Shadows of the pack novel Chapter 67

Antonio sat alone in the chamber, his mind a whirlwind of emotions and thoughts. The cheers of the hunters still echoed in his ears, their jubilation at the successful kill fueling his own sense of triumph. Yet, beneath the surface, there was a nagging feeling of doubt, a lingering question that he couldn't ignore.
As he cleaned the blood off his silver dagger, the fear in John's eyes was still fresh in his memory. He felt a pang of disappointment that John had accepted death so easily. He usually loved it when they begged. The look of fear and helplessness in their eyes just as he delivered the final strike.
He looked down at the book in his hands. The letters scribbled around the pages. He picked up the quill, dipped it in ink then wrote the name "John" before crossing over it.
As the room fell silent, the weight of his responsibility as a leader settled heavily on his shoulders. The hunters looked up to him for guidance and strength, and he couldn't afford to show any sign of weakness. His ironclad resolve had brought them together, and he had to maintain that facade to keep them united in their mission.
For a split second his mind flickered with a question. He had seen the devastation caused by werewolves firsthand, but John's final words had stirred something within him. Was it possible that there was more to this conflict than he had allowed himself to see?
He closed his eyes, trying to silence the doubts that crept into his mind. No, he couldn't afford to doubt himself now. The hunt had just begun, and he had to stay focused on the goal—eliminating every last werewolf.
The next phase of their plan was already in motion. The hunters were prepared to strike at the local werewolf territories, aiming to cripple them and instill fear among their kind. Antonio knew that he had to be strong and resolute, to lead his hunters into battle with unwavering conviction.
He closed his eyes as his mind wandered to how it all began.
The flames seemed to increase with the screams of the humans running around trying to shield themselves from harm.
It was a night of terror and chaos. As the moon rose high in the sky, a ferocious pack of werewolves descended upon the village. The creatures, driven by hunger and rage, left destruction in their wake, tearing through homes and setting the once serene village ablaze. The night was filled with anguished cries.
Antonio hid in fear, unable to comprehend the horror unfolding before his eyes.
From his hiding spot, Antonio watched as the werewolves roamed freely, their glowing eyes reflecting the flames that engulfed his home and everything he held dear. The scent of smoke and burning wood filled his nostrils, and tears streamed down his cheeks as he clutched a piece of his torn shirt for comfort.
Amidst the chaos, one particular wolf caught Antonio's eye. Its dark fur seemed to blend with the shadows, and its eyes gleamed with an intelligence that set it apart from the rest of the pack. The wolf seemed to move with a purpose, not just mindlessly attacking, but carefully selecting its targets.
As the wolf approached Antonio's hiding spot, fear paralyzed the young boy. His heart pounded in his chest, and he could feel the searing heat of the flames on his skin. His wide eyes met the intense gaze of the wolf, and for a moment, it seemed as though time stood still.
Antonio's eyes widened in surprise as he heard the sound of bones cracking and in the place of the wolf stood a man that looked just like him.
The transformed wolf stared down at him with a cruel smile, "There is no escape for anyone." And with that, the wolf raised his hands. The moonlight reflected on his sharp claws just before he brought it down striking Antonio.
Antonio's hand went to the scar to his face, his fingers along the long line.
He raised his head as someone cleared their throat, "Malcolm."
Malcom nodded with respect, "She is ready."
"Okay. I will be with her in a minute. You can go now."
As Antonio stepped into the dimly lit room, the scent of incense filling the air as he took his usual seat opposite The Seer. It was not the first time he sought her guidance, but each visit weighed heavily on him. Her abilities were mysterious and had guided him through many tough decisions in the past.
He looked at The Seer, her eyes closed as she prepared to peer into the threads of the future. "Have you done as I asked?" he inquired, "Have you looked into the future to see if we will succeed in eliminating the werewolves?"
The Seer nodded solemnly, her hands clasped together. "Yes, I have ventured into the realm of possibilities," she replied, her voice resonating with an otherworldly timbre. "The future is never set in stone, Antonio, but I can glimpse potential outcomes."
Antonio leaned forward, his heart pounding in anticipation. "Tell me what you see," he urged, eager for any insight that could strengthen his resolve.
The Seer's eyes fluttered open, her gaze unfocused as she began her incantation. Her words were ancient and incomprehensible to Antonio, but he knew that they held great power. The room seemed to hum with energy as she delved into the realm of visions.
"I see a path strewn with darkness and bloodshed," The Seer began, her voice distant as if she was witnessing events unfold before her. "Your hunters will strike with fury, and werewolves will fall under the weight of your vengeance."
Antonio's jaw clenched, his determination unwavering. "And what of our success?" he pressed, his voice unwavering. "Will we rid the world of these creatures?"
The Seer's expression remained unreadable. "You will achieve temporary victories," she replied cryptically. "The werewolves will be forced to retreat, and fear will strike their hearts. But the cycle of violence will continue, and the cost will be high."
His heart sank at her words, but he refused to waver. "Tell me more," he insisted, seeking any glimpse of hope in the darkness.
"I see a choice that must be made," The Seer continued. "A choice that could alter the course of this conflict. It lies within your heart, Antonio."
Antonio's mind raced, grappling with the weight of his responsibility. "What choice?" he asked, his voice tinged with uncertainty.
The Seer's eyes bore into his, her gaze unyielding. "The path of vengeance is a treacherous one," she warned. "You must open your heart to the possibility of redemption and understanding. The key to ending this cycle of violence may not lie in annihilation, but in seeking a different path."
Antonio's brow furrowed, conflicted by her words. "There are innocent lives at stake," he argued, his voice strained. "I cannot risk their safety for a chance at peace."
Suddenly the lights in the room started flickering and a sudden chill ran down Antonio's spine as The Seer's eyes turned completely white. He could feel the air crackling with energy, and a sense of foreboding filled the room.
The Seer's voice took on an otherworldly quality as she spoke in a language that Antonio couldn't understand. He leaned forward, trying to make sense of the cryptic words that spilled from her lips.
"What is happening?" Antonio asked, his voice tinged with concern. She ignored him, continuing to chant.
The Seer's eyes snapped back to their normal state, and she looked at Antonio with a mix of awe and fear.
"What just happened?"
 "I just saw a part of the future, a prophecy to be fulfilled," she said, her voice trembling.
"What did you see?" Antonio pressed, his curiosity piqued.
The Seer took a deep breath before revealing the prophecy. "A child will be born to two powerful wolves," she began. "This child will hold great powers in his hands, but with the powers will come an inability to control them. Darkness will seep into his soul, and he will be torn between light and shadow."
Antonio's mind raced as he tried to comprehend the significance of the prophecy. "What does this child have to do with our quest?" he asked, his voice filled with urgency.
"He will play a vital role in your quest to eliminate the werewolves," The Seer replied. "The child's powers will be immense, and he will be a force to be reckoned with. But he will also be a danger, for he has the ability to destroy everything you hold dear. Destroy the world as we know it."
Antonio's brow furrowed, the weight of the prophecy sinking in. "When will this child be born?" he asked, hoping to find some clarity.
The Seer's eyes held a solemn gaze as she replied, "The child will be born to the marked wolf and a powerful Alpha."