The Prophecy Of The Wolves I - The Beginning
~ Chapter Twenty-Eight ~

Liliana blinked her eyes open as her mind returned to her body. “Are you okay, little dove?” Cayden asked in concern.

Liliana shrugged with a frown. “Yes, I’m okay, love.”

Cayden pressed a kiss to her temple before looking back into her eyes. “Please tell me Artemis was able to help,” he said with hope in his eyes.

Liliana nodded. “Yes. There is a way to send the demon back to Tartarus, but it will not be easy for me.”

“It won’t hurt the twins?” Cayden questioned. “Or cause you to lose a piece of your soul?”

Liliana clicked her tongue as she shook her head. “No, the three of us will be perfectly fine, but Apollo said that when I take the potion required, it will feel like a piece of my soul is being ripped out. Because the demon is so attached to my soul.”

Cayden sighed heavily. “Alright. What do we need to do?” He asked.

Liliana looked at Kaine. “Apollo said you would know the spell to banish the demon back to Tartarus and the potion needed.”

Kaine clicked his tongue. “I know the spell but not the potion. Most do not know it.”

Liliana exhaled as she reached over and grabbed a notepad and a pen off the nightstand. She quickly wrote down everything Kaine needed and handed it to him. “That’s everything you’re going to need for the potion. Apollo also said that you may need Axel’s help since this is a nasty demon.”

Kaine stood up as he went over the ingredients for the potion. “Let me make this potion, and we’ll be back to get rid of that demon.”

Liliana smiled in thanks before leaning into Cayden. He ran his fingers through her hair as everyone left them alone for the time being.

“How are you doing, little dove?” Cayden asked softly. “And don’t lie. It’s just me here now.”

Liliana took a minute before she finally responded. “I’m just so tired, love. I want all of this to be over with already. I want our lives to go back to normal,” she said in a rough voice.

Cayden pulled Liliana onto his lap and held her close. “I know things are hard right now, and I know how exhausted you are. There’s so much on your shoulders, and you have already been through so much. We’ll be okay, though. I’ll be right here by your side no matter what happens.”

Liliana sighed as she rested her head on Cayden’s shoulder. She let the tears fall as she snuggled into Cayden.

They stayed like that until Kaine and Axel came back into the room. “Alright, the potion is just about done. We only need to add a tiny bit of your hair. After that, it’s ready to go,” he stopped at the end of the bed and looked at Liliana with concern evident in his eyes. “This is going to be quite painful for you, but once it’s over, you’ll be demon-free.”

Liliana sighed heavily. “Alright,” she didn’t hesitate as she grabbed a few strands of her hair and yanked them out without uttering a single sound. She held them out to Kaine. “Let’s get this over with,” she muttered with her head resting on Cayden’s shoulder.

Kaine put the hair strands in the potion and shook it up before holding it out to her. “Here you go, little Lily,” he said quietly.

Liliana reluctantly took the potion. “How long does it take to go into effect?” She questioned as she studied the potion.

“It’s immediate,” Axel softly responded.

Cayden slightly tightened his arms around Liliana. “I won’t let you go, little dove,” he whispered as he rested his forehead against hers.

Liliana gave him a small smile. “Thank you, my love,” she whispered. She pressed a quick kiss to his lips before swallowing the entirety of the potion. “That’s so nasty,” she muttered as she tossed the vial to Kaine.

Kaine chuckled. “Most potions are.”

Liliana rested her head on Cayden’s chest and immediately felt the potion take effect. The searing, burning pain ripped through her soul as she tightly gripped Cayden’s shirt. She sobbed as the tonic worked through her soul, unattaching the demon from her soul. Cayden shushed her and soothingly rubbed her back.

Liliana sobbed and shouted in pain for about twenty minutes. Then, finally, she felt the pain stop, and the demon leave her body. She sagged against Cayden in exhaustion and relief while she listened to Kaine and Axel chanting and banishing the demon. Within minutes, the demon was gone, and the room was utterly silent.

Liliana was breathing heavily as she lifted her head and looked around. She sighed as she let her head fall back onto Cayden’s chest.

Cayden soothingly rubbed her back and pushed her hair out of her face. “Are you okay, little dove?” He asked quietly.

Liliana nodded. “I’m just so tired now,” she whispered as her eyes remained closed.

Cayden could understand her exhaustion. “Get some sleep, little dove. I’ll wake you up in a bit,” he pressed a kiss to her temple and held her close as he looked at Kaine and Axel. “Thank you both,” he said quietly.

They both bowed their heads in acknowledgment, glanced at Liliana with love and adoration in their eyes, and left the room.

Cayden held Liliana until he knew that she was asleep. Then, he gently laid her in bed and covered her up. He lightly moved her hair out of her face before pressing a kiss to her temple and quietly leaving the room.

Cayden leaned his head against the door and stayed like that for a minute. He finally stood up straight and walked to his office. He clicked his tongue when he saw Sebastian sitting on his couch in the corner of his office. “How is she doing?” Sebastian asked as he stood up.

Cayden shook his head. “She’s okay. She’s sleeping right now,” he said as he sat in the chair behind his desk.

