The Lycan King’s Secret Child: Chapter 10
The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm, golden glow over the tranquil waters as the small boat glided silently toward the distant shore. Amelia sat at the bow, cradling Liam in her arms. His eyes were wide with a mix of fear and curiosity.
Liam: ‘Mommy, where are we going?’
Amelia: Softly ‘Someplace safe, sweetheart.’
The mysterious woman who had guided them onto the boat stood at the stern, her gaze fixed on the horizon. Amelia glanced back at her, uncertainty gnawing at her.
Amelia: ‘You’ve helped us so much already. At least tell me your name.’
Woman: Turning slightly ‘You can call me Selene.’
Amelia: ‘Thank you, Selene. But why are you helping us?’
Selene: ‘Because it’s the right thing to do. The Council has lost its way.’
Liam tugged at Amelia’s sleeve.
Liam: ‘Is Daddy going to be okay?’
Amelia forced a reassuring smile.
Amelia: ‘Your father is very strong. He’ll find us.’
Selene interjected.
Selene: ‘We should reach the mainland by dawn. From there, you can decide your next move.’
Amelia: ‘And you? What will you do?’
Selene: ‘I have other matters to attend to.’
Amelia sensed there was more to Selene’s story but chose not to press further. Instead, she wrapped her arms tighter around Liam, who was beginning to drift into sleep.
—
Meanwhile, back at the ruins of Havenwood, Xander stumbled through the smoldering debris, his body battered but unbroken. Flames flickered around him as he searched frantically.
Xander: Calling out ‘Amelia! Liam!’
Elias emerged from behind a collapsed structure, coughing.
Elias: ‘Xander… they’re gone.’
Xander: Rushing over ‘Elias! Are you hurt?’
Elias: Waving him off ‘I’m fine. They escaped through the passage.’
Xander: Relieved ‘Thank goodness. Do you know where they were headed?’
Elias: ‘Selene took them. She’ll keep them safe.’
Xander: ‘I need to find them.’
Elias placed a hand on Xander’s shoulder.
Elias: ‘The Council’s forces are regrouping. You can’t go after them now.’
Xander: ‘I can’t just leave them out there alone.’
Elias: ‘Trust Selene. She knows what she’s doing.’
Xander clenched his fists, frustration evident.
Xander: ‘I can’t lose them again.’
Elias: ‘You won’t. But first, we need to ensure the Council doesn’t follow.’
Xander nodded reluctantly.
Xander: ‘What’s the plan?’
Elias: ‘We need to dismantle their tracking spells. Without them, they’ll be blind.’
—
By dawn, Amelia and Liam reached a quiet coastal town. The streets were deserted, and the first light of morning painted the sky in hues of pink and orange.
Selene: ‘This is where I leave you.’
Amelia looked around anxiously.
Amelia: ‘But where should we go?’
Selene handed her a small piece of parchment.
Selene: ‘There’s an address on here. It’s a safe house. You’ll find allies there.’
Amelia: Taking the parchment ‘I don’t know how to thank you.’
Selene: ‘Just keep him safe.’
She glanced down at Liam, who was rubbing sleep from his eyes.
Liam: ‘Are you leaving?’
Selene: Smiling gently ‘Yes, little one. But we’ll see each other again.’
With that, Selene disappeared into the shadows, leaving Amelia and Liam alone.
—
They made their way through the quiet town to the address Selene had provided. It led them to a modest cottage tucked away behind a grove of trees. Amelia hesitated before knocking on the door.
It creaked open to reveal a tall man with kind eyes and silver-streaked hair.
Man: ‘You must be Amelia. We’ve been expecting you.’
Amelia: ‘Selene sent us.’
Man: ‘Indeed. Please, come inside.’
They entered the cottage, which was warm and inviting. The scent of freshly baked bread filled the air.
Liam: Whispering to Amelia ‘I’m hungry.’
The man chuckled.
Man: ‘Let’s get you both something to eat. My name is Gabriel, by the way.’
