RP:Scars Serve The Memory

Summary: Tiber and Lanara hatch a plan to take out Skitch, once and for all, after all the meddling and pain he has brought the couple and countless others. Along with their packmates, they go hunting in their wolf forms and kill the crime boss and his cohorts, relishing in their first successful ‘hunt’ together. Tiber will be fulfilling the role of the deceased, reaping the reward of coin and clientele,to ensure a prosperous future! However, it comes at a cost, as the Catalian sustains a serious injury to his wrist that leaves a zigzag scar, courtesy of Skitch and his letter opener. It will take time and physical therapy before the Alpha can regain proper use of the appendage. Later that night Corrine and Lana get into a physical altercation that leaves both women injured, but only one will mend from her wounds. It seems that the scarring on the left side of Corrine’s face is permanent, due to the cruel but well-deserved nature of a hex.

Part of the New Moon, New Motion Arc

Tiber :: Three days had passed since the newly wedded said their “I do’s” and had their night getaway, but in order to not cause suspicion, the Lowell’s had to return back home. Lanara would finally get her last step through the threshold of the estate in Tiber’s arms. The two lovers were home. Married. In order to not be caught, the couple made a pact that they would have to take their rings off when they left the house to go into public or go to the packmate’s house. As the time began to settle in those few days, Tiber made it clear that he would have to return to work in Cenril, but a lightbulb lit in the mind’s of the lovers. Skitch. Skitch and his death sentence. Skitch and the money he sits on. Skitch being hunted down would equal quite a bit of gold if Tiber can get the bank information. “After my whole thing with Meri and getting that second meeting with Alastor, I imagine that Skitch has a lot more of those goons working underneath him and guarding the place tenfold. Especially because Meri took the dog too. We will have to bring the pack along, but we will have to do it at night,” the man pieced together. So what was next? A plan which Lanara and Tiber had discussed furthermore, and a meeting with the Amber Lunation.

Lanara had a blissful weekend in Tiber’s arms, overjoyed that they had gotten married, and content with life, love, and a promised eternity of happiness. However, her mood seems to have slowly dissipated the closer they had come to their home, only to fade completely as she had to put her engagement ring and wedding band in the jewelry box. Eloping was a great idea and she doesn’t have a single regret, but she hates the fact that she has to hide their commitment before the world. She wishes they could hunt Corrine rather than Skitch, but she tries to hide her disappointment over the fact that the redhead still breathes, and finishes drying their dishes. Lana had barely touched her lunch and had given more than half to Ranger and Aspen. “I think after Skitch is dead and we get his bank info, we should try to locate all of his clients. They will become -your- clients and guarantee a steady income, if you choose to remain in this line of work.” She wants a romantic honeymoon all around the realm, so perhaps they both better get to work! “Tonight’s a full moon, so instead of chaining us all up like the wild beasts that we are, why don’t we just go hunting? Skitch can be the prey… I have considerable control over Asha and can try to coax everyone along in their wolf forms.” As long as she didn’t turn into the hybrid form, that is, but so far Lanara has only shifted into the form of a lovely chestnut wolf with gold eyes. “We can kill two birds with one stone! Take out Skitch and his buddies, while giving into our animalistic tendencies.”

Tiber pauses at Lanara’s idea. “Well, some of those clients involve the slave trade, mind you. But… I know there are some other clients that are not involved in the selling of people. Skitch is involved in thievery, hitlisting, escorting with people who consent, anyway,” he says flatly at the thought before shaking his head. “I think this is for the best. End his line of bargaining from slaves for good.” Getting to work would be the best thing. As Lanara mentions hunting down Skitch, Tiber contemplates hesitantly. Her empathy would play a huge part in the taming of beasts which made him feel more at ease with the topic. “Well, considering we are wandering Cenril… the city. We can, but we need to do it strategically so we don’t have people hunting -us-. People tend to cry wolf, yes? Luca can lead us into the shadows.” He grins. “I think it might be perfect practice for the lot of them. As long as you really do think your empathy will work.”

