Masks off
Masks off
“ We’ll only be a burden if you stay!” I blurted before I could even think. “ Icarus is buying us time to escape. We'll all die here if we don't move now!” I tried to reason.
That managed to shake her, but it didn't last as she just moved her gaze back to Icarus who had shifted back and had resumed his fight with the betas.
Realizing words wouldn't get her, I acted on my instincts, grabbing her and pulling her up with all the strength I had. Her lips trembled, but thankfully, she didn't resist. So I dragged her towards the door to escape the scene.
I glanced back once just before rushing out the door, just once, and the last thing I saw was Icarus teeth sinking into one beta’s shoulder, blood sprayed across the walls.
However, it wasn't victorious at all as the other two betas sank their fangs and teeths into him. His face twisted with pain and rage, but his eyes caught mine. The tenecity in them strong and convicted.
I could swear he gave me a nod and said thank you...
It tore my heart apart.
“Find Ciel!” I shouted to him, my voice breaking. “ He'll bring you to where I am, Icarus. We’ll be waiting!”
This wasn't over. I refuse to believe that this would be the last time I'd see him. Icarus must live. For me, for his family!
He gave the smallest nod before slamming his claws into a beta's skull behind him.
I didn’t look again.
I grabbed his Elara's hands once again, pulled her away as I dashed out the door.
“Don’t let them escape!” I heard one of the betas snarl behind us, but I didn’t turn back.
We burst out into the sunlight, and my eyes landed on the bike parked outside. I froze for half a heartbeat, then cursed under my breath.
There doesn't seem to be much choice.
I motioned for Elara to climb on, half-pushing her and Zias to get on the bike, and then swung myself in front. My hands shook as I gripped the handlebars.
Thankfully, the keys were still in the keyhole.
But then my mind screamed at me. I’ve never ridden one of these before!
The sudden bloodied appearance of one of the betas rushing out the door to the house behind us jolted me.
If I don't do something now then escaping would be futile.
I quickly set to turn the keys, using the back of my heels to kick the standers up. I'd seen Ciel do this quite a number of times these days with his bike.
But then I fumbled with the ignition. I cursed and prayed at the same time as I tried again. And again, and again. And suddenly, the bike roared to life.
The beta lunged forward, his claws inches away. I screamed, revved both handlebars and the bike shot forward so violently I nearly lost my grip. The wind tore at my hair, my heart slamming against my ribs as we swerved onto the road. Elara behind me just clung to me, Zias clamped between us.
Luckily, I managed to regain balance and roughly rode off on the road.
The beta gave chase, but the bike surged faster, and soon his figure was swallowed by dust.
It was my first time, but my wolf sharpened my senses, guided my reflexes. I figured pretty quickly which handlebar was the throttle.
I nearly veered off twice, swerving too hard, but every time my grip tightened and I managed to hold on. Elara still clung to me, her sobs muffled against my back. Her mind didn't seem to have left Icarus just yet.
I didn’t dare look back.
I just drove, with tears running down my face.
I drove until the houses of town rose before us, until the streets I once knew appeared like ghosts, until I finally found the building that used to be my apartment.
Only then did I slow, my breath ragged, my hands trembling.
I looked back, observing Elara and Zias. They were quite alright, albeit, still in a mess.
But, if anything, I'm glad we're still alive.
For now.
...
Meanwhile, at the packhouse…
The main hall had was now still and less rowdy after Alyssa had been kicked out. The fire in the hearts of the many members had finally been quenched.
And now, the elders addressed the gathered pack altogether, their voices were heavy with false reassurance.
“The matter of Alyssa has been resolved,” Elder Jerome declared, his eyes gleaming as he paced the floor. “She was the poison in our midst, the traitor who brought doom upon our Alpha. But no more, justice has been done.”
Murmurs of agreement swept the room, though shadows of unease lingered in the air.
“What remains...” another elder intoned, “is Ciel’s return. Only then can we decide who will lead us forward from hereon. And how we will stand against the hunters.”
Nods, and mutters roused again, everyone agreeing to what was said.
" For now, let's all stay low and wait till he returns. He'd left to go scout and will soon be returning soon." The pack after hearing this dispersed, one by one retreating to the respective rooms they've come to occupy since the previous night. Some even stayed in the hall, but not as close to where the discussion has been held. They seemed to believe the worst was behind them.
Ad so, the five elders converged to continue.
The true council.
Elder Jerome stood among them, his eyes sharp. Another elder, tall and gaunt with a voice like gravel, folded his hands beside him, his gaze observing all the other elders. He waited patiently and took the right moment to bring up the crux of what was to be discussed.
“Ciel… he may not be ready. He might be blinded by revenge later. An Alpha ruling by revenge is no Alpha at all as we all know.”
Another, the one who'd announced Alyssa being kicked out with shorter but broad build, with scars raking across his jaw, grunted in agreement. “Better we choose one who understands patience. One who won’t throw us all into ruin.”
Jerome smiled faintly. “And yet… Ciel is Michael’s son. His blood. The pack will follow him. We need only… guide him.”
A silence settled. Then, slowly, they nodded.
The meeting ended with the consensus that they wait till Ciel himself returns and see if he has a different opinion regarding becoming Alpha. The elders scattered afterwards, each to go see to their personal businesses.
Walking upstairs to his room, gamma Jerome and the tall, gaunt elder trailed him.
As they ascended the stairs, elder Jerome leaned close and asked. “Have the betas been sent?”
The gamma's smile widened, cold and sharp. “By now, Ciel is dead. As for Icarus and Alyssa… my men will bring news soon enough.”
Jerome clasped his hands behind his back, his eyes gleaming as if he could finally see his chance right in front of him. “When they do, our plan can truly begin.”
The mask had fallen, and the villain has revealed themselves.