Romance

  Lily&#39;s Perspective
  The hunters&#39; convoy was more vigilant than we had imagined. &nbsp;They were not driving fast. From the sunroofs of each car, shooters armed with shotguns were peeking out, their eyes scanning the roadsides like those of eagles and falcons.
  Damn professionals.
  My fingers were tightly clasped to the ground, my limbs were gathering strength, and my breathing was gentle. &nbsp;We had&nbsp;the geographical advantage, but forcing an&nbsp;attack was still extremely risky. &nbsp;
  Just then, I noticed that the rear window of the car in the middle was not closed tightly. Vaguely, I could see a figure tied up and with its head lowered. &nbsp;
  It was Brett! He was alive, but looked utterly wrecked.
  “Spotted Brett,” I growled through the wolf pack link.
  In that instant, one hunter seemed to sense something. The muzzle of his rifle whipped toward our hiding s

  Celena&#39;s Perspective
  Something... shattered.
  Through that warm field of the soul that connects all of us, a bone-chilling wave suddenly swept over. &nbsp;Sadness, like a soaked blanket covering the mouth and nose, pain, sharp as shards of glass stirring, and... fear, a heavy and guilt-ridden fear. 
  My heart skipped a beat. What happened? Jacob? Lily?
  “What&#39;s wrong, everyone?” I tentatively probed the link, as if touching fragile butterfly wings. No response. There was only a oppressive silence, so heavy that it was suffocating. The link remained, but it felt... distant, as if I were separated by an invisible glass barrier.
  “Jacob?” I tried again, calling the name that brought me comfort, the one I subconsciously believed was bound to my fate. What came back through the link was... chaotic darkness, intense physical pain, and a deeper, swampy emotion I couldn&#39;t fat

  Lily&#39;s Perspective
  “We won&#39;t make it back in time.” I heard my own voice with a barely perceptible tremor. Looking at the thick smoke rising from the direction of my distant home, I felt as if my heart was being clenched by a cold hand. &nbsp;Aurora…… &nbsp;My little Aurora... 
  Ethan&#39;s arm was tightly wrapped around me, and his body was equally tense. Alpha&#39;s pressure was restless due to anger and worry. 
  “Lily...” he murmured hoarsely.
  I forced myself to calm down. Witch Maya had just relayed good news through some spirit message. The children were safe&nbsp;and the cabin is intact. It was the best news I could bear. But what of the townspeople? Brett? Nate?
  “We can&#39;t go back directly. It could be a trap.” I took a deep breath and looked around at the anxious and angry faces of Adrian, Jacob, Xaver, Kyle, the twins... 
  “These hunters love dirty tricks. 

Lily&#39;s Perspective
  The hunters&#39; convoy was more vigilant than we had imagined. &nbsp;They were not driving fast. From the sunroofs of each car, shooters armed with shotguns were peeking out, their eyes scanning the roadsides like those of eagles and falcons.
  Damn professionals.
  My fingers were tightly clasped to the ground, my limbs were gathering strength, and my breathing was gentle. &nbsp;We had&nbsp;the geographical advantage, but forcing an&nbsp;attack was still extremely risky. &nbsp;
  Just then, I noticed that the rear window of the car in the middle was not closed tightly. Vaguely, I could see a figure tied up and with its head lowered. &nbsp;
  It was Brett! He was alive, but looked utterly wrecked.
  “Spotted Brett,” I growled through the wolf pack link.
  In that instant, one hunter seemed to sense something. The muzzle of his rifle whipped toward our hiding spot!
  “Now!” My command snapped out.
  There&nbsp;was&nbsp;no choice! &nbsp;We suddenly leap

Chapter 183