Sebastian sat down across from him. “That’s good. I’m glad Kaine and Axel were able to get rid of that demon.”

“Same here,” Cayden cleared his throat. “I’m going to wake her up in a bit and see if she’s feeling better. Then, we’ll talk with the dwarves if she’s up to it. Though I’m not entirely sure she’ll even wake up.”

Sebastian chuckled. “I’ll be honest with you, Alpha. If I were you, I’d just let her sleep until she wakes up.”

Cayden chuckled and shook his head. “Yeah, I’m tempted to, but she won’t sleep later. If that happens, she’ll probably get mad at me for being tired tomorrow.”

Sebastian clicked his tongue. “I’d still risk it,” he said as he leaned back in his chair.

Cayden shrugged. “I just might,” he sighed. “She needs the rest with the twins,” he grinned slightly. “Her stomach is starting to swell. Since werewolf pregnancies don’t last that long, her stomach will be pretty big within a month or two.”

Sebastian laughed. “I don’t think she will be happy with that.”

Cayden shrugged. “She’ll be fine. She loves those twins already.”

Sebastian nodded. “Yeah, anyone can see that.”

Cayden grinned. “For now, we’ll just deal with normal pack business.”

“Alright,” Sebastian pulled out the paperwork they had to go over.

They worked a couple of hours, getting as much work done as they would. Finally, Cayden groaned as he looked at the watch on his wrist. “I’m going to try and wake up Lily,” he said as he reluctantly stood up.

Sebastian laughed. “I wouldn’t do that if I were you,” he said as he looked down at the paperwork in front of him.

Cayden ran a hand through his hair as he looked at the ceiling. “You know what?” He muttered. “I’ll just let her sleep.”

Sebastian chuckled. “Wise choice, alpha.”

They worked for a bit more before deciding to grab something to eat.

Liliana hadn’t had time to cook anything that day, so Cayden got to work on making enough food for the three of them, knowing Liliana would be hungry when she woke up.

As they sat down to eat dinner, Liliana came down the stairs. She grumbled to herself as she walked over to Cayden and plopped down in his lap. Then, she picked up his fork and started eating off his plate.

Cayden chuckled and wrapped his arms around her waist. “How are you feeling, dove?” He whispered as he rested his chin on her shoulder.

Liliana leaned into him as she held a bite of food to Cayden’s lips. As he took the bite and chewed, she said. “I’m okay. I feel a bit run down, but I’m okay.”

Cayden sighed in relief as he closed his eyes. “I’m so grateful you’re okay. I was so worried, dove.”

Liliana exhaled after swallowing the bit of food in her mouth. “I was too, beloved,” she shook her head. “You have no idea how scared I was.”

Cayden tightened his hold on her. “I know, my dove.”

They sat in silence for a few minutes before Sebastian cleared his throat. “Um, I know you’ve just been through a lot, but we do have some things that we need to discuss.”

Cayden sighed. “Right,” as they continued eating, Cayden explained the situation with the dwarves.

Liliana took a long drink of juice before responding. “Alright. When do we leave?” She asked as she glanced at the watch on her wrist. “If we leave now, we can be back just after dark.”

Cayden chuckled. “Let’s go then,” he stood up with Liliana in his arms. “Do you want to teleport there?” He asked as he looked down at her with nothing but love and adoration.

Liliana nodded with a loving smile. “I think we should teleport to the border and then approach in our human forms. It’ll be safer that way,” she said as she laid her head on Cayden’s shoulder.

Cayden agreed. “The dwarves will be less hostile if we show up in human forms. It’ll be less threatening that way.”

Liliana smiled as she looked up at Cayden again. “Who’s going to be coming with us?” She questioned.

“We’ll pop by the pack house and grab Kaine and Axel. Then we’ll also grab a couple of soldiers. I don’t want to take too many people with us. The dwarves may think we’re trying to start a war if we show up with too many people,” he explained.

Liliana nodded in agreement. “I only want small groups to get more allies.”

Cayden pressed a kiss to her temple. Then he looked at Sebastian. “You’re in charge until we get back.”

Sebastian gave him a single nod. “See you in a bit, Alpha.”

Liliana teleported them to the pack house. They quickly found a couple of willing soldiers, Kaine and Axel. Once everyone was gathered in a group and touched each other’s shoulders or arms. Right before they teleported to the border, Jacques rushed into the room. “I’m coming with you,” he clicked his tongue. “I’m not letting you go anywhere without me again. If you leave the protection of our territory, I will be going with you.”

Liliana nodded, knowing exactly how he felt. She smiled and held her hand out to him. “Let’s go then. Before it gets late.”

As soon as Jacques took her hand, Liliana teleported them to the border by the dwarves’ territory. She sighed as she looked around. “Alright. Let’s start walking. I’m sure the dwarves will replace us since we’ll be on their territory.”

Cayden took Liliana’s hand as they walked through the dwarves’ territory. They walked for almost an hour before a group of dwarves finally appeared. One of the dwarves stepped forward and gripped a gorgeous battle-axe in his right hand. “Are you Liliana?” He questioned in a deep, gravelly voice.

