Lois walked in step with them, guiding the way toward the North family's home. The quaint brown wooden house lay nestled behind the pack house, a silent witness to years of history. It emanated a sense of coziness and comfort that seemed to beckon them closer, even amid their somber mission.

The house was a rustic haven adorned with a white farm-style porch, the creation of Bianca's father. He had once said that he added the porch to give the house some character. It was a sanctuary that told stories of evenings spent watching sunsets, shared laughter, and tears shed. Weathered by time, a wooden bench with chipped paint and splintered edges swung gently in the breeze. Surrounding it were vases, remnants of the vibrant blooms that once filled them, now standing barren and empty, echoing the current state of their pack.

Nestled beside the house was a majestic oak tree. The tree's robust branches reached skyward, their sprawling fingers seeming to touch the heavens. One of those branches extended towards the second-story window - Bianca's old bedroom. It reminded her of her childhood, where she had forged countless memories. As a child, she would climb out of that window, daringly escape into her own world. On hot summer days, she would sprawl on that sturdy tree branch, the pages of her books rustling like whispers in the wind as she immersed herself in fantastical tales.

Lois' footsteps were soft against the earth, guiding them toward this familiar abode. And as they drew closer, Bianca couldn't help but feel a pang of nostalgia amidst the present turmoil. This house held the echoes of laughter, the ghosts of whispered secrets, and the warm embrace of her family.

The wind whispered through the oak's leaves, carrying fragments of memories - the laughter of childhood, the promises of youth, and the hopes that had woven their dreams.

Eleven years ago...

"Bianca, dinner time!" Her mother's voice rang out from the kitchen downstairs. She perched on the oak tree's branch, her legs dangling on either side, the back of her thick blue sweater brushing against the tree's bark. Gripping the book tightly, her eyes devoured every word with insatiable anticipation.

"I'll be down in a second," she said to her mom. With only three pages left, she was eager to finish the book. The words seemed to dance off the page, and her eyes grew watery from her reluctance to blink, fearful of missing a single word.

In an attempt to encourage their daughter to read more, her father had made a deal - if she finished an entire book, he would let her accompany him on patrol. Being the determined ten-year-old she was, Bianca had chosen one of the thickest books in the store.

The humid breeze rustled the leaves around her.

"Mom said to come down for dinner," Emiline's voice emerged from Bianca's room window.

"I'm coming. Just one more page!" She giggled, exhilarated by her progress. Her eyes raced through the final page before she closed the green hardcovers of the book.

"Done," she announced, her smile radiating her accomplishment.

Amused, Emiline rolled her eyes playfully. "Alright, let's go eat before Dad leaves us without food."

In the present, those sweet memories felt like they belonged to a different world as they got closer to the house. Cane's voice pulled Bianca's attention back to the moment.

"Bianca," he said, locking eyes with her. "Yeah?" she replied.

Cane glanced at Lois and then back at Bianca, his expression softening. "Ashton and I are gonna chat strategy with Luna Lois. You should have a private moment," he explained in a casual tone.

Gratitude warmed Bianca's heart. Cane's consideration of her family's feelings was touching, especially considering the chaotic situation. The privacy of a family moment was like a soothing balm for the raw emotions they were all dealing with.

"Thanks," Bianca said, carrying her appreciation and trust in Cane's decision. Cane's nod was easygoing, showing his understanding of the situation. And with that, Lois led the way as she walked off with the two lycans, leaving Emiline and Bianca to an imminent reunion with their parents. Bianca watched their retreating figures momentarily, a mix of emotions swirling within her.

She turned her attention towards the house, her childhood haven now standing before her. With a determined breath, she walked towards the porch, her steps echoing in the quiet.

As she reached the porch, she paused momentarily, her hand hesitating over the doorknob. The door that had welcomed her countless times now felt like a portal to a world that had changed. Taking a steadying breath, she turned the knob and stepped inside.