As they settled at the kitchen table, Gabriel placed bowls of hearty stew before them.
Gabriel: ‘You’re safe here. The Council won’t find you.’
Amelia: ‘How can you be sure?’
Gabriel: ‘This place is protected by ancient wards. Only those invited can enter.’
Amelia relaxed slightly.
Amelia: ‘Thank you. We’ve been running for so long.’
Gabriel: ‘Rest as long as you need. There are others here who can help.’
—
Back at Havenwood, Xander and Elias worked tirelessly to disrupt the Council’s tracking spells. As they completed the final incantation, a surge of energy pulsed through the air.
Elias: ‘That should do it. They’ll be blind for a while.’
Xander: ‘Good. Now I need to find Amelia and Liam.’
Elias: ‘I can point you in the right direction, but be cautious.’
Xander: ‘I will.’
Elias handed him a small amulet.
Elias: ‘This will guide you. Trust it.’
Xander clasped the amulet tightly.
Xander: ‘Thank you for everything.’
Elias: ‘Safe travels, my friend.’
With renewed determination, Xander set off into the wilderness.
—
In the days that followed, Amelia and Liam settled into a peaceful routine at the cottage. Liam played in the garden, his laughter filling the air. Amelia began to feel a semblance of normalcy returning.
One afternoon, as she watched Liam chase butterflies, Gabriel joined her on the porch.
Gabriel: ‘He’s a special boy.’
Amelia: ‘He is. But I worry about his future.’
Gabriel: ‘With the right guidance, he’ll grow into his abilities.’
Amelia: ‘I hope so.’
Gabriel hesitated before speaking again.
Gabriel: ‘There’s someone who wishes to meet you.’
Amelia: ‘Who?’
Before Gabriel could answer, the door opened, and a woman stepped out—a familiar face.
Amelia: ‘Seraphine!’
Seraphine: Smiling warmly ‘Amelia, it’s good to see you safe.’
They embraced tightly.
Amelia: ‘I thought… I thought you didn’t make it out of Havenwood.’
Seraphine: ‘It was close, but Elias ensured my escape.’
Amelia: ‘Have you heard from him?’
Seraphine: ‘He’s holding off the Council as best he can.’
Amelia’s eyes filled with concern.
Amelia: ‘And Xander?’
Seraphine: ‘I haven’t heard, but knowing him, he’s on his way.’
—
That evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Amelia tucked Liam into bed.
Liam: ‘Mommy, will Daddy find us?’
Amelia: ‘I believe he will.’
Liam: ‘I miss him.’
She stroked his hair gently.
Amelia: ‘I know, sweetheart. Get some sleep.’
After Liam drifted off, Amelia joined Seraphine in the sitting room.
Amelia: ‘There’s so much uncertainty.’
Seraphine: ‘We must have faith.’
Amelia: ‘I just want us to be a family again.’
Seraphine: ‘Perhaps that day is closer than you think.’
—
Miles away, Xander followed the guidance of the amulet, which glowed faintly, pulling him toward the coast. As he neared the town where Amelia and Liam were hiding, a sense of anticipation built within him.
Under the cover of night, he approached the cottage. The wards around it shimmered softly, but the amulet allowed him passage.
He stood at the gate, hesitant. The windows glowed warmly from within. Gathering his courage, he stepped forward.
Gabriel emerged from the shadows, blocking his path.
Gabriel: ‘State your business.’
Xander: ‘I’m here for my family.’
Gabriel studied him carefully.
Gabriel: ‘Xander, I presume?’
Xander: ‘Yes. How did you know?’
Gabriel: ‘Elias informed me you might come.’
He stepped aside.
Gabriel: ‘They’re inside.’
Xander felt a surge of emotion as he walked toward the cottage. His heart pounded as he reached the door. Before he could knock, it opened, and Amelia stood before him.
Amelia: Eyes widening ‘Xander…’
They stood in silence for a moment, the weight of their separation hanging heavily.
Xander: ‘Amelia, I’m so sorry.’
She searched his face, tears welling up.
