~Aurora~

　　I haven't been able to share the details of the half prophecy I've heard in my head. That's right. I wasn't completely ridden of the artifact from my hand. I had heard a voice so deep and claiming in my head, right before being kicked in the face. Torin and the artifact was gone.

　　And with them, the mystery behind my parents' death remained unsolved. I didn't think I was this kind of a person, but I had no other reason to believe I was strong enough to endure all that was thrown onto me. It was happening for a reason…I didn't know what would happen in the future.

　　Nonetheless, I couldn't wait to discuss this with someone whom I can truly trust.

　　Not Emeric, not even with Odin…

　　It has to be someone from the pack.

　　While traveling back as a defeated group, I couldn't help but ponder till great lengths. Whom do I share the part of the prophetic words I have heard before the artifact was snatched from me? Whom do I trust, after being betrayed by the person I trusted the most?

　　It was a huge kick in my gut when I realized I had just five people who I can trust in this scenario. As much as we hate each other, for my past that they have overanalyzed and made assumptions about, they are the only five people who would want nothing but wellness for our pack.

　　The elders…

　　Elders of each pack vary in number. There is no specific number as to how many elders should be available for a pack. They are born with destiny printed on their hands and souls. Another elder in a pack isn't born, unless and until an elder of the existing number had died…of natural circumstances.

　　However, there was one thing in common amongst the Elders of a pack. They are bound by life and punishment from the Moon Goddess to give the best advice to their pack. Hence, betrayal is not an option for them. It would become a divide intervention if they ever betray their pack. And elders are wiser than they seem in this aspect. They would avoid divine punishment, at all costs.

　　We were right in the middle of our journey, six hours have passed since we left the woods.

　　I had to wait for five more hours before I ever open my mouth in front of them. I couldn't even trust the Guard Captain anymore. I can say with my head held down…that I've developed trust issues with my own subordinates after what Torin did.

　　We reached the pack house in the afternoon. The elders were waiting at the stairs eagerly. Smiles on their faces were brighter than the winter sun that was shining on our backs.

　　"Alpha Aurora…where is our precious artifact? I don't sense its power…" the first Elder approached me and asked in a sweet tone. Understanding my silence somehow, he stepped back. He was about to pay my shoulder, probably to tell me I've done a good job. Little did he know, that I was in pain.

　　"Aurora…tell us what happened? Why don't we sense the aura of the artifact yet?" The third Elder had stepped forward to ask me. Once again, I remained silent and nonchalant.

　　"Aurora…I'm asking you a question. It is bad omen and bad on your part to not answer to our questions—"

　　"We lost it." Was all I could say,

　　"What…?" The fifth Elder stepped in, confusion and a bit of anger written over his forehead. I faced him, and he looked away from my gaze.

　　"We need to speak with more discretion. Please, arrange a meeting room with not even one of the guards placed anywhere near our vicinity. It is an order." Hearing the toughness in my voice, all the elders were taken aback.

　　I threw all the gear clothes on the floor as I walked behind the elders who were struggling to walk faster. I know they could sense the anger and rage from me. I didn't care if my pheromones were dominating and clouding their senses. All I wanted to know was that there was no one around, except for me and the elders.

　　"There is not a soul here except for just us now. Please proceed, Alpha Aurora." Having a stern yet monotonous voice, the third Elder asked me to start speaking. Taking a deep breath in, I began softly,

　　"Right before the artifact was snatched away from me, I heard a prophetic voice. I was using its powers, right there. I was feeling wary that something might happen. But it happened anyway." I said to the elders.

　　"Okay. And after that?" The fourth elder asked, I took a little moment, before i could gather the courage back to speak about the issue from my memory. How easily i was defeated by the betrayer.

　　"...did that really happen?" I nodded my head.

　　"How have you not acted out of impulse and dodged the kick? It must have been easier, isn't it?"

　　"That is where I think he had used the poison gas against us. There is no way he could react faster than me, unless my senses were numbed intentionally."

　　"That is a possibility."

　　"It wasn't a possibility, Elder. We all were drugged for real!"

　　Why was it so hard to converse with these old people!? Don't they pay attention to the words I was saying!?

　　"Tell us about the prophecy. The piece that you have heard. We need to figure out who is the one behind your parents' death as well." The third Elder and I were thinking almost cordially these days. This is the reason why I was feeling at home, without feeling like an outcast when they used to shun me for everything in the past.

　　"The prophetic words were these…"

　　Taking a deep breath in, I sighed and closed my eyes. The words as I remembered them, came out of my lips,

　　"There is a King above All…"