Chapter 10: Echoes of the Past
1527 Words
Third POV:
Suddenly finding herself standing in front of the palace (pack's house), Laura walked in and noticed everyone was quiet and the atmosphere rather cold. As she continued walking, her eyes met the teary eyes of some of the pack members.
She picked up all the pieces together and it finally occurred to her that she was back to the day her parents had died. She didn't expect that the moon goddess would take her this time. She had to relive the death of her beloved family though she hadn't been sure when she would have been taken, but here she was.
She walked into the palace without asking anyone what was going on this time. After walking down to her parent's room and opening the door, she found her father's and mother's bodies lying side by side on the bed like the last time.
She knew she had to be strong even though it wasn't easy living this part of her life all over again.
" I am so Sorry Dad, Mom, I have failed you guys.'' She lamented bitterly.
" But I promise to correct my mistakes this time around. I don't know how but trust me, I will figure it out." She continued, speaking to the lifeless bodies before her.
" Are you okay Laura? I am sorry about your loss but you have to leave right now.'' Came the voice of the murderer and traitor Elder Magnus, Laura thought.
Her hands rolled into a tight fist as she tried to remain calm, trying not to make a scene. She remained on her parents’ bed ignoring the instructions of the Chief Elder, to the shock of other elders and the guards present.
" Laura, your parents’ bodies need to be taken now as per the ritual dear.'' Another elder said trying to reason with the grieved child of their late Alpha and Luna.
" What happened to them? Do any one of you care to explain that to me? What killed my parents, your leaders?.'' She asked not facing them.
" The Alpha was found dead outside in the woods just outside the pack's main house, he seemed to have been killed by rogues, following the bites and injuries on his body.'' A guard explained.
" And where were you and his other guards when this happened? Where was his Beta?." She questioned slamming her first on the bed this time.
" I ...am..so.. try...miss, he had re..que..stead to be a.lo..ne and his beta had just got back from an ass..ign..ment and was asked by the Al..pha to go home and re..st.'' The guard stammered while explaining.
" And Luna? She furthered her question as tears rolled down her cheeks again already knowing the answer he wanted to give.
" She slumped and died a few hours after receiving the news about the death of the Alpha.'' He replied.
" Enough with the questions Laura, time is not on our side. The rites need to be carried out now.'' Magnus replied before Laura could further question them.
She stared at the man who she watched not too long ago murdering her father, with so much hatred in her heart all she wanted was to end his life at that very moment.
She finally left the room without greeting the elders. She retired to her room.
She had told the maidens who were with her that she needed space and wanted to be alone. She had informed them to let Sonia in when she came because she knew that she would be there to see her anytime soon.
" Oh my Goodness Laura, I heard what happened, please stop crying already Laura, I understand your pain.'' Sonia walked into her room trying to console her.
" Really? Do you understand Sonia?.'' Laura questioned her staring into her eyes hoping to find a bit of guilt but found none.
" What?'' Sonia asked nervously.
But Laura maintained silence.
" Why would you ask me something like that? Of course, you know I understand, I lost my parents too, remember? I am surprised you are asking this Laura.'' Sonia replied, staring at Laura.
Laura knew she had to be calm, she couldn't risk them getting a hint of what was going on in her head, and she couldn't help risking everything with outbursts like this.
" Hmm...I am sorry Sonia, of course, I remember you had lost your parents too, I...am just tired and grieved I guess." She said
Signing, Sonia nodded.
" It's fine, you don't have to apologize, I was shocked by your sudden outburst but I do understand that you are grieving my friend. I want you to remember that you still have me, okay? She said assuring her.
" Thank you.'' She replied forcing a smile.
" You know what's next after this, so you must put yourself together,” Sonia said, reminding Laura of her deceit with every single word.
As expected, she had the poisoned cookies and juice with her.
" Here, I brought you these, I hope they make you feel a little better, especially with your present mood.'' She added as she handed them over to her.
" Thank you,'' Laura said keeping them aside.
" Aren't you going to have them now? I specifically ensured the juice was freshly squeezed, just as you like it.'' Sonia asked, surprised at her friend's reaction.
" I will just have them later, I am not in the mood for them right now". Laura responded.
" But you usually have them immediately, and you don't like them stale, why are you keeping them aside now? She questioned Laura not sure what was going on in her head.
" Well, I guess every day can't be the same right? Like I said, I will have them later." Laura added.
Sonia stared at her, her heartbeat quickening, not knowing what to do anymore. She never thought she would ever reject or keep her treats aside.
"Hmm... okay, if you insist. I guess you can always have them later.'' She cleared her throat replying.
" I have to join the elders downstairs, care to join me?'' Laura asked her, trying not to sound sarcastic.
" Sure, let's go,'' Sonia responded.
Laura rolled her eyes at her former best friend's response as she walked downstairs. As she got to the living room, she heard Magnus's voice;
"That's the best time. We should start making preparations for the burial,” Magnus the eldest chief said coming to a final decision on the burial date.
" With all due respect to the elders, aren't you people rushing to bury my parents? I mean, no thorough investigation has been carried out regarding the Alpha's sudden death, all I have heard is speculation about him being attacked by some rogues, what if that's not the case?'' Laura said, interrupting their meeting. She said the last part deliberately staring at Magnus.
" I don't think that's necessary Laura, it is very clear that our Alpha was deliberately killed by rogues, the claw marks and bruises are enough evidence,'' Magnus said intercepting her.
" Claw marks and bruises? Is that all?'' She surprisingly questioned the elders and others.
" I mean, are there specific claw marks for rogues? These bruises and claw marks you speak of could have also been easily left by a pack member as well.'' She said, wanting them to see reasons with her.
" A pack member? Magnus scoffed, " That's ridiculous Laura, those claw marks were left by rogues and I confirmed it myself.'' Magnus insisted.
" Really? If that's true, then I have nothing else to say.'' She smirked and crossed her legs.
" Please, go on with the meeting, I apologize for the interruption.'' She continued before leaving the pack's house.
She walked out far into the woods before screaming at the top of her lungs as she broke down and cried.
Laura needed to see her father's Beta, she had questions she needed his answers to.
Getting to the Beta's house, she knocked at the door and was welcomed by her father's Beta, Beta Julian.
“ Good evening Beta Julian, I am to barge in on you unannounced like this.’’ She greeted.
“It's fine Laura, but is there a problem? You don't look so good.’’ He inquired, surprising Laura with the question.
“Judging from the look on your face, it seems that you are not aware of the Alpha's death yet.’’ She responded, voice laced with surprise.
“What? The Alpha's dead? That's not possible, I saw him a few hours ago.’’ He replied, raising his voice, as he sounded so shocked by the news.
Maxwell hearing the sound of his father's voice, worriedly ran downstairs to find out what was happening.
He was surprised to see Laura, his mate seated in his living room.
“Laura?’’ He called out.
Laura turned, trying to find out who had called her name. Seeing Maxwell, her wolf leaped for joy, longing for the Beta's Son. Surprised at her wolf's reaction, she walked slowly towards him.
“ Mate’’. She finally said before losing consciousness
- Writer
