Chapter 107- Ticking Clock Part 1

CJ

As the pack gathered, the elders approached with an air of urgency, their expressions grave. One of them, Elder Diana, held an ancient, weathered book, its pages brittle with age. "We found this hidden in the old archives," she said, her voice trembling with both excitement and fear.

She carefully opened the book to reveal a page that had been meticulously concealed between two others. The page was covered in cryptic symbols and illustrations, but one image stood out: a monstrous figure with eyes that seemed to bore into the soul.

"This," Elder Diana continued, pointing to the image, "is the creature that took Lexy. The writings describe it as a hybrid entity, part wolf and part beast, known for tormenting souls and preying on the vulnerable. This creature, Bael, is a dark fusion of the most dangerous aspects of both species, making it exceptionally powerful and cunning. It is said that Bael can only be defeated by the descendants of The Great Phoenix."

The pack members exchanged glances; their determination renewed by this crucial discovery. The elders began to work on deciphering the symbols, their minds racing against time. Each moment brought them closer to understanding the dark force they faced, and each revelation was a step towards rescuing Lexy. They knew the path ahead would be fraught with danger, but the newfound clue gave them hope and a sense of purpose.

For the sake of Lexy, our pups, and the entire pack, they were ready to confront Bael and end his reign of terror once and for all.

Lexy

Only 2 days had passed since his visit and all that kept running to my mind was to escape and how I never wanted to feel his touch and breath on me or anywhere near me.

In my hidden refuge, I counted the days with an anxious heart, each dawn reminding me that Bael's return was imminent. Fear gnawed at my spirit, but I refused to let it paralyze me. With each passing hour, I meticulously scanned my surroundings, searching for any possible escape route.

The corners of the room felt like a labyrinth of shadows and whispers. Every time I heard noises on the other side of the door was heart stopping. My mind raced, conjuring plans and strategies, each more desperate than the last. My eyes, sharp and vigilant, never rested, tracing every corner, and timing every meal brought to me.

I knew that time was slipping away like sand through my fingers. The pack was doing everything in their power, but I couldn't solely rely on them. I had to be prepared for the worst. My resolve hardened; I would not be an easy prey. If Bael came for me, he would find a fierce and cunning opponent ready to fight for my freedom and the safety of my pup.

With a deep breath, I steeled myself for the days ahead. I was not just counting the days till Bael's return; I was counting the steps towards my own survival and victory.

Bael
2 days since I tasted her, and I was having a hard time holding myself back from going back in and taking what’s mine. I don’t understand why my beast is being so impatient knowing that she’s in our grasp. Since we brought her he has been trying to take control of me and go to her.

Despite his impatience, Bael knew he had to wait six more days before he could complete his plans. Those days felt like an eternity, the anticipation gnawing at him relentlessly. His beast roared within, demanding to claim Lexy now, but Bael understood the importance of timing. Every detail had to be perfect; every piece of his plan needed to fall into place.

CJ

2 days had passed since I felt that gnawing feeling of dread. Throughout those 2 days, I’ve felt Lei’s anxiety saturate the air around us. Her every movement, every glance spoke of the immense pressure she carried. The atmosphere grew heavier with each passing moment, charges of unease and anticipation crackling between us.

Lei’s presence had always been a source of comfort, but now it mirrored my own turmoil.. Not being able to see her, to touch her was driving us mad. Especially knowing the feelings, they keep emanating to us. The bond we shared was our most potent weapon, a silent vow of mutual protection and survival. I used that thought to keep myself focused on what I needed to do to bring them back safe. I hoped that staying focused would give her the strength and hope that we would find her. Helio continued with the elders to get a location where they could be.

Everyone has been working hard to bring her back. Tarria has been working hard with the sacred warriors to scout everywhere. We haven’t told our moms about what happened yet, but the way they’ve been calling we think they might know something. I promised our dads I’ll tell them tomorrow myself.

Lexy

Meanwhile, CJ, though not physically present with us, was constantly on my mind. His absence added an extra layer of worry, knowing he was out there facing his own challenges. I could only hope that the strength and resolve Lei and I shared would reach him as well, fortifying his spirit as he navigated his own perilous path.

CJ

My office felt like an epicenter of activity as Tarria walked in, out of breath. I became concerned with her state when she finally began to speak. "My king," she gasped, trying to steady her breathing, "we have a lead on Lexy's location. The sacred warriors found traces.... in an old, abandoned airfield".

My heart pounded in my chest. "Are you sure?" My voice trembled with a mix of hope and fear. Tarria nodded, her eyes reflecting the urgency of the situation.

I felt a surge of determination. This was the break they had been waiting for. I rose from my chair, my mind racing with plans and strategies. "Tell Helio I'll be there in five minutes. We will bring her back."

As Tarria left the office, I took a deep breath, channeling my focus and resolve. The bond I shared with Lexy and Lei was his guiding force, and he would stop at nothing to ensure their safety. Time was of the essence, and every second counted.

With a renewed sense of purpose, I hurried to join the team, ready to face whatever dangers lay ahead in our quest to rescue Lexy. The thought of reuniting with her gave me the strength to push through any obstacles. We would find her, and we would bring her home.