the room. I groaned. 

When was I even injured though? I don't remember getting stabbed at all. I sighed. I would have to ask Levi when he gets here. "I wonder how long I've been asleep for." I thought out loud.

"Only a week." I looked at the door and there stood my three favorite people. Isabella, Levi and Henry. I smiled at my little girl. "You didn't miss too much, Mama." Levi smiled. 

"Mama!" Isabella ran over and hugged me. I hugged her back. I loved this sweet little girl so much already, even though I barely knew her.

"Glad you are awake Little Sister." Henry patted my head. I growled at him, but I still smiled.

"What did I miss over the passed week?" I jumped right into Luna mode. I needed to know what was happening on my land.

Levi and Henry laughed. "Right to business eh, Little Sister?"

"Yes. I need to know."

Levi smiled. "We have had a hundred and thirty new members join us. They are waiting for you to mark them. Two pups were born, both male. And last but not least, Isabella is legally our daughter now. Just finished the paperwork before coming in here."

I smiled. "This is great news!" I paused then frowned. "I feel that there is something wrong." I looked at Levi expectantly, but he just looked down at the floor. "What is it?" I urged him to tell me.

"We lost three elders and one young pup."

"Tell me how that happened." I growled. 

"The elders and the pup were out for a run and a few Rouges attacked them. They couldn't defend themselves. They have been sent to the Moon Goddess."

I growled again. I was mad, but not at anyone but myself. If I hadn't been asleep, they would be alive right now. "Don't beat yourself up, Ava. They were feral. They wouldn't have listened to reason or stopped. That's what happens when Rouges have no pack for a long time." Henry touched my shoulder.

"Still, they would be alive right now if I was awake when it happened."

"No. You would have died. You were stabbed and that spell you did, took a lot out of you. This pack would have lost their Luna if you were awake." Henry growled.

"I would have been fine." I growled. Henry growled back at me. I knew he was right, so I let out a sigh. "Fine. However, I don't even remember getting stabbed. Can either one of you tell me?" I looked between them, waiting for their reply.

Levi sighed and looked away. "We don't know when it happened. The doctors told me that when you got here, the dagger was still deep in your lung."

I giggled. "That's why it's hard to breathe right now."

"Mama?" Isabella gently touched my hand. I looked at her and smiled. "Will you go back to sleep for a long time again?"

"No. I don't think I will be. I think I'll be awake for a while."

For a while, we watched Isabella play and run around the room. When she finally crashed on the floor, we talked about anything but business.

Henry was about to leave the room when he suddenly stopped in the doorway. "Rouges." Came his link.

"We aren't healed enough to fight, Ava." Zuri said. I let out a string of curses. "We can only hide right now. As much as I want to fight, we can't. We will just end up dead." I sighed, but agreed with her. We had to live. For our pack. Our daughter. Our destiny.

I opened my link to the whole pack. "Henry senses Rouges. Those who can fight, go hunt for them. Those who can't fight, take the pups to the bunker. Now!" I felt the panic run through the pack. I released as much calming feelings as I could, hoping that it would help. 

"Take Isabella and Ava to the bunker, Henry." Levi used his Alpha voice, he only uses it when he doesn't want anyone fighting him on something.

Levi's P.O.V

I gave Henry an Alpha order so that I know my girls would be protected. I know I'll get reprimanded for what I'm about to say, but I don't care. "And Henry," I paused and waited for him to look at me. When he looked at me, I steeled myself. "You are to protect them. Even if it means your life is lost in the process."

"Levi! What are you saying!? You are more important to the pack than I am!" Ava looked shocked, but also really mad.

"Henry may be our Beta, but he was your protector first. Now Henry, go." I left after that. I wouldn't give them any room to put up anymore of a fight.

I headed straight for the front lines with the pack warriors. Something in my gut was telling me that this might be my last day. "The Alpha!"  I heard a member say in the pack link.

"He shouldn't be alone."

"Where is Beta Henry?"

"Yeah, shouldn't Beta Henry be at his side?"

I growled. "I have ordered him to protect Luna Ava and our Princess Isabella. Now, prepare for battle!"

There was silence in the link now. The whole pack heard everything. They knew what I had ordered now. Ava is going to be very mad at me, but that's okay. She's the one that is needed, not me. She's stronger than me in every way. I was born an Omega, but because of Ava being my mate, I became an Alpha.

It wasn't long before we reached the Rouges that entered our land. Once they saw us coming, they attacked. They were skilled fighters, and coordinated. These Rouges were working with the Hunters. This was a bad sign. I opened my link to everyone that was with me in this battle. "They are working with the Hunters! Be careful!" I shouted.

They didn't answer me, but I knew that heard me. Teeth and claws tore at flesh on both sides. There was blood everywhere. Bodies laid motionless on the grass. I heard a gunshot, and the female warrior beside me hit the ground and didn't get up again. That only meant one thing, there were Hunters somewhere nearby. 

I kept fighting. My body was tired. I wanted to just lay down and go to sleep, but I couldn't. I had to keep going. My wolf urged me to keep going, but then I felt it. A sharp pain in my chest. I stopped and looked at my chest, and there sat a hole, gushing blood. It didn't hurt anymore. It was just hard to breathe and I felt tired.

I couldn't keep my legs from buckling under me. The world slanted, and I hit the ground. 'Is this it?' I thought. 'Is this how I am dying? Hunters shooting me?' My eyes started to feel heavy. I gasped for air, but nothing helped. The world started to turn black. 'At least my girls are safe.' I thought.

Henry's P.O.V

I got Ava and Isabella to the bunker as fast as I could. It was full of pups, elders and expecting mothers. "Henry." I looked over to Ava. She looked mad, but also worried at the same time. It was an odd sight, that's for sure. Ava let her anger and happiness show, but never anything else. She told me once that if she showed anything else, it would affect the pack badly. "Go to him." I noticed that she used her Luna tone on me, but it had no affect.

"I'm sorry, Ava. I can't leave you two." Hurt and anger flashed through her eyes. "I want to go out there, I really do, but you know that I can't go against an Alpha order."

She began to cry. When a Luna cries in front of her pack, it was bad news. She went to go speak again, but she stooped and clutched her chest. I rushed over to her and held her. Then, I felt it too. "Levi." Ava whimpered. 

Levi was killed. The pack could feel it. His connection with us vanished. It felt like a branch snapping in half. My wolf whimpered. We lost our Alpha. Ava can't do this alone.