17. Seventeen

Elementra, that was awful.

We only have a few more moments as the guys get regrouped. Lyker's giving them a rundown of how we're going to be able to get to the caves behind the Alpha house without being seen and the palace team is already transporting the shifters still under my command and non-shifter members who were here in the arena to the holding cells.

The damage done to my body is completely healed. Between the cure, Jamie's healing, and my guys embracing me, I'm like new. I don't feel any side effects from the poison. Other than the raised skin I feel through my shirt, it's like it never happened…physically.

Mentally, I'll be thinking about the pain of the dagger forcing its way through my skin and the slimy feeling of the tar coating my blood, sending me to a void of darkness, for a long time to come. I can't even bring myself to think about what I saw of Tillman, or I'll fall apart. I wish I could just curl into bed with my men surrounding me and go to sleep rather than think or do anything else right now.

Oakly's concern hits me full force the moment she wraps me up in a hug, telling me how mad she is at me, and I laugh, trying to play the situation off lightly, even though I know that if the roles were reversed, if it had been her, or any of them, I'd have lost my mind.

The tension surrounding everyone is thick and not just my Nexus. Everyone feels strained. I feel like shit knowing we haven't had any time to process, much less get over what just happened, and now I'm setting us out on another task.

"So just these three Nexuses are going to go to the caves, while the palace team, the rest of team one, and Rhett and his guys keep transporting this bunch to the holding cells?" I ask Tillman for clarification. Lyker says the smaller the group, the better, which I agree with.

"That's right. Everyone ready? Transport to the tree line at the back of the Alpha house," he instructs.

Lyker's Nexus splits up between our two Nexuses so they can transport us as one since none of our group has ever been to the back of the Alpha's house to know where to go. Well…technically, I've been there but not physically.

"You sure we need to do this?" Lyker asks me as I grab his forearm. I try to touch him in the most appropriate spot for the transport, yet Draken still growls, and I have to bump him with my hip and send him a ‘cut the shit' look.

"Yep, I'm sure." I can't tell him any more than that for now, so I just look away, hoping he and his Nexus won't ask me any more questions.

The transport opens to a very familiar scenery, one I've visited multiple times over the last few weeks, only my visits weren't in person, they were in one vision, and other times in my dreams. The time that I walked this forest, I didn't foresee us walking into any trouble, so I'm begging Elementra mentally to let that be the case now.

"Lead the way, Fortune Teller," Lyker instructs with a wave of his hand.

"Don't call her cute nicknames. Just because she saved you doesn't mean I won't eat you." Draken snarls, pulling me into his arms possessively.

"Stop that. We don't have time for it. He's not being flirty. It was a friendly regard," I lightly scold, but there's no threat to my tone. I love his possessiveness.

"Yeah, it was. How did you know that?" Lyker asks as he cocks his head to the side, looking at me strangely.

Mimicking his gesture, I study him back. There's a comfortableness to him that I feel, not like with my guys. The thought of even thinking about Lyker in a romantic way makes me feel sick to my stomach, but I do feel something. I just don't know how to explain it. I can only assume it's from the many visions I've had of him dying that's made me feel like I know him, and my mind is categorizing him into the little box with certain guys I'm close with and can trust, like Oakly's Nexus, Vince, and Walker.

Still, I didn't really realize it until he asked, but I'm not sure how I knew how he meant his words. I just kind of sensed it.

Weird.

"We need to move," I announce, rather than answering him. Everyone is going to start thinking I'm crazy if I say I can sense him or fucking flip out; one or the other and we don't have time for either.

The narrow path we take wasn't created with an earth element. It was etched by footsteps over time. You can tell by the flattened fallen leaves, broken twigs, and how the undergrowth is more worn here than the rest of the dense foliage. The fuckers who use this path on the regular have tried to keep it hidden in plain sight.

There's barely any wildlife. Prey animals know better than to make a home so close to a den of predators, so the only noises of animals you can hear are the birds flying through the tall trees overhead and insects chirping loudly as we walk through their home.

Traipsing along through the tree line, I know we don't have a long walk, and my mind's whirling over the fact I know so much about this path, but I've never actually been here.

After a few short minutes, we come up to the entrance of the cave. Its mouth is framed by rugged rocks and draped with vines. A deterring ward pulses from it with hopes of turning any stragglers away.

"It's warded. How are we supposed to get in there?" Lennox asks.

"Jarod's father set this ward, and he was Alpha before. So the land will recognize a new Alpha. Go on, Lyker, slice your hand with that big-ass knife you got on your hip, place it on the ward, and let's get moving," I instruct casually. I really have no clue if the land part is the truth or not, but that's what I saw him do in my vision, so I can make a pretty good assumption.

"What?" He and his Nexus all ask at once.

"How can you see my blade?" Lyker asks.

"You all are asking a lot more questions rather than just following directions. Jeez, you guys say I'm bad at listening," Draken jokes, slinging his arm over the shoulder of a sneering Caspian.

Shaking my head as the two of them fuss, I turn to Ry. "Can you sense more than one body in there?"

"Nope, that's all, one small form," he answers, and that seems to get Lyker's ass moving.

He still cocks a curious brow at me as he pulls the blade from its halter. Running the sharp edge down the center of his palm, he doesn't make a sound or even flinch as his blood starts pooling through his fingers.

Damn showoff men, knowing good and well that shit hurts.

I'd be a crying mess if I had to slice my own hand.

"It only stings, but you won't ever have to do that," Tillman grunts from behind me.

"Eavesdropping, are we?" I ask playfully.

"Absolutely. And we're going to talk about those thoughts you've been having when we get home," he whispers.