Liliana bowed her head for a minute before standing up straight. “I’m Liliana. Who are you?” She questioned politely.

“My name is Voddaen Boneaxe. I’m the king of this territory,” he said in that gravelly voice.

Liliana placed a hand over her heart. “It is an honor to meet you, Voddaen Boneaxe.”

Voddaen bowed his head slightly. “I hear you’re the wolf from the old prophecy everyone’s been whispering about,” he started as he set his ax down against a tree he was standing next to.

Liliana shoved her hair out of her face. “I am,” she said softly. “I’m afraid the war has begun,” she cleared her throat. “Atlas has already kidnapped me and sent me to Tartarus. Along with my cherished friend, Jacques,” she gestured to Jacques, standing just behind her protecting her at all times.

Voddaen looked at Jacques and slightly tilted his head to the side. “I know you,” he muttered as he narrowed his eyes. “My father spoke highly of you.”

Jacques frowned as he studied Voddaen. “Who was your father?” He questioned.

Voddaen grinned. “My father was the great Thargron Boneaxe. He was the king before me for centuries.”

Jacques chuckled as he shook his head. “I remember him. He was quite the warrior. I was sorry to hear of his passing. Though I’m sure, he lived a long, full life.”

Voddaen chuckled. “That he did,” he cleared his throat. “So let me guess,” he said as he turned to Liliana. “You’re looking for allies to help you fight against Atlas and whatever army he manages to raise,” he said as he crossed his arms over his chest.

Liliana exhaled. “I’ll be honest with you, Voddaen, I have a list of allies from Artemis, but you aren’t on it,” she cleared her throat. “I’m sure I would have found you somewhere down the line, but I did replace you because of the territory you’re on. But, unfortunately, our territory is right next to yours.”

Voddaen nodded along with her. “Yes, I am aware of this.”

Liliana sighed as she sat down and folded her legs underneath her. “Before Atlas took me, I was doing the math and looking over a map. With all of the allies, we’re going to need the territories we have aren’t going to be enough. We’re going to need more space. We had believed this territory was empty, but now that we know it isn’t, I would like to become allies with you. Your aid in this war would be deeply appreciated, and in return, you will always be able to call upon us for any assistance you may need in the future. We will also have Daedalus come over and wire up your territory for safety. Which includes security and traps to slow down any enemy that may try to get too close to your homes.”

Voddaen rubbed his beard, deep in thought. “What of our young and those who are unable to fight?” He questioned as he studied her.

Liliana gave him an understanding smile. “Of course. I already have plans for those who are unable to fight. In each territory we have allies, there will be a safe house. It will be built of the sturdiest material that we can replace. I will also put every protection spell around them that I can replace. Along with several magical barriers, including an earth barrier and a fire barrier.”

Voddaen was impressed as he watched her. “Wow, you’re fully prepared, aren’t you?” He asked as he studied her closely.

Liliana clicked her tongue. “Well, everyone has loved ones they want safe from harm. I have people who are too young to fight as well. Why would I use my abilities to protect those I love and care for but deny the same for those willing to fight by my side in this horrible war?”

Cayden couldn’t help but look at Liliana in awe while Voddaen did the same. “You’re not what I expected when I first heard of this prophecy,” Voddaen said quietly.

Liliana let out a small laugh. “This isn’t the first time I’ve heard that,” she said softly.

Voddaen crossed his arms over his chest as he studied her and the small group behind her. He could tell from looking at them that everyone would lay down their lives for her. They adored her, and she was a selfless leader who deserved it. Voddaen knew by looking into her eyes she had earned the right to be loved by those behind her.

Voddaen grinned and walked up to Liliana. He held his hand out to Liliana. “The dwarves will be more than happy to fight for you in this war,” he said proudly.

Liliana gave him a brilliant smile as she took Voddaen’s hand and stood up. “Thank you so much,” she said as she dusted off her pants. “Do you have a phone by any chance?” She asked.

Voddaen shrugged. “We’re all quite close here, so no.”

Liliana nodded and looked at Jacques expectantly. Jacques chuckled and pulled out a prepaid cell phone. He handed it to Liliana, and she gave it to Voddaen as she moved to stand next to him. She quickly showed him how to use it. “All of the leaders’ numbers are already programmed in here. Mine, Cayden’s, etc. If you can’t get ahold of me, you can call any of those numbers. Cayden, Jacques, Kaine, Axel, Ryan, Evelyn, and Sebastian will most likely know where I am. So, if I don’t answer my phone, you can call any of those,” she cleared her throat. “I’ll have Daedalus come over first thing in the morning to get your security and traps up.”

Voddaen bowed low at the waist. “Thank you. We are truly joyful and proud to be serving alongside you.”

Liliana gently touched Voddaen’s shoulder. “There is no need to bow to me,” she whispered. “We are all equals here, and I will not hear a single word that says otherwise.”

Voddaen chuckled but nodded. “Alright then. Thank you, wet’ati Lilyi (young Lily).”

Liliana smiled brightly. “Until next time,” she said softly before turning away and walking home with her group behind her.