The Prophecy Of The Wolves I - The Beginning
~ Chapter Twelve ~

As it turned out, Adrestia was hiding close to Africa, which worked out for them because they’d be able to save Anna sooner than Liliana had initially thought. Prometheus parked in front of a small house. “Alright,” Prometheus said. “Follow me.”

They all got out of the SUV and followed Prometheus. He led them around the house and into the forest behind it. They walked for a few minutes before coming to a giant tree. Prometheus smirked as he walked straight into the center of it and disappeared. “Adrestia was always one for the dramatics,” Daedalus muttered as he followed Prometheus.

Everyone else followed them inside and up a small staircase to a door. Prometheus opened the door and froze in place as a dagger came flying toward him. He dodged to the side as the blade hit the doorframe. “What the fuck, Adrestia?” Prometheus grumbled out as everyone walked inside.

Adrestia came out of the room with a smirk. “Well, to what do I owe this pleasure, Prometheus?” She asked as she tossed herself onto her couch. “I thought Zeus still had you imprisoned on that damn pillar.”

Prometheus gestured to everyone that was behind him. “It’s time for the prophecy Adrestia,” he said.

Adrestia sighed as she placed her elbows on her knees. “When do we leave?” She demanded.

“Tomorrow morning,” Liliana said as she took a few steps forward. “Anna isn’t too far from here, and we’re all exhausted.”

Adrestia nodded. “Unfortunately, I only have my room but plenty of blankets and whatnot.”

Liliana gave her a bright smile. “That’s alright. We’ll be okay if we can get some rest outside of a car.”

Adrestia laughed as she stood up. “I like you,” she turned towards a small hallway. “I’ll grab those blankets and pillows. Make yourselves at home.”

Everyone got comfortable anywhere they could replace, on the couch, chairs, and even on the carpeted floor against the wall. Cayden had Liliana on his lap as he held her close and rubbed her back. Liliana sighed as she nuzzled into her neck. A thought occurred to her while they were sitting there. “When is the next full moon?” She questioned.

Cayden frowned. “Tonight. Why little dove?” He asked as he looked down at her.

“I’m supposed to shift tonight,” she reminded him softly.

Cayden’s eyes went wide. “Shit,” he looked at a clock on the wall. “Okay. Since we’re already in the forest, it won’t take us long to replace a private clearing,” he stood up with Liliana and set her on her feet in front of him. “Okay, guys. Liliana is shifting for the first time tonight. We’re going out into the forest, so she has space to shift and run around. We should be back in a few hours. If not, we’ll be back first thing in the morning,” Cayden explained.

Everyone nodded in understanding while they left the house.

Liliana and Cayden walked through the forest until they found the perfect spot. It was a small clearing that was secluded. They stood in the middle of the clearing as Cayden spoke softly. “Alright, little dove. The first shift is the best and the worst. The best because it’s so freeing. The worst because it’s the most painful,” he sighed. “Seeing as you said, your wolf will be no bigger than a husky puppy. It won’t be too bad, but there will still be some pain. The best way to handle it is to lean into it. Just let the shift flow through your being.”

Liliana nodded. “Okay, I got it. Lean into it,” she took a few deep breaths as she tried to relax.

Cayden pulled her into his arms and soothingly rubbed her back. “Don’t worry, little dove. I’ll be right here the whole time,” he promised her.

Liliana leaned her head against his chest and felt the tension leave her body. They stood like that for a few minutes until she felt it. She pulled away as her eyes dilated. “It’s starting,” she whispered as she fell to her knees.

Cayden knelt next to her and smoothed her hair back. “Let it take over, dove. Concentrate on being one with your wolf,” he said in a soft, soothing tone.

Liliana nodded and did what he said. Then, as she closed her eyes and concentrated on her breathing, she let her wolf take over as the pain consumed her. When she opened her eyes minutes later, everything was so much clearer. Her senses were much better than before, and she knew that she was in wolf form.

“You are gorgeous, little dove,” Cayden said in awe.

