Chapter 17
Still inside the hospital's library, it was an oasis of calm amidst the busy corridors and sounds from beeping machines.
It was a room filled with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, decorated with a vast collection of books that cut across various genres and topics.
Diana and Luka sat at a small wooden table close to the window. On the table, was a vase of fresh flowers, as an indication of nature in the environment of the hospital.
Diana's fingers traced a thick, leather-bound book as she sat opposite Luka. Her eyes quickly scanned the pages, absorbing the information within as she delved into the world of ancient myths and legends. The title of the book read.
"Supernatural Creatures of the World."
While Luka on the other hand, had a more leathered book in front of him. Its pages were yellowed with age, and the cover bore the title "Alpha Chronicles."
He was engrossed in the history of his own kind, the werewolves, as he sought to better understand his responsibilities as an Alpha.
Diana looked up from her book to steal a glance at Luka, who was deeply engrossed in his reading. She couldn't help but admire his full attention.
Luka, sensing Diana's gaze, looked up and met her eyes. A slim smile tugged at the corners of his lips.
"Finding anything interesting?" Luka asked Diana.
Diana nodded in negativity, her excitement obvious. "I'm learning so much about the supernatural world, it's both fascinating and overwhelming." She responded.
"It can be a lot to take in at first, but I can see you are a fast learner." Luka chuckled softly and returned to his reading.
"What about you, Luka? What are you discovering in your Alpha Chronicles?" Diana couldn't contain her curiosity.
Luka leaned back in his chair, he said. "I'm delving into the history of my ancestors, the Maric lineage. It's a lineage of protectors who've stood against dark forces for centuries."
Diana's interest deepened. "Tell me more," she asked and adjusted her sitting position.
Luka obliged, shared tales of ancient battles and dignified sacrifices made. He recounted stories of bravery and the unyielding spirit of his forebears. As he spoke, Diana hung onto every word, her eyes wide with amazement.
Diana's eyes were set on Luka, her curiosity visible.
"Ok, tell me, how did this happen? How did you become a werewolf?" she asked Luka, her gaze still on him.
"It's a long and complicated story, Diana," he began. "But I think it's time you knew how it happened." Luka took a deep breath, he stared at her.
Diana nodded in response to his last words, her eyes encouraging him to continue. She felt what she was about to hear would reshape her understanding of the world.
Luka began his tale, speaking softly-
"It all started with my ancestors, a bloodline of protectors known as the Maric lineage. They were chosen to safeguard the supernatural world from any dark forces that aimed to compromise the balance."
He paused, to allow the gravity of his words sink in.
"My father was the Alpha of our pack, and he bequeathed his responsibility to me." He continued.
"Your father? You mean your father gave you this... curse?" Diana furrowed her brow.
Luka shook his head gently.
"No!Diana, it's not a curse. It's a gift and more of a burden to me. It's a power to transform, protect, to maintain the balance between the supernatural and human worlds. But it comes at a price."
Luka's eyes grew dark as he continued. "When I was younger, I resented this responsibility. I even revolted against it, especially against my father. I wanted a normal life. But destiny has a way of catching up with you."
He looked at Diana, with an intense gaze.
"On the night I became a werewolf, I was lured into a trap by a coven of dark witches. They wanted to harness, harness my power for their own malicious intentions."
Diana listened with rapt attention, captivated by the story being told.
"They performed a forbidden ritual ceremony, one that bound my fate to the moon. It's a celestial connection that all werewolves share. And on that night, under the full moon's light, I transformed for the first time." Luka's voice grew somber.
"What happened next?" Diana couldn't help but shiver at the reflection of Luka undergoing that kind of transformation.
"I lost control of my instincts, my wolf side. I became a creature with pure instinct and fury. While In that state, I attacked the coven, but the witches managed to escape, leaving me wounded and dismayed." Luka explained.
He looked at Diana again and continued.
"My father found me, I looked thrashed and bloodied. He nursed me back to health and revealed the truth of our lineage, our duty, and the gift he had bequeathed to me."
"So, it means your father didn't curse you, instead he saved you." Her eyes softened with understanding
"Yes, he did and trained me. He also taught me how to harness my powers, to control the beast within. Not leaving the part where he also warned me that the path of an Alpha is never easy behind." Luka said, a hint of gratitude in his eyes.
"And now, you're the Alpha. What does that mean for you?" Diana was now completely drawn into Luka's story, her heart going out to him.
"It means that I must protect the supernatural world from those who would disrupt the balance, just as my ancestors did. It means I can't have a normal life, and I can't be with someone who doesn't understand what I am."
Luka heaved a sigh, his shoulders heavy with the weight of his responsibilities.
"Luka, you don't have to face this alone. You have me now, and I want to be a part of whatever challenges that lie ahead." Diana reached out and placed her hand on Luka's arm.
"You've already proven yourself to be extremely brave. But this path is filled with danger, and I can't drag you into this." A genuine smile tugged around the corridor of Luka's lips.
"I want us to focus on you for now." He said.
"I'm not afraid, Luka. I've seen a little of the supernatural world, and I want to help protect it." Diana's eyes filled with determination.
Luka beamed, and appreciated her determination. "Then, we'll face this together." He remarked.
They went on with their little research.