I'm hoping he's talking about the sexually charged, dirty thoughts of them all pleasuring me and not the thoughts of Lyker or my horrid thoughts of what just happened to me a while ago that I keep trying to ignore.

His eyes are masked with seriousness, and I can't tell which of my thoughts he's referring to, but I got a feeling it's not the first option unfortunately.

A shuddering in the air draws my attention back to Lyker as the wards come down without a hitch, and he turns to us with a confident smirk on his lips.

"Good shit, it worked." I say excitedly.

The smile fades from his face as he looks at me in shock. "Wait, you didn't even know if that was going to work?"

Draken and Caspian let out loud laughs at the guilty look on my face. They both live for mischievous shit like this. Draken's just more open about it while, when Caspian participates, it's like looking at a small glimpse into the life of teenage him.

"I was pretty positive," I say, faking complete confidence as I stroll ahead of the group like I own this cave.

"I can walk ahead a little and give us some light," Zane says as he tries to come and stand beside me, with a flame hovering in his palm, but one look from Caspian has him dropping back a step.

"Thanks, but it's okay," I tell him as I send a flame out, instructing it to light all the torches we'll pass from here to her room.

"How is it that you have both an air element and fire?" Lyker asks from behind me. Oakly's beside me on my left, with her guys boxing us in with my Nexus to my right.

"That's a very good question," I answer without answering.

"That was a very personal question that no one's privy to the answer unless Willow says so," Corentin cuts in just as Lyker is about to ask another question.

His commanding tone, like always, makes everyone pay attention to him, and his words hold a hint of warning, letting Lyker know he's about to walk into dangerous territory.

Turning around, I look at Kian, Zane, and Lennox. They each were in my visions as well, just not center focused like Lyker was, but I still get that same strange, comfortable feeling toward them as well. I'm starting to think it has more to do with who we're going to save than them, since I'm technically closer to her than any of them.

"They can know," I declare, taking the advice of my stranger on my gift. If I can tell how I'm supposed to feel about a person quickly, then I'll listen to my instincts, and I already know they're good people.

I don't bother going into detail about myself or my gifts and elements. The guys will tell them what they're comfortable with them knowing and if I feel like something should be added, I'll tell them. Instead, I take in the sight of the cave. Physically being here is so different than when I've been here incorporeal. Colors are usually dull, barely distinguishable; there are no smells or textures to touch. Now, I can see, smell, and feel everything.

The slightly cooler air sends chill bumps down my arms as I lightly drag my fingers across the wet walls, their surfaces reflecting the light from my flames. The smell of stagnant water penetrates the air and I follow the sound of dripping to the endless clusters of stalagmites that rise from the cave floor. Above them, stalactites hang like deadly icicles from the ceiling in a multitude of colors.

I can't help but marvel at the beauty of it, the way nature has sculpted the heart of this cave and to know that it's an ongoing, never-ending design is incredible. There are only two chambers in this cave, and this is the only one that hasn't been altered by an elemental gift.

We continue down the smooth passages that twist and turn as we make our way deeper into the cave silently. The only sound is the rhythmic echo of our footsteps. Finally coming up to another ward, I step to the side and let Lyker and the others through.

"Same as last time?" he asks sarcastically.

"Yeah, this time I know for sure," I tell him seriously as I keep my eyes locked on the wall in front of us.

After slicing the already healed wound on his palm, Lyker presses his hand to the ward and then takes a step back, lining up with his brothers. The smooth stone wall that stands behind the ward begins to vibrate and shake before slowly lowering. And I hold my breath as it makes its slow descent into the floor.

This is it, the moment I meet the woman I've been sharing dreams with over the course of the last few weeks. The main reason I sent Lyker here. I've had to keep this a secret for so long. When the first dream occurred, I thought I was having visions in my sleep, then when they continued to occur, I knew something else was going on, but I couldn't say anything about it.

"Who the fuck are you?" a feminine voice shrieks.

"Lyker. Who the fuck are you?" His posture stiffens, surprised that she doesn't even flinch at the bite in his tone, then his eyes take her in from head to toe in a calculating gesture.

"None of your damn business." She snarls.

"Anyone in this pack is now my business," he growls.

"Not me, asshole," she growls right back.

There's a moment of stunned silence from everyone as a smile crosses my face.

It's her, definitely her.

I turn in place, looking around at the bare stone room I just woke up in. Well, I'm not awake. I can tell I'm still asleep, but I was just having a lovely little dream about my Nexus, then suddenly, I appeared here.

"Who the fuck are you?" a female asks from behind me, causing me to jump.

"Ahhh, you scared me. Who are you?" I ask, trying to place my hand over my racing heart, but I find my body to be ghostly. "What the fuck is wrong with me?"

I screech, trying and failing repeatedly to pat myself down and feel my body, only for my hand to effortlessly pass through it.

Unhinged laughter reaches my ears, momentarily distracting me from my full-fledged freak-out.

"Damn, I'm truly losing my mind. Eight years trapped in this fucking cave has finally caused me to crack."

Taking a good look at her, my eyes widen with recognition. "I've seen you before."

"What? I have no idea who you are," she says defensively.

"No, no, you wouldn't. I just got to Elementra not too long ago from the nonmagical realm," I tell her, a little breathless.

"That's impossible. There's no way to travel in and out of Elementra," she argues.

"You'd be surprised. Pretty sure I'm the definition of impossible, but here I am. I'm Willow," I tell her, stretching my hand out before mentally face-palming myself and pulling it back.

"I don't think there's anything that could surprise me anymore. I'm Aria," she says, gloomy.