Liliana’s wolf was the size of a medium-sized pup. She was mainly raven black, but she did have a few grayish-white patches on her belly, legs, and around her eyes. Her ears were a bit taller than usual, but they suited her. Her eyes were this brilliant blue color that seemed to glow. There was also what looked like a gem on her forehead. It was the same blue as her eyes and shone just as bright. Her tail was long and seemed to wrap around her and flowed like her hair did when she was in human form.

Liliana let out a yip as she jumped onto him. She licked his face in joy and excitement.

Cayden chuckled and caressed her fur. “You’re so adorable, little dove,” he went to tap her nose, but it seemed that she was in a playful mood as she nipped at his finger before rushing away from him.

Cayden grinned and stood up as mischievous thoughts raced through his mind. He quickly took off his clothes and shifted into his wolf, Ranger. Liliana let out a small yip as Cayden started stalking her. As he got closer, she took off in a run.

Cayden let a wolfish grin spread across his face. His wolf loved the chase. He took off after his feisty little dove, quickly catching up to her.

They played around for a while before ending up back in the clearing. Cayden gently pinned her under him and licked her muzzle.

Liliana pawed at his face with a smile. He sat back on his hind legs as she stood up and shook her fur. She walked up to him and nuzzled into him. He laid down and wrapped his body around hers as she yawned. She licked his muzzle before snuggling into him and falling asleep.

Cayden kept his body wrapped protectively around hers. Then, before falling asleep, he stayed awake a bit longer to ensure it was safe for his little dove.

The following day Cayden woke up to a small tongue licking his face. He slowly blinked his eyes open to see Liliana, still in wolf form, licking and gently pawing at his face. He let out a wolfish chuckle as he turned his head and licked her face.

Liliana yipped in joy and licked his face a couple more times before climbing off of him. Cayden looked around and saw the sun rising over the small lake. Then, as he shifted back and put his pants on, he heard a quiet whine from behind him. Liliana had her paws covering her eyes as she laid her head down.

Cayden quickly put his clothes back on before kneeling in front of her. “Alright, little dove. It’s time to shift back. So think about your human form. Focus and let the shift flow through your veins.”

Liliana gave him a slight nod before doing as he instructed. Before she knew it, she was in her human form. She squealed as she looked down and found herself naked. “I forgot that we shift back naked,” she muttered.

Cayden chuckled as he handed her her clothes. “Lucky for you, little dove,” he said as he pushed her hair out of her face. “Your wolf is small enough that you didn’t shred your clothes when you shifted last night.”

Liliana blushed as she quickly put her clothes back on. “Thank the gods for that,” she whispered as she stood in front of him, now fully clothed.

Cayden pulled her close and pressed a firm kiss to her lips. Liliana melted into him, as she always did when he touched her, even in the simplest ways. He pulled back and looked into her eyes. “Come on, little dove. The others should be awake by now.”

Liliana pouted, not wanting to leave the little oasis of peace they had found, but followed him anyway.

They made it back to Adrestia’s house in no time. They walked inside and saw that everyone was awake and ready to go. “Let us get changed, and then we can head out,” Liliana said as she grabbed their bag that someone must have gotten out of the car at some point last night.

Cayden and Liliana went into the bathroom and quickly got changed. It was challenging for both of them, but they managed to keep their hands off each other.

Lucas smirked when they came back out. “And here I was thinking that we were going to be waiting for more than a few minutes,” he shook his head as he watched Liliana bury her face in Cayden’s chest.

Cayden chuckled and kissed her temple. “Let’s head out,” he said as he wrapped an arm around Liliana’s shoulder and led her toward the door.

They made their way to the SUV parked in front of the decoy house. They climbed in, and James started driving towards the mountain where Anna was.

It didn’t take them too long to get there. They did stop to grab something to eat, but even with that, it still didn’t take long. Finally, they pulled up to a small trail that was too small for the SUV. “It looks like we’re going to have to walk from here,” Marcus said from the driver’s seat.

Adrestia groaned. “Great. I’m going to have to walk before holding up Uranus,” she mumbled with a pout.

