Chapter 5 - Settling Fear

PENELOPE POV.

Pain seemed like a steady companion to me. The separation from Lily, when she was placed in the orphanage was painful, I barely knew how to react to the news of her being kidnapped.

It had been three hours since I had woken up after one and a half days, only to find Alpha Zanthus looking at me worriedly.

My right arm was broken and I had some swelling of some sort on my forehead but I paid no heed to it. All my brain could register was Lily was gone.

“Please don't cry…”

I numbly turned my head in Alpha Zanthus' direction. As he looked in my eyes while wiping my tears.

“You did it.” I said as a matter of fact.

“What?” Alpha Zanthus's eyes widened at my accusation. “I - I could never do that to you. To Lily, a child.”

Alpha Zanthus stated but I glared at him in reply.

“You very well could. When you could separate a five-year-old child from her sister by sending her to an orphanage; then why not plan her kidnapping.” I hissed in a venomous tone. All my anger diverted to him.

“Penelope, look at me and tell me do you really think I could do that?” My mate urged as I looked into his eyes.

Sincerity I could see it. I sighed as I shook my head.

“I am sorry. I don't know what came over me.” I stated looking down ashamed. I just needed to blame this situation on someone else. Only if I could shift into my wolf form or knew self-defense.

“Don't blame yourself for everything. It wasn't your fault. That rogue attack was completely unexpected. I promise you I will bring back Lily. Just calm down.”

Alpha Zanthus stated.

He placed his hand over my forehead as I could see his eyes darken in anger.

“They would pay for it.” My mate vowed.

“Penelope I…”

Before Alpha Zanthus could say something there was a knock on the door as Jade walked in.

“Alpha”

“Miss Penelope,” Jade said while bowing down. Likely for Alpha Zanthus. “Everyone is waiting for you in the meeting, Alpha.”

“Tell them I will be there in some time.” Alpha Zanthus stated as Jade nodded her head while leaving the room. “Penelope, do you know any reason why they could kidnap Lily?”

“I don't know, Alpha Zanthus. Lily was a few weeks old when Dad found her outside our house door. No letter— nothing. Just a baby in a basket. She was healthy with no signs of maltreatment. We tried investigating the matter to find her real parents but because of our status, we couldn't gather anything useful.” I said truthfully.

I knew it well that even the smallest information could severely help the case.

“Okay.” Alpha Zanthus said while nodding his head. “Anything else you would like to tell me?”

“About Ivory, when she met me the day before yesterday, she told me she was an Oracle and if she told me my future, I would try to change it. Did she mean Lily's kidnapping?”

“Wait Ivory was here? How could I not be aware of it?” My mate questioned as I frowned. Didn't Jade inform him of Ivory's arrival?

“Jade must have informed you.” I stated.

As soon as her name left my mouth, Alpha Zanthus mind linked Jade as she came to the room.

“Yes, Alpha Zanthus?” Jade questioned nervously.

Anyone should have been scared after feeling the anger rolling in waves from Alpha Zanthus.

“Why wasn't I informed that Ivory was at my house the day before yesterday?” Alpha Zanthus asked.

I looked at Jade to see her frowning.

“Alpha, I don't know who Ivory is. Moreover I won't go against your orders and let someone in.”

Jade stated in a meek tone though she sounded sincere. But then…

“But how can that be possible? You came to the garden after putting Lily to sleep. You said someone wanted to meet me and I won't be disappointed by meeting them.” I fired back.

“Miss I never came to the garden. Yes I did put the little one to sleep but after that I went to the market to restock the pantry. I never came to the garden.” Jade stated.

“Jade, you may leave.” Alpha Zanthus stated.

Once Jade had left the room he turned in my direction.

“She ain't lying. I knew Ivory is an Oracle so it might be possible she created that scene or could have actually manipulated Jade's mind to do so and she doesn't remember it.” Alpha Zanthus stated as I shivered at the revelation.

“Are Oracles these powerful?” I questioned as my mate nodded my head.

