The Journey

A JOINT POV CHAPTER (CONVERSATIONS WOULD BE SPLIT BETWEEN NEW YORK & ALASKA)

NEW YORK

ADOLPH

It was cold, so cold.

The chilly weather, and the snow dropping softly from the sky even in the dark, made the atmosphere somewhat weary and drab save for the activities going on outside the mansion that made everywhere somehow lively.

Everywhere was dark already, as the journey was a night one, but still yet the lit up atmosphere, and the buzz going on made everywhere energetic.

Heaps of luggages filled the van, as servants and escorts all dressed in fur coats worked in unloading the vehicle as Adolph stood watching.

Today, was finally the day he was travelling to Alaska.

He had sorted out his business, handing everything over to Charles, his childhood friend, personal assistant and the only person he could trust in the whole of New York.

As for Cassandra, he had informed her that he would be traveling for a long business meeting, and writing a cheque of 5 million dollars to her, he had told her to have the time of her life, till his return.

She shouldn’t wait for him too, neither did he want her to see him as her boyfriend anymore.

She was free to do whatever she wanted.

She had been hysterical at first, blaming him for being distant the past few days all because he wanted to break up with her, and then she had even refused the cheque almost tearing it up, but he had calmed her down in the way he knew how to do best.

He had fucked her, parting sex maybe or whatever she called it, and then she had cried in his arms when they were done.

Well, he was done with everything here in New York.

He had cut ties with his flings, informed his business associates and investors that he would be away for a long time, and that they shouldn’t expect him anytime soon.

In all, he was done her and soon, he would be on his way to his hometown.

The first time since for ever, when he would be visiting Alaska, ever since he was little.

Ever since he had been born rather, and he could remember vividly back then when he was always asking questions about his maternal home.

Now, going to Alaska didn’t seem so much exciting as before, instead it felt the opposite.

He was feeling weary, anxious and there was this cloud of fear over him, and this nagging feeling at the back of his mind, that this journey was going to be an hectic one.

Not just the journey, but the purpose in which he was travelling home, was going to be tough, and rough too.

He wasn’t sure if he was well prepared, because the responsibilities that kept piling on top of his head was just too much to handle, but then there was nothing he could do.

He had to go home, as the sacred Keanu law demanded it, and also he had to ascend the empty throne and get to work.

Hands in pocket, his jaw ticking slowly, and watching as the servants and his people actually load the vans that was to convey everybody home he reminsced once again back to the old days, and the stories his father had told him about Alaska.

Alaska was just like a medieval – modern town.

It had the characteristics of what made up a city, with schools, electricity and most social amenities present in the town, but then the presence of witches, wizards werewolves and vampires, as well as the numerous rituals and happenings that went on in Alaska made it more medieval and going ages back in time.

He had heard so many rumors too, about the kind of clothing they wore, how they behaved, the distribution and characterization of pack houses, the distinct clans far and near, as well as the insane blood rituals that happened over there, and everything just felt surreal.

Like something out of a movie.

He had seen pictures, he had heard stories and now he was going to finally see everything and he was becoming nostalgic.

He didn’t…

“Adolph.”

He heard his name from behind, and cutting of his thoughts, Adolph turned to face two shadows, walking towards him, and as they approached him, the glow of the side lamp made him see that it was his uncle, who was also walking side by side with his mother.

“How is the preparation pulling of son.” His mother asked, coming to stand in front of him, as she gently caressed his face.

“Fine mom…” He cleared his throat, replying again, “It’s going fine.”

“You look tense.” Fenris said, coming to stand in front of him too, and Adolph almost scowled but he refrained from doing so.

Surely the old man had no idea, how nervous and tense he was feeling this instant.

Everything was just so foreign to him, and the underlying questions at the back of his mind, made everything even more worse for him, but he was just trying to keep his cool.

He needed to go to Alaska, bury his father, do the induction ceremony and ritual too just like they had told him, and when he had as done with everything, handing over the role of the clans to his beta and second in command, whom he was going to meet in Alaska, he would speedily return back to New York.

That place was definitely not for him, that he knew.

“Son…”

“Yes Mom.” He answered slowly, his eyebrows crinkling as he looked down at his mother.

She was grinning from ear to ear, and he was surprised at the mischievous way she was looking ay him too.

“What is it mom?” He asked already becoming confused, and he looked at his uncle too, but Fenris was walking away and at the same time shouting out orders to the people at work.

“You do know I can listen to your thoughts sometimes right?”

Oh well… Here we go again, he thought to himself rolling his eyes, and he felt his mother squeeze his arms softly while laughing.

“I know all this feels strange to you. I know everything is overwhelming, but in time it would become a part of you, and something you would be able to deal with okay. Soon you would be able to balance your files effectively, just like your father did, and son…” She paused, a smile appearing on her lips, she said, “Your father, would be so proud of you. I am.so proud of you.”

Adolph’s heart tightened a bit.

His mother’s words were getting to him, and at the same time it was making him feel so emotional.

“Mom…” He drawled, and removing his hands from his pocket, Adolph pulled her into his arms.

Giving her a tight hug and embrace, that he needed to.

She was his only companion for now, the only woman he could pour his heart out to, the only woman he could feel something for…

“It’s time to move.” Fenris announced, and disentangling himsef from the embrace, Adolph took her hands softly in his and together they walked to the Jeep that were going to convey the both of them specially to Alaska.

