Chapter 8

THIRD PERSON’S POINT OF VIEW
Valeria was on her way to Cedo, a forest where the Oracle of the goddess lived. A woman who people said was the second most powerful creature after the goddess. She possessed many powers and started conjuring at seven. If people had problems, they would often come to her for advice, but Valeria feared Doris would be unable to help her.

She stood at the entrance of the forest with her backpack. She could hear the beasts in the forest make noises, the sound of birds chirping, and the swaying of tree tops in the wind. Valeria was on alert, knowing very well that she could get attacked by her so-called mate.
“Come in already.” A voice whispered from beside her. She quickly turned to where the voice came from, but saw no one. “You can’t see me.”
Valeria could sense that whoever the person was, she was having fun at the expense of her fear. “Show yourself.” Valerie ordered as she readied herself for an attack.
A woman with eyes the color of varnished wood and fiery red hair appeared in front of Valeria, causing her to fall on her butt. The lady chuckled before helping her get up.
“Queen Valerie, I’ve been expecting you.” The lady said.
Valeria dusted herself, taking in the lady’s appearance. Her hair was shoulder length, and she had a narrow build. She was clad in grey and black.
“Why? Since when?” She questioned, gazing at the young lady who seemed to enjoy making fun of people.
“Ever since you found out your mate was the human vessel of the god of destruction. Let’s go,” She grabbed a hold of Valeria’s wrist, “Doris doesn’t like to be kept waiting.”
“So you’re like Doris’ assistant?” Valeria asked.
“Yeah. She’s like a mom to me though.”
Valerie nodded her head in understanding, “What’s your name?”
“Azura.” She answered.
The two continued to walk, getting to know each other, until a house came into view. It was a small cottage, to be precise. Everything here had a mysterious feel to it. Azura led Valeria into the house and asked her to sit down, while she goes to call Doris.
Moments later, an elderly woman with hair the color of snow eyes the color of fresh grass came out from a room. In her right hand was a walking stick as she approached Valeria with Azura by her side.
“Your majesty.” The woman greeted, bowing her head in respect. Age didn’t matter in the supernatural world.
“No need for the formalities. Please call me Valeria.” She said.
Doris nodded, “Of course.”
She then walked to a wall and placed her hand on something and a staircase leading to somewhere could be seen. Doris turned to her. “Follow me.”
Valeria followed the old woman down the stairs and to a library. The place was well designed, unlike the house above. Shelves were neatly arranged in line with lots of books on them. Did she read all of them? In the corner of the room was a globe with markings on them. From where Valeria stood, she could tell the countries marked were the ones werewolves dwelled in.
“You didn’t come when I expected you to.” Doris said as she took a book from Azura. When Valeria said nothing, she asked, “Why?”
“I didn’t know my mate was the one. I had absolutely no idea my mate was the one to destroy us.” She looked down, sadness flowing in her veins like blood.
Doris placed a really ancient-looking book on the table and sat down, “It is difficult when it is your mate we’re talking about. I know you believe he is truly a monster because of your father’s death.”
When Valerie nodded, the woman laughed, “You all are missing the important thing. Do you remember what your witch friend said about not seeing something clearly?”
“Yes. What about it?” Valerie questioned.
“The truth behind your father’s death will soon be known to you.” Doris said, flipping through pages, “Why did you actually come to see me?” Doris asked a confused Valerie.
“I’m sure you’re already aware of the fact that my mate is the human vessel of a psycho destruction god,” Valerie said, “I need to kill him.”
Doris took a quick glance at the speaker of the words. She truly was surprised. Never in her life had she seen someone so determined to have her mate dead. It was truly strange to her.
“Because of who is in him or because of what he did to your father?”
Which was it? She had to save her people, but she also had to avenge her father’s death. Killing him would take care of both things, but was that what she wanted?
“Both. My people are in danger and I cannot let them die like my father did. What is Layton’s weakness?”
Valeria felt a lump in her throat. Would her father be happy she was trying to end the life of the one made for her? Would he be proud of her? Of course he would be proud of her.
“Are you sure you want to kill him?” Azura questioned.
Hearing Valeria talk about her other half like he was some monster actually scared Azura. “Are mates that terrible?” She thought.
“Yes. How do I do it?” She asked Doris.
“I do not know the weakness of a god, my child, but I know someone who does.”
“Who is that person?” An impatient she-wolf questioned.
Doris snapped her fingers repeatedly as she tried to remember something. “Aha!” She exclaimed, startling both Azura and Valeria.
“In the mountain of Mulnora, there is a woman by name Aethra. Once you find her, ask her to tell you what his weakness is. If she asks who sent you to her, tell her I did.”
Valeria almost jumped in happiness, “Thank you so much.” She clasped her hands together, feeling a bit hopeful.
“Do not thank me. Getting to her will be very difficult.”
Valeria still didn’t mind. She was determined to kill Layton, “I’ll still do it. How far from here?”
Doris turned to Azura, “A few days. Azura will go with you.”
Azura’s eyes widened, “Really? I can go with her? You mean it? Don’t change your mind, you’ve given me permission.”
Valeria almost laughed at the two. Doris shook her head and stood up, her left hand going to her waist.
“My waist,” she complained, massaging the area, “Back in the old days when I used to go get herbs from the mountain but now, I’m just a useless old woman.” She looked annoyed.
“Who called you old, Doris? I’m going to give them my signature punch.” Azura punched the air and jumped around like a pro fighter.
Doris picked up her walking stick and made to hit Azura with it. “What can you do? Go on up and make a place for our queen to sleep. Tomorrow you both shall leave for Mulnora.”
Azura mock saluted and Valeria saw Doris trying to not laugh. For a woman who possessed so much power, she was actually loving.
“Go Mulnora! Go Mulnora! Go-” Azura stopped when she saw Doris coming close to her with her walking stick. “I’m going, I’m going!” She yelled, hurrying up the stairs.
“Thank you, Doris.” Valeria sincerely said before going up.
Deep down, she wondered if she was making a mistake. Was she?