Beyond death

Ponte della Maddalena - The devil’s bridge

Alba POV

I had chosen a light blue muslin gown, its high waist and flowing skirts catching the gentle breeze. The warmth of early summer caressed my skin, the fine embroidery at the hem reflecting the care I had taken in preparing for this journey. A straw bonnet shielded my face from the sun, ribbons tied neatly beneath my chin. Beside me, Enzo adjusted his dark riding coat over a crisp linen shirt, his breeches tucked into well-worn riding boots. The subtle elegance of his attire matched his composed demeanor, though his eyes sparkled with quiet excitement.

Zio Alessandro, ever casual yet practical, wore a simple cotton shirt beneath a waistcoat, his dark trousers showing signs of wear from frequent travel. Zia Giulia’s gown was a deep forest green, the flowing fabric trimmed with lace. A delicate shawl draped across her shoulders added a touch of modesty and elegance, while her sturdy boots revealed her readiness for the journey ahead.

Mounted on horseback, we followed the winding roads toward Borgo a Mozzano, the clip-clop of hooves echoing through the stillness of the countryside. As the shadows lengthened, the town’s cobbled streets came into view, welcoming us with the charm of a bygone age.

The air in Borgo a Mozzano carried the scents of fresh bread and wildflowers, mingling with the soft hum of life that filled the town square. Locals paused to watch us pass, their gazes curious but warm. At the edge of the town, we dismounted and entrusted our horses to the stablekeeper, who assured us they would be well cared for.

Ahead of us loomed the Ponte della Maddalena, the Devil’s Bridge. Its arches rose gracefully over the Serchio River, the stonework weathered but steadfast, as though it had witnessed countless tales of triumph and despair. The late afternoon sunlight cast long shadows across its surface, and I felt a shiver of anticipation as we approached.

“It’s magnificent,” I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper.

Enzo nodded beside me. “A testament to both human ingenuity and the weight of legends.”

Legend spoke of a pact made with the devil to construct the bridge. The townsfolk, desperate to complete the task, had tricked the devil by sending a dog across as the first soul to cross the span, sparing themselves from his grasp. As we stood before the bridge, its history seemed to echo through the stones, a reminder of the cunning and resilience required to navigate life’s challenges.

We began our crossing, the air growing cooler as the river’s murmur rose beneath us. Halfway across, a figure emerged from the shadows, ethereal and otherworldly. A fae, with shimmering skin and eyes like liquid gold, blocked our path. Its voice carried a melodic yet unsettling tone.

“Travelers seeking passage, your journey is marked by fate,” it said, a mischievous smile playing on its lips. “But the bridge demands tribute, a test of wit and will. Answer my riddle, and you may pass. Fail, and the bridge shall keep you.”

Zio Alessandro stepped forward, his stance confident but cautious. “We accept your challenge, guardian of the bridge. Pose your riddle.”

The fae’s grin widened as it began:

“In bagliori lunari e ombre profonde,

Un regno segreto dove gli echi strisciano.

Pronuncia il suo nome, lontano e vicino,

Il rifugio delle fate, cos’è, caro?”

“In moonlit glow and shadows deep,

A secret realm where echoes creep.

Speak its name, both far and near,

The fae’s haven, what is it, dear?”

We huddled together, whispers passing among us. Giulia’s brow furrowed in thought. “Moonlit glow... shadows... a secret haven,” she mused aloud. “Could it be Avalon?”

The fae’s eyes widened, and it laughed, a sound like chiming bells. “Wrong,” it said, the word laced with amusement. “Two guesses remain.”

Enzo spoke next, his voice steady. “Is it Tir na nóg, the Land of Youth?”

The fae’s grin grew wider. “Close, but not quite. One guess left, travelers.”

Alessandro’s face lit with realization. “Domus de Janas,” he said firmly. “The Houses of the Fairies.”

The fae’s expression shifted to one of respect. “You are clever, travelers. Domus de Janas it is. You may pass.” With a wave of its hand, the air shimmered, and the fae vanished, leaving the path ahead clear.

Relief washed over us as we continued across the bridge, stepping into the forested lands beyond. The dense canopy of ancient oaks and chestnuts filtered the sunlight, casting dappled patterns on the mossy ground. The scent of pine and wildflowers filled the air, and the gentle rustle of leaves created a symphony of nature.

Hours into our journey, a figure emerged from the shadows. A man, his russet-brown hair tied back, stood tall and imposing. His eyes, sharp and assessing, bore the duality of human intelligence and wolfish instincts.

“What brings you to Silva Luporum territory?” he asked, his deep voice resonating with authority.

Before I could speak, Giulia gasped softly. The man’s gaze had shifted to her, his expression softening as he murmured, “Mate.”

A blush rose to Giulia’s cheeks as the man stepped closer, his movements both cautious and deliberate. “I am Luca,” he said, his tone gentle as he reached for her hand. “You are my mate.”

Alessandro cleared his throat, breaking the moment. “Luca, we come seeking the Luna’s guidance. My niece, Alba, has a connection to the prophecy of this land. We need answers.”

Luca tore his gaze from Giulia, nodding solemnly. “Follow me. The Luna will want to hear of this.”

As we followed him, Luca turned to us, his voice steady. “The Luna, Alpha Davide, and the Beta, Marco, will be waiting to greet you. They have been expecting your arrival.”

As we followed Luca deeper into the forest, the trees began to thin, and a sense of anticipation settled over us. The fading light of day painted the canopy in shades of amber and gold, casting an ethereal glow over our path.

Luca turned to address us, his tone steady and purposeful. “When we arrive, you’ll meet our leaders. Luna Isabella and Alpha Davide have awaited your arrival with great interest. They are wise and fair, but they will expect honesty and respect. You’ll also meet Marco and Elena, the Beta couple, and Angelo and Isadora, the Gamma pair. Together, they form the foundation of Silva Luporum.”

His words carried a weight of reassurance, but also of caution. “Luna Isabella, in particular, will want to speak with Alba. She has a gift for sensing connections within the pack.”

As we pressed on, the dense forest whispered secrets of the land, and the distant sounds of the pack became faintly audible—a soft murmur of life that hinted at the community awaiting us. The tension within me eased slightly as I glanced at Enzo. His calm presence grounded me, even as uncertainty flickered at the edges of my thoughts.

The first sight of Silva Luporum was breathtaking—a hidden sanctuary cradled within the forest’s embrace. But before we could fully take it in, Luca paused and turned back to us. “Beyond this point lies the heart of Silva Luporum. Prepare yourselves. You’re stepping into a place where the past and present converge, and where your journey truly begins.”