Chapter 66 Breaking The Seal
Xander
I detest the anxiousness that takes over me within those three days.
To distract myself, I drown myself in pack meetings, paperworks - even those I know I should be handing over to Max in any normal circumstance.
My private office becomes my new research laboratory where I stack up books on; magic, White Wolf legends, seals rituals, and even the prophecy - I find it hard to understand most of them since they're not my area of specialty.
I avoid seeing Vanessa during those days either, not because I believe that all that's been said about her may turn out to be false, but because it is quite the opposite.
If she truly is the one the prophecy refers to, where does that leave us then?
The White Wolf had only ever existed in legends and having one so close will only put her in more danger than she's ever been. People of power will seek her out for different reasons; some to control her, some to steal her powers for their own selfish gains, but, I'll be damned before I let anyone get to her.
There have been strict instructions to keep all of it a secret until we're sure it's perfectly safe to let anyone know about Vanessa and Elda's predictions.
I pace the length of my private office when Max barges in with a serious expression on his face. The clock strikes twelve midnight then, and I know it's time.
We come to a stop in front of an imposing cave just opposite the grounds where the pack hunt is usually organized. It's shrouded in tall grasses, wide trees and a small, clear lake flows gently, creating a division between both sides.
The cave is barely visible by others unless they're intentional about getting to this part of the territory.
Elda ushers us further inside towards an alcove in one section of the cave, fairy lights lighting up the pathway.
To say I'm disappointed and a little irritated is an understatement when I see a familiar form with buzz cut hair, and broad shoulders, with that almost permanent sneer on his face.
I turn to Elda, raising a brow in question.
"It is also important for the Royal Council to be present here, your Highness," she says in a quiet voice.
I grunt and turn away.
"Your Highness," Wade greets.
"Wade," I reply and move to the opposite side of the room, acknowledging Elias on the way.
Then my eyes fall on her.
Strapped on top of a tall and wide concrete slab draped with white linen, is Vanessa. Candle lights are placed on each of the four points of the lab and on the floor, the flickers creating shadows on the walls.
Her ginger-red hair is sprawled under her with long, dark lashes fanning freckled cheeks. She's dressed in a satin, long-sleeve blue dress - the color of her eyes - looking like something out of a fairy tale.
Her lashes flutter open when she senses my presence, revealing eyes so blue they seem to shimmer in the low lighting. I forget to breathe for a moment until her voice grounds me back to the present.
"Hey there, stranger," she says, her lips tilting up in a smirk. "ready to see me become the greatest legend of all time?"
I huff. "I definitely will like to see how that turns out."
My response seems to have given her the desired effect, because her shoulders relax slightly - even if it isn't an ideal time to make jokes.
"It is time," Elda's voice carries softly through the open space. I suppose all her preparations for the ritual are now in place.
It isn't necessarily a transformational ritual, but one intended to break whatever seal that has been placed on her.
The council members shift, and I step back to give Vanessa space, but not before squeezing her hands for reassurance. The problem is, I'm not sure who needs it more between the both of us.
I stand off to the side, silent but alert, while Max stays on my left, with the other Council members on the opposite side.
Elda picks up her long, white staff, symbols glowing on its surface. She circles Vanessa while chanting ancient spells.
She lifts her hands, and a faint light shimmers over Vanessa, and I hear her take a sharp intake of breath.
I put a foot forward, ready to leap into action at the slightest discomfort, but Max places a hand on my chest, shaking his head at me.
I growl, but remain where I am.
Elda's voice starts to rise in octave, the lights flickering widely, and I even feel the wind pick up a little. Then everything stops at once.
Silence.
"This is the final part of the ritual, Vanessa," Elda says once she finishes.
Vanessa opens her eyes and nods. "Okay."
"Your hand, child."
Elda takes her hand and whispers something, then makes an inscription in Vanessa's palm with her fingers.
"Excita Ignis" Elda says.
"Excita Ignis," she repeats, and this time, something moves in the wind.
"Excita Ignis!" a vibration occurs out of nowhere, shaking the foundation of the cave. It's so great, I stumble, as well as the others. I keep my eyes on Vanessa who has gone a little pale, her breathing coming out in harsh pants, trying to break free from the straps holding her down.
Elda recites more chants, placing a hand on Vanessa's chest, but Vanessa screams, thrashing more violently, knocking the candles over.
A loud growl rips from my throat, a slight burning sensation starting from my chest, spreads to the rest of my body. Max, Wade and Elias have to physically restrain me to avoid pouncing on Elda. All I see currently, is red.
What the hell is happening to me?
I twist in their hold, snarling, while still keeping an eye on Elda's continued ministrations on my mate.
What?
At Elda's final word, Vanessa stills suddenly...and so does everything else.
The tension in the air diffuses slowly, and even though I'm still breathing hard, the haze starts to wear off and I start to see more clearly.
Vanessa and I lock eyes and the first thing that I blurt is, "Mate."
Everyone's face is a mask of absolute shock at my words. I'm sure my own expression of disbelief isn't far behind.
Right then, something tugs at the back of my mind and I realize it's someone trying to communicate with me through the pack link.
I consider ignoring them to focus on one thing at a time, but the tugging continues and I have no choice but to open the connection.
It is a good thing I decide to do so because the first words out of Dorian's mouth makes my heart sink.
"Your Highness, another body has been found near the borders."
Max and I exchange a look, and he nods at me. I hesitate.
I can't just leave...
I give Vanessa an apologetic look and bolt out of the cave, with my wolf growling and desperate to claw its way out of me.
Fuck.