Dera

Dera
Alea's POV

Everywhere I went, everywhere my feet touched in the refugee camp, all they ever talked about was me. They all talked about the lost found descendant of the high priestess who had been their god. They looked forward to me acting like my mother did, to help them and end their sufferness.

The Elder had told me to come visit him in his meeting chamber today so we could talk about my mother, since I want to hear about her. Walking through the hallway, every single one of the people bowed down in respect and some murmured among themselves about my elegance, and how it isn't weird that I turned out to be the descendant of Nara.

“I mean, she has always been bold, has a kind heart, the Luna of a pack, and also the Phantom Queen. So it's not weird that she's the destined Queen from years ago” One of them had said, and I had just pretended like I didn't hear them. Instead, I walked over to Elder's meeting house.

He sat me down after greeting me respectfully, then ordered some maids to bring some tea and snacks. They did and we talked while using those refreshments.

“So, you want to hear about your mother, right?” He asked and I nodded while swallowing hard.

“Nara. That's her name” He paused, and I flinched, suddenly feeling pathetic for knowing nothing about my parents, but I strongly believe none of that was my fault. Instead, it'd be my parent's fault for leaving me so soon.

“Just like a goddess, Nara was liked by all. The attributes of a Queen she possessed made people call her one despite the fact that she was the high priestess. Many owned the relics in the relics room, but the Obsidian Heart was the one who chose your mother itself, because of that, no one but Nara’s bloodline would be able to touch the Obsidian Heart. She protected the packhouse, protected all the relics, and made sure no evil befall them not until Alucard betrayed her” He said, and my eyes widened while I wondered what he was talking about.

“Betrayed?” I asked, my gaze filled with confusion.

“Alucard was Nara's loyal servant, more like her assistant, she was the closest to your mother after your father” The Elder said and my jaw dropped.

It made sense.

Alucard knew about everything because she had worked with my mother and had been close to her, and so she knew she would need to threaten my mother if she wanted the Obsidian Heart.

But…..my father?

“My father lived here also?” I asked, my voice low and cautious.

It's been years, more than twenty years and I wouldn't expect him to be alive so I was prepared for whatever it is the Elder had to tell me.

“Yes, of course, he did. He ruled everyone along with your mother. Somehow, they fell in love, but before they could have you, he died” I knew it, and even though I was prepared for it, I felt heartbroken.

The father that birthed me didn't even get to see me, he died before I was even born.

“What killed him?” I found myself asking.

“He died from poison. It was disguised as suicide and even up till now, we haven't been able to give him a befitting burial because suicide is an abomination and even if the king of a pack do commit suicide, he would never be forgiven” The Elder said, and my jaws dropped.

How could he? The Elder just said he loved my mother, he was expecting me to be born, so why….why would he do that?

“But of course I don't believe he did” The Elder added, easing something in me. I was glad.

At least, someone believes he didn't. Even my mother must have believed he didn't do it.

“So what happened?” I asked, eager to hear more about what should have been a part of my life.

“It had something to do with Alucard. Only the high priestess and Alucard would know what exactly happened, but the pale Oracle was the one who let me know about the fact that he didn't commit suicide but was poisoned by Alucard” The Elder added, and my lips parted in disbelief.

Alucard…..she isn't human, she's someone who's supposed to be killed. To be erased from this world.

My mind drifted to Valen and I couldn't help but think that we are the same. His parents were killed by Alucard and even though I don't know if my mother is dead, or how she died, I know now that Alucard killed my father.

“You had a lot of families around here then, but many had left, and many had died” He said, and for once, I wished I had a happy family, I wished I got to meet the families he was talking about. I wished they would like me, and I wished they'd accept me.

It brought back memories of how I was treated by Cassie and her mother, how they had made me look like nothing because they weren't my family, because they knew I had no one.

Tears blurred my vision and I quickly cleaned it not wanting it to fall off my eyes. That was the past, and I shouldn't feel hurt over it anymore but I still do whenever I recall those moments.

“Thanks Elder. For taking your time to explain this to me” I smiled at him, hiding the pain behind my smile. He patted my hands and smiled back, glad I wasn't freaking out because of the truth I had learned.

I couldn't possibly start crying over the loss of a father I had never met, a father I don't even know how he would have treated me if I had met him.

Just then, someone suddenly barged into the Elder's private meeting room and I turned to see Raven. He had a wide smile as he looked restless.

“Dera. Dera is back, Elder!” He almost yelled, all in excitement. I was lost as I didn't know who or what he was talking about. My eyes darted between him and the Elder who stood up surprised.

Then the Elder looked at me.

“Your cousin. Dera” He simply said and my stomach rippled with anticipation, excitement, and uncertainty. Finally, I was going to meet a family member of mine.