Mark of the Goddess

Chapter 13 - Answers

Eldwin’s POV

I stared up at my father, waiting for him to explain things.

“Talisma Thunderhoof." A purebred werewolf. One of the purest. She was born and raised in the Silverblood pack. She was the head warrior trainer because she did not have a mate and could bear no children of her own,” My father spoke as he walked over to the window behind me. “I do not know her relationship with Tesla, but I know that she was the absolute best warrior I had ever seen. I’ve met her a few times in person. I offered her a position among my own pack. She refused because her sister was the mate of one of their best warriors. She had been giving me information on what was happening in the pack, as a way of apologizing to me for declining my offer. Normally I would only scan through short letters from other packs. However, when I read her letters, she spoke of how things seemed to be getting worse. She had not mentioned names, but spoke about the oldest daughter of Soloman acting out against other children. She told me that the alpha was starting to lose himself after his mate and one of the infants died during childbirth. Only one child survived.” None of us spoke. We just concentrated on every word that left his lips. Soloman turned back to us.

“His eldest daughter had developed some supernatural abilities soon after and she would be with her father everywhere he went. She would speak as if she were far much older than she looked. Talisma tried to speak to Soloman alone, but was always cut short whenever the girl would enter the room. She had suspected that this girl was doing something to Soloman. She barely saw the new baby. Soloman had told her that another mother was taking care of it until she was older. Talisma coerced Soloman to tell her where the child was at. Surprisingly, he told her and she said that she would be helping the little child. Three years passed and the child was brought back into the pack house. Being hidden away, other than training, Talisma wouldn’t see or hear from the child until the next session. Although she did try her best to bring the poor girl out of the pack house to train longer and often. This little girl would tell her what her older sister would do to her, but didn’t dare speak against her father.” Tesla. Even as a child you were still strong and loyal to your alpha. If only it were under different circumstances. 

“From what Talisma had told me, this older sister would beat and torture her. When Talisma asked about Soloman, the little girl wouldn’t say anything.” Archek paused for a moment. “I had not heard from Talisma for the next two years. Then suddenly there was an urgent message from her. Soloman was losing his mind and had his warriors train until they killed each other. She feared for the little girl’s life. Telling me in her message that she was special.”

“Did you not ask her why? Did you even know it was in fact Tesla?” I said as I fought back a growl. They had done so much to my mate at such a young age. 

“At the time I was more concerned for the pack as a whole. Once an alpha goes mad, they can turn the whole pack mad. You know this,” Archek said as he walked back around to the front of my desk. “When Talisma said that this girl was special, I thought that she had grown to see the girl as her own daughter. Having helped her grow until she was three, that bond was made.” 

“With all due respect, Alpha King,” Allen spoke up. Archek turned his head towards him. “Is this what led up to their betrayal?” Archek nodded. 

“It was. I did not hear from Talisma for a few more years.  Until the week before the battle. There was another letter that stated Soloman was planning to overthrow me, instead of challenging me.” I remember the anger I felt as a child. I wanted to fight with my father’s pack and kill those who would do harm to my family. 

“The night of the battle, I had scouts search the area and see what they were planning. Through the pack link they said that they had a woman on a stage and a large bonfire. When they described her, I knew they were referring to Talisma. Soloman said that he was poisoned and the betrayers would be banished. So I ordered them to circle around and wait for my signal. I heard their howls as we made our approach.” My father looked past me and out the window as if he was still there on the battlefield. “I ordered everyone to leave the children alive, in hopes that they could be saved. So we went in for the attack. Killed every last adult.” 

I watched as my father’s eyes began to tear up a bit. I have never seen my father cry. For him to tear up at his own tale, told me that he definitely hated doing what he did. 

“It wasn’t until after the battle and the children were rounded up, that I found Talisma’s body. Her arms still bound and her throat slit open. Thinking back on it, I do remember seeing blood drops and rope a foot away from her. I am going to assume it’s safe to say that Tesla was banished from the pack, before our assault took place. That all those letters mentioning a little girl, were all about Tesla.” We all stood there in silence. 

