Beyond death

The Seer

Enzo's POV

We followed Marina as she led Alba and I to the alpha's dining soon. The moment the door swung open, the grandeur of the space struck me. The room was reminiscent of the Florentine Renaissance era, adorned with intricate details that whispered of a time when elegance and artistry were paramount.

A long, polished wooden table dominated the center, easily accommodating twenty guests. It was a testament to the historical richness surrounding us. I noticed Luna Isabella and Alpha Davide seated together at the midpoint, an embodiment of authority and unity. To their sides, the Beta and Gamma couples occupied their respective places, creating a harmonious balance.

Taking in the atmosphere, I observed Ale seated on the other side of Alba's designated place. As we settled in, I chose the other seat beside her, leaving two vacant chairs on my other side. Luna Isabella greeted us with a nod, focusing her attention on me.

"Alba, Alessandro, Enzo," Luna Isabella acknowledged, "It's an honor to have you all here. The two seats beside you, Enzo, are reserved for our seer and her daughter. They're running a bit late, but I'm sure they'll join us shortly."

The mention of a seer and her daughter intrigued me. The prospect of unraveling more about Silva Luporum and its mysteries heightened my curiosity. Anticipation hung in the air, and I eagerly awaited the unfolding secrets that lay ahead.

-

As we settled around the grand table, an enticing spread of antipasti adorned the surface, tempting our senses. My eyes swept over the colourful array of cured meats, including rich salami and delectable prosciutto-wrapped rock melon. Platters of olives, a medley of cheeses and other tantalising bites completed the ensemble.

The fragrance of assorted meats and cheeses wafted through the air, creating an irresistible allure. Luna Isabella's thoughtful arrangement allowed each of us to partake in the feast, fostering an atmosphere of communal enjoyment. The vibrant colours and textures mirrored the richness of their culture, and I couldn't help but appreciate the attention to detail that had gone into this display.

I reached for a slice of prosciutto-wrapped melon, savouring the perfect blend of sweet and savoury. The mingling of flavors of different cheeses and cured meats danced on my palate, offering a delightful prelude to the forthcoming conversation. The camaraderie around the table heightened the pleasure of the moment, and I eagerly anticipated the next course in this culinary journey within the heart of Silva Luporum.

-

As the omegas cleared our plates, the doors opened, making way for the seer and her daughter. The room buzzed with anticipation, but my attention focused on the girl by the seer's side. As they approached, an inexplicable tension gripped me.

Time seemed to halt as I recognised the familiar features of my mother, a woman I hadn't seen in fifteen years. Beside her stood a girl with hair spun from strands of sunlight, cascading in gentle waves that framed her face. Her eyes, a reflection of my own, held a glint of familiarity, as if they held the secrets of unspoken stories. The revelation hit me like a tidal wave, freezing me in place as I absorbed the striking details of her presence.

Breath caught in my throat, and I struggled to find words amid the rush of my emotions. My mother's eyes met mine, a blend of apology and understanding conveyed in that gaze.

"Enzo, my son, I'm so sorry for leaving without a word. It wasn't an easy choice," she began, her voice holding the weight of our years apart. "When I learned of her," she nodded to the girl beside her, "I saw the dark path your father and grandfather were taking. I fled to Silva Luporum, knowing it was the only safe haven. I had to protect her and you."

Her words hung in the air, a complex tapestry of regret and necessity. The room fell into a solemn hush as I grappled with the unexpected floor of emotions.

Emotions tangled within me as I struggled to find words, torn between the past and the present. My mother's sincerity was evident in her eyes as she continued, "Enzo, I'm so sorry I couldn't take you with me. It was crucial for the prophecy that you stay where you were."

Her words echoed with an ache of regret, and I nodded, still grappling with the impact of her revelations. My sister stood beside her, a living proof of the life I hadn't known existed. The connection in our features was unmistakable.

"Enzo, meet your sister, Claudia," my mother introduced, her voice holding a mixture of pride and sorrow. The air around us felt heavy with the weight of years lost.

My mother stood before me, a portrait of elegance and strength. The delicate curve of her nose mirrored the graceful lines of her lips, which held both the softness of a lullaby and the firmness of a well-spoken command. Her golden hair cascaded down, its length suggesting both timeless beauty and the wisdom acquired through the ages. As her eyes met mine, the glint within mirrored my own, creating a silent connection that transcended the spoken word. Lines etched with the passage of time adorned her face, adding a depth to the myriad of emotions stirred within me.

As Claudia spoke, her voice carried a shy warmth, "Hello, Enzo. I'm so happy to meet you finally." Her eyes, mirroring mine, held a mixture of curiosity and excitement, bridging the gap between the years we had missed knowing each other.