"Are you okay?" Emiline's concern was evident as she touched her younger sister's shoulder gently.

Bianca's response was a shaky sigh. "Not really." She shook her head, her expression a mixture of frustration and sadness. "I can't stand this. Why is this happening?" Her voice wavered as tears welled up, her emotions spilling over.

Tears also brimmed in Emiline's eyes, feeling the weight of the shared sorrow. She pulled Bianca into a heartfelt embrace, offering a silent solace for the pain they both felt. Sometimes, words weren't necessary; the strength of their sisterly bond was enough to bridge any gap.

"I know, Bia," Emiline murmured softly, her voice gentle. "But Ashton and Cane are gonna help; it's going to be okay." Her grip tightened slightly as if trying to shield her sister from the world's troubles.

"Let's go inside."

Bianca's voice reverberated through the air as she gently pushed open the door to their home, the hinges letting out a soft creak in response. Her sister followed closely behind. "Dad? Mom?"

The entryway seemed to hold its breath, memories woven into its very walls as if waiting for their return. A voice, tinged with surprise and relief, floated from within the house.

"Bia?" The voice called out, carrying a mixture of emotions that underscored the uncertainties they were all grappling with.

"Dad, we're home!" Emiline's words, brimming with happiness, echoed through the space, her voice a beacon of light.

The sound of heavy, determined footsteps filled the air as a familiar figure came rushing into view. Bianca's heart raced as she saw her father approaching, a giant of a man with a reassuring and overwhelming presence.

"Dad!" Bianca couldn't contain her excitement, rushing into his open arms.

Tears glistened in her father's eyes, and his grip on her tightened as if to reassure himself that she was indeed there. Emotions overwhelmed him, and amidst tears that fell unashamedly, he choked out words that resonated with a father's love.

"My baby girl," her father managed to say through his tears, his voice a mixture of deep affection and disbelief as if this reunion was something he had longed for but had hardly dared to hope would come true. In a moment that transcended time, he spun her around just as he used to during her childhood, an echo of happier times amidst the current turmoil.

"Where the hell have you been?" Their father's voice held a mixture of relief and concern as he looked at Bianca. His eyes held a depth of emotion, reflecting the worries and questions that had undoubtedly plagued him.

Bianca met her father's gaze, the warmth of his concern washing over her like a comforting embrace. She nodded, her voice steady as she replied, "I'm okay, Dad. I've been through a lot, but I'm here now." His eyes searched hers as if trying to glean the full story from her gaze alone. The questions tumbled out in a rush, a blend of worry and curiosity that mirrored the intensity of his emotions.

"Bianca? Emiline?" Their mother's voice rang out, filled with desperation and hope. She hurried into the room, her presence a testament to the nights of tears and anxiety she had endured. Her eyes were red and puffy, a testament to the emotional storm that had ravaged her. The sleepless nights of worry and the weight of uncertainty were etched on her face, a portrait of a mother who'd been grappling with the unknown. But amidst the tiredness, a flicker of hope ignited as she saw her daughters before her.

Bianca's mother reacted swiftly, her arms enveloping Bianca in a warm, reassuring embrace. Her head found its place atop her daughter's, her soft blonde hair brushing gently against Bianca's cheek, a gesture of comfort and protection.

"I knew you'd find your way back to me, my little pup," her mother's words were a tender murmur laden with emotion.

Their father's arms stretched out, a gesture that transcended words. With a heartfelt smile, he pulled Emiline into the circle of their family, completing the embrace with a group hug.

After a couple of heartfelt moments, Bianca gently broke the embrace, a mixture of emotions lingering in the air. Her voice was concerned and curious as she voiced the question tugging at her heart.

"Where are Carson and Philip?" Her words held a touch of worry, her senses keenly aware of their absence. The familiar scents that should have filled their home were noticeably faint.

"They're sleeping upstairs; Carson is sick," the words seemed to suspend in the air, heavy with a sense of foreboding. The atmosphere shifted; the initial relief of the reunion now met with a new layer of worry that seemed to cast a shadow over the room.