Prometheus laughed. “Did you get a bit lazy while hiding, Adrestia?” He questioned with a smirk and a raised eyebrow.

Adrestia flipped him off before climbing out of the SUV with the others.

They all made their way up the small trail until they came to the entrance to the mountain. “This is the right entrance, right?” Lucas asked as he looked around.

Liliana nodded. “Yes. Artemis told me this is the correct location,” she said as she cautiously looked around.

Adrestia shook her head. “Something doesn’t seem right,” she said as she grabbed her bow and set it up with an arrow.

Cayden nodded in agreement. “It’s too easy,” he said in a low voice as he pushed Liliana protectively behind him.

Within seconds everyone had formed a protective circle around Liliana. They kept their eyes open and were all prepared to fight. Within minutes Chimera appeared in front of the entrance. Liliana’s eyes went wide. “It’s Chimera,” she said quietly.

“Great,” Adrestia said. “We can’t defeat Chimera unless we’re able to get high in the air.”

“How are we supposed to do that?” Liliana demanded as she looked at her.

Adrestia shook her head. “I don’t know,” she whispered.

Liliana squeezed her eyes shut and quietly prayed to Artemis. ‘Artemis, please help us. How are we supposed to get past Chimera?’

Liliana felt relief rush through her veins as she heard that angelic voice in her head. ‘Hades and I have given you a gift. Yes, you are a wolf shifter, but the gift we have given you allows you to shift into any animal that’s ever existed.’

‘Thank you so much, Artemis.’ Liliana opened her eyes and tapped Cayden on the shoulder. “I can shift into any animal that’s ever existed.”

Cayden nodded as he thought for a minute. “Adrestia,” he said to get her attention.

Adrestia looked at him for a second. “What?”

“Do you have any steel-tipped arrows?” Cayden questioned.

Adrestia scoffed. “Of course I do.”

Cayden nodded. “Shift into an animal that can fly but is big enough to carry someone.”

Liliana thought for a minute before smiling. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes. She used everything Cayden had taught her when she shifted into her wolf the night before. She let the shift take over her body as she changed into a pegasus. Everyone quickly backed away as she stood in the middle of the group as a pegasus. “How the hell did she do that?” Daedalus questioned with wide eyes.

Cayden shrugged. “I guess it’s a gift from Artemis,” he said as he walked towards Liliana. Cayden gently ran his fingers through her hair. “Do you think you can hold me, little dove?” He asked softly.

Liliana bobbed her head as she adjusted to the new form.

Cayden looked at Adrestia. “Do you think that I could borrow your bow and whatnot?”

Adrestia handed them to him without hesitation. He put the quiver of arrows on his back with the bow before carefully climbing onto Liliana’s back. Just as he got situated, a witch appeared beside them with six hellhounds surrounding her.

Roman glanced at Cayden and Liliana. “You guys get up there and take out Chimera. Three of us will distract it while the other three try to get to the witch.”

Without any more hesitation, Liliana took off into the air. She got high enough for them to see Chimera, but Chimera couldn’t see them. Liliana flew around for a minute before replaceing the perfect position. Cayden lined up his shot as he looked down at Chimera and the three friends dodging the fire that Chimera was spitting out.

Cayden let out a slow breath as he let the arrow fly loose. The arrow landed firmly in the center of Chimera’s chest. Chimera let out a loud howl before disintegrating into nothing but dust. Cayden leaned forward to yell into Liliana’s ear. “Let’s sneak up behind the witch and take her out. They’re never going to get past those hellhounds.”

Liliana flew around until she found a good angle on the witch, again staying high enough to where she couldn’t spot them. Cayden took his aim and let out a slow breath as he let the arrow fly loose. Everyone froze where they stood as the witch looked down at the arrow sticking out of her chest. She fell to the ground with a thud as the life left her eyes.

Liliana quickly landed on the ground between the hounds and her friends. Cayden jumped off her back, and she shifted back, thankful she still had her clothes on. Now that the hellhounds didn’t have a master, they could run wild unless someone did something to calm them down. Liliana held her hands out to show that she meant no harm. “Hey, it’s okay. We’re not going to hurt you,” she said gently. Then, without taking her eyes off the seven hounds, she said to the others. “I need you guys to take a few steps back slowly,” she said quietly.

