Jaxon’s POV

After the suspicious encounter with Alpha Rhys, we set out again on our journey to the temple. The forest hasn't changed a bit, except for the sun which was already sitting high in the sky. The team of six had only settled down to rest when Alpha Rhys interrupted with his cunning moves. But, we were too wise to fall into any of his traps in the disguise of peace, not anymore. As we continued on our tracks, a gentle but familiar shadow came rustling from the trees ahead. I held Liora's hand as we both paused. I know who was behind the shadows, though it was still strange to the rest of the team. It was none other than the Old wide man. He was the only one that appeared to us with a gentle energy. He stepped out of the shadows, his figure visible once more for everyone to see. As usual, his presence pulled a glow of light around him, making the forest to radiate lights of great intensity. In his eyes was wisdom, even his quietness speaks volumes, even words that mouth cannot alter. He carried power and purpose with him as he approached us. 'The great Alpha Jaxon. Luna Liora, the first Luna of her kind," he greeted. But as he spoke, his words were thundering everywhere, and the forest air saturated. 'Your journey to the temple must be guided at all costs. It is one of the keys that would draw you closer to your destiny, but always look out for friendly enemies, for there are forces eager to disrupt your mission." Liora spranged to her feet immediately, a look of concern evident. 'What does that mean, please? It seems you have sensed something dangerous ahead?" The old man kept a straight face, his mood somber to show how serious the matter was. 'Yes, it's Alpha Rhys. His intentions are dark, way too dark to benefit you. His aim is to distract your journey, to ensure you don't make it at the stipulated time. He consulted a seer who told him everything about your journey. He knew that it would strengthen your bond, and has the power to heal your pack and protect it." I clenched my fists, I tried to control my anger, but it was bubbling in me. 'We knew that from the moment we set our eyes on him. He camouflaged as a peace bearer, but we knew better not to fall into his trap." The old man smiled broadly, he was impressed with how we handled everything. 'Your instincts were not far from being right, Alpha Jaxon. Rhys didn't consult a good seer, it was a sorcerer in disguise of a seer, and he has been feeding him with thirst for revenge. He gave him the task of coming up with a plan that would prolong your journey to the temple of the moon. By the time you realize you were on a journey, it would have been too late to retrieve the artifacts." Liora reached out to hold my arm, all her focus on the old man. 'We would never permit such to happen." she assured him, she was as determined as always, eager to finish what we started. 'We're ready to face any challenge, allowing Rhys to sabotage our mission would be totally foolish on our side." The old man looked at Liora's hand in admiration, he seemed to be pleased with our bond. 'Don't forget that your strength depends on your unity, always acknowledge the bond you share. It would go a long way to fasten the process. Remember, it's only you that has the power to stop yourself." I nodded, I wasn't going to disappoint him or the pack and the bond we share together. 'We have always worked as a team, we won't stop now. Rhys or noRhys, we will ensure to face it together. We have gone too far to give up now." 'Very well then," the old man said, still staring at our intertwined hands. 'Your connection is sacred, ensure to protect it with everything in you." With that, he began taking steps backward, gradually fading and blending in with the forest. And as he was almost out of sight, he dropped the last wise saying for us. 'A pack can only be great if Alpha and Luna made it to the heroes list. You can't produce what is not your kind!" I squeezed Liora's hand affectionately, this is the time to stick even together, even more than before. 'He's right, Liora. We can't produce what is different from our kind. We'll reach that temple at the stipulated time, we are determined. Our pack won't suffer any harm again." With that, we resumed our journey, we have had a lot to handle within a little space of time, but there's no going back. All we needed was to stay alert and keep moving. Any funny move won't be tolerated, I would ensure that myself. To the temple of the moon we go! Liora's POV We hadn't gone too far when I caught sight of a familiar figure. It was no other than Alpha Rhys. Why was he running after us this time? What does he really want? My wolf growled inside me, sensing the danger ahead. It was usual for him to pop up after our last discussion, it's obvious that he won't be winning, why not accept his fate and rest? 'The great Alpha Jaxon, and his Luna, Liora," he greeted, with his deceptive voice. 'Forgive me for interrupting again, but you need to listen to me, this is really urgent and important." Jaxon spurned around to face him with a straight face. 'Rhys," he said, "he was obviously at the breaking point. 'What is this again? Do you want to host all the Alphas in the forest this time?" Rhys sighed in frustration, he wanted at least one of us to side him, but when he shifted his gaze, he realized we weren't interested. 