Bianca's heart seemed to skip a beat as the weight of her father's words settled in. A mixture of concern and fear coursed through her veins, and she exchanged a glance with Emiline, their shared worry a silent connection between them.

"What do you mean?" Emiline's voice quivered with disbelief, the news hitting her like a sudden blow. "He was perfectly fine when I left."

The room seemed to close in, the atmosphere laden with a heavy silence as the realization of the situation began to sink in.

"We don't know," their mother's voice carried the weight of uncertainty, "suddenly, he collapsed, and he's had a fever all night. He was doing better this morning, but he's just been sleeping. Philip refuses to leave his side."

The room seemed to tighten, the news settling like a heavy stone in the pit of their stomachs. Concern etched into their mother's face, a reflection of the countless thoughts and emotions that had undoubtedly been swirling within her.

Bianca's mind raced, worry for her brother mingling with a desperate need to understand what was happening. She exchanged a glance with Emiline, their unspoken bond a shared understanding of the gravity of the situation.

"We're going to figure this out. Cane will find a way," Bianca spoke with a mix of determination and hope. She turned to Emiline, a silent plea in her eyes, urging her sister to respond with a reassuring smile, a small beacon of comfort amidst the uncertainty.

"Who is Cane?" Their father's question hung in the air, curiosity evident in his eyes as he looked at Bianca and Emiline. It was clear that the mention of Cane had sparked his interest, adding another layer of intrigue to their already complex situation.

Emiline stepped forward, her voice calm and composed. We should all sit down. There's a lot to catch you up on."

"I need to see Carson first," Bianca's voice was firm, her concern for her brother overriding everything else. Her eyes held a mixture of determination and worry.

Their father's gaze softened as he nodded in understanding, his own concern mirrored in his expression. "Of course, sweetheart. Let's go upstairs."

"Mom, can I make you some tea?" Emiline's voice was gentle. Her eyes held a mixture of empathy and care as she looked at her mother. Their mother managed a grateful smile, her tired eyes lighting up with appreciation. "That would be nice, dear. Thank you."

Emiline nodded and headed towards the kitchen. As she prepared the tea, the aroma of warmth and comfort began filling the air.

Bianca and her father ascended the stairs; their footsteps echoed softly on the steps, a rhythmic cadence that seemed to mirror the steady beat of their hearts.

The boys' bedroom came into view. It was across from Bianca's old room. The door stood open. As they approached, the faint scents of the room wafted out, a mixture of comfort and the undercurrent of worry that had invaded their lives.

Inside, the scene was both heartwarming. Philip was perched on a blue bean bag, a stark contrast to his usually composed demeanor. And next to him was the youngest North child's twin bed, where Carson lay, their soft snores harmonizing in a strangely comforting symphony. His blond curls cascaded over his face, an unkempt yet endearing sight.

Bianca's heart swelled at the sight. A soft giggle escaped her as she crouched beside Carson's bed, her fingers reaching out to gently touch his forehead.

"He's warm, but no fever," she murmured to her father, her voice a mixture of relief and worry. She shifted her attention to Philip, who was beginning to stir. A small smile tugged at her lips as she leaned over him, her fingers brushing away his curls. "And he's okay too."

"Dad," an idea sprang to Bianca's mind, "sometimes during the first shift, a fever can set in."

Her father looked at her, curiosity mingling with his concern. "Yes, it can happen," he agreed, "but Carson is too young. He's only eleven. His first shift shouldn't be happening until he's around fourteen."

Bianca's brow furrowed in thought, her mind racing to piece together the puzzle. "I know, but what if it's happening now? What if his body is trying to shift, and that's causing the fever?"

Her father's eyes widened as he considered the possibility, a mixture of worry and realization evident in his gaze. "It's rare, but it's not impossible. The body's reaction to the first shift can sometimes be unpredictable."

