Chapter 0308

Zachary

Lycans now outnumbered Wolves within Obsidian Howl.

This shift occurred a week ago.

It marked the first instance I witnessed Alexander appearing slightly unsettled.

He never voiced it outright, but a Lycan majority posed a potential threat.

Theoretically, we could challenge the Wolves' authority.

Yet, every single one of us remained solely for Athena.

Five weeks had passed, and more Lycans continued to arrive.

I always knew our numbers were greater, but never this substantial.

Many had also perished during their journeys.

Lucas took immense pleasure in that fact.

He remained an asshole, and my trust in him was still absent.

However, he was honoring his word.

He also seemed beneficial for Lottie.

Lucas moved through the open space between the packhouse and the first row of homes.

He conducted his bizarre training routines.

A crowd had gathered, particularly teenage girls who enjoyed watching him exercise.

He tolerated their presence as long as they were Wolves.

"Watching him again?" Alexander muttered, stepping through the front door.

"Just as you watch the Lycans."

"You realize Luc is still seeking a method to bind Nyx. He isn't obligated to do this."

"He's been searching for a solution for nearly two months. Shouldn't he have discovered something by now? Especially with another Hunter's assistance."

"Theodore is nothing like Luc. You already understand that." The revelation about Theodore was profoundly shocking. Comparing him to Lucas highlighted their extreme differences. I struggled to comprehend how Theodore could be a Hunter, particularly since he loved Athena.

"Perhaps it's simply impossible." I stated. "Even if it is possible, we both know the process could kill her. You cannot risk that. Athena must learn to control it."

"What if I told you he has already identified a couple of potential options?"

He had my complete, undivided attention. I tore my gaze away from Lucas. "What?"

"He found a few options. Neither guarantees Athena won't be harmed during the process. One idea originated from a Witch. However, upon learning Athena had been bound previously, she informed Lucas it was not a viable option."

"Why haven't you mentioned this before?"

"I don't have to. She is my mate. I am the Alpha here."

"She is also our Alpha, Alexander. Where is she, anyway?"

"With Theodore. And before you comment." Alexander watched me closely. "Athena can handle herself. Theodore would never harm her."

I decided silence was the best response.

'Julian moved!' Isabella's voice echoed sharply in my mind.

'Isabella...'

'He moved!'

'I'm on my way.' I looked at Alexander. "Julian moved?"

"It's probably just..." His words trailed off as his crimson eyes glazed over. "Come on."

We hurried toward the hospital. He shouted for Lucas to join us. I rolled my eyes. "What did Isabella tell you?" I asked as we crossed the grounds.

"His eyes are open."

"That's impossible." Lucas frowned, an expression seemingly permanent these days.

We burst into the hospital.

We headed straight for Julian's room.

The pillows had been removed from under his head.

The bed was laid completely flat.

His eyes were wide open but entirely unresponsive.

The tube in his throat continued its mechanical work, forcing air into his lungs.

"His hand moved." Isabella whispered. Her own dark eyes were as wide as Julian's. "And he opened his eyes." She gestured toward his face.

I examined Julian's hands. They rested in precisely the same position as always.

This wasn't the first time Isabella claimed he had moved.

Her desperate desire for him to live made her see things that weren't real.

But his eyes being open was a new development.

Alexander clenched his jaw, his eyes scanning his brother's lifeless form.

He had confessed to saying goodbye to Julian long ago.

But he believed Isabella needed more time.

His crimson eyes shifted to Lucas.

Lucas shook his head.

"Isabella, it's time to turn off the machines." Alexander told her, his voice firm.

"You said he would heal." She glared accusingly at Lucas.

"He is not healing. He hasn't been for a while." Lucas replied bluntly. “I have stated this repeatedly. He is not recovering. You must let him go. Forcing him to exist in a world that has no place for him is cruel. You are sacrificing your own life hoping for a miracle. That miracle is not coming."

"He's my brother." I felt her agony. Her longing for him was as powerful as her will for him to awaken. Her denial was equally severe.

"We will proceed with this. You can be by his side, or not." Alexander told her, his tone leaving no room for argument.