Chapter 11: The Order's Sanctuary
825 Words
Selam stood in the grand hall of the Order of the Lycan, surrounded by unfamiliar faces. She felt respected because when she entered they all rose from where they sat around the huge round table.
"Welcome, Selam. We're glad you're safe.Please take a seat,"Ariana said with a warm smile.She was wearing yet another vintage dress that made her look elegant and classic.The rest of the members of the Order were also dressed in vintage clothing.Selam was grateful to Kofi who had picked out the dress for her to wear.
Kofi opened a chair for her and stood beside her with a straight posture and he looked serious like a bodyguard. The members of the Order sat after she had taken her seat at the table."Selam, the Order has been protecting the Lycan bloodline for centuries. You're the last female Lycan, after a pandemic wiped out most of our kind,"Ariana said taking Selam's attention from Kofi.
Selam was confused about the pandemic. She had never heard of it.She was about to ask when one of the elders continued from where Ariana had left "The virus was engineered to target those Lycan blood but it also affected those of werewolf blood. It almost destroyed our entire species but fortunately we managed to make the anti-virus,"
Ariana continued, "But you're not alone, Selam. We'll teach you how to control your abilities, and how to protect yourself."Selam felt a mix of emotions. She was the last of her kind...but she wasn't alone.All her life ,the life she could remember her grandmother was her only support.It all felt surreal that she was important to someone.
The Order began explaining Selam's training, and her role in the Lycan community. As they spoke, Selam realized she had a lot to learn.
Kofi leaned in after he noticed that his mate was having feelings of self doubt, "I'll be with you every step of the way, Selam.Keep your head held high,"he said low enough for only her ears.
Selam smiled, feeling a sense of relief. She wasn't in this alone.She liked how Kofi's presence no longer suffocated her ,infact it empowered her and she was starting to really believe that he was her soulmate.
The Order began to discuss the pandemic and the virus, Selam's curiosity piqued. "What caused the pandemic?" she asked.Ariana's expression turned grim, everyone in the room had bad memories because of the pandemic.Some had watched their wives,husbands, children and relatives die because of the virus.. "We're not entirely sure but we do have suspicions.Your father thought that we should not dismiss the fact that one of the werewolf-Lycan communities got greedy and wanted to destroy their own kind to rule the world,"Ariana said.
Selam's instincts told her there was more to it. "Do you have a specific name?"The room fell silent. Ariana glanced at Kofi, then back at Selam.
"We think it was the European community that made the deliberate attack," Ariana said finally. "Someone targeted the Lycan bloodline. We think they are the ones that killed your parents and they are after you, Selam."
Selam's heart skipped a beat.She was scared for her life and knew she'd be helpless against who ever it is that wanted her gone. "Why me?"she asked.
Kofi's eyes locked onto hers. "I think it is because you're the last female Lycan, Selam.No female Lycan survived the pandemic except for you and your mother.You carry the key to our survival."
Selam's mind spun. What did it mean? She needed to learn more.
The Order began outlining their plan to protect Selam and uncover the truth behind the pandemic.They spoke, Selam felt a sense of determination growing.
She would uncover the truth. She would protect her smiled, feeling a sense of calm.
The meeting ended.Selam knew this was just the beginning.
Selam stood outside the grand hall, taking a deep breath of the fresh air. Kofi joined her, his eyes serious.
"Hey," he said softly. "You okay?"
Selam nodded. "Yeah. Just processing everything."
Kofi leaned against the railing. "The Order will help you, Selam. We'll figure this out."
Selam looked at him. "What do you think happened? Who would attack a Lycan?"
Kofi's expression was grim. "I don't know. but I have a feeling we will find out soon enough."
Loki wandered out, nudging Selam's hand. She smiled, scratching behind his ears.
Ariana appeared beside them. "Selam, we'll start your training soon. The high priestess, Alessa, will work with you."
Selam nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. "When does it start?"
Ariana smiled. "Tomorrow night. Alessa will guide you through the basics of being a Lycan."
Selam's mind reeled with questions. But for now, she just nodded.
Kofi leaned in. "I'll be with you, Selam."
The day wore on, with Selam learning more about the Order and her place in it. As they parted ways, Selam felt a sense of determination.
She would learn, she would grow, and she would uncover the truth.
- Writer