"How long can the fever last before a shift?" Bianca's voice held a sense of urgency, the need for information driving her questions.

Her father paused, his brow furrowing in thought. "A few days of on and off fever is possible. But that still doesn't explain why it's happening now."

Bianca nodded, her mind working through the possibilities. The timing was odd, and the uncertainty of the situation weighed heavily on her heart. She exchanged a glance with her father, their shared concern a testament to the strength of their familial bond.

"We need to find out what triggered it," she said, determination infusing her words. "Maybe..." She hesitated, her mind grasping for an explanation amidst the uncertainty. "Maybe in order to avoid getting sick, his body is going through the shift now. His werewolf immunity could be kicking in."

Her father's expression shifted, a mixture of consideration and doubt evident in his eyes. "It's an interesting thought, Bia. But it's unlikely. Three wolves who already shifted years ago have already died from this sickness."

"Think, Dad. Who died?" Bianca's voice held a note of urgency, her mind racing to connect the dots.

"Alpha Rick, and two warriors, Allen and Steve, and it's suspected Elijah as well, but we can't get into the office to find out," her father replied, his expression a mix of sadness and frustration.

Bianca's brows furrowed as she processed the information. "High-ranking wolves," she mused aloud, her thoughts turning over the possibilities.

"And the rest, they're just sick? How sick?" she questioned further, her voice tinged with concern.

"Most of them have high fevers, weakness, and fatigue. A few have started experiencing difficulty breathing," her father explained, a heaviness in his voice.

Bianca's mind raced, the pieces of the puzzle starting to come together. She exchanged a glance with her father, a shared realization dawning upon them. "What if it's not just sickness? What if it's something else?"

Bianca and her father exchanged a meaningful look, a silent understanding passing between them as their thoughts aligned.

"Let's let them rest; it was a hell of a night; we'll talk more downstairs." her father's voice was gentle, a reflection of his concern for their younger siblings. The two of them made their way back downstairs.

As they entered the living room, Emiline and their mother were seated, both cradling cups of tea in their hands.

"Bia, tell us what happened."

The next twenty minutes unfolded in a whirlwind of conversation as Bianca recounted her experiences to her family. With a mixture of determination and sensitivity, she shared the details of everything, careful to omit some of the more distressing aspects to spare her parents' unnecessary pain.

She spoke of awakening in the infirmary with Cane by her side and the subsequent revelation that he was not only her mate but the future king of their species. Her parents listened with a mix of shock and curiosity, the enormity of the revelations sinking in.

As the story unfolded, their mother's eyes widened in amazement, her tea forgotten as she absorbed the details. Bianca's father listened intently, his expression a mixture of concern and pride for his daughter's resilience. The revelation about Emiline's mate added another layer of surprise to the tale.

"So, what do you think Prince Cane will do?" Their mother's voice held a mixture of curiosity and concern, her eyes fixed on Bianca.

"I'm not sure," Bianca admitted, her thoughts racing. "But I should tell him about Carson. He needs to know what's happening."

Her father chimed in, adding another layer of insight. "Bia thinks the fever might be a sign that he's having his first shift."

Their mother's eyes widened, realization dawning upon her. "His first shift? But he's so young."

Bianca nodded, her gaze thoughtful. "I know. It's rare, but it's a possibility his body is shifting to fight whatever this illness is."

Bianca rose from her seat with a determined expression. "I'm going to the pack house to talk to Cane and Lois."

"I'm coming with you," her father's voice held a sense of purpose as he stood up as well, his support evident in his actions.

Bianca turned to Emiline, her gaze seeking her sister's input. "Em, are you coming?"

Emiline glanced between her family members before nodding. "I'll stay with Mom and the boys. Keep an eye on things here."

Bianca stepped through the familiar doors of the pack house, her footsteps carrying a weight of both nostalgia and uncertainty. It was hard to believe that just a few months ago, she had been moving her belongings into this very place, full of hope and anticipation. Now, she walked in as someone practically rogue, her connection to the pack and its dynamics forever altered.

