After leaving the room, Austin couldn't shake off the feeling of excitement and nervousness. He had never been part of a team like this before, and he wasn't sure what to expect.

But he was determined to see this through, to help his new friends and allies in their quest to defeat the Lady in Black.

As he walked to his quarters, Austin's mind raced with thoughts of the journey ahead. He wondered what dangers they would face, what challenges they would have to overcome. But he was ready for it, ready to face whatever lay ahead with courage and determination.

When he arrived at his quarters, Austin found a small bag waiting for him, packed with supplies and gear for the journey. A note was attached, with a message from Jason: "Get some rest, Austin. We leave at dawn. Be ready."

Austin smiled, feeling a sense of belonging and purpose. He was part of a team now, and together, they would face whatever lay ahead. He went to bed, his heart filled with anticipation and his mind ready for the adventure to come.

Later on, Jason and the others were getting ready for the trip to Maryland, checking their gear and supplies, and making last-minute preparations. Austin watched as they worked together with a quiet efficiency, their movements practiced and precise.

"Alright, let's move out," Anakin said, his voice firm and commanding. "We've got a long journey ahead of us, and we need to make the most of it."

The group nodded, and began to file out of the room, Austin following behind them. As they made their way to the garage, Austin couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and nervousness. He had never been on a journey like this before, and he wasn't sure what to expect.

But as he looked at Jason, Jackson, Lupin, and Aki, he felt a sense of reassurance. They were a team, and they would face whatever lay ahead together.

As they got in a van and set off into the unknown, Austin felt a sense of adventure wash over him. He was part of something bigger than himself now, something important. And he was ready to see it through, no matter what lay ahead.

On the road to Maryland, Austin sat in the passenger seat of the car, he watched the world outside the window pass by in a blur. The trees and telephone wires seemed to whiz by at an alarming rate, creating a sense of speed and movement. The sound of the wind rushing past the car and the hum of the engine filled the air, adding to the feeling of being on a journey. Austin turned his head to look at

Anakin, who was sitting in the driver's seat, his eyes focused on the road ahead.

"Austin," Anakin said, his voice breaking the silence.

"Yes," Austin replied, his attention drawn to his friend.

Anakin paused for a moment, as if considering what to say. "I need you to do what I say, I don't want you to run off, as a Sleigh Beggy, you are very valuable to the fairies, I don't want to repeat what happened last night."

Austin's heart skipped a beat. He knew that Anakin was serious. "I won't run off," he promised. "I'll do whatever you say."

Anakin nodded, satisfied. "Good." He fell silent again, and Austin turned his attention back to the window, his thoughts racing. He had never imagined that he would be involved in something like this. He was just a regular kid from a small town, but now he was caught up in a world of fairies and magic. He didn't know what to expect, but he knew that he had to trust Anakin.

As the car sped down the highway, Austin couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. He was on an adventure, and he had no idea where it would lead.

After a few minutes of driving, Austin couldn't stop feeling worried as he with the pack drove through the highway, but at the same time, he was curious to see where they going to, once they were out of the state of Washington to the state of Maryland, traveling on a road that led to the next city, Anakin suddenly slowed down and turned left on a road that looked like it didn't lead anywhere. They stopped for a moment, in front of a sturdy iron gate, while two men appeared from the forest.

"Excuse me, no one is supposed to be here." One of the men said.

"I don't worry, we're not talking about any trouble." Anakin said.

The men exchanged a quick glance, their eyes conveying a mix of skepticism and curiosity. After a moment's hesitation, they opened the gate, revealing a long, winding driveway that disappeared into the heart of the forest. The pack of cars cautiously followed, their engines humming in anticipation.

As they drove deeper into the secluded property, Austin couldn't help but feel a strange sense of familiarity. The towering trees and the meandering stream seemed to beckon him, as if they held secrets from a forgotten past. The pack continued their journey, driven by a mix of trepidation and curiosity, eager to uncover the mysteries that lay ahead.

Then we continued our way into the forest. Anakin was driving slowly on the narrow road, and soon, they arrived at their destination. It was a town, built under tallest trees in no particular order.

