\[Rosco’s POV\]
“Will you keep an eye on Denali?”
I turn to my mother, taking in her look of confusion and worry. When I was finished with Manny, I would need to tell her what was happening. I knew that in the end she would be worried, but this involved not only me and Denali but also her grandchild.
“Of course.” She responds immediately. “Please, go ahead with what it is you need to do.”
Nodding, I motion for Manny to move, and when he does, I start to follow. As we move, Manny doesn’t speak, but from the way he is carrying himself, I know that he is uncomfortable, and that doesn’t help with the fear I’m trying to keep at bay for my wife and daughter.
“Please, go in.” He announces when we reach our destination, a small room with books lining the wall and a single desk. “We won’t be heard here since the walls are soundproof.”
“Is what you’re going to tell me that bad?” I ask, feeling my anxiety spike.
Instead of responding, Manny lifts a finger to his lips and nods toward the interior of the room once more. Not bothering to argue, I oblige. What was the point of being hesitant when I was the one who insisted he help me?
Once we are inside, he shuts the door and takes a seat at the desk, where he begins to rummage in a drawer.
“Here,” he announces, passing me a worn-out book. “The answers you seek are in here.”
Frowning, I examine the book in my hands while Manny watches on. Understanding that he wasn’t going to just tell me, I flip the book open to the first page and am surprised to find that it is a diary.
Lifting my gaze, I wait for the man in front of me to explain, but he continues to remain silent.
Frustration growing, I begin to scan through pages until one passage sticks out to me. As I read it, I felt my blood turn ice cold.
“What?” I hiss, trying to make sense of what I’m reading. “What the hell?”
“Emerald Moon has a dark past.” Manny explains. “Although the darkness was eliminated, it didn’t leave without leaving its mark.”
“You don’t say,” I huff, turning my gaze to the passage again.
November 12th, 1954.
We managed to find the location of the goddess’ tomb. After years of searching, the key to immortality is with us. If we simply consume a piece of the goddess’ flesh, then we too will possess immeasurable power.
Of course, my packmates don’t want me to do it, but if I don't, I will soon die. I don’t want to die and am willing to do whatever it takes to stay on this earthly plain.
November 13th, 1954
I’ve set off to the location in the dark of night so that no one will spot me. It is a day trip, but I’m hoping that if I continue to move and don’t take any breaks, I can get there in less time.
When I woke this morning, I could feel the effects of my illness. It is certainly getting worse. I fear that if this doesn’t work, I don’t have much time left.
November 14, 1954.
I’ve found it in the middle of the Mana Mountains. It is nestled beneath the tree of spirits in order to deter those who come looking, but I wasn’t fooled.
As I write this, I stare at the goddess’ unchanging beauty inside her glass crypt and find myself in awe. Once I consume her flesh, will I too be that magnificent?
November 15th, 1954.
I’ve done it, and I can already feel my spirit revitalizing, but after a single try, I want more. I can feel something growing in me, and it is screaming to be released. It is dark, but it feels almost natural. Is this the primal nature of a wolf?
November 16th, 1954.
Blood. I yearn for blood. It has grown so strong that I’ve been unable to keep the beast at bay. I’ve already consumed my beta, and I fear I will end up consuming the rest of my pack mates.
Goddess, I feel like an ethereal being and the only chosen one. Does this mean that consuming the goddess’ flesh will cure any mortal illness, but it will also make you a new type of wolf?
November 20th, 1954.
They’re gone. They’re all gone, and I'm the only one left.
The goddess came to me in my dreams and warned me of a curse that is attached to those who try to defy fate. It doesn’t matter; I will welcome this curse since it will never affect me. I will be all powerful, and that is the result of the goddess' blessing!
“Sick bastard,” I growl, slamming the diary shut and shoving it back toward Manny. “How could someone do such a thing?”
“Greed will cause many good men to turn evil.” Manny responds. “But it seems after over seventy years, this curse has finally come to claim a victim.”
“And what exactly will it do?” I demand. “There was nothing in here about it!”
“Isn’t it obvious?” Manny huffs. “It was because of the greed of Luna’s bloodline that this curse was placed, and it is only natural that the bloodline be permanently eliminated.”
At his words, I feel my heart drop and my anger spike. The urge to kill the man in front of me hits, but I remain in place, knowing that he isn’t the one who did this.
“There has to be a way to stop it.” I hiss through gritted teeth. “I won’t accept that this is the only way.”
“There could be.” Manny admits. “But in order to do that, we have to find the one connected to the goddess.”
Someone connected to the goddess. How the fuck was I supposed to do something like that? What this man was saying was damn near impossible.
“Is there any other way?” I ask, unwilling to accept defeat. “The only option is to wait until the demise of the bloodlines makes its appearance.”
Fuck. That option wasn’t one I was willing to deal with either. There had to be another way, but what the fuck was it?
As this thought hits, I remember Elise saying that she had a vision of the curse beginning. Didn’t that mean that there was a chance she could see who the one responsible was?
“Thanks doc!” I announce, jumping up. “You’ve been a big help.”
“Wait!” Manny gasps as I begin to move. “Where are you going?”
“I’m going to visit my sister-in-law.” I respond, giving a wave. “Please go back to my wife and keep an eye on her.”