"Really? Have you met someone else who's one of only two living dragon shifters, with the touch of the sight, and can wield three elements?" I ask with a smirk.

With shocked, disbelieving eyes, she looks me up and down like that truly is impossible. "There's no way."

"Well, there's at least one way," I say, moving my hands up and down my ghostly physique.

"Fuck, if that's true, you're rarer than me. I think this is a figment of my imagination, just another way my mind has decided to play a trick on me, giving me something more to focus on than these four walls," she rambles, trying to convince herself I'm not real.

"I'm real. And I'm going to get you out of here." I swear.

Remembering my first dream I had with Aria, the need to finally lay my physical eyes on her has my feet moving toward her as I push my way out of my men's arms and bulldoze past Lyker and his guys.

"Willow," she breathes a shuddering gasp, taking a few steps toward me. "Oh, my Elementra, you're real."

"I told you I was." I smile.

"You came just like you said you would. You're really here. Everything you said is real. I woke up almost every morning thinking I was finally going crazy." She cries, throwing her arms around me in a hug.

I return her hug just as tightly before pulling back to look at her. "I've been dying to get here to you, and let me tell you, shit was rough. But we're here and we got to go. The attack didn't go as planned, so now it's a change of the original plans I told you."

"Willow, what's going on?" Lyker asks, taking a step closer to us, causing Aria to take a step back, and my Nexus floods into the room.

"We need to have this conversation somewhere else. We've got a lot to figure out in a short amount of time. You need to put the pack on lockdown so none of the Mastery members can make a run for it,"I tell him, stepping in front of Aria and grabbing her hand in reassurance.

"We'll transport as one back to the arena. Anything you can warn us about, little warrior?" Tillman asks me, jumping right into leader mode.

"No. The visions I had of today have now come to fruition already. Saving Aria was the last thing I saw, besides what came in the middle of the attack today. We're going in blind from this point on unless something comes up," I answer him honestly as Oakly and her guys come into the room to transport with us.

"You must be Oakly. I've heard so much about you," Aria says with a smile, taking a step toward her.

"Conversation will have to wait. Let's get the fuck out of this cave," Lyker growls, sticking his arm out for Aria to take expectantly, causing her to meet him with a growl of her own.

I chuckle lightly to myself as I step into my guys for the transport. I can see that those two are going to be butting heads and I can't wait to watch the truth unfold.

"It's okay, go with him. These are the men I told you about. Well, some of the men. This is my Nexus," I tell her, jabbing my thumb behind me.

"Let me guess. Draken, Caspian, Tillman, and Corentin." She laughs as she points to each of them.

"Yep, those are mine. Good guessing. You got them all right." I return her laugh as I smile at them and their protective stances around me.

"These are the ones?" she asks quietly, looking over the other four.

"The ones? What does that mean?" Kian asks, bouncing his eyes between me and Aria.

"We need to go," I declare, giving Aria a nod as she slowly lays a shaky hand on Lyker's arm.

I sigh deeply as Draken, Tillman, Corentin, and Caspian all lay a hand on me. It's a comfort I desperately need, and I sink deeper into their embrace although I can feel the turbulent emotions coming off them. They're worked up, they want answers, and their need to run off with me and hide me away is strong.

A shudder runs down my spine as we step out of the transport, back into the arena. Without all the bodies lying around, and the teams having cleared almost all the shifters out, the scene left behind in the sand is gruesome.

There's no longer a shore of soft golden granules reflecting the sun's rays with brightness. Instead, scarlet puddles litter the arena floor. Fur, body parts, and blood leave behind the evidence of the attack that went down. Casting my gaze across the remaining group of shifters huddled together on their knees, bile rises in my throat as my eyes lock on the puddle of liquefied black tar sitting on top of the sand beside them rather than soaking into it.

That's my blood. My blood that was mixed with the deadly poison that nearly killed me not even an hour ago. Not only me, but Draken. If he hadn't recalled how to open my pocket dimension, the two of us would be lying on this bloodied sand, dead, stripped away from our Nexus. Or if it hadn't been me, it would've been Tillman, ripped to pieces.

Panic sets in as it becomes harder to get air into my lungs, my intrusive thoughts taking over my mind.

Wide-open jaws sinking their teeth into his skin as the poison takes root, keeping him from defending himself. His limbs are ripped from their sockets, leaving his mangled body flashing across my mind. My wails echo through my ears as I try to run to him, try to tear through the shifters blocking my way as he bellows his last moments, alone, in pain.

No, no. Tillman.

Suddenly, my hair blows across my face, covering my eyes as a sandstorm tears through the arena center, burying the blood beneath it like it had never been there.

"I'm here. Look at me." Tillman's gentle voice wraps around my mind like a warm, protective blanket. Blinking my eyes, I lock onto his emerald jewels. "I'm here. I'm not going anywhere, Will."

"We're here, little Primary. Always," Caspian vows, twisting his tendrils around me.

"None of us are going anywhere, little wanderer," Draken murmurs, nestling his face into my neck.

"We've got you, princess," Corentin whispers as he turns me around to face him.

Laying his hand between the valley of my breast, slowly, ever so slowly, I feel my lungs fill with air. Air I desperately need since I can't get my breathing under control.

Just like when Caspian used his water to hydrate me, I feel like I'm taking the largest, deepest breath of the purest air in all of Elementra. Corentin's using his element to breathe life into me. Literally.

"That was your element," I state quietly and quite obviously. I don't really know what else to say, though. I'm kinda awestruck.

"Yes, princess. I just wanted you to breathe, so I pushed some of my air into you so you could catch your breath."

"How?"