“It’s true.” We all turned to see Tesla leaning against the door. I was so focused on my father’s words that I had not sensed her coming in. She was wearing a tight fitting tank top with loose pajama shorts. 

“Hello Tesla. It’s good to finally meet the famed Marked One,” My father spoke as he turned around and bowed his head. Tesla looked exhausted but her eyes were a mixture of sadness and acceptance. That’s when her scent hit me. That sweet scent of hers. It was like a breath of fresh air to my lungs. My father took a step towards her, before Skald and Tally jumped up and stood in front of her. Giving him warning growls. My father bowed to them respectfully.

“The. Pleasure. Is all mine, Alpha King,” She said with hesitation as she trembled. She turned her gaze between each of us. I nodded at her, attempting to tell her that everything was alright. “Talisma was a brave and respectable warrior. She was so kind and strict. Everything she taught me, everything she taught the other young warriors was more than just about fighting. It was respecting a life even in battle.” Tesla let a sad smile curl on her beautiful face. Tesla looked up at my father. “She told me much about her pen pal and how they would come to save us. I’m assuming that you were that pinpal.” Archek nodded his head. I could see that he was ashamed.

“I’m sorry to ask this of you Tesla, but I need to know your side of the story,” my father said as he took a step away from her. Skald and Tally slightly relaxed as he did. Tesla looked away. Contemplating on if she should or if she even wanted to. I heard her take in a deep breath as she closed her eyes for a moment. Tesla straightened herself up and held her head up. 

“That day,” She began as she shifted her weight uncomfortably. I wanted to go comfort her, but she looked as if she was traveling back into her memories. I did not want to interrupt her, when she was trying so hard to contain herself. “I woke up to my sister beating me. All the while, smiling. She told me that everything would end soon. That her plans were finally being put into motion. That, neither I or anyone else, would get in her way. After an hour of her abuse, she told me to prepare my father his morning coffee. It was like any normal day, really.” My blood boiled as I fought back my growls. There was nothing I could do to the past, but it still had me wanting to kill someone. Tesla took a shaky breath. “A few minutes later, I heard my father throwing up. So I went to him. He was dying. I knew he was. I didn't know how I knew, but I did. So I cried. I don’t know why I did, after the way he had treated me. I watched his body go limp and when I saw his almost lifeless body on the floor I howled. All the while clinging to him.  Next thing I know I was being whipped in the dungeons. Talisma appeared and told me that everyone thinks I poisoned him.”

Tesla’s eyes began to tear up as she just stared at the floor. I went to go towards  her but my father held me back. I almost growled at him. His face was stern yet sad. A hint of anger in his eyes. 

“All I told her was that I didn’t do it. I watched her disappear for a moment. The warriors bound my wrists and brought me outside. I was so weak and couldn’t hardly stand. So they dragged me most of the way. There my father stood. I was scared, shocked and confused. He called us betrayers. That we had planned it together. Talisma tried to defend me, but he-” She paused as tears began to escape her eyes. “h-h-he slit her throat and all I did was watch.” Those tears poured down her face. She looked up at all of us. “I couldn’t. Protect. Her.” My father lowered his hand and allowed me to comfort my mate. I glared at him as I brought her into my arms and held her tightly. She sobbed heavily. Repeating those words. Skald and Tally whimpered as they tried pushing her out of the room. 

“You were a kid back then. There’s no way you could’ve saved her,” I said in an attempt to console her. She shook her head. 

“No! I was a coward! I ran! I ran away!” She cried out. “I saved that bastard but didn’t save her!” I looked over at my father.

He seemed to feel her pain. He looked like he was giving her the respect that she has fought for her whole life. I felt tears begin to form in my own eyes as I held her and rocked her back and forth. 

~~

Archek’s POV

After hearing the young woman’s story, everything began to make more sense. I am beyond mad. The fact that I did not know that she had the mark. The fact that she was treated like she was nothing. I had my doubts before, but now I am certain that this young woman is nothing like the other Silverblood members. Not even the other adolescents showed this much sympathy. She held in all of this for years, I imagine. Not able to properly mourn the loss of someone close to her. Until now. 