A sense of awe washed over Austin as they entered the town. It was as if they had stumbled upon a hidden gem, a place untouched by the passage of time. The air was filled with the scent of damp earth and decaying leaves, creating an intoxicating aroma that hinted at the town's ancient history.

A moment later, they stopped completely and everyone disembarked from the van, into a field with rolling green pastures, and a quaint river running through a valley.

With each step, Austin felt a profound connection to the town. It was as if the town itself was welcoming them, inviting them to explore its hidden secrets. The buildings, with their weathered facades and intricate carvings, seemed to hold stories waiting to be uncovered. The narrow, cobblestone streets, lined with quaint shops and cozy cafes, exuded an air of tranquility that was both enchanting and alluring.

Austin gazed upon the scene before them, captivated by its beauty. It was a moment of pure bliss, where time seemed to stand still and the weight of the world melted away. In the embrace of this timeless place, Austin found a sense of peace and tranquility that they had never experienced before.

"Wow, what is this place?" Austin asked.

"It is a territory for Wesen, a werebeast community." Jason said.

"Werebeast?" Austin said.

"Yes," Jason replied. "Wesen are beings who can shapeshift into animals, like us. They have existed for centuries, living in harmony with nature and often hidden from human society."

Austin's mind raced with questions as they contemplated the existence of these mythical creatures. The idea of a community where werebeasts could live openly and freely fascinated them. It seemed like a realm of wonder and mystery, where the ordinary and the extraordinary intertwined.

As they delved deeper into the town, Austin felt an inexplicable pull, a sense of belonging that they had never encountered before. It was as if the town itself was calling to them, inviting them to embrace the magic and wonder that awaited them.

As they stood beneath the towering trees, the air thick with anticipation, Blazea's doubts began to creep in. "Are you sure our contact will be here?" he questioned, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

Anakin, ever the optimist, reassured him. "Simon did say he would come and meet us," he replied confidently.

Their conversation was interrupted by a sudden movement in the distance. Austin's eyes widened as he spotted a solitary cat sitting gracefully in the middle of a field. "A cat?" he exclaimed, his voice filled with surprise.

To their astonishment, the cat turned its head toward them and spoke in a clear, articulate voice. "Pleased to meet you again," it greeted them, sending a wave of shock and amazement through the group.

"Word travels fast," Anakin remarked, marveling at the cat's ability to communicate.

The cat nodded knowingly. "Rumors spread a hundred miles a day in the cat world," it replied, confirming their suspicions.

Austin, unable to contain his disbelief, uttered, "He spoke."

The cat's presence and its ability to converse left him in a state of awe and wonder. As they exchanged pleasantries and sought information from the feline, they realized that their journey had taken an unexpected turn, one that they could never have anticipated.

"Perhaps that would be surprising for a cat in its first or second life... but this is my seventh. There would be something wrong with me if I couldn't." The cat said.

"First? Seventh?" Austin said.

"Haven't you heard? Cats have nine lives." Jason said.

"Nine lives?" Austin said.

"Exactly. We cats become wiser with each life. We, too, have the idea of "countries" and "kings".

Our Queen of Cats awaits at Ulthar, sir mage." The cat said.

As Austin and Jason conversed with the enigmatic cat, they felt a profound sense of awe and wonder wash over them. The realization that they were engaged in a conversation with a sentient feline left them speechless.

"First? Seventh?" Austin uttered, his eyebrows furrowing in confusion.

"Haven't you heard? Cats have nine lives," Jason interjected, a knowing smile playing across his lips.

Austin's eyes widened in astonishment. "Nine lives?" he repeated, scarcely able to comprehend the notion.

The cat nodded sagely. "Exactly. We cats become wiser with each life. We, too, have the idea of 'countries' and 'kings'," the cat explained. "Our Queen of Cats awaits at Ulthar, sir mage."

The revelation that cats possess multiple lives and a hierarchical structure akin to human society sent a shiver down Austin's spine. He could hardly fathom the implications of this knowledge.