Lanara holds Tiber’s gaze as he mentions the slave trade, which she knows rather well, and she nods slowly, “No slavery or harming of animals, Tiber. The rest? Sounds fine to me.” He can murder and rob whoever he likes, so long as elves aren’t sold into servitude or prostitution and no innocent animals are harmed. “I -know- my empathic abilities work.” Is he doubting her powers? Lana frowns slightly and heads to the hall closet so she can retrieve a thin jacket and grab a satchel with some useful items. “Ready? We can head to the Pack now, fill them in on the plan? I’m wondering if maybe we should leave Tybalt behind with Violet? He’s too young to do this and Vie is studying for her entrance exam into the university.” Lana idly rubs her ring finger, hating that it’s bare, and she hopes that she doesn’t punch Corrine in the face once they set eyes on each other. She hasn’t been around the Pack since that terrible night and she wonders how everyone will react when their Luna comes back into the picture. “Don’t worry about us being hunted… I have connections.” The witch has close ties to Mayor Uma, a fellow witch and friend, as well as Hudson, who was an old friend that had covered the fact she broke into the bank of Cenril. “Ready, Babe?” Lana’s expression softens and she hopes that Tiber isn’t feeling the anxiety that radiates from her form, “Let’s get this over with so we can come home… The only place we don’t have to pretend.”

Tiber purses his lips as he contemplates mentioning that he escorted in that past, but he refrains. Maybe this was a topic Lanara should never know. Was it lying? Not technically. Right? She did not ask. Plus, they were married, so why would it matter now? And not to mention mentioning something like that three days after their wedding? Big no. The man is trapped in his mind before Lanara moves to retrieve a jacket and some other items. “Tybalt… Young?” Was Tybalt too young for ripping apart a bad man? Kids. “Right, you’re right. Tybalt can stay with Vie.” The man then reaches for the woman’s hand. His palm was a little clammy. He had not turned in a while, so the nerves were creeping on him too. To lead a group of newbies made him uneasy. “Connections?” He quirked a brow before shaking his head. “Alrighty then. Well, let’s go then.” Then they were off wandering through the familiar forest to the Pack House. Tiber does not even knock as the group is so used to Tiber and Lanara’s unexpected arrivals. Celeste was in the kitchen prepping a meal for the rest of the pack while Greyson had been strumming a guitar on his back on the couch. “Wow, couldn’t help the lady in the kitchen?” Tiber taunts the man fiddling with the instrument. “I’m fine, Tiberius. I like cooking,” the pale empathic woman says kindly. Greyson automatically sits up. “What’s up, nerds,” Greyson addresses Lanara and Tiber. Tiber finds himself letting go from Lanara and finding a spot on an arm of the couch. “Go call the others. We have a little… exercise for the evening planned.” Greyson rolls his eyes at Tiber’s request. “Talk about lazy bones,” the dark haired man mutters before placing the guitar down and striding up the stairs to retrieve some of the others.

Lanara is unusually quiet as they walk the short distance through the forest, making certain they break their handhold before stepping into the clearing, and she nervously tucks her hands into her pockets. As they enter the house she is frowning, and the emotions are displayed on her face to perfectly that perhaps Tiber will think she’s fulfilling their game of roleplay. But no, Lana isn’t pretending to be upset, she -is- upset, because it’s all a seedy reminder of what had happened two weeks prior. This house is where Corrine lives, her cheap perfume lingers in the air, and it’s only a matter of minutes before she’s standing in this exact meeting room! Greyson and Celeste are conversing with Tiber, but Lana is in a bit of a trance, until the empath clears her throat and tries for a third time, “Luna… Would you like a cup of tea? Something to soothe your nerves?” Lanara blinks and shakes her head as redness creeps into her cheeks, and she steals a glance at Tiber, hating that Celeste is staring at her with such sympathy in her gaze, “I’m fine.” The rest of the Pack enters on that note, and Corrine has the audacity to blow Tiber a kiss, before she flops onto the edge of the sofa and fixes Lana with a glare. Not wanting to take the bait, the witch moves to the opposite side of the room where she sits a little away from the group. Nick searches Lana’s face to see how she’s faring and frowns, before he nudges Corrine in the side to cut the woman some slack. Tybalt excitedly approaches Lana and starts to talk about a new puzzle he has just completed and she shakes her head, “You can show me later, Balto! For now, go sit with the others, our Alpha has called a meeting.”