He smirks down at my stunned expression and grabs my hand gently. Gliding it to his chest, he mimics the position he has his hand on me.

"Close your eyes, princess. Pushing your element into someone, you have to be gentle, soft. If not, you could cause someone's lungs to pop. So think of puffing the air lightly, like blowing a kiss. Command your air to fill my lungs just enough to breathe. Very slowly, and only a little," he instructs softly.

That's a petrifying thought. I'd hate to pop his lung.

When he gives my hand a squeeze, encouraging me on, I do as he said. Instead of picturing myself blowing him a kiss, I imagine myself laying my lips on his chest, breathing the air directly into him. Commanding my air out, softly, slowly, I fill his lungs with pure, clean air so he can take a deep breath.

I feel his chest expand under my fingertips and he hums, gently wrapping his hand around my wrist.

"Very good, princess," he praises.

His small lesson helps settle the whirlwind tearing through me and I take a few deep breaths, savoring the air he gave me.

Get it together for now. You can't break down yet. There's still too much to do. Shove it down until you get home, then you can fall apart in their arms.

Opening my eyes, I give Corentin a grateful smile before turning to seek out Tillman. He's here, he's fine.

"I'm okay," I whisper, giving him an unconvincing, watery smile.

"You're not, but we're here for you, Willow," he says, already knowing the truth. I nod and prepare to change the subject because if I don't, I'll break down.

"Dream-walking. It's an ability that comes with the sight, and I've been doing it with Aria, leading up to this day. There's so much more I need to explain, but there's a lot we've got to do. They're going to need our help."

"Fuck them. I'll take you home right now. This doesn't have to be your problem to solve," my dark, damaged protector declares.

Turning to face Caspian, a real smile crosses my face as I look at his cloak of rage. He really will sweep me through the shadows, leaving everyone else behind to fend for themselves. I'm honestly surprised he hasn't decided to do just that.

"It's not my problem to solve, but we're going to help. We need to help," I tell him as I caress his face with my fingers.

He releases a small grunt of indifference before muttering, "Fine."

"What's the plan?" I ask Corentin lightly as he turns me back to face him.

"Do you feel a little better?" he asks low rather than answer me.

"Much better."

"Good. Then thank you for saving my brother's life, but you're in so much fucking trouble when we get you home. You scared us today. Scared the fuck out of me. Do you remember what I told you would happen if you made me lose my mind with worry?"

"That only applied if I ran off on you all," I whisper.

"You did run off then, and I let it slide because it was our fault. Today, you ran headfirst into danger, almost got yourself killed. Tell the others what I said would happen, Willow." His tone is drenched in a delicious, I mean dangerous, promise. One that has me pressing my thighs together.

Damn if he can't switch it up real fast.

"He said he'd paint my ass pink for making him lose his mind in worry. And one of you would be stuck to my side day in and day out. I'd never be allowed to go anywhere alone again, not even the shower," I whisper, watching Corentin's blazing gaze smolder with heat.

"Yeah, I do believe our bad little Primary will need some punishment for her carelessness," Caspian agrees darkly, stepping closer to my side as Tillman presses in behind me.

"I wasn't careless. I thought it through," I argue.

"You were careless with our hearts. You'll never sacrifice yourself for one of us or anyone ever again," he orders.

Looking at Draken for some help, I find none as his eyes flash to slits.

"Don't look at me this time, sweetness. I know what that skin looks like flushed. I'll quite enjoy watching."

I'm on the verge of whimpering as they all close in on me completely. Their mouthwatering scents and heated looks light my skin on fire, pushing aside my panic and igniting my need. Fuck, I want the punishment they're promising. I know for a fact it'll come paired with pleasure beyond my wildest dreams.

Two feminine giggles cut through my thickening lust-filled haze, and my eyes cut to where Oakly and Aria are standing a few feet away, laughing at my flustered state. Clearing my throat, I push out of the sexually charged circle the guys have me in and make my way to join them.

"Not funny," I grunt to Oakly.

"I can't help that you and those men of yours always choose the most inappropriate times to do shit like that," she picks.

"Where are the others?" I ask, not acknowledging her calling me out. It's the truth after all.

"Trying to help Lyker figure out how to put the pack on lockdown." She nods to where the guys are all standing around in a circle.

"You know how to do that, right?" I turn and ask Corentin.

"Yeah, princess. We'll go help," he says, shooting me a wink before they all walk over to join the rest.

Blowing out a breath, I look back at both of the girls giving me amused grins. "Don't give me no shit, you're just as bad. And you'll be soon enough."

"Wait, what?" Oakly asks, her surprised gaze bouncing between me and Aria.

"Not with the way that alphahole acts," Aria says, rolling her eyes.

"Yeah, okay. We both have Nexuses full of alphaholes. The attitudes go from pissing you off to turning you on. It's incredibly frustrating." I laugh before lowering my voice to a whisper. "We're going to have to tell them about your gift in a minute when they plan out how we're going to approach the rest of the pack about the lockdown. When are you going to tell them the truth?"

"When I decide if I like them or not. Or when an awakening happens, I guess. We'll just play that by ear, so let's just keep that between us girls," Aria says with a teasing smirk, one me and Oakly return.

We cut our giggling as power ripples through the air. Turning to the guys, they're all surrounding Lyker, giving him a pat on the back and smiles of support. He may have been fearful about coming here, not believing he had any idea of how to lead a pack, too young to do it, and that his place was with the E.F., but I have no doubt he's going to be just what this pack needs. Plus, he won't be alone. He has his Nexus, us, and now Aria.