"We'll walk from here." Anakin set off at a brisk pace, and everyone along with the cat did their best to keep up. They walked past old farm buildings made of brick, with ivy and moss crawling up the sides and fields of peacefully grazing sheep. The road they walked along wasn't paved, and seemed to have come into being simply from being trod on so often.

As they approached the town, Austin realized that it must be the mystical 'Ulthar' that the cat had mentioned. The buildings stood tall, bearing the weight of time, exuding a rustic charm that seemed to transport them to a bygone era. The atmosphere was tranquil, devoid of the usual hustle and bustle of city life.

"There are so many cats here," Austin observed, his voice filled with wonder.

"That's why it's called the Kingdom of Cats," the cat replied. "Throughout history, Ulthar has been a haven for cat lovers, where no harm has ever come to our kind. Naturally, our numbers have grown over the years. But there are other reasons as well."

As they delved deeper into the town, a lithe Siamese cat suddenly flew into Austin's arms.

"Barney! Where have you been?" the cat exclaimed, its tone a mix of concern and exasperation.

"The Queen wanted me to take a look around, so I was on patrol, Jasper," Barney explained as he turned to sniff Austin. "You have a scent that takes me back. You smell like the mages that I used to see around!"

Austin was at a loss for words, unsure of how to respond. Fortunately, Jason quickly stepped in, plucking the cat out of Austin's arms and holding it by the scruff of its neck.

"Excuse me, Jason. I'm not going to scratch up your mate, so would you please put me down?" Barney pleaded, trying to maintain his dignity. Jason reluctantly released the animal, who thankfully landed gracefully on its feet.

"Even the cats are in on this," Austin remarked, a mix of amusement and bewilderment in his voice.

"A rumor spread by us cats can reach all the way to the underworld," Jasper explained with a sly grin, emphasizing the mystical connection between Ulthar and the realm beyond.

"Ok! Jasper, where is your Queen?" Anakin said.

"Oh! if you must know she's with a meeting." Jasper said.

"A meeting." Anakin said.

Jasper nodded slightly, his eyes darting to the side. "Yes, a meeting with the elderly of Ulthar. They are gathered in the great hall, discussing matters of importance to the kingdom."

"I see." Anakin said. "But can we see her?"

"Of course, right this way." Jasper said.

They continued walking into town and saw many cats.

It wasn't until they had been walking for a while that they passed a person walking in the opposite direction. They were wearing a black coat which was pulled over their face, and Black curls spilled over their shoulders. They gave a sideways glance at Austin as they passed, and he felt a shiver run up her spine. He couldn't say what it was, but the person gave him a feeling that put him on edge.

He tried to focus on what they were doing to take her mind off of the strange encounter. "When will we be able to meet the queen of Cats?"

Jasper nodded, his eyes gleaming with a hint of excitement. "Soon, We're almost there. The great hall is just ahead."

As they approached the hall, Austin could see that it was a grand, imposing structure with intricate carvings of cats adorning the walls. The doors were guarded by two majestic felines with piercing green eyes, who nodded at Jasper as he led the group inside.

The great hall was filled with cats of all shapes and sizes, gathered around a large, ornate throne. On the throne sat a regal woman with sleek black hair with piercing yellow eyes, her hair shimmering in the light. Austin felt a sense of awe wash over him as he realized this must be the Queen of Cats.

"Her Majesty, Queen Lyra," Jasper announced, bowing low. "We have the Great Wolf Pack, as requested."

Queen Lyra's gaze fixed on the pack, especially on Austin, her eyes narrowing slightly as she regarded him. Austin felt a shiver run down his spine as he sensed a powerful, ancient wisdom emanating from her.

"Welcome," Queen Lyra said, her voice low and smooth. "I have been expecting you. We have much to discuss."

"Yes, I believe that you know about this woman." Anakin said, taking out the picture of the Woman in Black.

Queen Lyra's eyes widened slightly as she took the picture from Anakin, her gaze fixed on the image of the Woman in Black. For a moment, she said nothing, her expression unreadable.

