Chapter 25 - TWENTY-FIVE - MOONSEEKER’S REQUEST

Chapter 25: Chapter TWENTY-FIVE - MOONSEEKER’S REQUESTDarius was woken up by the sun’s rays as it began to rise. He always kept his curtains drawn at all times. With a tired groan, he rubbed his eyes and swung his legs over the side of the bed, his feet touching the cool wooden floor. His head dropped into his hand, fingers pressing into his temple as he let out a long, weary sigh. It had been ages since he had seen his mother come to him in one of his dreams. Even now, her voice was still a whisper in his ears. Dreams when she came to him had always left him hoping for more. Darius hummed the song she always sang to him. He never did get the notes quite right. Do you miss them? I miss them a lot. This dream had been more intense than any before. Usually, he never saw her face, as if some veil had obscured it. Other times, she was mute and simply walked around. But this time, she had held him and it all felt so real to him. He could almost feel the warmth of her arms wrapped around him, the scent of lavender lingering just out of reach. "It’s my turn to be happy, huh?" he echoed. Those were the last words he remembered her saying to him in his dream. Darius wasn’t sure what it meant to be happy anymore or how to find it again. But if his pack could experience that then it was more than enough. His work would be done. He took a quick cold shower, put on some loose-fitting clothing, and went on about his day. Alpha Darius Hawthorne. He had ascended to Alpha younger than expected, at just twenty-four, about six years ago. It had been the second most difficult thing he had ever done in his life, and it still was. Darius took his time checking every room in the castle and speaking with the staff. He scolded the guards who were slacking off and instructed the cook on what he would like for lunch. He never missed the look they gave him, the one that suggested they wanted to disagree but wouldn’t dare. It was always unnatural, though not as bad as when he had first become the Alpha of Ironshade. Darius went looking for Ryker, who was already up. They had a brief meeting before going about their duties for the day. — "Would you repeat what you just said to me, Ryker?" Darius asked. "The Moonseeker would like to see you, Alpha," Ryker answered. Darius pinched the bridge of his nose before looking at the shorter man with a tired expression. "Is that her final word?" Ryker nodded, folding his arms. The two discussed various matters for the day, and thankfully, Ryker didn’t mention Serena. Darius didn’t miss the way Ryker’s body language changed whenever she was brought up. Even the Elders seemed to tolerate her, perhaps even respect her for saving the life of their Scoutmaster. But Ryker was different. Darius did understand him. Rogues had ravaged their pack, leaving scars that ran too deep to ever fully fade. And Serena... Serena was different. Darius wasn’t sure if that made things better or worse. This mate of his would be his undoing. So many compromises he had made without a second thought. — Darius opted to ride to Lunara’s temple on horseback, it would be faster that way. He tapped his heel against the horse’s side, urging it forward. The wind rushed through his hair. If he weren’t on his way to see Lunara’s oracle, he would have enjoyed the ride. He hoped it was good news and not some kind of warning. Darius dismounted with a thud and looked around. Fortunately, no one had come to pray to the goddess in the temple. He turned his gaze to the stone building, it was the oldest in the pack’s territory. History said the first wolves of Ironshade had made it their place of worship, as well as their home. Darius sat on the stone steps and slipped off his shoes. Next came his socks, and then he entered the temple. It had seen better days, but to him, time had chipped and worn at the edges of stone but it was still beautiful to Darius. He could feel the presence of every wolf who had been here before him. The temple had no pews, after all, they were wolves first. But as time passed over the millennia, werewolves had begun to live primarily in their human forms. Except for a small few packs. Those who followed Fenros, the wolf god of war and violence, remained in their wolf forms. Darius believed some members of Crimsonclaw upheld this tradition as well. Darius walked until he reached the altar. No one who wasn’t specially blessed by Lunara could go beyond this point, except when invited by her priestess, the Moonseeker. He knelt, keeping his head low as he waited for the priestess, hoping this summons wasn’t as terrible as the last time. The rattle of her jewelry signaled her approach. Darius waited until she acknowledged his presence before rising. "Darius, Alpha of Ironshade, greetings," the Moonseeker said coolly. Darius remembered how he used to be frightened of as a pup. Her voice unsettled him the most, it always sounded as if she and her wolf spirit spoke at the same time, constantly. He could do it, too, but only when angry or overcome by strong emotions, and only for a short time. It was a thing of balance. A werewolf who could constantly exist in harmony with both halves of their spirit had reached the pinnacle of spiritual achievement. "You called for me?" Darius asked, lifting his head. The Moonseeker tilted her head before smiling and turning her back to him. She remained silent for a moment before speaking again. "I have a task for you," she said. Darius exhaled, relieved. Not a warning. Not a prophecy. It was nothing more than an errand. But if it were only that, why was he the one being sent? "What will be done for you, Moonseeker?" The priestess turned back, her gaze settling on Darius. "That stranger who found herself within our territory- yes, her," she said. "The one Lunara has given to you as your mate. Bring her to me."