"It'd be wise to start with the Elders. Some of them are a part of the Mastery or at least have knowledge about them. There's no way they aren't. Get them in here now, separately from everyone else. The ones who have the mark will be taken to the holding cells, aside from one. We can question one of them for information on the remaining pack members and the others Tillman will read their minds to see if they're aware of the involvement," Corentin advises Lyker as we walk up to join them.

"What about the marks you were telling me about? What if we question the Elder and their heart just falls out?" Lyker questions.

"That's where Aria comes in," I chime in, gaining everyone's attention.

"How?" all twelve men ask at one time.

Me, Oakly, and Aria all chuckle at them as they each look at her with questions brewing in their minds.

"I'm an Omega shifter with an ability," Aria announces confidently.

"Impossible. The last Omega shifter died years ago," Kian argues.

"The last documented one. I've been locked away for eight years since my element and ability emerged," she tells him.

"Why?" Corentin asks. He's dying to know what the hell is going on and I smile over my shoulder at him.

My sweet control freak.

"My ability is Ethereal Command. I can command the barrier between the mind and the rune on the Mastery members down. My ability can do more than that, but that's what got me locked in a cave," she explains.

"Damn. Don't take this with any offense, but why didn't they kill you instead of lock you up?" Lennox asks, looking at her like the badass she is.

"They were hoping they'd find a shifter strong enough to force my shift. I never bothered to tell them that'd never work. Figured it would buy me some time to try to escape. See how far that got me, but at least I'm still alive," she tells him vaguely.

"That's how it worked for all other Omega shifters. What makes you different?" Lyker asks as he looks over her thoughtfully.

Aria examines him carefully, contemplating what she's going to say. "There's only one Alpha shifter who's going to be able to bring my animal out."

I smile behind my hand at her vagueness and Oakly releases a small cough to cover her laugh. It looks like she's going to drag out the news until the guys either figure it out on their own or an awakening happens. Fuck, I can't wait to see it.

"Is the plan to bring the Elders here, or did you decide something else?" I ask Lyker, grabbing his attention off Aria. We've got shit to do.

"That's the plan. I'll get the palace team and Rhett's guys to go collect them and bring them here, maybe Rylan and his Nexus as well. He's a good guy and we got along the whole time in preparation for the trials. It won't hurt to have extra hands. Then we'll go from there. You're willing to help us?" he asks Aria.

"Absolutely," she declares.

"And you guys?" He turns to my Nexus next.

"We're here for you. We'll do whatever you need," Tillman says.

I can tell both he and Corentin are struggling not to take over the situation, but they're trying to let Lyker make choices on his own, learn how to lead without orders. It's going to be a learning curve for him, for sure, but like Tillman just told him, we'll be here.

Well, my guys can help him lead far more than me. I'm just grouped in as one with them. I feel Lyker's struggle right now. I felt the same way when Corentin dropped the bomb on me about who they truly are and what that means for me. The thought of leading and ruling anyone is petrifying. Thank Elementra I got, hopefully, a couple hundred years until I have to step up.

In minutes, the three Nexuses work out the plan to bring the Elders here, find out everything we can, then address the entire pack, depending on how much we find out. Rhett's already gone to find Rylan and his Nexus and ask them to join us, so as soon as they return, then they'll go get the Elders.

I know none of the group that came with us today expected us to have to handle the Mastery in the pack so quickly, but we don't really have a choice now. There's no way to tell who all knew or didn't know they planned an attack against Lyker, so now we can't really leave until they're taken care of. After they're sifted out and taken to the holding cells, then it'll be up to Lyker and his Nexus to decide how to move forward with this pack.

"Alpha, what's going on?" an unfamiliar voice asks.

Turning around, my guys all close in around me, but I recognize Rylan and his Primary who's clinging to his arm. Her screams will probably be branded in my mind for eternity.

"Rylan, sorry to interrupt the celebrations, but I need to talk to you about some things and hopefully get your help," Lyker tells him as he approaches our large group.

"What's this about?" he asks, glancing at us tensely.

"There's nothing in his mind about the Mastery. He's nervous with all of us surrounding like this," Tillman announces.

"The Mastery?" Rylan asks, confused.

Lyker jumps into an explanation of what's been going on right under half the pack's nose and who the men were that they faced off in the trials. Rylan's whole Nexus stands in fury, soaking in the information with a mixture of rage, betrayal, and confusion. None of them have any knowledge of the Mastery, according to Tillman, and they all were willing to reveal their chests, so for now, we have at least five more allies.

"I saw you during the trials. You stood up when my Rylan was in trouble, like you were planning on interfering," a soft, feminine voice says from a few feet away from where me, Oakly, and Aria stepped away from the guys.

"That's because she was. Her Nexus had to hold her back." Oakly snorts.

"What Kael did was bullshit. I'm sorry you and your Nexus had to experience that. I'm Willow. This is Oakly and Aria," I introduce us.

"I'm Cara. Thank you for standing up. Everyone else was prepared to just let him die. Ever since Jarod became Alpha, everyone here is scared to death to speak up for what's right and wrong. It's been hell. Now it all makes sense. The only reason I agreed to letting Rylan enter the running was because we were afraid we'd end up with an Alpha just as bad, if not worse," Cara says as tears gather in her eyes.

I hate to see the emotion clinging to her over what happened, but I understand. My gut is still in knots over Tillman, and mine was only a vision; it didn't happen.

"Well, you won't have to worry about that anymore. Lyker's nothing like that." Aria swears and I shoot her a smirk, one she doesn't return.

"Little wanderer, Oakly, Aria, and, um…other female, come here. They're going to be here any second," Draken calls out, causing us to laugh.