Everyone did as she asked as she took a small step towards the hound that seemed to be the leader of the hounds. “Hey there, little guy,” Liliana softly said. “We’re not going to hurt you guys,” she stopped right in front of the hound with her hand still held out to the hound. “We just want to help you,” she whispered.

The hound hesitated for a minute before taking a step forward and sniffing Liliana’s hand. The hound moved past her hand and was in her face. She didn’t flinch or move away from the hound as the hound sniffed her face and upper body. After a couple of minutes, the hound sniffing her let out a small bark to the others. They all surrounded her and laid their heads on their paws, a sign of submission to her.

“I’ll be damned,” Roman said in shock. “No one has ever been able to tame a hellhound, let alone six.”

Cayden chuckled as he watched his beloved with nothing but pride in his eyes. “My little dove is special.”

Roman scoffed. “No offense, but I think that’s an understatement.”

Liliana giggled as she gave all of the hounds equal amounts of attention. Then, she gently calmed them down before standing up. “Guys, these are my friends. They mean you no harm, and you will not harm them,” she said in a gentle yet stern voice.

The hounds went up to them and sniffed around them before backing away and standing around her again. Liliana smiled as she started walking towards the entrance of the mountain. She suddenly stopped in her tracks when she heard it. A slight whine that she just barely caught with her wolf hearing. Liliana walked around a wide boulder and found a smaller hellhound. “Oh, hi there, little guy,” she said as she squatted in front of him. “It’s okay. No one’s going to hurt you,” she said as she held her hand out to him.

Liliana guessed that the hound must have been the runt because he was significantly smaller than the other hounds. The hound sniffed at her hand for a minute before licking it. Then, she giggled as the hound moved closer and nuzzled against her legs. Then, she smiled as she stood up. “We have seven hounds,” she said to the others as she walked towards them.

Roman raised an eyebrow as he looked down at the runt hellhound. “I’m surprised that the little guy is still alive,” he said as he tilted his head slightly. “Normally, runts like him get eaten before they’re even fully grown.”

Liliana looked at him with horrified eyes. “That’s horrible,” she said in disgust.

Roman shrugged. “It’s how it works in the underworld. I guess that this little guy is only alive because he hid away somewhere. Then when the witch opened the portal to summon the other hounds, he took the opportunity to come through as well.”

Liliana shook her head as she leaned down and caressed the hound’s head lovingly. “Well, I’m glad the little guy is here. Now he’ll be safe and cared for,” she said. She sighed as she looked towards the entrance of the mountain. “Let’s get Anna out of there and head back. She will need rest, and we’ll have to start getting more allies and making a battle plan.”

They all walked into the mountain, and Liliana walked up to Anna. “Hi, Anna,” she said softly.

Anna looked up at her with wide eyes. Her face was strained from the weight of Uranus as she looked at Liliana. “Who are you?” She whispered.

Liliana gave her a small, reassuring smile. “My name is Liliana. Your father sent me to help you,” she said softly.

Tears of relief started flowing down Anna’s cheeks as she glanced at the sky. “Thank you, Daddy,” she whispered in a hoarse voice.

Liliana smiled as Adrestia and Lucas stepped forward. “This is the goddess Adrestia,” Liliana said softly. “She’s going to take your place until we can recapture Atlas,” she explained.

Anna nodded with a small whimper as a bit of her hair turned white from the strain.

Adrestia moved to stand beside Liliana. “Anna,” she said softly. “What’s going to happen is this. First, I’m going to come to stand next to you. Then, as soon as I get my hands underneath Uranus, I’m going to have you rush toward Lucas,” she said, gesturing to Lucas, standing just behind Liliana. “I know your legs may be weak, but he will catch you. He’s pretty quick on his feet since he’s a son of Hermes. Do you understand?” Adrestia asked in a gentle tone.

Anna gave her a slight nod. “Okay,” she said breathlessly.