Tiber thinks it is strange that Lanara is quiet, but then again, they were headed to the Pack House. They had to play their parts, right? Tiber is oblivious to Lanara’s quiet antics, all the while he knows to keep his distance as they enter the house. Eyes glance occasionally to the frown that touches her lips which offers her a stoic stare in return before addressing the others that enter the room. He babbles with some of the others that trickle in. Celeste, however, draws his attention, for the empath is trying to soothe Lanara. Can Lanara flip a switch with emotions or did she really feel… upset? The man blankly stares again before the kiss from Corrine is offered a glare. He stands up, shakes his head to stand in front of the group. He makes sure he keeps his gaze away from the red-head in the room. “Listen.” Pause. “It’s time we practice a little bit. Hunting, I mean. I know all of you are still shaken about turning. Not fully trusting that inner wolf inside you. Trust me, it took me a while to get my grip.” He runs a hand through his hair. “But Lanara and I discussed, despite some of our differences, and we thought that Lanara can use her empathic ability to help guide us. Keep us clear headed and connected with our wolf, so we do not make any rash changes.” He inhales. “That being said, we have the perfect target. Today we are not hunting for… animals. Instead… we have business to deal with. Old business. A tie to Alastor that we had to get through before saving you all. He’s put Lanara and I through hell. Supported the idea of you being held captive,” the Alpha says sternly. “We are heading to Cenril, taking out the guards there, and killing off the man named Skitch for good.” Beat. Amber eyes shift to Violet and then Tybalt. “Except… Tybalt, you can’t come. Lanara has made it clear that you are not old enough,” Tiber puts some of the blame on Lanara for the emphasis of their ‘rocky’ relationship. “Violet, you have to study for university. It won’t take all of us, anyway, and I’m determined to make up the hunt with you two in another way.” He confirms. The man then proceeds to go into detail on the layout in Cenril. “There are guards outside, some inside guarding the stairs, and probably some guarding the front of Skitch’s office. The last time I went there, it did not end well. Skitch has a grudge.” Honey-glazed eyes then address Lanara for her own input. “Anything to add… Luna.” He keeps them professional for the sake of… distance from the others. For theatrics.

Lanara watches everyone’s expressions as they listen to Tiber’s speech, and she’s proud of the attention that they give their Alpha, because he deserves their respect after all he’s done. However, as her husband places the blame entirely on her for saying that Tybalt cannot attend the hunt, she twists in his direction and those honey hues will see daggers in her gaze. The boy is upset and protesting that he is old enough to come along and Lana is about to address the issue when Corrine’s singsong voice interrupts, “And here I thought that only Lana and I get special treatment! But now Violet will have you making it up to her, Tiber? How is -that- going to happen?” She wags her eyebrows, as though insinuating something sexual, and the rest of the Pack falls eerily silent. Greyson looks as though he’s ready to pounce on the redhead, while Bjorn looks as though he wants to pounce on her in a non-violent way! Asha is stirring and Lana is trying her damnedest to hold everything together, but there is still so much obvious jealousy and pain, so she clears her throat, “You heard the plan, so now I suggest you all go and prepare your bags and bring along a spare set of clothing. We are leaving in one hour. Tybalt and Violet will remain here as we -both- decided.” Her voice is a little shaky and she cannot bring herself to look at Corrine or Tiber, but aside from that, Lana is managing. Thankfully, the group disperses to collect their things and ready themselves for the upcoming hunt, giving the witch a little breather. She steps outside to get some much needed air and works on stretching her arms and legs, as it’s going to be a long night.

Tiber :: A deep frown crosses Tiber’s face as a darkness touches that sunset glimmer in his eyes as Corrine mentions Violet getting ‘special treatment’. Violet, in that moment, looks flushed for the first time since she had lived with the lot of the group, but there is a seething attitude in the silver-haired young woman that Corrine would make such a sexual remark. Violet then shifts her eyes to Tiber in a quick, embarrassed glance. Tiber is gritting his teeth now and makes a remark of, “Do not speak to me or others in that regard,” his voice is low in intimidation before his face drops at Lanara’s outspokenness. They all need to get ready. The crowd disperses before Tiber watches Lanara walk outside. When everyone leaves, he moves after her to stand outside with her. “I’m sorry. I just… don’t know how to act when… you know.” He points to his empty ring finger. “This is hard. I don’t want it to be this way. I hate that it’s this way,” his voice is very low so the rest cannot eavesdrop. Then, pack members begin to come outside little by little until they are huddled again. Corrine in her rolled eyed glare and crossed arms, Nick in his background, tight-lipped awkwardness, Bjorn in his dopey stare, Greyson in his poised stare, and Celeste in her soft, concerned gaze. “I think with the change of clothes, we need to hide them before we turn, so we know where they are before we change back. Last thing we need is to walk around… nude in the city,” the man says oddly scratching the back of his neck. “Lanara, any suggestions?”