No sooner we approach the guys than Rhett transports back into the center, all nine Elders situated between him, his guys, and the palace team. Just like earlier this morning, they look at all of us with such disdain, it pisses me all the way off.

"What is the meaning of this?" asks Elder Rio. The same old bastard from this morning has his face scrunched up like he can't believe someone would dare summon him.

"Me and my Nexus were attacked seconds after the arena cleared by the members of this pack who are in allegiance with the Mastery. That will no longer be tolerated. So now is your chance to be honest of your own involvement or suffer the consequences alongside the other traitors," Lyker growls.

"Shit," Aria murmurs quietly.

"What is it?" I hear Zane ask her from where they have her hidden behind them. None of them notice it yet, but they're already drawing closer to her.

"They all have runes on them," she whispers.

Fuck.

"The society has stood far longer than any of you have even been alive, boy. If you thought the attack against you today was bad, you do not want to get in the way of the full force of the Mastery. Fall in line, become an asset to the cause, or die terrible deaths." Another Elder sneers.

"Elder Natur, how could you? You've been a friend and mentor to my family for years," Cara cries out.

"Insolent girl. You and your Nexus should have minded your own business. Rylan never should've entered the trials. Now you all will face a fate far worse than death," Elder Natur tells her softly. By the look in his eye, he does care for her, them, on some level, but his loyalty to the Mastery runs deeper.

As one, all the Elders begin to growl in harmony. This is not a normal growl. The pitch of it is like a classical song. It starts soft and low and is building by the second with intensity. I feel its demand skirt across my skin, leaving an uncomfortable feeling in my chest, and my dragon sneers at the intrusion.

The sound of growls and thuds of knees hitting the ground draws my attention and I whip my head toward the noise. Whimpers fill the air as everyone in our group who's a wolf shifter is on the ground clutching their ears, trying to block out the rhythmic command coming from the Elders. I frantically turn to find Draken and sigh when I see him standing behind me, looking at everyone in confusion.

Lyker's forcefully shaking his head, fearsome growls falling from his lips as he tries to fight off whatever the Elders are doing. Lennox and Zane are crouching in front of him, holding him by his arms. Kian's beside Aria, rubbing her back as she rocks back and forth on all fours, crying out in pain. My eyes continue to travel around the group at the speed of light. By the millisecond, everyone is losing control.

"Command them to stop, Willow. Draken," Corentin barks, snapping us out of our confusion.

From deep within my chest, I begin to rumble, building my dominance. As soon as the rumble starts, Draken steps up beside me, linking his fingers with mine, his own growl beginning to form.

At the same time, we release our commands and one by one, the Elders hit their knees forcefully, their song silencing. The noise around us turns from whimpers to groans as our friends and the E.F. members begin to pick themselves up.

"Thank fuck." Aria pants.

"What the fuck was that?" Lyker growls, preparing to attack the Elders, but his guys hold him back.

"That was them weaving a rune around our minds. They were going to force our compliance," Aria says as she shakes her head.

"They can do that to you?" I ask her with wide eyes.

"Yes. I could've taken the rune down after it was in place on my mind, but I'd still have to endure it first before breaking free of it," she explains.

God that's awful.

"What did you fuckers think was going to happen when half of us aren't wolf shifters?" Draken growls.

"They would've turned against you." One of them trembles.

"How did you get free, girl? Get back to the cave, now." Elder Rio snarls at Aria.

"No fucking chance, old man. Do you not think I broke free from that command the moment I was out of that cage? Willow, hold your command tight." She instructs before letting her own musical growl free.

Listening to her instructions, I carry on the low rumble in my chest, making sure the hold I have on them stays tightly secured, and Draken jumps in immediately to help me. I watch in amazement as all the Elders grow still, their fight giving out as their eyes cloud over, and they do nothing but give in to Aria's call.

Each one of them sits statue still as whatever she's doing in their minds takes root. I see the considerable effort it's taking for her to work on all nine of them at once. Her arms and legs are shaking, and her face is pale as a ghost. She looks seconds away from passing out.

"Lyker, Kian, Zane, Lennox, hold her up. Don't let her fall," I bark as she starts to sway. The four of them instantly grab her, and she takes a deep breath.

"The connection they have woven between their minds and hearts is incredibly strong. Once I release them, I have no clue how long you all will have to read their minds or ask questions before my barrier breaks. Decide how you're going to do this now before I let go," Aria grits out.

"Tillman, get as much as you can from them. Caspian, ask questions. Draken and Lyker, force your dominance. Willow, hold on tight," Corentin orders. With his direction, Aria releases her hold, slumping back into Lennox's waiting arms.

"What have you done—"

"Who's the Summum-Master?" Caspian cuts the Elder off.

They stare at him with malice, keeping their lips shut tight.

"Keep going," Tillman orders Caspian.

"How's the Mastery moving between the nonmagical realm and Elementra?"

"Portal," they all murmur after Draken and Lyker release a growl together, not giving them a chance to ignore the question.

"Where's the portal?"

"The Forsaken Forest."

"How the fuck is the Mastery able to get through the Forsaken Forest?" Caspian demands. By the tone and look in his eye, I'm guessing that forest is not somewhere people can typically go.

"Alliance with the creatures."

"We don't have long. This wall is building back up fast." Tillman strains to say. My eyes grow wide as I take him in, and I fly to his side. His nose is bleeding and sweat is pouring off him.

"Jamie! What's wrong? What's happening, Tillman?" I ask, my tone laced in panic. My bond pulses against my chest, trying to reach out and caress him. I follow its push and untuck his shirt, laying my hands against his bare skin. His tremors immediately stop, and he takes a deep breath.

"Last question, Caspian," he says much more clearly.

