Chapter 23: Chapter 23
We cannot run away
From the possibility
Of people betraying us
However, what makes it hurt
Is the fact that the one close to us
Is the one who sold us out
He limps slowly and fearfully through the forest, the cold, harsh wind slapping against his crutches. As he saunters in the dark night, he is filled with dread, unsure of what lies ahead of him. If he is caught by any of the soldiers, or if he is devoured by another wolf, this would be his end.
However, he must keep going, as it is too late to go back home now. The only thing pushing him is the fear of disobeying the Rogue Lord or wasting his time. The Rogue Lord is a merciless leader and will not spare him.
He stares for a long time at the map given to him, squinting at the dotted lines. It looks like he has gotten to the right spot. Phew! Thank goddess. He looks around and after ensuring that he is not being followed, he howls twice as instructed.
Nothing happens.
He begins to shiver and tremble, concluding that he is doomed and that his not-so-foolproof plan with the Rogues has been discovered. He decides to make a run for it, adrenaline pumping fiercely through his body.
As he starts to run, he is immediately surrounded by about forty werewolves, and trust me, I am not exaggerating. Where they emerged from is something he cannot explain. Two of them approach him and shove him until they get to where their leader is sitting.
Our poor guy is forced to drop to his knees in front of Rogue Lord Devilio. He does not even dare to look into the eyes of the wolf seated right in front of him.
“I heard you have information that will help me destroy the Conscientious Pack,” Devilio states, his voice laced with hatred and animosity.
“Yes, Alpha”, the other wolf replies, still shaking with fear.
“Alright, but before you hand over the information, may I know why you have chosen to betray your own?” Devilio asks in wonder.
“They ceased to be my own when my leg was taken away from me”
“Well, let me have the information, and you will be rewarded with a lot of silver coins and a fair position in the Rogue territory after we conquer those bastards” The Rogue Lord promises.
“Yes, Alpha. Honestly, the only thing I want after this is Kayola; she is the only one I have ever desired. She is the only thing I want.” He replies.
“I see. That will not be a problem; you can have her after the mission is successfully completed” Devilio replies with a devilish and cunning grin on his face that the other guy would have seen but for the fact that he was bowing his head.
Big mistake.
He stands up and goes on to educate Devilio on the best way to infiltrate the Conscientious Pack and subsequently destroy it.
He is given a bag of silver coins and after, he leaves for his territory. Half a mile away from the Conscientious Pack, he buries the bag of coins in a safe place under a very large tree. He’ll come back for it when the time is right.
As he approaches the territory, he prays earnestly to the moon goddess that his entry be as easy and smooth as his previous exit. It looks like the moon goddess is feeling generous and benevolent tonight, as he is able to slip past the numerous guards at the South gate without being heard, not to talk of being seen.
He slips back into bed, careful not to wake the other slaves. Convinced that no one saw him enter, he begins to ruminate on his deal with the Rogues. Almost immediately, he is awash with guilt and trepidation.
The last thought on his mind before he drifts to sleep is: “Sebastian, what the hell did you just do?”
******************************
It is the eve of Kayola’s 21st birthday and everyone is excited. The age of twenty-one, especially for members of the Alpha family, is largely celebrated, as it signifies maturity, strength, and endurance. To mark this auspicious occasion, a ball is organized and the celebrant is officially announced to the people as the incoming Alpha, as he, but in this case, she, has received enough training to be crowned the next Alpha should anything bad happen to her father.
Kayola is really excited about tomorrow. She is so happy because Keevan, her boyfriend and mate will be announced to the members of the pack as her one and only mate. The first time this happened was when she clocked eighteen. The third and the last announcement will hold when she reaches the age of twenty-five. After, he will be allowed to mark her so they can procreate before she is crowned the Alpha of the Conscientious Pack.
She walks into the ballroom and sees her mother and Petra making sure that everywhere is set for the big occasion. The chandeliers are well lit, and the decoration is a perfect mix of royal blue and gold. The floor of the large ballroom is sparkling clean, so clean that Kayola can see the reflection of her pearly white teeth. The tables are arranged in descending order- from Alpha to Beta, Omegas, and then the other members of the pack. She can already see where she will be sitting tomorrow- right beside her dear father.
Kayola walks up to Wanda and Petra, and she comments on how magnificently decorated the room is.
“You’re welcome, baby” Petra responds
“We are very proud of you,” Wanda adds.
“Thank you Mom and Aunt Petra. And I am sorry, but I have to go. It’s time for my routine training with Papa”. With this, she leaves them in the ballroom and goes to the training field to see her father. On getting to the field, she realizes that her father has already discharged all the soldiers for the day, and is patiently waiting for her.
“Papa, why are you here all alone? Aren’t we training today?” Kayola asks her father.
“Sweetheart, we were supposed to train as usual, but I decided to tell you a few things today”
“What things, Papa?” Kayola asks.
“First, I must say that I am super proud of you and who you have become. I am grateful to the goddess that I have been able to give you all the martial training that you need, and I am confident that even without me, you can lead the pack to victory in the event of a war.”
Kayola nods her head and says, “Thanks, Papa. I promise never to let you down”
“Sweetheart, I know you won’t. However, there are three things I have not made known to you.
The first is that my sword is not just an ordinary sword, and as you already observed, it is very different from the swords of the other soldiers, although we have designed it in such a way that it looks very similar to other swords, so that only the true Alpha blood will recognize it as the true Vanatian sword. This is the only sword that can kill me, and you will have it once I retire. Therefore, you must guard it with your life. Do you understand me?”
“Yes, Papa”
“That’s my baby girl. The second instruction is that you must put the needs of the pack before yours. Leadership is about sacrifice, and you must make sure that you do all that you can to ensure that the pack is safe. This will take a lot from you, but you must do this. Hmmm?”
“Yes, Papa”
“Finally, my child, although I have promised to always keep you safe, I am not immortal, and I can fail you. Therefore, use all the skills your mother, Petra, and I have taught you to find your way in life. One thing you must note is that the greatest art of war is DECEPTION. You must make your enemy feel like he is in charge, and that you cannot do anything without his knowledge. When he begins to float about in that bubble, and he loses focus and lets his guard down, that is when you burst that bubble and bring him down. Win the trust of your enemy and thrust him in the back. That is all.”
“Thank you so much, Papa; and nice play on words” Kayola laughs softly.
“You are welcome, sweetheart, and I am happy you laughed at my dad joke.” Milos smiles.
They both walk back home, holding hands and reminiscing on their beautiful and difficult moments together.
Father and Daughter.