"This feels so weird, walking in here as a rogue," she whispered under her breath, her words a mixture of introspection and surprise at the turn her life had taken. However, her whisper didn't go unnoticed.

Lois's voice broke through the lingering silence as she descended the stairs, her presence adding a new layer of tension to the room. Her gaze was fixed on Bianca and her father. Her words hung heavy, her anger and frustration palpable. Her voice carried a determined edge, reflecting the depth of her feelings. "As far as I'm concerned, Elijah no longer carries the alpha title," she declared, her tone firm and unwavering. Her eyes blazed with a mixture of righteous indignation and sorrow, a testament to the emotional turmoil that her son's actions had wrought. "Elijah's actions and words will not define this pack. You are a WestMoon pack warrior and will always be one of us."

Following behind her were Cane and Ashton.

"Cane, this is my dad," Bianca introduced her father, her words carrying a sense of formality amidst the weight of the situation.

Cane offered a nod of acknowledgment, his gaze meeting her father's with a mixture of respect and understanding. "It's good to meet you, Mr. North, " Cane said, his tone genuine.

"Please, it's an honor, Prince Cane, and please, Tim is just fine," her father responded with a warm smile.

Cane returned the smile, a hint of relief in his expression. "Tim, it is then." Cane gestured to Ashton, who seemed slightly nervous amidst the weight of meeting his mate's father.

"Hello, I'm Ashton, the Royal Beta," he introduced himself, his voice carrying a blend of formality and genuine respect.

"Pleasure, Ashton. It's an honor," her father responded, his tone warm and welcoming. "Cassidy and I must have done something right to have both our daughters be mates to royalty," Tim added with a chuckle.

"My father has asked me to handle this task myself, so Lois, Ashton, and I were discussing what can be done," Cane began, his tone carrying a sense of responsibility and determination.

"Cane," Bianca interjected, her voice holding a sense of urgency, "I found something."

The room's attention shifted instantly to Bianca, the weight of her words hanging in the air.

"My youngest brother, Carson, is sick," Bianca began, her voice carrying a mix of concern and urgency. "He's had a fever all night, but I don't think it's an illness. I think he's shifting."

"But he's only eleven," Lois said, shocked. The room fell into a momentary silence, the weight of Bianca's revelation sinking in. Cane's brows furrowed in thought, the gears of his mind turning as he processed the information.

"What makes you believe it's a shift, Bianca?" Cane's voice held a mix of curiosity and concern, his attention fully focused on her words.

"It's just a hypothesis," Bianca began, her voice measured as she explained her thoughts. "But my father tells me that the only ones who have passed are Alpha Rick, Warrior Allen, and Steve."

She turned her attention to Lois, her expression sincere. "I'm sorry I didn't say it earlier; I'm so sorry for your loss, Luna."

"But what if it was targeted?" Bianca's words cut through the air, a notion that sparked a mix of shock and contemplation among those present. Her gaze held a determined intensity as she continued, "Think about it. With Elijah locked away in the office, it would leave the pack vulnerable. What if someone tried to poison the strongest wolves in the pack, knowing that without them, we would become vulnerable?"

The room seemed to freeze, the implications of Bianca's hypothesis sinking in. Cane's expression shifted as his mind processed the possibilities, his eyes meeting Bianca's with a mixture of realization and concern.

"Okay, then why are other pack members sick?" Ashton's question cut through the tension, his furrowed brows reflecting the confusion and concern shared by all.

"I don't know," Bianca admitted, her voice tinged with frustration. "But maybe the reason that pack members are sick but not dying is because their immunity is fighting off the poison? Alpha Rick, Allen and Steve might have just gotten a lethal dose."

"Bianca, if you're correct, why is Beta and your father not sick?" Lois's question held a sense of curiosity and concern, mirroring the thoughts that likely occupied everyone's minds.

