Page 13 of Wolf Revealed

With a deep breath, I took in her words. A mix of relief and fresh worry washed over me. Luna and Gretel were safe, but they were also unreachable. My gaze returned to the empty portal before us, its swirling vortex a reminder of the task ahead. Jezebel. We needed to find Jezebel.

With a soft sigh, Mira let go of the first portal, the shimmering gateway to Luna and Gretel snapping closed. She didn't pause or allow herself even a moment's respite. With determined eyes, she focused her energy on our next target.

Without hesitation, she began weaving another set of incantations. As she chanted, a new portal opened, this one revealing a verdant rainforest teeming with life.

Jezebel and Damian were nestled within it, completely engrossed in a parrot mimicking a peculiar whistle. The change from the desert air to the dense, humid jungle atmosphere was immediate as we stepped through the portal. It was a shock to our senses but not as astounding as what came next.

Jezebel looked up, startled but joyous at our appearance. However, the real shock was yet to come. "Artemis," Jezebel greeted me, her voice strong and confident, as if she had never lost her memory. "I've been waiting."

"You... remember?" I asked, incredulous.

"I do," she replied with a nod. "It all came back to me a few days ago. I've been practicing this whistle," she gestured to the parrot, "hoping it would reach you. The parrot is magic. The whistle worked, and you found us."

Her words hit me like a ton of bricks. Jezebel was back, not just physically, but her spirit and memories. The reunion was joyous, us sisters hugging each other fiercely.

Jezebel and Damian, having faith in the magic parrot's whistle, had set their pack to work, creating a welcome feast for us. Exotic fruits, nuts, and local delicacies were spread out in various colors and smells, making my mouth water. We gathered around, the atmosphere buzzing with an underlying tension despite the joyous reunion.

Finally, after we had settled, Mira took it upon herself to explain the situation. Her voice was steady, but the news of Kadence’s move to amass a larger pack hit Jezebel like a thunderbolt. Her vibrant eyes widened, a flicker of fear sparking within them.

"Artemis," she murmured, pulling me away from the group. "What are we going to do after we take back the mountain? I can't help but worry that it will only be the start of another war."

I looked into her anxious eyes, a mirrored reflection of my own fears. "I've been thinking about that too, Jezebel," I admitted, "but right now, our priority should be to bring everyone together and secure our home."

Her face was a mix of uncertainty and resolve. "Our father wouldn't want us to fight amongst ourselves, Artemis," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "He'd want us to share the rule as equals. But I'm not sure that will work. We need a leader. You're the eldest, Artemis... you should claim alpha."

For the third time that day, someone suggested the same. Despite my initial hesitation, I couldn't deny the pull of responsibility that tugged at my heart. Maybe it was time for me to step up and lead my sisters.

The rainforest shimmered in the afternoon heat, the overhead canopy of leaves dappling our faces in ever-changing patterns of sunlight and shadow. Jezebel's pack had brought forth a feast fit for royalty: luscious fruits, the likes of which I'd only ever dreamed, flaky fish cooked over an open flame, and a medley of vegetables so vibrant they were practically glowing.

And then there was the drink—a sweet, tangy concoction served in hollowed-out coconuts with an unexpected kick. It took no time for it to weave a web of lighthearted inebriation among us.

Laughter echoed through the trees as Syriah attempted to mimic the calls of some distant bird, her tongue too loosened by the drink. Ronan, usually so serious, had joined Laurent and Bastian in a surprisingly coordinated—if not slightly tipsy—dance to some beat only they could hear.

Meanwhile, Mira, Damian, and I were engaged in a spirited debate about the best way to roast a fish, which mostly involved Damian declaring his technique superior. At the same time, Mira and I playfully rolled our eyes. Jezebel watched it all, an easy smile gracing her face that I hadn't seen in what felt like ages.

The joy of the afternoon was infectious, a much-needed respite from the worries plaguing us. But as is the nature of our lives, the peace was short-lived.

In a blur of emerald and sapphire, the parrot, Jezebel's newfound friend and mentor, flew down from its perch and landed on her shoulder. It let out a series of urgent whistles, its beady eyes looking almost frantic.

Jezebel froze, her smile fading. She lowered the coconut she was holding, its contents spilling onto the lush grass as she dropped it. All eyes turned to her as she whispered, "We have to go."

The parrot whistled again, louder this time. "It's a warning," Jezebel explained, her voice shaky but confident. "We need to find Petra and Dane. Now!"

The laughter died down instantly, replaced by a heavy silence. The merriment of moments before seemed a distant memory as our worries once again took center stage. I felt a knot form in my stomach. The enormity of the task ahead of us was suddenly very real.

"We were supposed to have more time," Mira murmured, her brow furrowing as she glared at the parrot.

"We never have as much time as we think," Jezebel said, standing and brushing off her skirt. She looked at each of us in turn, determination shining in her eyes. "Let's go find our sister."

The tension was palpable as Mira attempted to refocus, the effects of Jezebel's libations clouding her usual precision. Her forehead creased with concentration as she cast out with her magic, searching for Petra and Dane's hiding place.

"It's... I... uh...," she stammered, her gaze unfocused. "It's blurry... I can't quite... find..."

Jezebel stepped forward, her new feathered friend perched on her shoulder. "Let me try something," she said, and I noticed the subtle steel in her voice, a strength born out of necessity. She looked at the parrot, whispering some words I didn't catch.

In response, the parrot let out a series of shrill whistles, punctuating the tense silence of the group. His gaze was locked on Jezebel's, their communication an intimate secret we were not privy to.

Suddenly, Jezebel gasped. "The lake... the magic lake," she breathed, her eyes wide. "That's where the entrance to the cavern is."

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