Kapitel 12: Chapter Twelve
THIRTEEN YEARS AGO
The Voss estate had always been a place of quiet strength. Nestled deep in the woods of Briar's Hollow, it was a sanctuary for the pack—a fortress shielded from prying human eyes. The sprawling stone mansion was surrounded by acres of dense forest, its walls steeped in history that stretched back to the origins of their kind.
For as long as she could remember, Willow Voss had felt safe there. At ten years old, her world was small and secure, built on the unwavering presence of her parents, Dominic and Miriam.
But safety was an illusion.
That night began like any other. The pack had gathered for a feast under the light of the full moon. Laughter and the scent of roasted meat filled the air, and Willow darted between the adults, her small frame a blur of energy as she played tag with the other children. Her father watched her from the head of the table, his smile warm but tinged with weariness.
Dominic Voss was not just a father; he was the Alpha, the leader of the pack. And with that title came burdens Willow couldn't yet understand.
As the night deepened, Dominic's mood shifted. He rose from his seat, his sharp eyes scanning the treeline. Miriam joined him, her delicate features drawn with concern.
"What is it?" she asked softly.
Dominic's jaw tightened. "We're being watched."
The first sign of danger came with the wind—a strange, metallic scent that carried through the trees. Dominic's head snapped toward the forest just as the first arrow struck one of the guards.
Chaos erupted.
Men dressed in dark, tactical gear burst from the shadows, their weapons glinting under the moonlight. They moved with military precision, their faces hidden behind masks.
Lycaon hunters.
The pack fought back fiercely, their bodies shifting into wolf form as they charged the intruders. Growls and gunfire filled the air, and Willow was yanked away from the chaos by her mother, who clutched her hand tightly.
"Willow, run!" Miriam urged, her voice trembling but firm.
"I don't want to leave you!" Willow cried, tears streaming down her face as she clung to her mother.
"You have to," Miriam said, crouching down to meet her daughter's gaze. "Listen to me, Willow. You're special—more special than you know. You have to survive. Do you understand?"
Before Willow could respond, Dominic appeared, his clothes torn and his face bloodied. His wolf form flickered beneath the surface, his golden eyes blazing.
"They're here for her," he said, his voice tight. "Take her and go."
Miriam hesitated, her gaze locking with Dominic's. "What about you?"
"I'll hold them off," he said, his expression unyielding.
Miriam's breath hitched, but she nodded. With one last look at her husband, she scooped Willow into her arms and ran.
The forest was a blur of shadows and moonlight as Miriam fled, her feet pounding against the earth. Willow clung to her tightly, her small hands clutching her mother's blouse as fear coursed through her.
Behind them, the sounds of battle grew fainter, but they were not alone.
A figure emerged from the trees ahead—a man with piercing red eyes that glowed like embers. He moved with unnatural speed, cutting off their path.
"Give her to me," the man said, his voice low and chilling.
Miriam backed away, her wolf form rippling beneath her skin. "You'll have to kill me first."
The man smiled faintly. "That can be arranged."
He lunged, his movements too fast for human eyes, but Miriam was ready. She shifted mid-strike, her wolf form colliding with him in a flurry of claws and teeth.
"Run, Willow!" she shouted, her voice distorted by her transformation.
Willow hesitated, her small body frozen with fear.
"Go!" Miriam roared, swiping at the man with her claws.
Something inside Willow snapped, and she turned and ran, her bare feet carrying her deeper into the woods. The sounds of her mother's struggle faded behind her, replaced by the thundering of her own heartbeat.
Willow didn't know how far she ran or how long. By the time she stopped, her legs were trembling, and her lungs burned with every breath. She collapsed beneath a large oak tree, her small frame curling into itself as she sobbed.
Hours passed before she was found.
A man emerged from the shadows, his face kind but unfamiliar. He crouched beside her, his voice gentle. "Are you Willow?"
She nodded, too exhausted to speak.
The man sighed, his expression somber. "Your father sent me to find you. You're safe now."
Willow didn't know if she could believe him, but she was too tired to resist as he lifted her into his arms and carried her away.
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