"I'm not sure," Bianca admitted, her brow furrowing in thought. "But think about it. What happened right before everyone started getting sick?"

"You were banished," Tim's voice was thoughtful as he pieced the timeline together. "And Beta Ed, your mom, and I went on a search against Elijah's orders. We were trying to look for you."

"They were gone for days," Lois added, her voice carrying a mix of realization and concern. "I stayed with the boys."

"What happened during that time in the pack?" Cane asked, his voice carrying a mix of urgency.

Lois's eyes widened in horror as the pieces seemed to fall into place. "Oh my god," she gasped, her hand instinctively covering her mouth as anger filled her gaze. "Kat came to visit Elijah and tried to get him out of the office. She brought a gift, a flower, and she placed it in the office. And that same afternoon, Rick, Allen, and Steve went into the office before Elijah barricaded it."

Cane's voice cut through the growing tension, his mind racing to connect the dots. "What kind of flower?"

Lois' brow furrowed as she tried to recall. "I'm not sure, but I'm sure it's still in there, probably dead now." The room seemed to buzz with a mix of apprehension and realization. The potential pieces of their investigation were coming together, revealing a chilling sequence of events. As they grappled with the implications, the need for immediate action and a plan of response became clear. In this moment of shared revelation, their determination to uncover the truth and protect their pack was unwavering, a guiding force amidst the darkness that surrounded them.

"We have to get into that room," Bianca declared, her voice firm and resolute as she stood up. The urgency in her tone echoed the shared determination that had built among them.

Cane nodded in agreement, his expression mirroring the seriousness of the situation. "You're right. We need to examine that flower, find out what it is, and whether it's connected to these illnesses."

Lois's gaze flickered between them, her determination matching theirs. "I'll join you. We need to know the truth, and we need to act quickly to protect our pack."

Cane's voice was swift and decisive. "No, you and Tim need to vacate this home. Lois, can you separate the pack members, categorizing those who are sick or showing symptoms?" Lois nodded, her commitment unwavering. Cane's approval was swift, "Thank you."

"Tim, you need to keep an eye on Carson," Cane directed, his voice a mix of concern and authority. "If he really is going to shift, that helps us know that no other pack members are in danger."

Tim nodded, his expression filled with a sense of purpose. But he had a question. "What about Bianca? Won't she be affected if the flower is still alive?"

Cane shook his head, his voice steady. "She received a blood transfusion back at my pack recently. For now, my own Lycan blood circulates through her body, meaning her immunity is far more heightened than a regular wolf's. Bianca was taken aback for a moment, her eyes widening with surprise. She had no idea that Cane had been the one whose blood was given to her during the transfusion. At that moment, she felt a mix of gratitude and a renewed sense of closeness with Cane.

Tim hugged his daughter tightly, his embrace carrying a mix of worry and affection. He pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead, his love for her evident in that simple gesture. "Be careful," he murmured, his voice laced with concern and a father's protective instincts.

Bianca nodded, her own emotions swirling within her. "I will, Dad." Lois and Tim quickly left.

"Follow me; I'll take you to the office." As they ascended the stairs, a sense of urgency propelled each step. The hallway seemed to stretch before them, the walls almost whispering with the weight of the mystery they were about to unveil. With every footfall, the suspense grew.

Guided by Bianca's unwavering determination, Cane and Ashton followed her lead. The corridors seemed to close in around them, their anticipation echoing through the silence. As they reached the end of the hall, the two imposing French doors stood like a final barrier between them and the truth they sought. These doors, once a symbol of authority, now held a darker significance.

Bianca's hand rested on the doorknob, her grip steady, but her eyes betrayed a mixture of anxiety and resolve. She turned to face Cane and Ashton, her voice carrying the weight of their shared mission.

"This is it," she said, her tone both resolute and uncertain. She began wiggling the doorknob, growing increasingly violent with every twist until she was screaming. "You son of a bitch. Open this fucking door now!" Bianca's voice rang out, a rage lacing her words. Her fists pounded against the unyielding surface of the office door, the sound reverberating through the air like a battle cry.