“Eldwin,” I said as softly as I could. My son looked at me. I saw that he was feeling what she felt and I felt guilty that I held him back from her. I needed to know the truth and she needed to get at least one thing off her chest. “Why don’t you bring your mate back to your room and take care of her. The ceremony will take place tomorrow morning at first light.” Eldwin brought Tesla out of the office, immediately. I stood there in silence as guilt began to overtake me. I should’ve asked more questions. I should’ve paid more attention to Talisma’s letters. 

“Alpha King?” I heard Alex speak with concern in his voice. Breaking from my thoughts.

“Allen, Alex,” I finally said, but didn’t turn to look at them

“Sir?” They both said. 

“Where is Amelia Silverblood being held?” I asked as I crossed my arms over my chest. 

“She’s been placed in solitary. Down at the dungeons,” Alex said. 

“Alpha Queen asked us to not approach Amelia just yet,” Allen spoke up. I nodded. 

“Have there been any cryptid sightings since Eldwin left for Sunstone Pride?” I asked as suspicion began to run through my head. There was silence for a moment. 

“No sir,” Allen said with curiosity and a sense of realization. 

“I see.” I turned towards them. “I think it’s time we had a chat with the late Alpha’s daughter. Prep her for questioning.” 

~~

Allen’s POV

The look in the Alpha King’s eyes when he said that had me wanting to run out of the room. Instead Alex and I walked at a fast pace. As soon as we were out of the office we bolted down the stairs. 

“Damn, that man can be scary,” Alex said as we walked out of the Pack house. I scoffed.

“Yeah. No kidding. Now I know where Eldwin got that from.” I half joked. Alex chuckled nervously. 

“You think that Alpha King is going to torture her?” Alex huffed out. I shook my head. I honestly had no clue what he was thinking. Regardless, we needed to figure out when, where and how she obtained wolfsbane and inject Tesla. 

“Yo, Alex! Allen!” We both turned around as Edward and Erron approached us. Being twins to Eldwin they managed to look slightly different just by their personalities and styles. If I didn’t know them, I wouldn’t have guessed that they were all triplets. However, growing up with them showed me the big differences in their personalities, alone. Edward had light freckles around his cheeks and Erron had not a single blemish. Edward wore his hair long and Erron’s was cut military style. Eldwin was a mixture of both. Minus the freckles.

“Where are you guys off to? Breakfast will be gone if you guys don't go dig in,” Edward said. Just like him to try to be a father figure to everyone. 

“Alpha Archek is sending us on a special mission,” Alex said proudly. I rolled my eyes. 

“We have to prep a prisoner,” I said as I ran my fingers through my hair. 

“Oh? That uh, Silverblood girl right? Amelia?” Erron said as he snapped his fingers. Trying to remember the name. 

“Yeah,” I said. 

“Psycho b***h, huh? Does this have something to do with our new sister-in-law?” Erron said as his grin faded. I nodded. 

“We’re coming with you and we’ll bring our men. More eyes to make sure she doesn’t try anything,” Edward said as he paused for a moment. Pack linking. With the Featherman boys, there was no stopping them when someone in their family was at risk. Tesla may not be in immediate danger and they may have not met Tesla yet, but she was important to their brother. The one thing that had me distracted was the way Archek asked about the cryptids. It had me more than a bit worried. 

“Explain everything to us,” Erron said as he began walking towards the training grounds. 

As we made our way down the path, Alex and I told them everything. They were livid. Even though they haven’t met Tesla, I am sure they heard much about her from Ella and Naomi. 

A few men approached us along with L.J., Cassie and Kosovo. I told them what we were about to do. Kosovo and L.J. happily joined us. Cassie headed back to the house.  Allen and I led our group down past the training grounds. Everyone made small talk. I stayed silent. What would be the connection between the lack of cryptids and Eldwin leaving. Not that I wasn’t glad that we hadn’t seen them, but thinking about it made no sense. Were the cryptids after Eldwin? DId they follow our alpha away from the mountain? More questions than answers at this point and my head was starting to hurt, trying to figure it out. 

