Chapter 6: The Race Against Time (Part 1)
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Chapter 6: The Race Against Time (Part 1)
The hidden chamber fell into a heavy silence.
Richard's blood stained the ancient stone floor as Anna cradled him in her arms. His face, usually full of confidence and strength, had turned frighteningly pale. The silver dagger had done more than wound him—it was poisoning him from within.
"Richard... please stay with me," Anna whispered, her tears falling onto his face.
His eyes fluttered open for a brief moment.
"I'm... alright."
"You call this alright?" she cried, pressing her hand against the wound in a desperate attempt to stop the bleeding.
Richard managed a weak smile.
"I've survived worse."
The elderly guardian slowly approached them, leaning heavily on her wooden staff. Although she had defeated several assassins, her own injuries were severe.
"You must not remove pressure from the wound," she warned. "Bloodbane spreads faster when the victim moves."
Anna looked up, her voice trembling.
"There has to be a cure."
"There is."
Hope flashed across Anna's face.
"But it comes with a price."
"What price?"
The old woman looked toward the glowing crystal in the center of the chamber.
"Only the Moon Blossom can neutralize Bloodbane."
Richard's expression changed immediately.
"No."
Anna frowned.
"What is the Moon Blossom?"
"It is a sacred flower," the guardian explained. "It blooms only once every hundred years beneath the Silver Falls, deep inside the Forbidden Forest."
Marcus, who had just arrived with several warriors, froze.
"The Forbidden Forest?"
The guardian nodded.
"It is protected by ancient magic. Few who enter ever return."
Marcus turned to Richard.
"My Alpha, let me lead a rescue team."
Richard slowly shook his head despite the pain.
"No."
"My Alpha—"
"If Harold is still inside our borders, the pack needs its Beta."
Marcus clenched his fists.
"I won't abandon you."
"You won't," Richard replied quietly. "You'll protect our people."
Anna stood.
"Then I'll go."
Every eye in the chamber turned toward her.
Richard struggled to sit upright.
"Absolutely not."
She faced him without fear.
"You heard what she said. You're dying."
"I won't allow you to risk your life."
"You didn't ask my permission when you risked yours to save me."
Richard fell silent.
Anna stepped closer, kneeling before him.
"You told me a Luna protects her Alpha just as much as he protects her."
His blue eyes searched hers.
"I'm not losing you too."
A gentle smile appeared on Anna's face.
"You won't."
The guardian watched them carefully.
"The journey must begin before sunrise. Once the next moon reaches its peak, the Moon Blossom will wither."
Marcus exhaled sharply.
"Then we don't have much time."
Suddenly, one of the guards burst into the chamber.
"My Alpha!"
Marcus turned.
"What is it?"
"The western watchtower has fallen!"
Everyone's faces darkened.
Another guard entered seconds later.
"Several elders have disappeared."
Marcus cursed under his breath.
"They've been kidnapped."
Richard forced himself to stand despite the pain.
Harold wasn't retreating.
He was preparing for something bigger.
An hour later...
The great hall had become a war room.
Maps covered the large oak table while captains reported attacks from every corner of the Brody territory.
"They're striking supply routes."
"They've poisoned two wells."
"Three villages have requested reinforcements."
Richard listened carefully, though every breath grew more difficult.
Bloodbane was already weakening him.
Anna noticed his trembling hands.
He was hiding the pain from everyone else.
She quietly slipped her hand into his beneath the table.
Richard looked at her.
She didn't say a word.
She didn't need to.
He gently squeezed her fingers before letting go.
Marcus cleared his throat.
"If Harold continues like this, he'll force us to split our forces."
Richard nodded.
"That's exactly what he wants."
A loud voice interrupted them.
"I disagree."
Everyone turned.
Victoria walked confidently into the hall.
Her crimson dress flowed behind her as she approached the council table.
"The Alpha is wounded," she announced.
"The Luna is inexperienced."
"Our enemies grow stronger every hour."
She looked around at the gathered elders.
"Perhaps it's time someone else led the pack."
The room exploded into whispers.
Marcus stepped forward angrily.
"Choose your next words carefully."
Victoria smirked.
"I'm only concerned about the pack."
Richard slowly rose to his feet.
"You mistake concern for ambition."
She smiled politely.
"I simply believe leadership requires strength."
Richard's eyes glowed faintly.
"And you believe you're stronger?"
She didn't answer.
She didn't have to.
The silence said everything.
Anna suddenly realized something.
Victoria hadn't seemed surprised by the attack.
Not once.
Her heart sank.
Could she be working with Harold?
Before Anna could speak, another howl echoed outside the mansion.
A scout rushed into the hall.
"My Alpha!"
Richard steadied himself.
"Report."
"We found this hanging from the eastern gate."
The scout placed a bloodstained cloth on the table.
Written across it in crimson letters were five chilling words.
YOUR TIME IS RUNNING OUT.
Beneath the message was the crest of the Brody Pack...
Crossed out with blood.
A deadly declaration of war.
Richard stared at it silently.
Then he looked at Anna.
"We leave tonight."
Marcus blinked.
"You can't travel in your condition."
"I'm not talking about myself."
He turned toward Anna.
"You'll find the Moon Blossom."
Anna nodded.
"I won't fail."
Richard removed the silver pendant that had hung around his neck since the day they met.
It bore the symbol of the Alpha.
He placed it gently into Anna's hand.
"Wear this."
She looked at him in surprise.
"But it's yours."
"It carries my scent."
He smiled faintly despite the pain.
"No matter where you are..."
"...my wolf will always find you."
Anna closed her fingers around the pendant, holding back fresh tears.
She silently made herself a promise.
No matter what waited inside the Forbidden Forest...
She would bring Richard home alive.
To be continued...
- Writer