Then, her voice low and mysterious, she spoke: "Ah, yes. The Lady in Black. A powerful and dangerous foe. She seeks to destroy our world, and yours."

Anakin stepped forward, his eyes gleaming with intensity. "We have reason to believe she is hiding here."

Queen Lyra nodded, her tail twitching with agitation. "You must be careful. The Lady in Black has many tricks up her sleeve."

"She's right, whoever this black woman is, she might be dangerous." Jasper added.

"I know she is." Anakin said.

Austin's eyes narrowed, his mind racing with questions. "Who is she?"

Anakin's expression turned grim. "She's a powerful vampire, Austin. Her name is Selene Beckinsale, and she's been a thorn in Bruce's side for years."

Austin's eyes widened in surprise. "Bruce? Jason and Jackson's dad."

"Yes, she's the whole reason for Bruce to..." Anakin said. "Yes, she's the whole reason for Bruce to train all of us to be hunters," Anakin said. "He wants them to be prepared to face her and her kind."

Austin's mind was racing with the implications. He had heard of vampires, but he had never imagined that they were real, and that they had a personal connection to Jason' family.

Austin felt a shiver run down his spine. He was deeper than he had ever imagined, and he wasn't sure if he was ready for what lay ahead. But he knew one thing for sure - he wasn't going to back down now.

"So, what's the plan?" Austin asked, determined in his voice.

Anakin nodded, a hint of a smile on his face. "I think it's time we split up into groups, Blazea, you were with me, Luna, Rider and Jason, you search for the outskirts, Shaina, Nyla, you ask around the village, and Howl, Sara and Graylen, you search the nearby forests and see if you can find any signs of Selene," Anakin finished, his eyes scanning the group.

"What do I do, do you need me to?" Austin said.

"Austin, I need you to look out for Winter, Fern, Willow, Vega, Lumiya, Jackson, Lupin and Aki." Anakin said.

Austin nodded, feeling a sense of responsibility wash over him. "Got it, I'll keep an eye on them and make sure they're safe."

Anakin nodded, his expression serious. "I know I can count on you, Austin. Just remember, Selene is cunning and ruthless. We need to be vigilant and work together if we're going to stop her."

With that, the group split up, each team heading off in their designated direction. Austin watched as they disappeared into the distance, feeling a sense of determination and purpose. He was ready to do his part and help bring down Selene.

"I'm relieved to see the two of you here. I don't know what I would have done if they had sent an alchemist instead." Queen Lyra said.

Alchemists? As in people who tried to turn coal in gold? "Are alchemists bad?" Austin asked.

He felt an insistent tugging on the hem of his jeans and looked down to see the cats pawing at him insistently. "Cats detest those monsters with every fiber of our being, miss. All alchemists are offensive, lawless, low-lives, and we want nothing to do with 'em!"

"Alchemists = bad" Austin made a mental note to himself to remember that.

"According to the information I received, you were sent to us by the church." The Queen spoke up. "I wish I could tell you nothing is wrong, but sadly that is not the case here. On the bright side, we only have one pesky concern, though to be honest, it is rather nasty. I hope you'll help."

"Our help?" Austin asked.

Just then, the door opened up, and a little girl came into the hall.

"Hey there. Who are you?" She said

"Umm..." Austin didn't have much experience talking to people, nor did he feel very comfortable around people.

"Merida, he is a friend." Queen Lyra said.

"Oh! Hello." Merida said.

Austin smiled, feeling a bit more at ease. "Hi, I'm Austin. Nice to meet you, Merida."

Merida's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "What brings you here, Austin?"

Queen Lyra intervened, her expression serious. "Austin, I know that Selene is your number one priority, we have a problem."

In the depths of an ancient forest, Austin and the wolf children trailed closely behind Lyra, Jasper, and Barney. As they ventured deeper, Lyra's voice filled the air, weaving a tale that echoed through time.

"Long ago, in a time so distant that even our kind, with our nine lives, holds few memories of it, there existed a man who reveled in the cruel act of snuffing out the lives of our werecat brethren, especially our defenseless young," Lyra spoke, her voice tinged with sorrow.