Lanara is very near tears as Tiber points to the place where his wedding band should rightfully remain, and for a fraction of a second she has a fleeting thought that maybe he has regrets about their marriage. Corrine’s bluntness and flirting with the Alpha in front of the entire Amber Lunation hits hard, because it forces little shreds of doubt into Lana’s mind, and makes them look weak as leaders. “I just want to cry and to be anywhere but here. It’s still so fresh and I’m still hurting, still healing, but it’s fracking impossible with you both in the room. Together.” She takes a steadying breath, “I need to focus… I don’t want my emotions to cause any issues with the hunt.” If she’s not at her best, it could bode very poorly for the others in their wolf forms. Once everyone is standing in front of the house and Tiber makes a valid point, Lana feigns a small smile, “Actually, yes! In plain sight will work best. The bath house should be a great place, right?” They can rent lockers and store their belongings, plus, if anyone entered or exited naked, they’d be thought to be frequenting one of the local nude beaches. “Let’s go!” The group then moves through the thick cover of trees, making smalltalk along the way, and Lana makes it very apparent that she doesn’t wish to be spoken to or walked beside. She’s seething internally and wants to just block everything and everyone out of her mind, so she walks with her eyes down and calls upon a spell of positive energy to aid them in their hunt. Her lips can be seen moving, but the words can’t be deciphered by those that don’t speak Sylvan. Every so often she glances at Tiber’s strong back as he leads the way, and Asha whines from within, hating that Luca is forced to be distant.

Tiber badly wants to respond and take Lanara somewhere quiet so they can talk. Talk about the disturbance to their evening, but she begs for focus. Tiber is about to reach for the woman’s hand before she says those words. The emotion she feels. The heartache. Jealousy. Did she not have faith in him? Was marrying her not enough to prove his love? To prove that Corrine meant nothing? Why were they hiding their marriage again? He has no time to think about it as the others trickle out. As Lanara mentions the bathhouse, he smiles at the idea his Luna has before they all agree to depart. Because Tiber is so lost in Lanara’s emotions, he keeps his distance from her. Was this the right move? They were acting. They were actually struggling now too… A furrow remains on his brow as he is ahead of the rest until Greyson catches up with him. Greyson can see the odd looks between the two lovers, so Greyson decides to do his best and distract the Alpha with dumb music-talk. “Look, I’ve been thinking. Band, dude. I know Bjorn and I have to practice, but I bet you that he might be good on drums. We can just play lame open-mic gigs like you do.” Tiber gives Greyson a glare at the word ‘lame’. “Okay, whatever. Not lame. But I was thinking about Violet too. She’s cool, right?” Greyson suggests and Tiber just rolls his eyes, for he is not in the mood for talking ‘band’ talk considering his wife is in distress behind him. He could feel her eyes, but he could not comfort her. Luca tries to interrupt with wanting Tiber to talk to Lanara, but Tiber ignores the impulse. The group eventually cross the bridge before they head northern towards the direction of the bathhouse. The night is quiet. A few people gather in groups in their social lives with a night on the town. Eventually the group finds the bathhouse where they enter and part their separate ways, and find the locker area to rent out a locker. Tiber tucks his stuff away and Greyson sort of just stares at him. “Figure it out. Fast.” That is all that Greyson says. “I can’t tonight, Greyson. Not right now.” Tiber then slams the locker before coming out into the open area to meet up with the rest of the group. “It’s time. We’ll go to the back alley. From there, we’ll turn.”

(Post 1 of 2) Lanara is oblivious to all the band talk that’s happening further ahead, because she’s focused on her calming mantras. However, Nick overhears about the making of a new band and he frowns, because out of all of those gathered he’s the only one that has made an actual career out of being a musician. He plays several instruments, has a voice that makes old ladies cry, dance moves that have girls swooning, and not to mention the fact that most male bards envy his good looks and charm. “Dude. I’m the whole package! How the heck are you forgetting to include me?” It’s strange for the bard to interrupt Tiber or Greyson, because he’s still on probation with being a pack member, but he’s obviously taking this to heart because music is his one true talent. The outburst continues a great deal of their way through Cenril and it seems that Nick isn’t catching onto the fact that Tiber is in a bad mood, despite the warning glances that Greyson throws his way. They arrive at the bathhouse and split up, as the men and women each head towards their gender designated area. After they each rent out a locker and store their belongings, everyone regroups outside and they walk the distance towards the back alley that leads to the office where Skitch conducts his business.