Amelia: ‘I was so worried.’
He stepped forward tentatively.
Xander: ‘Are you both okay?’
Amelia: ‘Yes, thanks to Selene and Gabriel.’
He reached out to touch her cheek.
Xander: ‘I’ve missed you.’
She leaned into his hand, emotions spilling over.
Amelia: ‘We missed you too.’
From behind her, a small voice piped up.
Liam: ‘Daddy?’
Xander looked past Amelia to see Liam standing at the top of the stairs, clutching a stuffed wolf.
Xander: Voice barely above a whisper ‘Liam…’
Liam descended the stairs slowly, his eyes filled with wonder.
Liam: ‘Is it really you?’
Xander crouched down, opening his arms.
Xander: ‘Yes, it’s me.’
Liam hesitated for a moment before rushing into his father’s embrace.
Liam: ‘I knew you’d come!’
Xander held him tightly, tears streaming down his face.
Xander: ‘I’m here now. I’m not going anywhere.’
Amelia watched them, her heart full.
—
Later, the three of them sat together by the fireplace. Liam curled up between his parents, sleepily listening to their voices.
Xander: ‘I wish I could have been there sooner.’
Amelia: ‘You’re here now. That’s what matters.’
Liam looked up at Xander.
Liam: ‘Will you stay with us?’
Xander: ‘Yes, I will.’
He glanced at Amelia.
Xander: ‘If that’s okay with you.’
She nodded, a soft smile playing on her lips.
Amelia: ‘We’d like that.’
—
Outside, Gabriel and Seraphine stood under the stars.
Seraphine: ‘It’s good to see them reunited.’
Gabriel: ‘Indeed. But there’s still the matter of the Council.’
Seraphine: ‘They won’t stop until they find Liam.’
Gabriel: ‘Then we must strengthen our defenses.’
—
Days turned into weeks, and the small family began to heal. Xander spent hours with Liam, teaching him about his heritage and helping him understand his abilities.
One afternoon, as they walked along the beach, Liam looked up at Xander.
Liam: ‘Daddy, will I be as strong as you someday?’
Xander: Smiling ‘Maybe even stronger.’
Liam grinned, running ahead to chase the waves.
Amelia joined Xander, slipping her hand into his.
Amelia: ‘He’s so happy.’
Xander: ‘I am too.’
They walked in comfortable silence before Amelia spoke again.
Amelia: ‘Do you think we’ll ever be truly safe?’
Xander: ‘I hope so. But as long as we’re together, we can face anything.’
She rested her head on his shoulder.
Amelia: ‘I believe that.’
—
That evening, as they returned to the cottage, they found Gabriel and Seraphine waiting with grim expressions.
Xander: ‘What’s wrong?’
Gabriel: ‘We’ve received word. The Council has discovered our location.’
Amelia’s face paled.
Amelia: ‘How is that possible?’
Seraphine: ‘They must have broken through the wards.’
Liam clung to Amelia’s leg.
Liam: ‘Are the bad people coming?’
Xander: Kneeling down ‘We’ll protect you.’
Gabriel cleared his throat.
Gabriel: ‘We have a plan. There’s a network of tunnels beneath the town. They can lead you to safety.’
Amelia: ‘What about you?’
Seraphine: ‘We’ll hold them off as long as we can.’
Xander shook his head.
Xander: ‘I’m not running again. We need to end this.’
Gabriel and Seraphine exchanged glances.
Gabriel: ‘There might be another way.’
Amelia: ‘What do you mean?’
Gabriel: ‘An ancient ritual. It could sever the Council’s connection to Liam.’
Xander: ‘Why didn’t you mention this before?’
Seraphine: ‘Because it’s dangerous. It requires immense power and… a sacrifice.’
Amelia’s eyes widened.
Amelia: ‘What kind of sacrifice?’
Gabriel: ‘A life.’
Silence settled over them.
Xander: ‘Whose life?’
Seraphine: ‘The one performing the ritual.’
Amelia shook her head vehemently.