Austin's heart sank as he absorbed the weight of her words. "Killing cats?" he uttered, his mind struggling to comprehend such brutality.

Lyra nodded solemnly. "Run as we might, hide as we may, we were captured and our lives extinguished without mercy. It was the first King of Cats who put an end to this reign of terror. He rallied the adults, and together, they launched a fierce assault on the merciless hunter. They clawed him apart, tore him to shreds, leaving not even a trace of his existence. Since then, each generation of our kings or queens has paid a heavy price for the reverence we receive by sacrificing several of our lives to keep the corruption at bay. It is the toll we bear for our veneration," Lyra explained.

As they arrived at a serene lake with a small island at its center, Barney hopped onto Austin's shoulder.

"Look closely, my friend. I'm sure you can see it," he whispered, his eyes fixed intently on the island.

On the island, a dark and sinister puddle of ooze began to rise, its malevolent presence casting a shadow over the tranquil surroundings.

"What is this?" Austin asked, his voice filled with a mixture of awe and trepidation.

Lyra's expression grew grave. "It is filth," she said. "The corrupt essence of souls that were never cleansed. The corruption has been stirring restlessly of late, seeking to break free. It hungers indiscriminately for the lives of both cats and humans. I cannot allow it to emerge, even if it means sacrificing my own life. For my daughter's sake," Lyra's words carried the weight of a mother's unwavering love and determination.

Suddenly, a mysterious woman materialized out of thin air, her piercing gaze fixed on Austin. She reached out, grabbing his arm in a firm grip. As Austin turned to confront her, she unstoppered a small vial, releasing a radiant blue light that enveloped them both. In an instant, they were soaring through the air, leaving the island and its dark secret behind.

"Austin." Jackson yelled.

"Don't take this personally." she said.

The woman pushes Austin away, opens the vial again, and disappears. Austin falls into the lake.

As Austin sank into the depths of the lake, he found himself transported to a different time. Before him was a scene of a small house.

In the quaint town of Ulthar, where cobblestone streets whispered tales of old, there lived a devoted couple, Matthew and Mina. They resided in a charming cottage adorned with a blooming garden, a testament to Matthew's unwavering love for his beloved.

As the sun began its descent, casting golden hues across the village, Matthew's heart stirred with anticipation as he returned home from his daily endeavors. His steps quickened as he approached their abode, eager to reunite with Mina, the light of his existence.

Upon entering their cozy abode, Matthew's eyes sought out the familiar sight of Mina. To his relief, he found her nestled on their bed, the flickering firelight casting a warm glow upon her serene countenance. She appeared engrossed in her knitting, her nimble fingers creating intricate patterns with each stitch. A fluffy feline companion perched on the windowsill, its gaze fixed upon the tranquil scene.

"Mina?" Matthew called out softly, his voice laced with tenderness.

Mina's head lifted, and a gentle smile spread across her lips as she beheld her beloved husband. "Ah, Matthew. Welcome home," she greeted him warmly.

"I'm home, Mina," Matthew replied, his eyes brimming with affection. "Shouldn't you be resting? You know you need your strength."

A hint of playfulness danced in Mina's eyes. "I'm fine, Matthew. Just a little under the weather."

Matthew approached the bedside, his heart aching at the sight of Mina's pale countenance. As a gesture of his enduring love, he reached into his pocket and presented her with a small bunch of delicate wildflowers he had gathered from their garden.

Mina's eyes lit up with delight. "Wow, Matthew! They're beautiful," she exclaimed, reaching out to caress the petals.

"I saw them blooming by the garden, and I wanted to bring them to you," Matthew explained, his gaze lingering on her radiant smile.

Mina accepted the flowers with a heartfelt gratitude, her fingers tracing the intricate designs of the petals. "Thank you, dear. They're lovely."

Concern etched upon his brow, Matthew gently pressed his forehead against Mina's. Her skin was warm to the touch, confirming his suspicion that her fever still lingered. "You're still burning up," he murmured, his voice tinged with worry.