Feeling the weight of the unexpected revelation, Alba leaned over, her hand gently grasping mine for comfort. "Enzo, are you okay?" she whispered, concern etched in her eyes.

Clasping her hand tightly, I took a steadying breath and turned to my mother and sister. "This is Alba, my soulmate," I introduced, the warmth in my voice reflecting the newfound connection that had become the anchor in my life.

In the midst of the surprising revelation, my mother, Giorgia, turned her attention to Alba.

"Hello, Alba. I'm Giorgia," she said with a warm smile. "It's truly a pleasure to meet you. I knew your mother's family before I left Bracciano, and I can't wait to get to know you more." The unexpected connection between our families added another layer to the unfolding story, leaving me with a mix of emotions and a sense of anticipation for the chapters yet to come.

Luna Isabella's voice cut through the moment, "Now that our seer, Giorgia and her daughter Claudia, have arrived, and the revelation of their connection with Enzo, we can start our first course." The anticipation of the evening's offerings heightened as omegas skillfully brought out the first course – a tantalizing dish of al dente spaghetti bathed in a rich, savory marinara sauce, adorned with fresh basil and a generous dusting of Parmesan. The aroma alone hinted at a culinary experience that matched the richness of the unfolding story.

As I delved into the first course, the fragrant aroma of the marinara sauce embraced my senses. The al dente spaghetti danced on my tongue, a perfect balance of chewiness and tenderness. Each forkful carried the robust flavors of tomatoes, garlic, and basil, creating a symphony of tastes that ignited my palate. My glances towards my mother were subtle, a mixture of curiosity, nostalgia, and the simple joy of reconnecting. The meal became more than sustenance; it was a communion of flavors and emotions, intertwining with the unfolding family reunion.

As the flavours of the pasta danced on my tongue, I found myself caught in a swirl of emotions. It was surreal to sit next to my mother, tasting the richness of reconnection in every bite. My eyes kept gravitating toward her, and the unspoken words that hung in the air felt heavy with years of longing.

"I never thought you were dead, you know," I finally confessed, the weight of the revelation echoing in the dimly lit room.

My mother's stare met mine with a depth of understanding. "You don't have to say anything, Enzo. We have time," she reassured me, her words carrying the promise of a renewed connection, a chance to bridge the gap that time had imposed.

The omegas swiftly cleared the remnants of the pasta course, making way for the secondo of our culinary journey. A tantalising aroma wafted through the air as the new dishes arrived, adorned with a succulent roast of prime beef at the center. The meat, cooked to perfection, exuded a mouthwatering fragrance of savory spices and herbs that teased my senses.

Beside the roast lay a generous portion of roasted rosemary potatoes, their golden exteriors promising a crispy delight with every bite. Accompanying the hearty main course were vibrant sautéed spinach leaves, drizzled with a delicate olive oil and sprinkled with finely grated Parmesan cheese. It was a feast for both the eyes and the palate, a testament to the culinary prowess of this wolfpack.

As I savoured the roast, the tender beef yielding to each forkful, and indulged in the perfectly roasted rosemary potatoes, I couldn't help but appreciate the care and skill that went into crafting such a delectable meal. The freshness of the sautéed spinach added a delightful contrast, creating a harmonious symphony of flavors that elevated the dining experience. The warmth of the gathering, coupled with the exceptional food, created an atmosphere of shared joy and belonging.

As the delectable aroma of the roast filled the air, Alba's eyes widened in appreciation. "This is honestly the best meal I've ever had," she exclaimed, a genuine sense of delight evident in her expression.

I couldn't help but nod in agreement, savouring the flavours that danced on my palate. "Absolutely, it's exceptional," I concurred.

As the last savoury bites of the roast disappeared, the anticipation for the grand finale grew. The omegas swiftly cleared the plates, making way for the crowning jewel of the meal – a luscious tiramisu. The air was filled with the subtle scent of coffee, promising a delightful ending to our dining experience.

With a sense of eagerness, dessert plates adorned with delicate layers of tiramisu were placed before us. The velvety texture of mascarpone, the perfect balance of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, and a dusting of cocoa created a heavenly ensemble. The fragrance of coffee wafted through the air, complementing the sweet notes of the dessert.

As we indulged in the decadent tiramisu, the richness of the flavors left a lingering satisfaction. The coffee served alongside added a welcome touch, creating a harmonious blend that marked the conclusion of our exquisite meal.

The final bites of tiramisu marked the end of the enchanting dinner, and Luna Isabella gracefully addressed the gathering. "Now that our meal is concluded, I would like our seer, Giorgia, and Alpha Davide to join us, along with Enzo, Alba, and Alessandro in my office. Please follow me," she announced, her regal presence guiding the way to the subsequent destination.