"What is the Mastery doing with the people they're kidnapping?"

"Using their gifts to reward those who are more deserving. Like we will do with all of you when this is over." Elder Rio snarls with more force. His eyes return to normal, letting us know their blocks are back in place.

"What all did you get, Tillman?" Corentin questions.

"A good bit. More than we've ever gotten before. They aren't near as close to the top as we need, but it's a very promising start." He pants as he releases his gift from their minds.

"Drink these," Jamie instructs, handing over two healing vials.

"Thanks. Palace team, start moving them out. Lyker, which one do you want to keep behind to show the rest of the pack?" Tillman asks, then drinks down both vials.

"Rylan, who do you think is going to make the biggest impression being named a traitor?" Lyker asks, turning to face Rylan, Cara, and the rest of their Nexus.

"Rio or Herva have been in this pack the longest and both are well respected. Herva is more friendly, though, so his betrayal will cut deeper." Rylan sneers. I can see the hurt marring their faces. It speaks volumes about how well this secret was kept and how much their betrayal is cutting them.

"Herva it is then. The rest can go," Lyker declares.

"Fuck, it's going to take forever to line everyone up one by one and have little wanderer check for a mark. And it's no doubt about to start another fight. And the pack is almost four hundred strong. Who knows how many Mastery scum is here," Draken says, gaining everyone's attention.

"There's no other choice. As soon as Lyker shows up to the community center, still alive, and all nine Elders missing, the Mastery members are going to know. We won't be able to delay the inevitable much longer. We need to get some backup here. Hopefully those in the pack who aren't Mastery will be quick to join our side," Tillman says firmly.

I gasp as my Memoria stone heats so fast against my skin, it startles me. I don't even have a chance to call my magic up or say my lullaby as it sucks me right into a memory.

No one's speaking. Me and my stranger sit silently, reading under my willow tree. I'm at least seventeen, the oldest I've seen of myself in any of my memories.

"Willow, look at this page but don't read it, just look," my stranger instructs.

"That's a cruel request. How are you going to give me a new book and tell me I can't read it?"

"You're right, my girl. I'll just keep it for myself."

"Wait no, let me see," I say, laying the book I was reading down on my lap.

As my stranger hands me the book and teenage me looks down, the memory stops like I clicked pause on a remote and the worn parchment comes to life, its words visible for me to read…

For most shifters, their dominance is the most potent of their abilities.

The use of their dominance typically will overshadow the strength behind both their magic and element. Though there is a limit to their reach. The most powerful shifter to be recorded was a Phoenix, now extinct, a millennium ago, who was recorded to hold eighty-three shifters in their command at once.

But for a shifter who is powerfully balanced, there is a way to stretch their reach beyond their own limits. A spell that combines both magic and dominance. Though never seen before, the possibility is always there.

The Commanding Spell.

The shifter would need to grow their dominance to max capacity, build upon it until they can build no more, while simultaneously calling forth their magic to weave around and bolster it.

Once the shifter is ready, they will speak their command. There is no formal written spell since this is a spell of convenience. If the shifter is powerful enough to execute the spell, it will activate. If not, they will only affect those within their own limitation. There is no evidence to measure how far their reach may carry since this has never been documented.

"Here, happy? When will I be able to read the words rather than just take a peek?" I ask my stranger, smirking as I hand them the book back.

"Thank you. And soon, filia mea, soon."

"Whatever you say, CC."

CC.

My stranger's name bounces around my mind as I hold my eyes shut a minute longer, basking in their love and affection for me. It's a love I feel from both Gaster and Oakly, so whoever they are, they have to be family. And although we already assumed it, the memory just confirms they're the one who also sent me my birthday gift.

Oh, CC. I can't wait to meet you again. I don't know if I want to punch you or hug you more.

"Princess," Corentin says, pinching my chin, causing my eyes to fly open to meet his.

"I'm fine. I have a way to control the Mastery shifters without another fight today," I tell that calculating gaze that watches me closely, and after a minute, he gives me a confident nod. I give everyone a breakdown of the memory, and we spend the next hour building a plan from there.

We're going to get to the community center as a group. The palace team, Rhett, and his guys will spread out, circling the center. Lyker's going to make his announcement to the pack, exposing the Mastery, and while he does that, I'll be preparing the spell. If my spell doesn't activate, we're going to hope and pray between all the shifters we have with us, our dominance can control the majority of the shifters while everyone else handles the rest. Hopefully, with Rylan and his Nexus standing with us, the rest of those who are uninvolved will stand with us as well.

"Are you ready?" I ask Lyker as I come to stand beside him.

"Me? Yeah, are you?" he answers unconvincingly.

"I'm nervous as shit," I answer honestly, unlike him.

"Fuck, don't say that you're gonna make me feel worse," he says as he blows his breath out and runs his fingers through his hair.

I laugh at his bullshit as the rest of the group joins us at the gate of the arena. The Elders have been moved, all of the Palace team are back, and everyone's healed up, ready to go. My smile lingers as my men all converge on me, boxing me in between them protectively.

"Stay close, Primary," Caspian warns.

"Yes, sir." I smirk, earning myself a very heated look.

"Everyone, transport in front of the Alpha house. Let's move," Tillman orders as he wraps his arm around my waist.

I hold my breath as we step out of the transport in the community center in less than two seconds. The streets are full of people, long tables of food, beverages, there's music playing, and people are dancing.

It's a beautiful celebration and I hate the fact we're about to disturb it. I know this pack is full of people just like Rylan, Cara, and their Nexus. Good people, and they deserve better than what's being hidden from them.