'I am only looking out for you both, to show you that I'm really serious when I tell you that I want your forgiveness. I wouldn't have bothered you if it had nothing to do with your safety." Anyone that doesn't know him would easily fall, but that won't be happening. 'I overheard a conversation that didn't sit well with me. There's probably a threat ahead. Their aim is to fight you off from continuing your journey to the temple. It would have been better if all this group wanted was to stop you, but it's none of that. They want your head to end everything about you." He paused, he wanted to be sure he was getting our attention. 'It would be cruel of me, if I knew all these but said nothing. I decided to inform you to prepare ahead of time. It's really dangerous out there, please, don't forget ahead with the journey for a few days. That way, you will be protected." I was still shocked at the extent he's willing to go just to have us abort our mission. No one can be more desperate than Alpha Rhys, absolutely no one. 'How wonderful that you were the first to get this news. That shows how many miles you are willing to go to have us back." Rhys nodded, feigning concern. 'Yes, I am willing to sacrifice a lot. I can go ahead and position my men before you. My men should move further to clear the coast before your arrival. Jaxon's fingers brushed my knuckles, slightly sending a shiver down my spine. 'Wow, that's really interesting, you are indeed willing to buy our forgiveness. But what keeps amazing me is how you never ceased to show up in our faces, Rhys. You always time yourself, ensuring to come at critical times." Rhys shifted uneasily, he was having it this time. He wanted to convince us by all means. 'Jaxon, please, I plead for your audience. It won't be bad if you can hold on for just a night. You can resume your journey by dawn, that way, the road would have been cleared. I am really concerned about your safety." Jaxon chuckled, a smirk playing in the corner of his mouth. 'Thank you for looking out for us, but that won't be necessary." I was already getting irritated with his constant batter. I stepped forward to address him. 'If you're as concerned as you claimed to be, Rhys, how about you organize more warriors to help our journey tonight be a smooth one? And checking it logically, you have done well by warning us, it is left for us to make the choice now. Kindly return to your pack." Rhys struggled to maintain his composure. 'Liora," he continued, still trying to prove a point. 'You know, it would be baseless risking your life just to prove a point. I am only concerned with your safety, unnecessary risks aren't worth trying. Just one night, please. Immediately, Jaxon clenched his fist in anger, moving towards Rhys in unquenchable anger. 'You want to distract us, your perfect way of holding us at a spot until it would be too late to retrieve the artifact from the temple. You have this planned out before setting out on a journey to execute your plans, isn't it? Rhys let out a loud but unease laugh, perhaps, he never imagined that we would find out. 'That's not true, I can't go to such an extent Just to stop you. I would use my time more judiciously than wasting it and chasing shadows." he sneered, the sweetness in his voice disappearing a little. 'I care for you, for the welfare of the pack, and would do everything possible to protect it." 'But your actions say otherwise," I shot back, not minding the coldness in my voice. 'From the first time you met us till this moment, you have done nothing but try to manipulate and distract us. How does that relate to your claim of looking out for us? Or is that your way of keeping us safe?" Rhys hesitated, probably searching for the right words to use. 'This is more complicated than it's on the outside." he replied, but in frustration. 'But if you would agree to wait, just for a night, I won't hesitate to have my men clear the path this night, even at the detriment of their safety." 'And conveniently delay us as you have always wanted. That has been the plan from the onset, you are only coming in this direction because you are running out of options." Jaxon said dryly with no emotions. 'Well, we don't need your help, you never asked for one, Rhys. We're more than capable of handling whatever may be waiting ahead all by ourselves." Rhys' face became sour, he tried to force a smile, but his eyes betrayed him. 'Very well then. It seems you've had everything figured out, but don't forget that I have played my part by warning you. And if by any means you decide to reconsider, the offer is still open." Jaxon sneered at him. 'It's obvious that you would be needing more help than us. Do well to keep it for yourself." Rhys smiled uneasily, and giving a mocking bow, he finally turned to leave, but not without locking eyes with me briefly. I saw something in his eyes, it wasn't pleasant. I know he won't give up easily, not when he would be facing huge consequences for failing. It's just a night away from the full moon, and we were still far from the temple of the moon but a reasonable distance. How do we dictate what awaits us next and avert, so as to get to the temple before the full moon?