(Post 2 of 2) Lanara is in the zone at this moment, because Asha wants to break free and run like the wind, as it’s been a few weeks since she’s let her wolf take the reins. Tonight, however, the witch and the wolf will work in perfect unison, making sure this hunt is successful and that Skitch and his goons are no longer a threat to the elves from Kelvar, the lycans from Alastor’s laboratory, or to the individuals that he scams in one way or another each and every day. Lanara locks eyes with Tiber briefly, because if she stares too long, she will be consumed in grief and she cannot let her emotions get the best of her. This needs to be done with precision and she takes her responsibilities as an animal empath seriously. As everyone is preparing to turn, Lana keeps her voice low and steady, “Alright. For this to work we will need to stay within eyesight of each other, because I’m not sure how far my reach is in my wolf form. I think Tiber should lead, followed by Celeste and Bjorn, and I will be in the middle. Behind me will be Corrine and Nick, and at the rear we will have Greyson. That way the strongest are at the front and back in case one of you decides to go rogue, and I will be maintaining the mental link at the center.” Pause. “Trust me to keep you from painfully shifting into that monstrous half-beast form, or from allowing you to harm an innocent bystander. Trust in yourselves to complete this mission and to prove your worth to the Amber Lunation. And as always, trust in our Alpha to ensure your safety and to always guide us back home.” All further commentary and instructions are briefly discussed before everyone embraces the change. The shift isn’t too painful, but it’s rather uncomfortable as the skin and bones are tugged to accommodate the canine form. Lanara takes one final calming breath, before she effortlessly shifts into a majestic wolf with dark umber fur and gold eyes that have a metallic sheen.

Tiber ignores Nick’s whines for the way there. Tiber would let Greyson take care of the Backstreet Dork. Tiber had been mad at Nick. Mostly because… how could Nick let this happen? But was it truly Nick’s fault? Really, it was the blindness of anger towards Corrine who affected Lanara’s emotions. Once Tiber slams the locker, he makes his way out and Greyson finally speaks his peace to Nick. “You’re on thin ice, dude. You can be stage crew. Maybe even a fanboy.” Greyson pats Nick on the back before closing his own locker to meet with the crew. Once all are together, and Lanara speaks to everyone in the group, Tiberius nods firmly. “For any reason, Greyson, that I venture, which is highly unlikely due to… experience, you’ll take lead with the rest of the group. Bjorn will take the back. But I have full confidence over Lanara’s abilities.” Eyes slowly slink their way to the chocolate eyed witch. Once the plan is said, Tiber looks at the rest, “It’s time.” Then each individual member is shifting. Some have it more painful than others, but all together, they are good at keeping on the downlow through the backways of Cenril. The large golden, brown wolf stands in front of the rest of the wolf crew. Everyone had successfully shifted. “Wrangle them up, Luca,” Tiber echoes in the background of his wolf who had complete control. Luca then lets out a growl before leading everyone off through the back alleyways of the city.

Lanara :: Asha throws her head back and inhales the scent of the night, the moonlight glistening off of her dark mane and highlighting a few silken strands of fur. She’s a beautiful wolf, and according to her high opinion of herself, she’s much prettier than that strawberry blonde wolf with green eyes. A low growl escapes Asha as she senses Corrine at her heels, the urge to turn around and chomp down on the wolf’s throat so strong that she nearly forgets her purpose in the pack tonight. Lanara’s voice echoes in her mind and Asha drops her muzzle to the dirt, making certain that she has the scents of those that are a bit further ahead as she doesn’t want to lose anyone. Celeste seems to be struggling a bit and keeps wandering towards the left, as though she’s an inexperienced pup that’s eager to explore. Lana extends a calming aura to the pale wolf and within moments, Celeste is trailing after Luca and paying attention. The back alleyways are difficult to navigate in human form, but in their wolf forms, the group moves through the shadows with ease. They sprint through the streets until they arrive in the business sector, and as Luca comes to an immediate stop, the rest of the wolves sit on their haunches and survey the scene. The derelict building is guarded by two burly men wearing utility belts that house various types of weapons, and further down the street are another two, however the southern entrance is unguarded. It’s likely because it ends in a cliff, truly, a dead end. Asha wonders how many guards are inside the office, and if others will come when alerted, so she lifts her dark gaze to a massive bell that sits atop the roof. The signal. Knowing that Luca is seeing all of these things, and that he’s being guided by Tiber, the brown wolf keeps her thoughts to herself. They will need to split up, for sure, to make this work.