Amelia: ‘No. There has to be another way.’
Gabriel stepped forward.
Gabriel: ‘I’ll do it.’
Xander and Amelia: Simultaneously ‘No!’
Gabriel smiled sadly.
Gabriel: ‘My time has long passed. If it means ensuring your safety, it’s a price I’m willing to pay.’
Liam looked up, confused.
Liam: ‘What’s happening?’
Amelia crouched down, her voice gentle.
Amelia: ‘Gabriel wants to help us, but it’s dangerous.’
Liam’s eyes filled with tears.
Liam: ‘I don’t want anyone to get hurt because of me.’
Xander placed a hand on Liam’s shoulder.
Xander: ‘None of this is your fault.’
Seraphine interjected.
Seraphine: ‘We need to decide quickly. The Council could be here by morning.’
Amelia looked at Xander, desperation in her eyes.
Amelia: ‘What should we do?’
Xander took a deep breath.
Xander: ‘If there’s a chance to end this, we have to take it.’
Gabriel nodded.
Gabriel: ‘Then it’s settled.’
Amelia reached out to Gabriel.
Amelia: ‘Thank you. But there must be another way.’
Gabriel: ‘Sometimes, the hardest choices are the ones that make the difference.’
—
As night enveloped the town, preparations for the ritual began. In a clearing surrounded by ancient stones, Gabriel stood at the center, symbols etched into the ground around him.
Amelia, Xander, Seraphine, and Liam stood at the edge of the circle.
Gabriel: ‘Whatever happens, stay outside the circle.’
Seraphine began to chant softly, the air thickening with energy.
Liam clutched Amelia’s hand tightly.
Liam: ‘Mommy, I’m scared.’
Amelia: ‘It’s okay, sweetheart.’
As the ritual intensified, a vortex of light swirled around Gabriel. His voice echoed.
Gabriel: ‘By the old laws, I sever the ties that bind!’
Suddenly, a dark force erupted, pushing everyone back. The ground trembled, and shadows materialized at the edge of the clearing—the Council had arrived.
Council Leader: ‘Stop this at once!’
Xander stepped forward defiantly.
Xander: ‘It’s over. You won’t have him.’
The Council members advanced, but a barrier of light blocked their path.
Gabriel’s voice strained as he continued the ritual.
Gabriel: ‘Protect the child!’
The barrier flickered, beginning to weaken.
Amelia looked at Xander, panic in her eyes.
Amelia: ‘We have to help him!’
Before they could act, a bolt of dark energy struck Gabriel, causing him to falter.
Seraphine: Desperately ‘No!’
The Council leader sneered.
Council Leader: ‘You cannot defy us.’
At that moment, Liam broke free from Amelia’s grasp.
Liam: ‘Leave him alone!’
He stepped into the circle, light emanating from him.
Amelia: ‘Liam, no!’
The ground shook violently as Liam’s power merged with Gabriel’s. The opposing forces clashed, creating a blinding flash.
When the light subsided, Gabriel lay motionless, and the Council members were thrown back, dazed.
Amelia and Xander rushed to Liam, who collapsed into their arms.
Xander: ‘Liam! Are you okay?’
He opened his eyes weakly.
Liam: ‘I… I tried to help.’
Seraphine checked Gabriel’s pulse, her expression sorrowful.
Seraphine: ‘He’s gone.’
The Council leader staggered to his feet, fury in his eyes.
Council Leader: ‘This isn’t over!’
As he prepared to strike, a roar echoed through the clearing. From the shadows, allies emerged—other guardians of the old ways, rallying to protect the family.
Outnumbered, the Council members retreated into the night.
Amelia cradled Liam, tears streaming down her face.
Amelia: ‘It’s okay, my love. You’re safe now.’
Xander wrapped his arms around them both.
Xander: ‘It’s over.’
But as they looked up, they realized that the battle had only just begun. The balance of power had shifted, and with Gabriel’s sacrifice, new threats loomed on the horizon.
Would they ever find peace, or had they ignited a war that could consume them all?