Outsiders

"Order!" The pale, slender hand slammed down on the dark wood table, silencing the chatter that had filled the room. Everyone went quiet, straightening in their chairs, their eyes fixed on the table. His dark red eyes scanned the room, critiquing every individual present. His blonde hair, tied in a half-up, half-down style, added to his regal presence, the top section pulled back and secured while the rest flowed freely down his back.

His slender hand massaged his chin in deep thought before he finally spoke. "Do we have a location yet?"

"Not accurately, my lord," said the brown-haired man to his left, barely making eye contact. "The power came a sudden burst and it was gone, sire."

"We can guess it came from the northwest," another man said. His black hair was tied in a ponytail, his red eyes locking with the blonde's.

"Washington we can handle," the blonde man answered, "but Montana and Idaho are off-limits. They are the Gunnolfs' and Brogans' territory." His last words were spoken with undeniable distaste.

"We have to take matters into our own hands, sire," a third man said. His sandy brown hair fell in messy waves around his ears. "We took Oregon and California from the last supernatural entities there."

"I am not eager to raise a war with the werewolves, Seba," the blonde man said, sitting back in his polished dark wood chair. He crossed his legs, his formal attire impeccable. "Last time, it dwindled our numbers."

"If she is real, I believe the stakes are worth the result," Seba replied, lowering his head in respect. "The power we could yield would finally allow us to rule as we should."

The blonde leader considered their words, his fingers drumming lightly on the table. He then turned his gaze to me, standing at the end of the room. "Dalia," he called out.

I stepped forward, trying to project confidence. "Yes, my lord?" I replied, keeping my voice smooth and controlled. I shook my raven-black hair cascading down my back, as my eyes icy blue as ice that seemed to stare around the room.

"What is your assessment?" he asked, his tone respectful but firm.

I took a moment to collect my thoughts. "The power we sensed is ancient and formidable. It aligns with the prophecies of the one who could tip the balance of power. However, it is not yet fully awakened. We have a window of opportunity, but it is closing fast."

The leader nodded thoughtfully. "Very well. Seba, you will gather more intelligence. I want to know exactly what we're dealing with before we make any moves. We cannot afford mistakes."

Seba nodded, his expression resolute. "Yes, my lord."

The leader turned to the man with the black ponytail. "Prepare our forces discreetly. If we need to move, we must be ready."

"As you wish," the man replied, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.

The leader's gaze swept over the group one last time. "Remember, our goal is power, not unnecessary bloodshed. We act strategically, and we will succeed. Dismissed."

The men rose from their seats, each bowing slightly before leaving the room. The blonde leader remained, his mind racing with the possibilities. The power they sought was within reach, but the path to it was fraught with danger. He would need to be cunning, ruthless, and prepared for anything.

As everyone left the room, the leader stopped me. "Child, are you feeling homesick?"

I stopped, looking at him with a nervous stare before averting my gaze to the floor. "I have not visited my pack for a long time, sire."

He smiled, a very disturbing smile that sent a shiver down my spine. "Something tells me you should."

I felt like groaning but held my disgust in check. Anyone who did could face dire consequences. My family used to live on the border of Idaho and Montana, but after my father married my wolf mother, things went south, and I was forced to flee with my father. The memories of my once peaceful life haunted me, and the idea of returning to that place filled me with a mix of dread and sorrow.

"Yes, sire," I replied, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside me.

The leader's smile widened, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "Good. Perhaps your visit will yield useful information for us. Your familiarity with the area will be invaluable."

I nodded, my mind already racing with the implications of this new task. I knew that returning to my old territory would not be easy, and I would have to confront the painful memories and unresolved issues I had left behind. The thought of facing my past was daunting, but I also understood the necessity of it.

"I will prepare immediately," I said, my voice betraying none of my inner conflict.

"Excellent," the leader said, his tone dismissive. "And Dalia, remember—failure is not an option."

With a slight bow, I turned and left the room. As I walked down the dimly lit corridor, my mind replayed the events that had led me to this point. The conflict between my witch and wolf heritage, the betrayal of my mother's pack, and the escape with my father—it all seemed like a lifetime ago.

I had to keep my emotions in check, especially now. The leader's command was clear, and I had no choice but to obey. As I made my way to my quarters, I couldn't help but feel the weight of my new assignment pressing down on me. The journey ahead would be fraught with danger, both physical and emotional.

Once in my quarters, I began to gather my belongings, my mind a whirlwind of thoughts. I packed light, taking only what I needed for the journey. The memories of my childhood, the warmth of my mother's embrace, and the betrayal that had shattered my world played out in my mind like a haunting melody.

I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what lay ahead. I knew that returning to the border of Idaho and Montana would be a test of my strength and resilience.

As I prepared to leave, I glanced at the small, worn photograph of my parents that I kept hidden in a drawer. It was a reminder of better times, a symbol of the love that had once bound my family together. I tucked the photo into my bag, a silent promise to myself that I would find closure on this journey.

With my preparations complete, I left my quarters and made my way to the stables. The journey would be long, and I needed to cover as much ground as possible before nightfall. As I leave, I couldn't shake the feeling that this mission would change my life in ways I couldn't yet comprehend.

The leader's parting words echoed in my mind as I walked out of the compound. Failure is not an option. I would have to succeed, not only for the sake of my mission but for myself. The time had come to confront my past and reclaim my future, no matter the cost.

As the landscape of the borderlands stretched out before me, I tried to calm the storm within. They say wolves meet their wolf at seventeen but being a hybrid the waters were uncertain. It was not a common thing and I didnt know if I was meant to have a wolf at all. The road ahead was uncertain, but I have to be ready knowing that my journey had only just begun.