The Naked Wolf

With Nova's hand still on the hilt of her dagger.

They watched as the door was taken apart. Next, They froze, and their hearts pounded in their chest as Nova tried to make sense of what was happening. Then, Aria gripped Nova's hand.

They watched the direction of the door, and a pair of glowing eyes appeared. It was coming close.

Aria's grip tightened as they both recognized the eyes- it was a werewolf, a big one.

“Who are you?" Nova demanded, her voice firm. She has seen those eyes before! But couldn't place where at the moment.

Immediately, they heard a low growl, coming right in front of them.

“ What do you want?” They slowly backed away from the door, their eyes fixed on the werewolf.

Nova realized that it might have been the same wolf that chased her in the woods earlier.

“Why are you following me?” she guessed.

There was silence, only the sound of their breathing filled the room. The creature stopped.

Then, The wolf suddenly transformed into a human being- a man.

A tall dark man, his face hard. The face had noticeable cold blue eyes, which made him seem dangerous. He was naked. And there was something strapped around his wrist, but she didn't care.

For a brief moment, she took in the sight of the tall naked man that stood before her. His face was chiseled. Nova forgot to breathe. She forgot about the danger, forgot about Aria, forgot about everything except for the intense gaze of the man before her. She hadn't seen a naked man in a while. They locked eyes.

But Nova's senses kicked back in quickly. She remembered the danger, the chase in the woods, and the fact that they were in a dangerous situation.

She frowned at intrusive thoughts.

Nova's hand went to the hilt of her dagger to steady it. Her fingers wrapped tightly around it. She took a step back with her eyes never leaving the man's face. They stared at each other.

"Who are you?" Aria demanded, her voice firm. "What do you want?”

No response.

"What do you want?" Nova asked with her fingers still steady on the hilt of her dagger. “ Did you follow me?”

The man didn't flinch, his eyes not leaving Nova's face. He studied her eyes as She studied his body.

"Yes," he said, his voice deep. "And I'm here to collect." His blue eyes shifted from Nova's face and rested on Aria's face.

“Collect what?” said Nova, shielding Aria with her body. Though Aria was taller than her, she was determined. Determination had always been her strong suit.

Aria knew Ryker had sent him. She knew how dangerous Ryker was.

“N...Nov..Nova,” Aria tapped her from behind, her face frowning with regret. “I have to go. Remember, I told you about Ryker telling me to do something for him?”

Nova's eyes peered at the man, with her back still against Aria. Nova blurted out “Go Where? Why? What does that have to do with this?”

“Look at me,” begged Aria, tugging at the helm of Nova’s top, “I can do this... just let me go. Trust me”.

“Are you sure?” Nova asked Aria.

Aria nodded and mumbled “Yes”

Nova still did not take her eyes off the man. She looked into his eyes and there was a glimpse of a smile or laugh. She wasn't certain.

“What's so funny?” Nova blurted, not too sure.

He laughed loudly, gesturing towards them.

“I came here to collect her,” he said pointing a finger at Aria, “ As collateral. The boss wants you to do the job” Then he pointed at Nova

“I told Ryker not to include my sister,” she defended, breaking free of Nova's shield.

“Me? I won't do it,” said Nova, folding her arms on her chest. “Tell your boss to leave us alone!”

He laughed and twisted his face in a cruel smile as he took a step closer to Aria, his eyes gleaming in a flash.

Then, He quickly gripped Aria's hair and pulled her closer to him.

"Too late to make demands," he sneered, his voice full of malice.

"No, please!" Aria begged while trying to struggle free. "Let me go!" She cried.

Nova sprang into action, launching herself at him as far as her body could go, in a fierce determination to free her sister. "Let her go!" she said, trying to grab Aria in the air. But He was too fast, and She fell flat to the floor.

He brought out what looked like a small bag that was strapped around his wrists and threw it at Nova.

She sat up on the floor, feeling frustrated.

The bag landed on her lap with a soft thud. Nova's eyes dropped to the bag on her lap, for a moment. It was a scroll.

“What's this for” she furiously asked

“There are instructions for you to follow in there if you want to save your sister.” He emphasized “ You must follow the instructions exactly as they are, with no exceptions”

“W…” she stuttered

Aria cried out “ Novaa…”

“You're coming with me!” He tightened his grip and looked at Nova as if admiring her. "Leave now, and your sister might just live," he snarled as he continued, "Follow us, and you'll suffer the same fate as your precious sister."

Nova's eyes looked back up to the naked man. “ No,” she quickly stood up and took a step forward with her fists clenched. "I'll never leave her behind," she spat as her voice trembled with rage.

The naked man sneered, his grip tightening more around Aria's hair. "We'll see about that," he said, and with a sudden jerk, he dragged Aria outside.

“Please let her go! Take me instead” Nova as she bursts into tears. “I'll do anything”

“Good. Then Don't follow us!" he growled, he put his claws on Aria's neck. “If you do, I'll kill her”

Nova surrendered her hands in the air. “Okay, please don't hurt her,” Aria cried out.

Nova cried as he dragged Aria away. Everything in her wanted to follow that strange naked man, but she couldn't risk Aria's life. She felt powerless just like her mother.

She watched as Aria was being taken by her hair and her hands were stretched towards her. She screamed her lungs out.

“Novaaaaaaaaaaa” she cried out

Nova screamed in anguish

She hated to feel powerless.

She could hear Aria's terrified screams echoing through the forest.