Cane's swift movement brought him to Bianca's side and gently pushed her aside, his gaze narrowing as he assessed the door before him. His fingertips brushed over the surface, and as he examined the dirt that clung to his skin, a look of confusion crossed his features.

"What the hell?" Cane's murmur held a sense of bewilderment; his gaze fixated on the faint hue of purple that stained his fingers. It was a color that held a significance he couldn't immediately place.

His attention shifted, and he turned to face Ashton, his expression a mix of curiosity and concern. Holding out his hand for them to see, Cane presented the dirt as evidence of his discovery. "Look at this," he said, his tone a mixture of disbelief and realization.

Ashton's own disbelief was evident as he examined the purple-tinged dirt on Cane's fingertips. His voice held a note of astonishment as he pieced together the puzzle. "It can't be."

Bianca stood between the two men, her brow furrowed in confusion. "What is it? What's going on?"

Cane's gaze shifted between his companions, his expression grave. He took a deep breath before delivering the unsettling revelation. "The door is hexed," his words landed with a heavy thud, casting a somber veil over the atmosphere. "That's why we can't get in."

Bianca's eyes widened in surprise, her mind struggling to grasp the enormity of what Cane had just disclosed. "Hexed? Like a spell?"

Cane nodded solemnly, his tone carrying the weight of grim understanding. "Yes, precisely."

Ashton's brows knitted together in skepticism, a reflection of the disbelief that echoed through their thoughts. "But how? There aren't any reported witches here, definitely no witch covens."

Cane's frustration was palpable, his determination unyielding as he vocalized his intention. "I need to get in there. I have to find a way to bypass this hex."

Ashton's question lingered in the air, a query that mirrored the uncertainty shrouding their circumstances. "How are you going to bypass a hex?"

Cane's expression shifted, a glimmer of realization igniting within his eyes. "Salt," he stated with a newfound sense of certainty.

Ashton's inquiry hung in the air, a testament to the curiosity and skepticism that gripped them all. "Will that work?"

Cane's response was swift and unwavering. "Only one way to find out."

With determination etched on his face, Cane swiftly descended the stairs, his steps purposeful as he entered the kitchen. The urgency of the situation pushed him forward as he frantically began searching through cabinets, his fingers desperately rummaging through containers and jars. His heart pounded in his chest, each passing moment only intensifying his need to break the hex that barred their entry.

Bianca followed closely behind, her gaze never leaving Cane as he searched. Her eyes scanned the kitchen until they landed on a jar of sea salt tucked away in the pantry. With a sense of relief, she reached for it and pulled it out, holding it up for Cane to see.

"Will this work?" she asked, her voice carrying a mix of hope and uncertainty.

Cane turned to her, his eyes locking onto the jar of salt. A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "Yes, perfect."

They ascended the stairs once again. With every step, the weight of their mission pressed upon them, their determination growing stronger with each passing second.

As they faced the doors once more, Cane wasted no time. He opened the jar of sea salt and, with a swift, purposeful motion, he threw the salt in a wide arc towards the sealed French doors. The grains of salt rained down. The room seemed to hold its breath as the salt settled, the air tingling with anticipation. Cane's gaze remained fixed on the doors, his hope and resolve channeled into that single act. The silence was broken only by the soft rustling of the salt as it landed.

And then, as if responding to the collective will of those present, a subtle shift occurred. The air seemed to shimmer, a faint glow enveloping the doors as if the hex itself quivered under the force of the salt. For a moment, time hung suspended, and then, with a slow, almost reluctant movement, the French doors began to creak open.

Cane's eyes widened in astonishment, a mixture of relief and triumph painting his features. "I can't believe that worked."

"How'd you know to do that?" Ashton asked, his astonishment clear in his voice.

Cane shrugged, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of his lips. "I read it in a book once."