Tiber :: Luca wanders through the night and pays no mind to the others behind him, for he knows they should be following. Amber eyes make sure they are aware of any unknown wanderers. The salty atmosphere wafts through the nose of the wolf. Luca feels loose as Tiber normally keeps the wolf locked up tight for good measure. Mostly because when Luca was angry… it never ended… well. Once they come to the linings of the business buildings, Luca comes to a halt on Tiber’s command towards the building where Skitch resided. The scene is clear, guards are perched, there is now a big shiny bell since Meri and Tiber had ambushed the first time. Luca communicated to the rest of the group as there were different grounds each of them needed to cover. Instantly, Bjorn and Nick are off on the sprint of chase towards the two guards standing north of the entrance. One guard hears padded feet and turns before trying to scurry away to the bell before Celeste moves to stop the guard and bite and take the guard down. The front door guards are up to Tiber and Greyson, which Luca gives Greyson the go before they both sprint towards attack, which would lead Lanara and Corrine for back-up. Luca pounces with gnarled teeth to knock the guard back and the guard reaches to pull out a weapon before Luca is biting at the man’s arms to stop any strikes against the wolf.

(Post 1 of 2) Lanara :: Asha watches with pride as Celeste leaps into the air and chomps down on the arm of a guard, before she drops to all fours and digs her canines into his thigh, pulling him far from the bell. Further down the block it seems that Bjorn has taken a small wound, a dagger to his bicep, and Asha can smell rather than see the ribbon of red that drips from the slit skin. The guards don’t stand a chance against Nick and Bjorn, just as the ones before the office. Greyson and Tiber work in perfect synchrony, as Lana keeps a close watch, making sure the other wolves keep in line. Corrine sits at her side, worthless as usual, but at least she’s keeping quiet. The door to the office is sprung ajar and as a guard jumps out with a bat and smashes it against Greyson’s muzzle, Asha springs to action. She’s agile and easily dodges any attacks, before she lunges for the man's throat and brings them both to the ground with a far from delicate thump. Skitch is standing behind his desk, crouching in fear, and Lana’s voice alerts Asha that it’s her moment to deliver that fatal bite she had been promised. Padding up the steps and just over the threshold, with Luca at her side, and Greyson nearby, the brown wolf is forced to a stop and yelps as Corrine decides that -now- is the perfect time to issue an attack! Asha growls menacingly and painfully tries to break free, as the strawberry blonde wolf is playing tug-of-war with her tail! Barking at Luca over her shoulder, she tells her mate to kill Skitch, and to make him suffer, as she will deal with this bitch.

(Post 2 of 2) The moments tick by before Asha breaks free of Corrine’s hold and the wolves give chase, a game of cat and mouse in the alleyway, before their forms ferociously collide. Corrine’s inner wolf is as ruthless as the woman herself, and she says some seriously perverted things about Tiber, which has Lana cheering Asha onwards. She’s seeing red, she’s covered in red, and the blonde fur of her opponent is dyed a dark crimson. To onlookers, such as Celeste, Nick, and Bjorn, it seems as if the Luna and Corrine are fighting to the death, as bite after bite, hit after hit, they never seem to lessen. Nick and Bjorn try to break them up, but a few more guards enter the scene, and so they cannot abandon their posts. Celeste is the only one with any opportunity to interfere, but even she thinks it’s best to let the women get their anger out so they can both heal. Lanara is worried about Tiber as he hasn’t exited the office yet, and she wonders if he will be upset that -this- is occuring. If he knows Lana, he knows that she can’t just idly sit there and let another woman bash her man, and she’s tired of taking a backseat to Corrine’s feelings. The fight goes on, but both wolves grow weary as Asha gets the better of Corrine, and at long last, Corrine falls to her side and loses the fight. Asha steps forward, eager to claim her kill, but Lana stops her in her tracks, as they had done enough and had a mission to complete. A paw is placed on Corrine’s side as Asha lowers her head and bares her teeth, before releasing the wolf. The edge of the cliff is only about ten feet away and Asha counts her blessings that things haven’t escalated any further, because a true Luna wouldn’t slaughter a packmate in this manner. Despite the fact it’s what she deserves! A blur of motion catches Asha’s eye and she’s too late to react, as Corrine’s body crashes into hers and propels her clear off the side of the cliff! It’s at least a three hundred foot drop on jagged rocks, and there’s no way Lanara will live, even with her advanced healing abilities. Celeste throws back her head and howls in despair, as she had witnessed the entire fight. Not knowing what else to do, she scales the side of the building and sprints into the office to inform Luca and Greyson about what had happened. Nick and Bjorn have also witnessed the fall of their Luna, and as they take out the final two guards, they look at each other with worried eyes. Is Corrine going to be their new Luna?! Is Tiber going to go ballistic?!

