A Hidden Army and a Defiant Stand

I took one last lingering look at my mother sitting peacefully on her deck, the ocean breeze gently tousling her hair. She had a cup of coffee in one hand and her book in the other, looking more content than I'd seen her in years. This was how she deserved to live—free from the demons that had haunted her for so long. Mr. Sterling sat down beside her, saying something that made her smile. My heart clenched. This goodbye felt final, but at least I knew she was happy now.

"Hazel," Silas whispered urgently, "we need to go."

I nodded, committing this peaceful image of my mother to memory before turning away. Silas gripped my arm, and the familiar disorienting sensation of teleportation washed over me. The sunny beach vanished, replaced by the shadowy interior of Magnus Sterling's realm. The sudden shift sent a wave of nausea through me.

"Sorry," Silas said, steadying me. "Are you okay?"

I swallowed hard, willing my stomach to settle. "I'm fine. Just the usual teleportation sickness."

We'd materialized next to a sleek black SUV parked in the driveway of the mansion. The others would join us soon—Kaelen had instructed everyone to scatter and teleport separately to avoid drawing attention.

Silas opened the car door. "Let's wait inside."

I slid into the backseat, leaning my head against the cool window. "At least my mom seemed happy."

"She did," Silas agreed, settling beside me. "Kaelen's compulsion worked perfectly. She has a fresh start now."

"It's weird to think she'll be living with someone using the name Sterling," I said, "when that might be the same alias my biological father used."

Silas frowned. "You think your father was from the Sterling line?"

"I don't know. But everything seems connected to Magnus somehow." I picked up the newspaper Rhys had brought, scanning the article about the missing teens again. Something about it nagged at me.

I studied the faces of the twelve missing teenagers. All of them had striking blue eyes, just like mine. All were eighteen—the age when Grey powers typically manifest. I ran my finger down the list of names, noting their locations.

"Silas, look at this," I said, my pulse quickening. "These kids aren't just random teens. They're all exactly my age, all have blue eyes, and they've all gone missing right around when their powers would manifest."

Silas leaned closer, his eyes widening. "You think they're all Sterlings? Like you?"

"I think they're Greys who've been raised in the human realm," I said. "Magnus or someone working with him has been placing Grey children with human families, just like I was."

"But why? What would be the point?" Silas asked.

The answer hit me like a physical blow. "An army," I whispered. "They're creating an army of Greys. All these kids are coming into their powers now, probably confused and scared like I was. The perfect time to swoop in and manipulate them."

Silas looked horrified. "A secret army of Greys raised in the human world, with no knowledge of our rules or traditions."

"And now they're all disappearing," I continued. "Either someone's gathering them up, or..."

"Or they're being taken somewhere to be trained," Silas finished grimly.

The car doors opened, and Kaelen slid into the driver's seat. Ronan took the passenger side while Rhys and Jaxon climbed in beside us in the back.

"Good, everyone made it," Kaelen said, starting the engine. "We need to move quickly."

"Wait," I said. "Before we go anywhere, I need to show you something."

I thrust the newspaper forward. "These missing teens—they're all Greys. Probably all Sterlings like me, raised in the human world."

Kaelen took the paper, his expression darkening as he scanned the article.

"Someone's building an army," I continued. "They're rounding up these kids as their powers manifest."

Jaxon leaned forward, his eyes intense. "Makes sense. If Magnus has been placing Grey children with humans for years, they'd all be coming of age now."

"And manifesting their gifts," Rhys added. "Perfect timing if you wanted to collect them and harness their powers."

"I need to look into this," I said firmly. "I need access to the human internet. I can track patterns, look for similar disappearances in previous years."

"No," Kaelen said, his tone leaving no room for argument. "It's too dangerous for you to be involved. This is exactly what I was afraid of. Magnus is creating chaos in both realms."

"I'll look into it when we get back," he continued. "My resources are better equipped—"

"No," I interrupted, surprising even myself with my boldness. "With all due respect, Mr. Vance, this is my responsibility. These kids are like me. They're Sterlings, or at least connected to my biological family somehow."

I felt something stir inside me—my wolf, rising to the surface, bristling at being told to stand down. "My bonds and I will handle this. We need to find these kids before Magnus does more damage."

The car fell silent. I could feel everyone's eyes on me, but I didn't back down. I met Kaelen's gaze in the rearview mirror, my resolve strengthening rather than weakening under his intense stare.

"This isn't just about you protecting me anymore," I continued. "This is about me protecting others. Isn't that what you've been training me for? To understand my power and use it responsibly?"

Kaelen's eyes flashed blue, but instead of anger, I saw something else there—calculation, perhaps even respect. The corner of his mouth lifted in a subtle smirk.

"And if I refuse?" he asked, his voice deceptively soft.

I felt my own eyes flash in response, my inner wolf refusing to submit. "Then I'll find another way. But I'd rather have your help than your hindrance."

The tension in the car was thick enough to cut with a knife. Jaxon shifted beside me, his body coiled and ready, but not threatening—supportive. Silas's hand found mine, squeezing gently. Rhys and Ronan both leaned forward slightly, their postures making it clear where their loyalties lay.

Kaelen held my challenging gaze for a long moment, his blue eyes glinting with something I couldn't quite interpret. Then, to my surprise, his lips curved into a full smirk, his eyes flashing blue once more.