Adrestia nodded and stood up straight. Liliana moved out of the way as Lucas took her place in front of Anna. Adrestia moved to stand by Anna. Adrestia put her hands up and took a deep breath before firmly placing her hands on Uranus. “Go now, Anna,” she said as she prepared herself for the total weight of Uranus on her shoulders.

Anna rushed forward on numb legs and collapsed into Lucas’s arms. He held her close to his body as he lowered them to the ground. Adrestia grunted as the total weight of Uranus fell onto her shoulders. “Shit, he’s heavier than I thought he’d be,” she muttered.

“Are you sure you’ll be okay?” Liliana questioned in concern as she stood in front of Adrestia.

Adrestia gave her a single nod. “I’ll be fine. But please don’t take too long to defeat Atlas. I don’t want to be underneath Uranus longer than I have to be.”

Liliana nodded. “I promise I will do my best to get you out of here as quickly as possible.”

Adrestia gave her a small smile. “I always knew you would be a determined, feisty little thing. Ever since I first heard the prophecy.”

Liliana gave her a small smile. “Do you want us to leave a couple of the hounds with you? I’m sure they’d be able to run around these mountains without being spotted. There are plenty of animals around here as well. So that you’re not completely alone.”

Adrestia sighed. “That sounds nice. Just not the runt,” she said with a small smile. “Just in case someone tries anything.”

Liliana shrugged. “He’s not leaving my side anyway,” she turned to the hounds and spoke in a gentle tone. “I need one or two of you guys to stay here with Adrestia. To keep her safe and keep her company during her time here.”

The hounds seemed to speak to each other somehow before two broke off and stood protectively in front of Adrestia. Liliana let out a giggle. “Okay then. It looks like you have two hounds to keep you safe.”

Adrestia smiled. “Thank you, Liliana.”

Liliana gave her a nod. “I promise that I will also come and check on you from time to time. Not only to update you on how everything is going but also to ensure that you’re okay and don’t need anything.”

Adrestia couldn’t believe that the runt wolf that would lead them to victory was such a sweetheart. “Thank you very much, Liliana. You’re such a sweetheart.”

Liliana gave her a small smile before turning to the others. “Let’s get going. First, I want to look over Anna to ensure she’s alright. Second, I want to ensure that there won’t be any complications in the future from her holding up Uranus.”

Roman raised an eyebrow. “Why not just have one of your doctors look her over?” He questioned. “Do you even have any medical training?” He asked curiously.

Cayden laughed as Liliana glared at him. “I know every single type of medical care there is. I can take care of anyone. Any animal. Any creature. Even humans,” she took a deep breath to calm herself down. “Now, we have doctors at each pack that’s already allied with us, but I would prefer to make sure she’s okay myself,” she shrugged. “Let’s just say it’ll make me sleep better if I know she’s alright.”

Roman held his hands up in surrender. “Sorry I said anything,” he said with a smirk.

Liliana gave him a single nod as she turned to Lucas and Anna, who were still on the floor. “Anna, can you feel your legs at all?” She asked as Cayden wrapped his arms around her waist from behind.

Anna shook her head. “No. I can’t feel them at all.”

Liliana nodded and looked at Lucas. “Do you think you can carry her to the SUV?” She questioned as she bit her lip.

Lucas shrugged. “Of course.”

Liliana let out a small laugh. “Alright. Let’s get going then.”

“What about the hounds?” Daedalus asked as he looked at the five hounds they had left.

Liliana nibbled on her bottom lip before a bright smile took over her face. “Kaine,” she said as if it were obvious. “Let’s get to the SUV, and then I’ll call him.”

Lucas stood up and picked Anna up in his arms. Once they were situated, they headed to the SUV. It didn’t take them long to get there. Once there, Liliana leaned against the SUV as she pulled her phone out. She frowned as she started feeling dizzy while waiting for Kaine to answer.

“Hello,” Kaine answered.

“Hi, Kaine,” she said a bit breathlessly. “Um. It’s Liliana,” she blinked as she tried to stay focused. “Um. We need you….” she trailed off as she felt her world turn to darkness.