"Can I have your attention, please?" Lyker's voice rings loud over the center and everyone stops what they're doing and turns to him. There's a beat of silence before cheers go up. Everyone, well, a large number of people begin chanting, "Alpha, Alpha, Alpha…"

It takes Lyker by surprise as his eyes widen in shock for a moment before he lifts his hands to quiet them down. I take that as my cue to start my spell. Turning in the arms of my Nexus, I face the crowd and begin building up my dominance.

"I want to thank all of you for your support and for welcoming me and my Nexus brothers in with open arms. I'm saddened to have to announce some unfortunate news on such a memorable moment…" Lyker trails off, nodding over his shoulder to motion Rylan forward with Elder Herva.

Loud gasps ring out as Rylan approaches with a shackled Herva. There are rare Palace-issued magical cuffs around both his wrist and ankles. The magical contraptions are extremely scarce and are only used when someone has committed the highest offense and needs to be secured longer than the standard elemental detention would last. His appearance sends a powerful message to the pack.

The sound of my small rumble is drowned out by the whispers and murmurs floating around the center. I continue balling my dominance up in a slower, more controlled build compared to what I did earlier today when I was panicking to get to Tillman. Now, I take my time, gathering everything I got in the center of my chest.

"As you can see, all the Elders are missing other than Elder Herva. After the trials, when you all left the arena, my Nexus, my esteemed guests, and supporters were brutally attacked by the rogue, savage group that has been sweeping through Elementra. That same savage group lives amongst you now. They're woven within this pack so deeply, the past two Alphas and all nine of your Elders are members of this society," Lyker announces as he partially shifts his claw and slices down Herva's shirt, exposing the M that Draken forced him to reveal.

Whimpers, gasps, and cries of outrage ring out at once, but underlying those noises of distress are aggressive growls that reach my ears. I push my dominance faster, harder, knowing that they're preparing to attack in retribution for Lyker's exposure of their society.

So much for a controlled, slow build.

"This M represents the mark of the society. It's the mark of the Mastery, and they will no longer be tolerated in this pack. We won't continue to be controlled by a sick and twisted rebel group who is killing innocent people and destroying our realm. This is your one and only chance. If you're involved in or know about their involvement in this pack, come forward, and your consequence may not be death," Lyker yells, standing strong.

My chest is on the verge of bursting open with the swirling force inside it. Quickly calling my magic forth, I weave it through and around the power being held in place, tucking it into a tight round sphere, like a silvery ball of yarn. The growls grow louder, and a few shifters begin slinking their way closer. I see them slowly maneuver through the crowd, and their hatred slithers across my skin.

"Anytime now, Fortune Teller," Lyker whispers.

"Almost there," I grunt.

The faint sound of bones breaking fills the air, followed by a high-pitched scream as a massive milk chocolate wolf starts bulldozing and leaping through the crowd, heading straight for us.

Kael. You bastard. Shoulda killed him when I wanted to.

"Primary," Caspian grunts as everyone around me calls on their gifts, preparing to jump right back into another small war.

"Any who bears the mark of the Mastery or carries the knowledge of them within this pack, kneel. Now."

I lace my power with my command and release the hold on my restraint.

A thunderous noise pours from my lips. It's a mixture of my most menacing growl and powerful roar. The shockwave that leaves my body is forceful enough to send me flying back into Tillman's massive chest as it ripples through the crowd, flowing past those who are innocent like a gentle breeze and flattening those who are not.

Kael's body twists and seizes in the air where he was jumping across the slew of tables to reach us. His wolf whimpers in pain as he slams hard into the ground.

The sound of birds squawking from the forest, branches of trees breaking, and the force of my command echo throughout the mountain range, stretching far and wide across the entire pack lands.

I slump in Tillman's arms as the sudden drop in power leaves me exhausted, tired, just like when I created my pocket dimension.

"Open up, princess," Corentin orders with two healing vials in hand as he presses one to my lips, blocking the crowd's view of me. I greedily drink them down one after the other and give him a slight nod as they all place their hand on me.

"Terravile Pack, I hate that this is my first act as Alpha. As many of you know, I have been an E.F. member for years, and the entirety of my tenor has been spent hunting down this society who has swept through Elementra leaving devastation in their wake. I won't let them continue to do that to this pack nor will they get their claws in us again.

"Those who are kneeling will be taken to the holding cells where they will be questioned for their involvement or knowledge of this society. I will be here with you every step of the way to clean our pack up and build us to greatness." Lyker's swear echoes through the community center loud and clear. The cries and murmurs hush as they all look at him with hope and a little bit of fear.

I have no doubt this scared the majority of them, regardless of their involvement or noninvolvement, but I think they'll come to appreciate and respect him once they realize there's no more poison spreading through their ranks. The silence amongst the center stretches on, creating a tense, awkward atmosphere before Rylan steps up and starts a slow clap.

Moments later, the pack joins in, whooping and shouting, starting their Alpha chant back up, and Lyker releases the breath he'd been holding. His brothers surround him, clapping him on his shoulders and pulling him into a hug, showing him their support.

"He's going to be a good Alpha," Aria whispers as she comes to stand beside me.

"Are you referring to the pack or…" I trail off.

"Both. I believe he'll be a good Alpha for both." She smiles, slowly walking toward her Nexus.

That's going to be quite the story to see.

Between the two healing vials, and my men all still touching me, I'm feeling back to normal in minutes. Thank Elementra that worked because I don't think I had another fight left in me today. It's been both physically and mentally draining on me since I stepped foot onto these pack lands just a very few short hours ago and we've got so much shit to do now before it's over.

"Let's get to work so we can go home."

I want my bath, bed, and my men.