“I need to go to meet, Penelope. I will leave Jade in the room in case you need something.”

My climbed down the bed as Dad's last words came back to me.

“I need to go, Pen. Promise me, you will take care of Lily for me. You will always be strong. Promise me, Penelope.”

“Wait!”

Alpha Zanthus turned towards me due to my sudden outburst.

“Can you - you stay a bit longer?” I requested as tears welled in my eyes.

Alpha Zanthus quickly pulled the chair next to the bed as he settled in it.

“I will, love. For as long as you want me. Just don't cry. I hate to see you cry.”

Alpha Zanthus wiped my tears as sparks traveled down my spine.

“I can't lose her, Zanthus. I just can't. She - she is the only one I am left with. Please get her back. I beg you.”

I sobbed. As my mate hugged me while keeping in mind my broken arm. My wolf purred in my head.

“I promise you love. I will get Lily back.” My mate said. “Anything, Penelope? Anything more you remember? Those men, did they say something to you?”

“How did you know they were men?” I questioned feeling suspicious.

Alpha Zanthus sighed. “I got in your dream. I could just see the three men's faces but I couldn't make out the words for some reason.” My mate stated as I slowly nodded my head.

“They didn't say much. Just one of them was named Ryle. They came in search of Lily itself. I am unable to understand why someone would want Lily?” I said.

Suddenly the red eyes came back to my mind.

“Alpha Zanthus, would you think I am crazy if I tell you something?”

My mate helped my left wrist. “Whatever you say, love, I will always trust you. I promise you that.”

“I have seen a pair of red eyes twice as he says weird things to me.” I stated.

“Demon! Why did you never tell me you saw a demon?” Alpha Zanthus asked as his voice rose in frustration.

A what?!

D-E-M-O-N

“How is that possible?”

“If the existence of Lycan and Oracle is possible then why not Demons?” Alpha Zanthus said.

“Why would I see him?”

“I - I don't know. Tell me what he told you and were you able to see his face?” my mate questioned.

“No, I could just see his silhouette the second time.” I said.

“What he said to you, Penelope?” Alpha Zanthus questioned urgently.

“Fate has a way to play. It is a witful game. Mockery on those you don't understand that friends are the biggest foes… and misery - misery in the air. Pain of cry and blood shed. The real battle is about to begin. Quickly realise who is real and who is fake…”

Alpha Zanthus let go of a sharp breath.

“What's wrong?” I questioned.

“A demon giving a warning is rare, it's only possible when you…” Alpha Zanthus stopped mid-statement.

“When you what?” I asked urgently.

“When a demon owes something to you.” Alpha Zanthus stated.

“How can that be possible? I have never met a demon my whole life. In fact I didn't know they existed till now, how can I give something so big to the demon that he feels indebted to me?”

I questioned.

This all seemed too puzzling. Lycan, Oracle, Demon and Lily's kidnapping.

Moon Goddess, why me?

“I really don't know Penelope. Demons are really powerful. Him warning you has to account for some big happening.” Alpha Zanthus stated.

“Could it be related to Lily's kidnapping?” I asked.

“I can't be sure. Not right now. It's impossible to trace a demon even for a lycan.” Alpha Zanthus said.

“What about Ivory, she is an Oracle. She can surely answer our questions?” I suggested.

“That is quite possible. But it will take us some time and resources to track her down. I would like to invest the time and resources in finding Lily and treating the wounded pack members.”

I nodded my head. It was only then I realized, I never asked about the well-being of the pack.

How badly they had treated us. But they were still loyal to their Alpha.

“How is the pack?” I questioned.

“We lost two pack warriors. No more lives were lost. Though some are injured, they will be fine soon.”

My mate said as the light in his eyes dimmed at the mention of the two lost pack warriors.

Suddenly hurried footsteps made their way to the room as one of the higher-ranked pack warriors, whom I had seen before rushed in.

“Alpha, an unconscious child is found near the pack borders…”