(Post 1 of 2) Tiber :: Luca goes in for the next kill as fangs sink into the flesh of the guard’s neck to break it on impulse. Adrenaline is pumping and Luca is getting harder to control with the wildside of defeating the guards! The door flings open and a bat is struck against Greyson which sets the Alpha off which has him lunging as well with Asha, but Asha beats Luca to it as the guard that struck Greyson is down and… dead. If Greyson were to shift, the man would have a pretty bloodied up nose from the hit. On command, Luca moves as he can smell the fear beyond the threshold. The moment was coming. Skitch was going to perish for all he had done, but that was when a yelp is given out from Asha. Luca in the protective stance halts and foams at the mouth at Corrine biting Asha’s tail, but there is an instinct to proceed forward. To not ruin the mission. With a snarl, the Alpha leaves to deliver the final fate of the wimpy man hiding behind his desk. “Nice dog,” the man coos before hesitating as he stares at the large dirty blonde and brownish wolf. Those amber eyes. Large amber eyes full of… hatred. Prey. “Lowell,” Skitch says, which was the cue that set Luca off. Luca knew the damage Skitch had caused with his mate. If Skitch had his way, Asha would not exist, and that… that would kill anybody with rage. The Alpha lunges over the desk to push the man back in his office chair. Large paws press against the chest of the shady man below him. Saliva drips from the large beast onto Skitch as fangs are evident. Skitch looks wide-eyed… until… Tiber calls Luca in for the kill which causes large claws to hover and slash. Before Tiber can strike, Skitch picks up a letter opener and stabs the metal into the forearm of the wolf and makes a zigzag through the arm of the wolf which causes a long cry from the office. The letter opener is through the other side of the skin and dragged down. Blood seeps at a rapid rate, but through the sea of red, Tiber does the final blow and reaches for the flesh that rests on Skitch’s face to rip part of it off before nipping at the throat of the slave dealer. A curtling, choking breath escapes from Skitch before… he dies. Luca pulls back in wince before the wolf stumbles back, only able to use three legs rather than four. Then, Celeste appears with the call. Lanara. Lanara and Corrine. “We have to, Luca. I know… I know it hurts,” Tiber seethes in the background and Luca knows. They both need to move. Hobble. To see what happened to Lanara and… tear Corrine a new one.

Tiber (2 of 2):: Tiber and Luca limp outside as the blood makes a trail behind them. There was no Lanara beyond where Corrine stands bloody and beaten. The only visible thing is an empty cliff edge. In that moment, a long, painful howl comes from the depths of the Alpha. Pain physically and mentally. Was it worth it? Was it worth it to kill the man in the office? To put Lanara in danger? Was she dead? The other wolves follow behind the broken Alpha to the south of the building towards the cliff. Corrine falls in her weakened state. Luca stares forward in misery of losing Asha. Was Asha gone? “Kill her,” Tiber demands Luca as Corrine whimpers in the distance. Was Corrine… next?

(Post 1 of 3) Lanara winces as a hand lifts to rub the back of her head, fingertips coated in blood, as she tries to clear the fogginess from her mind. She rests between two rock spires, that after many years of erosion had smoothed the jaggedness to create a very small landing. Lana shivers from the breeze and wraps her arms around her naked body, glancing down, before she creeps back as much as possible. She whimpers as pain radiates along her spine and extremities, but it’s her left collarbone that seems to have taken the brunt of her fall. It’s dislocated, and she runs her crimson soaked fingers over the large bulge that will need to be put back into place. The witch looks up and sees that she has fallen approximately twenty feet, and it’s then that her mind is clear enough to realize what had happened. Corrine had thrown her off the edge of a cliff after Asha had bested her in a fight! The wolf form had to be abandoned as she was wounded so badly, and Lana speaks to Asha in a soft whisper, tears stinging her eyes. Where is Tiber? What happened to the rest of the Pack? “They probably think I’m dead… They won’t even bother to look for me, because no one could survive this, Asha…” Her wolf silently seethes as she should have been more privy to Corrine’s intentions, leaving the witch to comfort herself. Is she strong enough to wield her magic? It takes a few attempts to even gather the courage to try, but like a moth drawn to a flame, her powers cling to her frame and the element of Air cradles the witch and gently lifts her upwards.

(Post 2 of 3) A howl reaches her tapered ears and Lana blinks away her tears, relieved that her husband hadn’t abandoned her to the bottomless depths that she’s believed to have been swallowed. Greyson is running circles around Luca, trying to tell him that this isn’t the way, hoping he will see reason and not kill Corrine in cold blood. She certainly deserves it, but they need to head back to the bathhouse and get their clothes, and they can deal with it later in the privacy of their home. Corrine is so weak that she shifts into her human form and lays on the ground, her eyes half closed, as she stares in the direction of the cliff's edge. Those vivid green eyes are about to close, when she blinks fast and squints, thinking that her mind is playing a trick on her, as Lanara is floating in the air and carefully placed onto the ground a few feet away! The witch is clutching her ribs and her breathing is ragged, nevertheless, she’s alive! Corrine cannot believe that this woman dodged death -AGAIN- and she snorts, “How the frack-?”

