MOONLIGHT FATE

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 4

Ridan stood his ground. “I won’t back down”. The air was charged with tension as the two werewolves faced off. Just then, a commotion erupted from the underbrush. A group of rouge werewolves, led by Cassius Nightshade, emerged from the shadows. Emily and Leonardo froze but they recovered when they moved forward. They became alert as Emily placed her hands on her dagger.

"Well, Well, Well." Cassius sneered. "Look what we have here."

Emily's senses and instincts flared, and she became alert. Cassius was a very ruthless mercenary. Leonardo stepped forward wanting to protect his sister.

"Get out of here, Cassius; your sight irritates me," Leonardo said disgustingly. He looked back when Cassius laughed out, obviously mocking laughter.

"What's funny bastard?" Leonardo yelled his eyes almost popping out.

"Who ate you to order me, Leonardo?" Cassius snarled.

"Cassius, I'm not playing with you right now. Just get the f**k out of here." Leonardo said, his fangs popping out angrily. Emily knew that Leonardo was already getting pissed off and he might flare anytime seen. She stepped forward, trying to stop him, but she was surprised when Ridan held her hand,d, hindering her from moving further. She raised her eyebrow questioningly at him.

"Relax! Don't go." He whispered into her ears. She glared at him before stepping back.

'Leave them alone, Cassius." Ridan said his face flashing with anger.

"Oh wow! Ridan Blackwood, you're involved? I think I'm liking this."

"Involved in what" Emily wondered.

Without warning, Cassius flung his dragon sword throwing attack at Emily and her accompanies. Emily and Leonardo defended themselves from Cassius and his minor's attack, with Ridan joining forces with the,m, talking Cassius by surprise. Seeing this, he increased his attack on them

Ridan knew it was getting worse and it will still get worse. He left Leonardo and Emily to themselves, throwing back an attack at Cassius' minors. Emily stood before her brother like that warrior who was defending herself and her brother as well as throwing back an attack. She glanced at Ridan killing the minions one after the other. Unconsciously, a smile snuck up her face.

"Retreat, Retreat, Retreat," Cassius yelled at his remaining minions, seeing that the opponent was getting the upper hand.

"I will come back for you all," Cassius said snarling before going after his minions. Emily, Leonardo, and Ridan breathed in relief even though they knew that it was for the main time. As the dust settled, Emilia realized Ryder had saved her brother's life. Not only her brother's life but her life as well. She suddenly felt indebted to him. She glanced at him with a softened heart not knowing what to say. Leonardo, her brother bailed her out.

"Thanks," Leonardo said grudgingly.

Ryder nodded adamantly. "We're not done talking."

Emily's heart still racing, she met Ryder's gaze. What did he want from her?

Emily's pack gathered around the fire, discussing the Blackwood threat. Leonardo advocated for increased security, while Emily pushed for diplomacy.

"We can't let our guard down," Leonardo said, his voice firm.

"I agree," Emily said, "but we also can't ignore the possibility of an alliance."

Leonardo cut in. "Emily's right, I'm right as well. We need to consider all options."

Emily and Leonardo kept talking as well as the pack members also contributed. They all wanted to eliminate this oppression and threat because Cassius and his minions posed a threat. Just then, a commotion erupted outside. Emily, Leonardo, and all the pack members stood up alert, reaching for their weapons wherever they hid them. Their fangs and claws elongate automatically. A wounded werewolf, one of their own, stumbled into the clearing. Someone threw him from outside into their midst. They all gaped in fear and amazement.

"Get him to the infirmary!" Leonardo ordered. Emily rushed to help, her heart racing. Who was responsible for this? She hurriedly stepped out to the entrance, peering out, trying to catch a glimpse of whoever was involved. She growled before going after them to the infirmary.

As they tended to the wounded werewolf, Emily's thoughts turned to Ridan. Was he involved? She trusts him and also does not trust him. Was that his mission? Different thoughts crossed her mind. She shook her head, trying to convince herself that he wasn't involved. The werewolf, Lucas, regained consciousness, his eyes wild. He opened his mouth, trying to mutter a few words but with difficulty. He eventually spoke out.

"Cassius... Nightshade... attacked me," Lucas gasped. Emily's instincts flared. Cassius was getting bolder. She clutched her fist in annoyance.

"We'll take care of him," Leonardo promised.

But Emily knew it wasn't that simple. Cassius was just a symptom of a larger problem. It definitely will be so hard to counter him. Later that night, Emily snuck out to meet Ridan. She was so sure he would be waiting for her as always. She checked Leonardo before leaving and met him in his room. Without waiting for long, Ridan appeared out of the shadows. She moved closer to him without fear.

"I need answers," Emily said, her voice firm.

Ridan's eyes locked onto hers sending a shiver down her spine. "What do you want to know?"

"About Cassius. About the treaty. He said something like that to you the time he attacked the three of us. What is that?"

Ridan hesitated before speaking. "Cassius is working for my father."

Emily's eyes widened. Victor Blackwood, Ridan's father, was notorious. Her pack members fear him so much.

"What does he want?" Emily asked.

Ridan's expression turned grim. "Control of the entire region." Emily's heart sank. Her pack was in grave danger.

"We need to stop him," Emily said.

Ridan nodded. "Together." Emily's instincts screamed a warning, but her heart betrayed her. She trusted Ridan. For now.

As they parted ways, Emily couldn't shake off the feeling that she was walking into a trap. But she was willing to take that risk. For her pack. For Ridan. She shivered at this thought. Why will he be in her thoughts she asked herself.