Chapter 54: Brothers Reunited
Aiden POV
The shadow-controlled wolf’s claws raked across my shoulder as I threw him off the road. His eyes were completely black, no sign of the friendly beta who used to help me with patrol schedules. Now he moved like a doll, empty and wrong.
"Aiden, behind you!" Brock’s warning came just in time.
I spun around and caught another controlled wolf by the wrists before his claws could reach my neck. This one had been a young alpha from the eastern region, barely older than us. Seeing him turned into Morrigan’s tool made my stomach twist with anger.
"We can’t keep fighting our own people," I said, shoving the controlled wolf away hard enough to knock him down but not hurt him permanently.
Brock grabbed my arm and pulled me forward. "Then we better stop this fast."
We ran through the forest toward the Sacred Grove, where Caleb and Lily were stuck with Morrigan. Every few steps, more shadow-controlled dogs appeared from between the trees. They moved in perfect harmony, like they shared one mind. Which I guess they did - Morrigan’s mind.
"This is impossible," I panted as we dodged another attack. "There are too many of them."
"Since when do you give up?" Brock asked, pushing a controlled wolf away from our path. "You’re supposed to be the one with all the plans."
He was right, but my usual diplomatic answers wouldn’t work here. How do you deal with someone who’s stolen everyone’s free will? How do you lead when half your pack is turned against you?
A group of shadow wolves circled us in a small clearing. I counted eight of them, their black eyes reflecting no feeling. Among them, I recognized wolves from three different packs - the impact was spreading faster than we’d thought.