(Post 3 of 3) Lanara’s gaze trails over all that are gathered, before she sets her sights on Luca, and her chocolate eyes widen slightly. He’s hurt, she can smell his blood and she can sense his pain, along with his fury and need for vengeance. She’s angry that he put her in this position in the first place! She’s also angry with herself, for being unable to control her emotions, as she loses all reason when it comes to Tiber. Although she yearns to run to her lover and give and receive his comfort, she knows that he wants her to keep up the ruse, and that stings more than the ache in her ribs and shoulder. A discarded dagger lies beside one of the guards that had managed to run this way, before being killed by one of the wolves, and Lana bends to retrieve it now. She knows what she has to do, and it both sickens and exhilarates her, as she faces Corrine. “You have thrown me off two cliffs, you tried to steal my mate, and you have stolen a kill that I have waited years to claim… Not to mention all your nasty comments and the fact that you constantly try to copy me in every which way. Since you want to wear my face so badly, I’m going to give you a new face, and -every- time you look at yourself, you will be reminded of me.” Lana wraps one hand around Corrine’s throat to hold her in place, as she tilts her head so she can study the flesh of the redheads right cheek, “I invoke the Rite of Karmatic Justice.” The hand with the dagger is brought down repeatedly as Lana shrieks and stabs her enemy, hating the fact that it’s gotten to this point, but knowing this is for the best. Corrine screams and kicks wildly, but she’s too weak to put up much of a fight. “You only bring cruelty and loads of pain, your harlot ways can’t be restrained. So, I turn the tables, three times three, and ban your cheek from healing, cast eternally. Each dusk that fades and each light that comes anew, your monstrous face will peer back at you. No illusions, glamour potions, or make-up attempts will take flight. I invoke this spell, as a bringer of Karma, tonight.” The knife is tossed to the side once the right side of Corrine’s face is mangled beyond recognition, and Lana rises to her feet. She’s never looked so dangerous as in this moment, her mocha skin pale in the moonlight, her bloody hands splaying over her privates to assure some modesty. Lanara trembles as she’s overcome with fatigue, and although she knows they need to get the hell out of here, she finds her concern for Tiber takes precedence. “He needs a healer.” Celeste sniffles and shifts back into her human form, “As do you, Luna…” The healer looks at Bjorn, Greyson, and Nick, “One of you should head to the bathhouse and get our things, the other two help me make stretchers, they both need to get to the Hut.”

Tiber growls and snaps at the now human body that lays on the ground. Corrine. Evil, dreadful Corrine. Corrine who ruined Lanara’s comfort. Corrine that -killed- Lanara. She had to because the cliff? Tiber knew that cliff. Hundreds of feet. The wolf was clouded with thoughts of anguish and Greyson’s impulse of wanting to spare the redhead below made Luca growl even more, but it was also strange. The bond of imprint was not… broken. There was no feeling of emptiness… Was Lanara… Just then, the woman appears in her dislocated form, but an adrenaline-filled form nevertheless. Lanara was out for blood too. Amber eyes cast on Lanara trigger an overpower of bodies which causes Tiber to take over as he shifts back into human form. His forearm still has the letter opener lodged between his arm that causes oozes of blood because… he had hit the underlying ulnar artery and nerves. In hours, the hand would be gone if he was not proactive. The man stares bewildered at Lanara’s form. Rage seeped underneath until she raised the dagger to Corrine’s throat. Yes, Lanara. Kill–but no. A hex from the witch is evident and Corrine will… live. Tiberius looks pale, but not by the thought of Corrine or the power that Lanara had, but… because Tiber was losing blood from the limb. He would not die–no. This was not death he felt, but the man was almost paralyzed in the hand he had the weapon pierced through. Corrine’s face is then slashed by the blade and Celeste makes her command. Due to the state of the Alpha and Luna, Greyson abides by what is best from the healer. Nick has a line in his brow as he stares at Corrine for a long time. Clearly he was not the one going to the bathhouse, so Bjorn does. On command, the others gather to find sticks and nearby cloth from the guards around them to create a platform for Lanara, Corrine, and Tiber to settle on as they are hauled back to Kelay at the hut.