HELLHOUND (Book Two of the Wisteria Chronicles)

CHAPTER 3~Priorities~

Phoebe

    I blinked a of couple times to let my eyes adjust. Three of the most gorgeous women I’ve ever seen were crowded over me. They were wearing hooded cloaks, but it did very little cover their beauty. I was scared to use my voice, but my curiosity was getting the best of me. “Who are you?” I asked. They all beamed at me and helped me sit up. I looked around and marveled at the changes my body went through. 

    My eyesight had improved to the point that I could clearly see a few yards past the clearing into the dark woods. I took a deep breath and let the earthy smell of the forest fill my senses. I could smell the grass, the dirt, wild flowers and pine. The scents were so distinct, it was almost overwhelming.

  My hearing had been enhanced as well. I could hear the evenly paced thuds of the women's heart beats. I focused my attention on the one that was crying, she looked familiar but I couldn't seem to place her. I addressed her, “Who are you?” She wiped her tears and removed her hood, I sat in stunned silence.

  She had long, straight blonde hair with a tiny golden tiara nestled on top. She had sapphire blue eyes, a tiny button nose and elongated ears. She had a very strong pure aura. I inspected her further and noticed her dress. It was maroon and fashioned in our traditional wear. It actually looked ancient. Panic filled my system as I realized who she was. 

    She cleared her throat. “My name is Eleanor of Midhaven. Seventh Elven-” “Elven Goddess of Nysthgroth, Shandalar and Alaesa.” I finished for her, trying to jump off the slab to kneel. She frantically waved her arms and motioned for me to stay. I bowed my head. Why did an eleven goddess come here? 

    “Enough child. Let me finish introductions.” the goddess said and waved an elegant hand at her other companions. “This is Lilith, the Sixth Goddess of the Underworld.” she said, gesturing to the redhead. She had dark mischievous hazel eyes, a wicked smile, and large pouty lips. Her olive skin glowed in the firelight and her magic aura was dangerously black. I bowed my head again, she grunted in response while Eleanor rolled her eyes.

    “Lastly, this is Selene, Goddess of the moon and the Great Mother of wolves.” Selene stared at me with wide gray eyes. Her porcelain skin seemed luminescent in the darkness. Her waist length raven black hair rolled in waves down her back. She had a worried look on her face. The fact that three goddesses had descended to the mortal realm had my palms sweaty. 

   My inquisitive mind was twirling with questions, “How did you save me?” Selene smiled, “It was a group effort.” Eleanor started to explain, “I used my light magic in order to keep your body alive and magic intact.” Lilith stuck out her chest with pride, “I found and secured your soul, bring it back to rest.” 

      Eleanor glared at her, “Don’t you dare be proud. In the process you corrupted her soul and stripped her of her light status. Another one of my children lost to the likes of you.” Lilith just shrugged, “You’re the only one complaining.” Eleanor opened her mouth to reply when Selene interrupted. “I gave you the power of the wolf. It helped you survive the damages you received and it healed your body.”

   I sat in silence as I processed this information. “What am I?” I asked quietly. “A child of the moon and night. You’re a lycan now.” Selene answered. She then continued to explain herself. Lycans were demon and werewolf hybrids. According to Selene, centuries ago, she worked with one of the Six Demon gods to create the first lycans. They were a superior but peaceful species who ruled over the land. Fearing their power, the demons of the Underworld were threatened by their existence and began to hunt them. 

    Thousands of lycan packs were destroyed and dragged down to the demon realm. The demons compelled them with dark magic, bonding themselves to the lycans. They were forced into a life of slavery and servitude.  Some hunted them for sport while other demons used them as soldiers. They would fill their military ranks and bring them to war, making them slaughter their own brothers and sisters. The battlefield is where lycans were cursed with the name of hellhound. 

   After witnessing the demons’ cruelty, Selene refused to create any more lycans. The dwindled population on Midhaven was dangerously low; they were almost extinct in the eyes of the supernatural world. In order to preserve the species, Selene made it to where lycans can only be mated with other lycans, werewolves, or demons. She stated that she loved all of her children and they all deserved to be loved in return.

   Everything made sense now. I felt stronger, my senses were enhanced, but I wasn’t sure about my magic. I reached up and touched my ears. They were not as long as they were before, but they were slightly pointed. I knew lycans couldn’t use dark magic, so I just had to ask, “My powers? Did I lose those?” “You have your magic still, it’s just dark. You’re still an elf after all.” Eleanor reassured me. I grinned, I’m a elf- lycan hybrid that can use dark magic; that’s pretty badass.

   We are badass. A voice in my head echoed. I held my breath, maybe I was going insane. You’re not insane, I’m your lycan. I let out my breath and frowned, You can talk to me? She laughed, Of course I can. How were we supposed to share the same body if we can’t speak to each other?  She had a point. My frown deepened, How are you here? I thought we didn’t get wolves until we were 21. My lycan sighed with exasperation, You’re a lycan. We manifest when we turn 18. 

   My frown was set to the lowest level. This was the weirdest birthday I’ve ever experienced. What is your name? I asked her. “Phoenix. Her name is Phoenix.” Selene said with a smile.  “To rise again. It’s a perfect fit.” Eleanor murmured and Lilith grunted. “Can I shift tonight?” I asked Selene. She shook her head, “No. Your body has endured too much. You will need to wait for the next full moon.” I slumped in disappointment. 

   I looked down at my bloodstained dress and ran a hand over my stomach. I grabbed my pudge and pointed an annoyed look at Selene. “Lycans have high metabolisms, so why am I still chubby?” I asked while shaking my belly at her. She looked incredulous, “Yes they have a high metabolism, but you’re still part elf.” I exceeded my limits and set a new record for the lowest frown in history. 