As we approached the protruding doors of the bunker, two wolves came from around the overgrown mound. They both shifted. 

“Beta Allen,” They both said with a bow. I bowed back. 

“Alpha King Archek has asked us to prep the isolated prisoner for questioning,” I said as I placed my hands in my pockets. They both nodded and shifted into their wolves and stood on either side of the doors. I walked forward and opened the doors. Erron and Edward told a few of their packmates to hang out outside and make sure to watch for cryptids. Alex and I lead the rest down the steep staircase to a landing. Then walked down another set of stairs. There was a hallway that led to cells that would hold minor prisoners. I grabbed a key that goes to the solitary cell room, from the board that had keys and numbers. 

“Is my father going to be the one to question her?” Erron asked as I led everyone down another set of stairs. 

“I’m not sure honestly,” I said as I glanced back at him. Erron grumbled as everything fell silent. As we reached the bottom of the second level of cells, I stopped for a moment as the sound of Amelia singing filled the emptiness. I looked down the hall at the solitary confinement door. The steel was glistening beneath the dim lights. I rubbed the key between my fingers. This door was five inches thick with a built in security system. Not even a cryptid could break out of that cell. The fact that I could hear her voice was unsettling. Not even our ears can hear things through steel and concrete that thick. 

“Is that singing?” L.J. asked softly. 

“Sounds like it,” Alex said as we all walked down the narrow hallway. Just as we reached the door, the singing stopped. The pit of my stomach started to hurt as a bad feeling washed over me. I unlocked the door. Clicked in the number code. Then lastly placed my hand on the scanner. The door slowly opened to the brightly lit room. My eyes grew wide when I saw Amelia sitting on her knees in the middle of the room. Behind her was a symbol drawn in blood. 

“It can’t be,” L.J. whispered. 

“Welcome to my world, boys,” Amelia growled playfully. 

“Are you aware, why we are here?” I asked her. Ignoring the comment. She smiled manically at me. 

“You want information,” She answered as she tilted her head. 

“Something like that,” I said. She slowly raised up onto her feet. I felt everyone pile into the room in defense. 

“I mean, if you wanted something else, then I don’t mind taking all of you,” she said as she swayed. I think I can speak for all of us, that we were all mentally gagging at her implication. She chuckled as she turned away from us, looking at the chimera symbol. “Beautiful. Don’t you think?” 

“I think it’s time for us to get some answers.” She didn’t turn around or move. 

“What did you use to inject, Tesla with wolfsbane?” L.J. asked as calmly as he could. Amelia hunched over and started shaking. Laughed erupted from her as she lifted her head back. 

“How is my sister?” She asked, hoping for a different answer than I was about to tell her. 

“Alive and well,” I said. She paused and turned her head towards me. 

“Is that so.” Amelia turned to look back at the symbol. I could hear her whispering in latin. 

“Hey, what are you doing?” Kosovo growled. Amelia paid him no mind and just kept up her whispers. 

“Hey!” Erron shouted. 

“Can I see her?” Amelia asked, but her voice sounded a bit off. I looked around at everyone's faces. I looked back at her and she was suddenly a few inches from my face. Everyone gasped. We all took a few steps back. “Can. I. See. Herrrrr?” Amelia’s voice was deeper and her eyes had changed to a yellow-green tint. I took a step towards her. 

“No.” Amelia stared at me for a moment. She turned and went back to the middle of the room and sat on her knees. She began to hum the same tune that she was singing before. 

“Someone get Alpha Archek. I’ll contact Eldwin,” I said as I reached out to Eldwin through the pack link. 

Eldwin. Your father sent us to prep Amelia for questioning. She’s asking for Tesla. At least I think it’s her asking. I didn’t hear anything back for a moment. 

No. That was all he said. I sighed as I looked over to see Edward hanging up his phone. 

“My father will be here tomorrow,” he said as he played his cell into his back pocket. I nodded. 

What the hell is going on here?

~~