Mina chuckled softly, her laughter as light as a summer breeze. "Haha, don't worry too much, Matthew. I'll be alright."

Just then, the feline companion, sensing the tension in the air, leaped from the windowsill and landed gracefully on Mina's bed. With its fur bristling and a low growl, the cat seemed to be challenging Matthew's presence.

"Come on, shoo!" Matthew exclaimed, attempting to shoo the cat away. "Get off your lazy butt and go catch some mice or something."

The cat, unmoved by Matthew's attempts at intimidation, remained perched on the bed, its piercing gaze fixed on him.

"Ah..." Mina and Matthew uttered in unison, a mix of amusement and exasperation in their voices.

"What's his problem?" Matthew wondered aloud. "That cat seriously only likes you, Mina."

Mina giggled softly, her laughter carrying a hint of endearment. "Hehe, I suppose he's just a bit territorial."

Changing the subject, Matthew shared news he had heard in the village. "I heard there's a wandering sorcerer in town right now. I'll inquire if they have any remedies that might help you feel better."

A shadow of regret crossed Mina's face. "I'm sorry, dear. I always end up troubling you like this."

"You don't need to apologize, Mina," Matthew replied, his tone filled with reassurance. "I knew when we got together that you were prone to sickness, but that doesn't change my love for you. Now, get some rest. And no knitting socks or coats like last time."

A playful smile returned to Mina's lips. "Fine, fine. I promise to be a good patient."

As Matthew left the room, Mina settled back into the comfort of her bed, the cat curling up beside her.

With a soft sigh, she closed her eyes, her heart filled with gratitude for the love and devotion of her beloved husband. If only she had nine lives, like a cat, she thought to herself, she would spend each one cherishing the precious bond they shared.

As Austin continued to sink deeper into the lake, the figure of Mina materialized before him. Her ethereal presence radiated with both sorrow and determination.

"This was my sin, and my punishment for resting my laurels on his love," she lamented.

A sense of bewilderment washed over Austin. "Who are you?" he uttered, his voice trembling with a mix of fear and curiosity.

"I suppose you could say I'm the core of this corruption," Mina replied solemnly.

"Core?" Austin echoed, his brows furrowing in confusion.

Mina's gaze turned distant as she spoke, "This man is affixed to me. He won't let go. It's my fault that he's become such an abomination."

A chill ran down Austin's spine as he sensed the gravity of the situation. "This man..." he trailed off, a lump forming in his throat.

"Matthew... my husband," Mina whispered, her voice barely audible. She reached out and gently caressed Austin's face. "Please. For his sake, and mine..."

Before Austin could fully comprehend the unfolding events, Mina leaned closer and whispered something incomprehensible into his ear. As her words reverberated within his mind, a sudden jolt of energy coursed through his body.

With a gasp, Austin's eyes fluttered open. He found himself lying on the grassy bank of the lake, with Jason's concerned face hovering above him.

"Jason," Austin croaked, coughing out the water that had filled his lungs.

"Are you all right? Can you breathe?" Jason asked anxiously.

"Yes," Austin managed to utter, still disoriented from the surreal experience.

Meanwhile, Willow, who had witnessed the strange occurrence, spoke up, "What happened to the one who threw Austin into the pond? She gave off a flash and vanished."

A tense silence descended upon the group as they pieced together the extraordinary events that had just transpired.

"There was magic residue all over the place. It looks like someone is trying to get in our way," Anakin observed, his gaze hardening.

"I'd like to give you time to rest, Austin, but I have a task for you," Anakin continued with a grave expression.

"For me?" Austin questioned, his heart pounding with a mix of anticipation and trepidation.

"We need to do something about that corruption soon. I want you to cleanse it," Anakin explained.

"Containing it only delays the inevitable problem. We don't need the magic to contain it, but magic to cleanse it."

Austin's eyes widened in realization. "Magic to cleanse it? I haven't practiced magic properly yet."

