Clovers End - 20. Confrontation

James P.O.V

Diana was a ray of sunlight to everyone in the village. This was back in the day when we still had three packs and three mated alphas. In the battle against the Clovers, we lost two alphas and their mates. They were Anria and my parents. The two of us succeeded them when they passed. The last mated alpha, who is now the leader of our sister village, Hyleron, lost her mate in the battle as well. It was one of the things that were unintentionally spurred on by Diana. Individuals who found out about her condition informed the Clovers of our location. It's easy to fill in the blanks from there. She had to flee and our village suffered many losses. Once they learnt that she wasn't here, they left us alone. It still seems strange to me. They were never ones to seek specific individuals. Now that I think about it there is likely a larger game at play. The elders probably drew similar conclusions as well. Everyone feared losing what we swore to protect. I guess I kind of understand everyone’s response to Alex. His existence is perceived to be a blessing as much as it is a curse.

It's not long before Anria is out of sight. As much as I appreciate her telling me, sometimes, I think that ignorance is bliss. I hurriedly make my way towards the elder's home. The scenery races by in blurred tones of whites and greys. Coldness catches in my throat. It becomes hoarse. Questions racing through my mind. I feel sick but still, try to maintain my composure as I open the door. A light aromatic fragrance occupies the house. Rich, earthy and subtle. I find Alex, Nephritis and Rachel huddled in the kitchen near the stove. Rachel adds another piece of wood to the fire gently burning beneath the plate. Alex tentatively stirs the contents of the pot before lifting the ladle to his lips. He then adds a pinch of salt to the mixture. It is not long before they take notice of my presence.

“James.” Rachel comments “ What took you so long? You look pale. Is everything okay?”

“I'm fine.” I state “ I just ran into Anria along the way.”

“She didn't cause you trouble did she?” Rachel asks worriedly.

“No. In fact, she was very informative.” I say as I look over at the elder. The colour drains form her face. She looks about with an intense worry. She fiddles with her fingers in a poor attempt to try and hide her apprehension.

“Do you mind if we talk outside?” I say. Directing my question at her. She moves swiftly passed me as she responds with hesitation “Very well. Rachel, you should come too.”

“Try not to take too long. The stew is almost done and I'd rather serve it hot.” Alex calls after us, unable to conceal the concern in his voice. I smile and nod at him as I close the door. The wind picks up with a howling tenor, more vocal since I was last outside.

“This way!”, Nephritis yells against the prevailing winds. We follow her around the house and to the back where a shed lies desolate amongst the icy snow. She opens the door It creaks from what I presume is rusty hinges. With one hand she gestures for us to go in. It's dark. The wind continues to protest outside. The elder shuts the door behind her. She lights a candle and places it only a lonely desk. The flame flickers then catches, the burning wick providing some ways of light in the room despite not entirely need it thanks to our superior eyesight as were-wolfs.

The elder whips out a parchment of paper and hastily draws a succession of archaic runes in a circular manner. She places it on the door, feeding the inscription with her own power before it takes. A silvery hue creeps outwards from the paper, covering the room in a smooth light. The radiance is short-lived. It disappears almost instantly. The room is now deathly quite. Even the sounds of the wind can longer be heard.

“There we go.” Nephritis murmurs” Now we have total privacy.”

“What for?” Rachel asks “ What is exactly is going on?”

“That's exactly what I'd like to know.” I chime in.” I think its time you start talking Elder.”

“ I thought I helped raise you better than that James. You know that is no way to address an Elder.”

I become bashful but make no attempt to apologize. I'm not sure if I was being prideful or adamant not to give her an out.

She sighs “ but I guess I still owe you an explanation. It's not like I could have kept this a secret forever.”