Chapter 98: Into the Unknown

Alpha Ileus had not awoken from his coma; the commanding presence was now confined to the infirmary as healers tried incessantly to unravel the mystery of his condition. His pack, his kingdom but mostly Reika was left to bear with the weight alone. She stands beside his bed, her hand laid lightly upon his. Eyes that shone as sharp as a tack now rimmed with weariness fire inside, tempered by concern. She seldom ever leaves the room, and such staunch vigil speaks volume after volume to the depth of her love for him. Kael hunched his broad shoulders and walked home in silence. "Reika," he whispered very softly, "you need to rest. You're not eating enough; you are not sleeping enough. The pack needs you, and you won't be able to lead them like this." Reika's head shook. "I cannot leave him. I really cannot." The shivering wave of her breathing calmed her nerves anew. "He's my mate, Kael. If I head outside, I will be deserting him. Kael leaned forward, his hand splayed in comforting pressure on her shoulder. "You are not giving up. But you do need to believe he is fighting, too, just as we are. The healers are doing everything humanly possible. Let us share that load, Reika. You do not need to carry it yourself." Kael had vowed to find out what happened with Ileus, holding council with the elders and most skillful mages within the kingdom. It was a search through every ancient text and scroll for even a mention of any magic similar to those Ileus had used in the battle. Of these, Eldric was the oldest; peering through his glasses, he read from some worn manuscript, "There are tales indeed about magical wolves, so few and between that most were told as myths. A young mage cut in, her name Lira. "But what if it's no myth? Whatever attacked Alpha Ileus didn't do that on a whim. Addams Wesley knew what he was doing, and maybe-just maybe-Alpha's magic taps into something greater, more than we still understand." Kael nodded grimly. "We need answers, and fast. If the magic of Ileus is that strong, as Addams said it is, then it might just make him a target of forces beyond our comprehension. He leaned back into his chair, his face somber. "There is one place that may hold the answers you are seeking. The Temple of the Forgotten Moon." The room fell silent. A temple of mystery and danger-a place said to hold knowledge long forgotten to the universe. Few ventured in, never to return. Kael's jaw clenched. "If that is what it takes, I will go. We can't afford to leave any stone unturned." It was Daisy's demands finally that saw Reika relent, her feet heavy as she trudged across the training grounds from Ileus' bedside. The warriors stopped their drills and bowed upon her approach. "Continue," she said, though the weight of her exhaustion pulled her voice down. She needed to see the pack was strong, to remind herself they prepared themselves for whatever lay in wait for them. As she watched the warriors spar, her thoughts drifted back to Addams Wesley. His words haunted her. A wolf destined to unite or destroy. What did they mean? And why had Ileus hidden his magic from her? Daisy appeared at her side, holding a flask of water. "You look like you're about to fight them yourself," she said with a small smile. Reika worked up a weak laugh. "Maybe I should. Just to sit by Ileus's side, waiting. It feels like I'm useless." "You're not useless," Daisy said staunchly. "You're holding us all together, even if you don't see it." Reika turned to her friend, her eyes shining. "What if I'm not enough? What if I can't protect him-or the pack?" Daisy leaned in and took her hand. "You're so much stronger than you think that you are, Reika. You shall never have to face this all by yourself. We all stand with you. Seated deep in the dungeon, chained against the cold wall bruised but collected Addams Wesley raised his eyes to meet Kael's while he entered the room between two guards. "Back for more questions?" Addams said, smiling wryly. "I've already told your Queen everything I know." Kael's eyes flashed. "You told us what you wanted us to hear. But I don't believe for a second that you've revealed the whole truth." Addams chuckled, a low, mocking sound. "The truth is a dangerous thing, Beta. Are you sure you're ready for it?" Kael stepped closer, his voice cold. "Try me." Addams leaned forward, his body as far forward as the bindings allowed, his face serious. "Alpha Ileus's magic is older than this kingdom, older than the pack itself. It's tied to the first wolves, to the very essence of what we are. But power like that doesn't come without a price." Kael scrunched up his brow. "What price? Addams' eyes flashed with an unholy light. "That would be for you to decide. But I will say this-he has no magic within him. It is a beacon, calling to the others like it. If you think I'm the only one that will come for him, then you are sorely mistaken." --- A World on Edge Soon enough, the pack began to mobilize its defenses against further attacks. The warriors were working harder than ever, and scouts were sent along the borders. Reika plunged into preparations and let her bereavement harden into a steely determination that would not break if and when pack did need her to be strong. That evening on the balcony with the view of the packlands, she found Kael beside her. "We are ready for whatever happens," he said. Reika nodded, but her gaze was elsewhere. "But are we prepared for what's already here?" Kael furrowed his brow. "What are you talking about?" She turned to him then, fire in her expression. "Addams said Ileus's magic is a beacon. If that's true, then we're in danger already. We need to be proactive instead of reactive." Kael laid a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "We'll face it together, Reika. Whatever comes, we'll stand as one." Unbeknownst to the world that surrounded him, Ileus fought his battles in silent war. There, deep in a cavity of space and tenebrous entirely swept by whirlwind energies, faced the innermost from across the vacuum. "You are stronger than this," it thundered, low and sonorous. "You always were." Ileus spun, peering for the speaker. "Who is this?" "A part of yourself," the voice said. "The part you have kept hidden for far too long. It's time to accept it, Ileus. Time to be what you must." The energy about him began to pulse brighter. Ileus raised a trembling hand to it. And in the infirmary, his hand quivered for just a moment. Reika gasped, her heart jumping in hope. "Ileus?" But again, silence took him hostage in his body and he did nothing.