Despite his reservations, a flicker of determination ignited within Austin. He understood the urgency of

the situation and was willing to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

"Ok! I will do it." Austin said.

"You heard him, Queen of Cats." Jason said.

"Understood. I'll clear the place of as many people as I can." Lyra said. "I'm counting on you two."

"Yes, ma'am." Jasper and Barney said.

"At night, then, when there aren't any people." Anakin said.

At night, people started to evacuate Ulthar as Queen Lyra waited for Austin and the others, she was preparing for herself to be sacrificed. Just then, Austin and the pack, the pack were in their wolf form, they returned to the lake to prepare for the cleansing.

"Excuse me, we got you the items that you need for the cleansing." A elder man said.

"Thank you." Austin said.

"This is a mantle purified with snowmelt. We use frankincense in the censer and a branch of gorse in place of a staff." Queen Lyra said as Austin wears bracelets and anklets with bells and puts the cloak on. "You would normally need your own chant and staff, but we'll have to make do."

Austin takes the branch from Lyra, Just then, Jade the Ariel appears on Jason's head.

"Is your lecture going to take a while?" Jade said.

"Jade." Austin said.

Jade said. "It's been a while, Austin. I'll be a great help for our task today. Cleansing and extinguishing are what we're good at. The wind clears away everything. Meat, bone, even trees and boulders. We weather it all away. So we're the best ones for the job."

"Speaking of which, why is it me and not you?" Austin said.

"We are werebeasts, we do not have magic." Queen Lyra said as she transformed into a werecat and put Austin on her back. "It's all right, Austin. All you have to do is picture it in your mind. Just wish for it to disappear, like a spring wind blowing away the cold winter. The ariels will guide you from there."

"Okay." Austin said as Lyra walked out onto the water of the lake.

"Will he lose faith in me if I fail? But..." Austin said as he remembered the words of Mina in the lake.

"For his sake, and mine, kill us." she said.

"How could she say that in such a calm voice?" Austin said. "How did they end up the way they did?"

As Austin stood in front of the writhing mass, his heart pounded in his chest. The creature before him was unlike anything he had ever seen. It was a pulsating, amorphous blob, constantly shifting and changing shape. Its surface was covered in countless tiny eyes, all staring at him with a malevolent intensity.

Jade's voice cut through the chaos, "Don't worry. Stay calm." Her words were a lifeline, a reminder that he wasn't alone in this nightmare. He took a deep breath, trying to steady his racing thoughts.

The creature seemed to sense his fear, its writhing intensified. It stretched out tendrils towards him, reaching for him with a hunger that chilled him to the bone.

"Yeah." Austin said as he drew the wand. "Do I have to wipe them out?"

Just then, she appears, the woman in black holding a knife to Austin's throat.

"I'd appreciate it if you didn't move, Attwood." she said.

"You're from earlier..." Austin said.

Just then, the woman in black then appeared and held Jade in her grip.

Jade yelled. "Ahh!"

Austin yelled. "Jade."

"Sorry, we have a use for that thing. We won't let you get rid of it." She said,

On the coast, Jasper and Barney hiss.

"No wonder I smelled something unfamiliar...Selene." Lyra said.

"I'm surprised you remembered my name. It looks like you Wolves take good care of him.

Is it because he's the only one that can save him?" Selene said.

"Save him." Austin asked.

Jade said. "Don't listen to her!"

However, Selene squeezes her hand tighter. "This glove is made of iron fibers, which you hate so much. Squirm, and you'll get hurt."

Jade said. "Ngh...!"

"Jade, Why would you do such a thing?!" Austin said.

"That is because I'm a vampire, a death dealer." Selena said. "Poor boy, Even the fairies are deceiving you."

"Deceiving me?" Austin said as he turned to Jason and the others.

As the werewolves growl at her.

"Indeed. All you do is conceal the truth. That's how you put this unfortunate child on a leash to try to use him to satisfy your own business. Why don't you tell him of the fate that awaits a Sleigh Beggy? Of the death that will soon come to him?" Selena said.

"Death? My death?" Austin asked.

Five: the town of Cats

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