As for Fenris and Adolph’s trusted bodyguards, they were to use another high end luxury vehicle, and then the pack members and the long lost relatives that had been present ever since his father died, were all going to use the luxury vans he had purchased of recent.

Speaking to Fenris, and his head security, Adolph watched as everyone file in their respective cars, and then the large mansion gate was open and the vans started to leave in groups.

“Are you ready for this son?” Adolph heard Fenris ask from behind and he nodded not saying anything, before entering his Jeep.

He was not ready, maybe he would never ever be ready, but he was taking the bulls by the horn, and doing what was expected of him.

What lay ahead of him, was indeed going to be rough!

…….

ALASKA

DACIANA

Door creaking silently, feet shuffling hesitantly in the dark as she walked stealthily, Daciana held Ruby’s hands so tightly as they made their way out the shack they called a home.

They were finally leaving today, and their backpacks on their backs with their clothes all black worn to match the body, Daciana shuddered in fear as they embarked on this deadly mission.

It was almost 1pm, and everywhere was quiet safe for the sounds of crickets whistling silently, birds singing, and the rustle of rats around the house.

A rat passed by, almost jumping on her leg, and if not for Ruby’s tightening grip on her hand, squeezing tightly Daciana knew that she would have squealed loudly in fear.

Earlier today, they had planned their escape, which was already happening.

Ruby had informed her of the plan.

They would quietly sneak out of the house, without letting anybody know, and then they would proceed to the wild forest.

Her sister was familiar with the town, the hidden valley, and even the vast forest close to their house as she normally went there to get herbs for her spells, so Daciana already had the assurance that they would safely get out of the forest and into the main town Alaska.

They actually lived in the outskirts of the city, and being so isolated without having the audacity to leave the house like Ruby, who had so much freedom, Daciana was plainly clueless about her surroundings.

The only place she knew where the stream, the market and then the shack of a house they all lived in.

She had Ruby with her now, all would be well… She thought to herself and smiled in the dark, her hearts lifting up as they finally got to the exit of the fenced compound, and slowly, despite the ardent rustle of the wind, blowing up trees and making everything more scary, they both climbed out of the gated wood fence.

Daciana wiped her dusty hands on her dress, as she smiled stopping to pick her bag on the floor, and then she turned to face Ruby who was looking around trying to see if anyone had noticed them but they were alone.

“Finally… We did…” Daciana started to say, a smile on her face but Ruby interrupted, a hand on her lips, “Shhh… We’re not even anywhere yet. Just shut up quietly and follow me.”

Pouting her lips, and despite being a little bit angered at Ruby, Daciana knew she had no choice but to do as Ruby had said.

Ruby was right, and she couldn’t afford getting them caught, by Helene.

Nodding her head, Daciana continued following Ruby’s lead, as they rounded the fence and as they got farther away from the house, on Ruby’s note they started walking faster until soon they got to an open field, a bit far from where they had come out earlier, and then he’ll broke loose…

“Ruby, Daciana!” Someone shouted from behind, and immediately they froze at the same time.

Daciana was shocked, recognizing the voice and immediately fear overtook her.

“Let’s run…” She trembled as she shook Ruby’s hands furiously, but Ruby stood frozen, not making any attempt, and then that’s when Daciana knew that something dangerous was about to happen.

Ruby was tightening her grip, and Daciana could hear her chanting some words in Latin.

How had she noticed them?

They had been careful all through the night, and even while they were escaping so how?...

“You think you could run away from me. I heard your thoughts, I read your movements, even the food you made tonight with the sleeping herbs for my children, I detected everything. You think you can run away from me, you both were brought to this world to suffer and it’s my utmost responsibility to do that…” Helene said out loud cackling, answering Daciana’s questions and laughing evilly.

She was already trembling, with sweat all over her body, and she couldn’t move an inch as she looked around trying to see Helene but instead the ferocity of the wind blasting in the cold night and the snow falling, made it impossible for her to see anything.

She was invisible.

She was using dark magic…

“You would not touch me or my sister, you would not…” Ruby stopped talking, when Daciana let out a loud yell her screams echoing in all corners of the forest, and then she felt their hands being seperated by an invisible force.

Helene was using dark magic this was confirmed, and then Daciana felt a strike on her left arm, and then hypnotized already she fell to the floor, with her right hand holding Ruby’s legs tightly.

“Daciana, you have to stand up. You’re weak. Summon your powers, mine is supressing her aura, use yours…”

Ruby crouched down in front of her, dragging her heavy body on the bare ground, as she tried to move but she couldn’t.

It was as if, all her strength had been drained from her body and even with the rush of the wind she couldn’t hear what Ruby was saying.

Helene had done something to her, probably casted a spell on her and since she was not as strong as Ruby, it had affected her the most.

Something akin to thunder striked loud, followed by Helene’s invisible wicked laughter and then the wind started blowing immensely.

“Daciana…”

“Go, Ruby go…” She wailed, tears falling down her eyes as she tried to remove her hands from Ruby’s tight grip.

“I can’t leave you with this witch. I have no idea what she’s doing, but we can do it.”

“Go, Ruby go…” Daciana said again, this time crying out loud as she finally removed her hands from her sister’s grip.

“But…” Ruby said faintly, withdrawing back chanting some words, and Daciana interjected, saying slowly before closing her eyes as darkness took over, “Go Ruby. May the gods guide you…”