Alexander’s POV
“Why didn’t the werewolf tribe move to the human world like we did?” Sophia asked, her tone curious and contemplative.
I glanced at her, her features bathed in the soft glow of the car’s interior lights. It was a question I had pondered myself, a complex topic that held within it the echoes of history, tradition, and the delicate balance between two worlds.
“Well,” I began, my voice thoughtful, “it’s not as simple as just moving to a new location.”
She nodded, her gaze locked onto me as if she was seeking a deeper understanding. “I mean, our current location is relatively remote, and the transportation here isn’t as advanced as it is in the human world.”
A moment of silence stretched between us, the weight of her words hanging in the air. It was true-our territory, nestled in the heart of nature, was a far cry from the bustling human cities we had visited. But there was a reason for that, one that went beyond mere convenience.
I exhaled softly, my gaze drifting to the road ahead before returning to her. “You see, the werewolf tribe has its own unique way of transportation,” I began, my words carefully chosen. “Every night, we howl, and that information is carried through the nearby wolves. It’s a form of communication that’s been in place for generations.”
Her eyebrows lifted in surprise, a hint of intrigue coloring her expression. “That’s… fascinating, actually.”
A soft smile tugged at my lips at her reaction. “It’s a practice that’s deeply ingrained in our culture, a reminder of our connection to nature and the wild.”
Her eyes sparkled with curiosity as she leaned in a little closer. “But why not move to the human world? Wouldn’t it be more convenient?”
I paused, my gaze turning distant as I delved into the complexities of our history. “A century ago, human-werewolf relations weren’t as harmonious as they are now,” I explained. “There were tensions, hostilities, even a war that tore apart many werewolf families. It was a dark time, one that left scars on both sides.”
Her breath seemed to catch, her expression shifting from curiosity to a mix of surprise and empathy. “I had no idea.”
I nodded, my voice quiet. “My grandfather, Teddy Williams, he was a visionary. He believed in the possibility of peace, of coexistence. And for the sake of that peace, he decreed that werewolves should not harm humans.”
“But most humans have been fearful of werewolf attacks,” Ethan joined us, his tone measured. “Their vigilance has forced us to remain hidden, concealing our tracks to ensure our existence remains a secret.”
Her brows furrowed as she absorbed this revelation, her gaze locking onto Ethan as if seeking further understanding.
“But there’s more,” Ethan continued, his voice carrying a weight of gravity. “There are forces beyond just human vigilance that have targeted the Shadow Clan.”
A flicker of confusion danced across her features, her eyes searching his for answers. “Forces targeting us? What do you mean?”
“Looks like we’re about to disembark,” I said, a knowing glint in my eyes as I pointed towards our destination.”Our people have come to welcome us, curious little one.”
She turned her gaze towards the view outside, the grand palace looming before us, and I could tell that her curiosity was temporarily quelled by this scenery.
Sophia’s POV
As I stepped out of the car, the atmosphere seemed to shift around me. The curious gazes of the surrounding werewolves were palpable, their eyes assessing me with a mix of curiosity and intrigue. The grand entrance of the palace loomed above, a testament to the hidden opulence concealed within the embrace of the lush forests and towering mountains.
Amidst the crowd, I couldn’t help but notice the presence of an older man, standing with an air of authority that demanded attention. His attire was distinct, setting him apart from the others in a way that spoke of his significance. The aura surrounding him was powerful, a force that seemed to pulse through the air, and it sent a shiver down my spine. This was Alexander’s grandfather, Teddy Williams, a figure I had heard about but never expected to encounter in person.
His eyes met mine briefly, and for a moment, I felt as if his gaze was piercing through the layers of my being, searching for something hidden beneath the surface. The weight of his stare was palpable, and an involuntary shiver ran down my spine.
“Grandfather,” Alexander called out, his voice cutting through the air, emotionless and detached.
The response he received was a disgruntled snort as if Teddy Williams couldn’t be bothered to acknowledge his grandson’s presence.
“You finally decided to show up, did you?” he muttered, his tone laced with irritation.
Alexander’s lips curled into a half-smile, his response light and casual. “Thought I’d give you a break from my charming personality.”
Teddy Williams’s reaction caught me off guard, a rare smile tugging at the corner of his lips. Alexander’s retort held a touch of teasing, and it was clear that their dynamic was far more nuanced than I had initially realized.
“I heard you’ve found a new source of entertainment,” Alexander continued, his gaze meeting his grandfather’s with a glint of mischief. “A ferret, was it? Must be quite the captivating companion, given that you seem to care more about it than your own grandson.”
Teddy Williams’s eyebrows arched in mock indignation, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. “You’re as audacious as ever, I see.”
“Grandpa!” Then, Daniel and Daisy rushed forward and reached Teddy Williams’s side. Daniel started by saying, “It’s been so long. I’ve missed you a lot.”
Daisy seemed unconvinced, her playful spirit shining through as she pressed a tender kiss to Teddy Williams’s cheek.
“I miss you even more,” she declared, her tone leaving no room for doubt. “More than I miss Daniel.”
A scoff escaped Daniel, “Childish,” his voice carrying a hint of amusement.
“My great-grandchildren, my lovely pups,” Teddy Williams’s serious expression instantly turned into a loving smile as he embraced the two children, laughing heartily. “You are much more thoughtful than your father, I must say.”