   Careful not to scratch myself, I rubbed my thick thighs and looked down at my calves. At least they looked muscular.  I looked at my feet and noticed my right ankle, it now had a slight inward tilt. “It was already broken when we found you. Your lycan has taken away the pain but she could not heal it fully, the damage was too severe. I’m afraid you might have a limp.” Selene said while watching me examine my leg. 

      I shrugged, I didn’t mind having a limp. At least I was alive. It would also serve as a reminder of what happened tonight. I ran my hand through my hair, As if I could forget my sister’s betrayal. I pulled my hand back from my fro and stared at my hair in confusion. “Um, why is my hair white?” Lilith chimed in, “It’s the demon in you.” I shook my head and lifted my arms, her explanation leaving me more confused. She was a redhead, what does white hair have to do with being a demon?! We sat in silence for a few more moments before the gears in my mind began to turn again.  

   “Why are you here? Isn’t it forbidden for gods to enter Midhaven?” I asked, putting my attention back on Eleanor. The demon goddess huffed and waved her hand airily, “That is just a myth. We can go as we please.” Selene smiled and explained further, “It is a rumor, but there are rules we have to follow in order to be here.” I nodded my head, “Like what?”

     “We cannot intervene with the children of Midhaven.” Eleanor said curtly. I frowned, “Wouldn’t saving my life be considered intervening?” Eleanor pursed her lips and Lilith unsuccessfully smothered a laugh. Selene cleared her throat, “Well, yes.” I c****d my head to the side, “So, why did you do it?” “Because someone else broke the rules first!” Eleanor screamed, her outburst shocking her godly partners.

    I furrowed my brows in confusion, “What do you mean?” Lilith stepped forward, her hazel eyes menacing, “It means that someone has broken the rules by killing you. We are here to fix it.” I gawked at them, still not understanding. “What does my death have to do with any of this?” Selene sighed, “You were not meant to die here tonight. Someone is purposely messing with fate.”

   Lilith clenched her fist, her dark aura turning blacker. “A fierce evil has come to Midhaven. They used forbidden dark magic to change the future, starting with your death.” Lilith was seething with rage, her eyes blazing with the promise of revenge.  “Who?” I asked. “One of the Fallen.” Selene answered. “They must be stopped.” Eleanor said fiercely.

   I shivered. The Fallen were gods who were cast from the godly realm and were banished to live on Midhaven for an eternity. They were here to be punished, never able to return home or fully use their powers. They were a force to be reckoned with and could level out a city if they wanted to; even with minimal magic. They were dangerous beings and should be avoided at all costs.

    “Why would the Fallen want me?” I whispered. “They need the blood of a virgin elven female royal.” Eleanor stated. “They sacrificed you in order for the Fallen to gain power. They used my ancient magic for that twisted god!” Lilith said through gritted teeth.

   My heart was beating dangerously fast, “But why me?” “Because you were destined! Destined to give birth to a very powerful child that would usher in a new era. You and your offspring were meant to do magnificent things, not just for elves but for all supernaturals.” Eleanor vehemently explained, her face red.

  Selene touched Eleanor’s shoulder in an attempt to calm her down. I gently placed a hand over my stomach. “My offspring?” I squeaked. Selene sighed, “Yes. If you had given birth to a child, it would’ve been a very powerful being; strong enough to rival a Fallen who has recovered it’s magic. A Fallen with powers would wreak havoc on this world, guaranteeing the death of everyone.”

     I bit my lip, not exactly thrilled with what they were telling me. “So, basically, one of the Fallen wants me dead because of my nonexistent baby could’ve messed up their plans?” Lilith started to laugh and snapped her fingers, “Exactly! That trash god most likely didn’t plan on divine intervention. They still think they were successful.”

  Eleanor smiled, “The Higher Powers have granted us this one chance to help. The rest is up to you.” I shook my head trying to keep up. “What do you expect me to do?” She replied, “You have three priorities. First, find out the identity of the Fallen. That is the debt you owe to the Higher Powers.” 

    Selene then spoke, “Two, conceive a child. Do not worry girl. You are mated to someone worthy of you. He will not let you or your child down. That is the debt you owe to us.” I nodded my head awkwardly. The thought of having a mate made me queasy. My last relationship resulted with me being sacrificed in the middle of the forest.

   “How do I accomplish that?” I asked. Lilith stepped closer and caressed my cheek. “Do you desire vengeance, brat?” she softly whispered. “Yes.” I said without hesitation. She grinned with satisfaction, “Then find it.” I gazed into her hazel eyes, becoming hypnotized. “How?” I asked dumbly. Lilith shrugged, “I’d start with looking for your brother.” Eleanor elbowed her. “What? It was only a hint!” Lilith defended then received another blow. 

    Selene clapped her hands, “Our time here is up.” Lilith smirked and joined hands with the other two. “Wait! What’s number three?!” I hurriedly asked. Lilith chuckled, “Stay alive. That’s the debt you owe to yourself.” Eleanor snapped her fingers and the three goddesses vanished, leaving me alone once again.

  Everything had happened so quickly. I honesty couldn’t believe that this was my life now but I will embrace it. I took a deep breath then stood up. I tested my full weight on my ankle and felt no pain. Good. I took small steps and as my body adjusted to my new gait. I quietly limped through the forest. I would find my brother, crush my sister and identify the Fallen. I’d worry about conceiving a child after I was safe. The last thing I needed was some guy trying to knock me up will I hunted down a god.