Ashton chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Well, I guess reading comes in handy sometimes."

A sudden, jarring noise reverberated through the air, like wood splintering apart. 

"What was that?" Bianca's voice carried a tremor of concern, her eyes darting between Cane and Ashton, seeking answers in their expressions. The hallway echoed with the remnants of the sound, a violent splitting of wood that hung heavily in the air.

The suddenness of it all triggered an instinctive response in Cane. Without hesitation, he moved, his body shielding Bianca from any potential harm. The doors began breaking and shattering into pieces.

Bianca's breath caught as Cane's protective embrace enveloped her. The chaos before them seemed surreal, a moment of unforeseen violence that had disrupted the otherwise quiet hallway. She pressed herself against Cane, her heart racing in tandem with his as the dust from the splintered wood danced in the air.

As the echo of the door's destruction faded, a tense silence settled. Cane slowly released his protective stance, his gaze shifting from the broken doorway to the hallway beyond. Ashton appeared beside them, his astonishment mirroring their own.

"What just happened?" Ashton's voice was hushed, his eyes wide as he surveyed the aftermath.

Cane's jaw tightened as he took a step forward, his eyes narrowing with a mixture of caution and curiosity. "I don't know, but something is going on."

Bianca's voice wavered, a mixture of awe and unease in her words. "Could it be the hex?"

Cane's gaze lingered on the broken door, his mind working through the possibilities. "It's possible, but I've never heard of a hex reacting like this." As they stood amidst the remnants of the shattered door, uncertainty hung in the air, overshadowed by the knowledge that they were now facing something beyond their understanding. The group entered the room cautiously, their senses on high alert. Cane's arm remained protectively around Bianca, his gesture both reassuring and cautious.

The sight that greeted them was chilling, causing Bianca to let out an involuntary scream. The room, once an ordinary office, had been transformed into a haunting tableau. The plant that had been placed on the desk had grown to an unnatural size, its thick vines winding and snaking around the room like serpents covering all the windows so no sunlight shined. The suffocating tangle devoured the very air, casting an eerie darkness over everything.

But it was the figure on the floor that froze them in place. Elijah lay motionless on the ground. His skin was ashen, his body almost skeletal beneath the remnants of his clothing. The sight of his lifeless form, his eyes devoid of vitality, sent a shiver down their spines.

Bianca's gaze flickered between the overgrown plant and Elijah's body, her voice trembling with a mix of fear and disbelief. "Cane, what... what happened here?"

Cane's expression was grim as he assessed the scene, his instincts sharp and focused. "It's dark magic," he stated, his voice low but filled with conviction.

Ashton's eyes widened, his disbelief echoing Bianca's emotions. "Dark magic?"

Cane's nod was solemn, his eyes never leaving the scene before them. "They used him as a conduit, draining him of everything-his power, his essence. Witches can use a person's fear, anger, and pain to amplify their magic, and someone saw in him a perfect victim."

The weight of the revelation hung heavily in the room, the enormity of what they were witnessing sinking in. The malevolent power that had ravaged Elijah was a force beyond comprehension, a reminder of the depths of darkness that could reside within their world.

"We need to get an elder, someone who understands dark magic," Cane declared, his tone carrying a sense of urgency.

Ashton's gaze remained fixed on Elijah's lifeless form, his voice tinged with concern. "And what about him?"

Cane's eyes were filled with a mixture of sorrow and determination. "He's a shell now, emptied of everything. They've used him as a vessel."

Bianca's voice was barely a whisper. "Is he dead?"

Cane's response was flat. "Yea, he's gone."

Short Authors note:

Hope you are all enjoying the re-write, apologies for those are confused about why it's quiet literally different from original, but I promise the story line in the re-write makes for a much better sequel! Stay tuned for the next update.

(Also i'm loving writing longer parts! Im shooting for have at least 5,000 per "chapter" from now on)

Hugs and kisses - Isa