Chapter 19: Common Bonds

The sight that met my eyes was fearful. Mallaper's once-proud pack now lay in ruins, chaos reigning as wolves fought for their lives. The king was bound in chains. Unidentified wolves had taken over. I dropped the stone in fear. I stared closely at the rock; it looks like a relic, but relics are being kept in the palace. Why is it here?

Relics are treasures or powerful tools that were reserved by the highest members of the royal lineage. I thought about leaving it here, but I needed answers, and there was one person who might be able to provide them—Kira.

Racing through the forest, I reached home and burst through Kira's room. Kira looked up from her bed with a raised brow.

"Lola, what's wrong?

I placed the stone on the table for Kira to see. Lola's eyes widened in recognition, concern flashing across her face.

"Where did you find this?

I explained the situation to her.

"This isn't just any relic. It holds power that's been safeguarded for generations. But why it was with you, I can't say.

I then told Kira about my dream, and she looked on in awe. After some minutes of silence, she looked at me.

"Lola, no ordinary person can hold this; what I can't seem to figure out is why a new member of our pack is able to hold this."

"Did anyone see you with it?"

"No, Kira, I was the only one there."

"Okay, so you keep this safely and tell no soul about it; keep it till we are able to find a solution to it, Lola. I'm serious about telling no one; we can be killed for holding this."

I nodded my head as I went into my room and kept it safe. Was that why I had the dream this morning? Is this the treasure I'm supposed to keep? Why me?. I thought as my eyes grew tired and I slept off.

The next morning, I sneaked around my room like I was being watched. What if the seer traces it to my home and I get caught? I rushed up and left early for the palace. Indulging myself in my activities, I soon forgot about my fears and found myself talking with other workers. I got acquainted with others, and one of them, who has been looking at me with curiosity,

"How did you end up with this pregnancy? All we know is that you seek refuge in our pack.

"That's a touchy subject, Sarah; you didn't have to ask her," one of them said in my defense. I knew they wanted to hear about my story, and seeing them, I felt the urge to tell them.

"Well, I was stupid enough to give myself to my mate, who I thought loved me; it turned into pregnancy, and he rejected me. And that was how I found myself". I tried reading their face, and it was expressed with a pit

"Guys, I'm fine; you don't have to feel sad for me; I've got a reason to leave, and that's all that matters". I said as I rubbed my tum.

"That was a harsh thing to me; trust me, he lost something great. Anyway,  I'm happy you found your way out; you deserve better, Lola". I smiled genuinely at them. It was getting awkward, and they excused themselves, giving a reason before leaving. Well,  I don't blame them; if I were me, I'd feel awful.

The girl who asked the question stayed behind, giving me an intense look.

"You are a strong lady, you know; I doubt I'll ever survive that.

"I'm sorry for taking you down memory lane; I meant no harm". Sarah said, raising her hands in surrender.

"It's fine Sarah, you know you remind me of my best friend. I hope she's fine now. I fear she's isolating herself and waiting for me. I sometimes think back to my family back home, and I wish they could all move on and forget about me.

"At least you have those that remember you; I have been long forgotten since I came into this palace. Well,  that's what happens when you are the 12th out of 21 kids.

"I'm here for the redemption of my father's debt, and it seems I am going to be here my whole life". I held her hands in assurance and smiled at her.

"We will be fine; at the end of the day, it's just ourselves."

Sarah looked at me. "I like you; I've never told anyone my story before, and I feel relaxed telling it to you." I laughed at her response.

"Well, maybe the universe is passing a message; you are Sarah; maybe the goddess is giving me a new Sarah here as a friend. I said this as I extended my hand to her.

"Friends

Sarah smiled as she shook my hands. "Friends.

****Kira Pov

I was puzzled by the strange occurrence Lola had yesterday. According to my husband, relics can only be touched by seers, and Lola was no seer to have held the rock.

Mallapers was a strong pack co-ruled by four alphas. There were stories of an ancestral rock that exceeded great power and was kept in the pack's secret room. The Alphas thirst for power and fame turned into greed as they tried to acquire this stone. It turned into a tragedy, and lives were lost. The rock disappeared mysteriously, and then the alpha's parted, establishing each's own pack.

The rock hasn't been seen for years, yet Lola strolls casually, and she sees it. There is something more to this. Knowing the king, I decided to keep it away from him. I know his greed for power, and he will go to any length to secure it.

I sighed as I prepared for the journey ahead. I was to check up on the king's girl. I was ordered to go biweekly to check on the girl; the king hasn't said anything about her yet, and I hope he isn't thinking of something dangerous.

This is the first time I'm going alone to see the girl, and I silently pray for the spirit to hide my dislike for her. The kingdom matter is big enough for the king; why did he have to drag a girl matter into it? Getting to her home, I went inside to attend to her. She looks like she was happy to see me. Well,  isolation can make you happy to see your worst enemy. I felt pity for the young girl who should be living her life, but she is here satisfying the king. She looks like Lola's age, and seeing her reminds me of Lola's situation.

"Why did you hate me?the girl said as I looked up to her.

"I don't hate you, child; I feel pity for you,being hidden away and feeding our king's satisfaction; rather, I'm ratten up by the guilt of being with the king in this when my loyalty should rest with the Queen.

"I know it's taboo, but it isn't my fault. I was a victim of circumstances, and if I cherish my life, I have to act right.

Confused by her words, I remember the king telling me he met her at a neighboring pack, and their one night turned into a mutual feeling of love.

"What's your name? I asked her, laughing at how I had not bothered knowing her name after months of being with her. The king calls her a pet name, so I didn't know her name. Besides, I was always irritated to have a conversation with her.

"Kate, my name is Kate". She replied

I then asked her the question that has been bothering my mind.

"Kate, tell me how you ended up with the king."