Chapter 2 2

The Fate's Echoes

"Do you hear that, Lily?" Adrian's urgent voice pierced the cottage's silence, with each sentence carrying weight.

Lily looked up from the herbal poultice she was making, her hands trembling a little. The night was unusually calm, yet she felt a chill go down her spine when a distant, eerie howl wafted through the gaps in the wooden walls. Though she had heard stories about these sounds, which were whispers of old myths and ominous threats, she had never experienced them herself until now. Shouting just above a whisper, she questioned, "What is it?"

She felt uneasy because Adrian's silver eyes, which were reflecting the soft moonlight coming in through the window, weighed them. It's Morgana. It's closer than we imagined to her. We must move quickly.

Lily's thoughts were a tangled mass of bewilderment and anxiety as her heart raced. But why would she visit this place? "The town isn't safe anymore," Adrian cut in with a firm, quiet voice. "Morgana can sense when she is being sought for. The villagers will also be in danger as she pursues us."

An anxious feeling swept across Lily. The implications sent her into a spin. "How can we help?"

Adrian drew closer, his towering presence at once reassuring and menacing as his eyes softened. "I have to return to the pack. They're getting ready to face Morgana, but I can't let you go undefended here. We have to get you to a secure location."

Lily's breath caught as she considered her alternatives. "Where would that be located? It's not exactly safe in the forest either."

Adrian's face showed resolve and irritation as his jaw tightened. Deeper into the woodland is an ancient cabin. Although it has been abandoned for years, it ought to provide some cover. There, we may remain hidden until the immediate threat has passed.

A loud boom reverberated through the little room, shocking them both before Lily could reply. Adrian's muscles tensed in preparation as his head snapped to the sound. "It's them," he said, his voice full of urgency. "We must go right now."

The two moved quickly and effectively. Adrian took Lily's arm and led her to the rear door with a tight but kind grip. "Remain near me," he said, his voice a deep, commanding rumble. "We must reach the cabin before they discover us."

Packing a few necessities (a blanket, some food, and her grandmother's old map) made Lily's hands shake. The cottage felt like a trap now, after formerly being a place of comfort. Adrian calmed her concerns with his concentrated energy, providing stability amidst the pandemonium.

They went outdoors into a chilly, unwelcoming night. The forest towered in front of us, its dark depths appearing alive with dangers we could not see. As they proceeded into the darkness, Lily's heart pounded in her chest. The sound of their footsteps was muted by the lush vegetation, making the familiar woodland walk feel unsettling and scary.

Adrian's strong physique sliced through the darkness like a shield, and his keen senses picked up on every noise and murmur. There wasn't much moonlight, so the long, unsettling shadows swirled about them. Not only was she pulled to him out of need, but Lily also sensed a deeper connection with him with every stride.

Lily replied, her voice hardly audible above a whisper, "Adrian. What makes Morgana pursue you? What is it that she desires?"

Adrian had a regretful and angry look on his face. "Morgana thinks I have something important, something that may make her the leader of the pack. She is prepared to ruin everything to obtain control, which is more important than just territory."

Every shadow felt more menacing than the previous as the jungle began to close in on them. Lily's mind was a maze of wonder and anxiety. "What is it that she desires?"

Adrian halted, the few glints of moonlight casting his features. "I'm not able to describe it at this time. However, it's risky. The balance of power in the area might be upset if Morgana obtains it."

They made their way quickly to a tiny clearing where an ancient, run-down cabin stood like a neglected sentry. The structure's wooden walls were drooping and split, and it was old and faded. Lily gasped in shock at what she saw. The cabin didn't appear like a haven; rather, it was a remnant of the past.

Adrian regarded his surroundings with a piercing stare. "It may not be much, but it ought to offer some protection. We're going to remain here until we can decide how to proceed."

Lily nodded, attempting to calm her rushing mind. Being close to Adrian was intensely reassuring but also a continual reminder of the danger they were in. Lily sat down on a wobbly wooden chair while Adrian built a fire on the old stone fireplace. The air was heavy with dust and doubt, and the chamber reeked of the musty scent of decay.

When Adrian was getting the cabin ready for their brief stay, he moved with accuracy and maintained a laser-like focus. Lily observed him with a mixture of disquiet and adoration. Despite the commotion and horror all around them, there was something inherently attractive about him that pulled her in.

"Why me?" At last, Lily inquired, ending the pause. Her voice shook a little. "What made you decide to believe me?"

Adrian's countenance softened, showing a tenderness she had never noticed before. "When most people would have fled, you showed bravery. You have an air about you that I find hard to put into words. I think you're more involved in this than you think."

The sound of a limb snapping outside startled them both before Lily could reply. Adrian jerked his head in the direction of the sound, bracing himself. He continued in a strained voice, "Someone's coming."

Lily was afraid and her heart was pounding so hard in her chest that she turned to face the door. "How do we proceed?"

Adrian had a determined look in his steely eyes. "Remain silent and close at hand. We will need to be prepared to fight if they locate us."

They waited in panting stillness, the cabin seemed to shrink about them. The cries from earlier were no longer as loud, but the sensation of danger was still very much there. The threat was becoming near, and Lily's mind was racing with ideas. The tension in the air was almost oppressive.

With a gradual creak, the door opened and the sound carried through the silence. A shadow passed across the doorway, blocking their vision for a time. The moment the person entered the faint light and Lily saw brilliant green eyes that were Morgana's, Lily's breath stopped.

"Well, well," Morgana said with a sly delight in her voice. "Looks like we've reunited again."