Chapter 10: Alpha's Amulet

"The Ancient Alpha?" Leo echoed.

Growing up, there were always flutters of stories swirling in the wind about the Ancient Alpha. We all knew it: a man who made a deal with the devil—or rather a warlock—to kill his brother to get eternal power and bring back his wife and child.

It was one that all of the packs in the surrounding area knew well—a fable or children's spook story told by the elders as a cautionary tale about the pitfalls of power. But that's all it was.

Leo leaned forward in his chair, his head tilting to the side as he spoke. "Let me get this straight. You're telling me that my father found the tomb of a …a childhood ghost?"

The Shaman nodded slowly. "I know this must be hard to believe, young Alpha, but you need to listen carefully. Do you have the amulet?"

"The what?"

"The amulet."

He flipped to a page in the journal that showcased the image of a large, black and white jewel sketched out in pencil. It was attached to a long string that coiled around itself.

Leo took the book in his hand and held it closer to his face. Both Erylis and I moved in for a closer look. After a minute, he shook his head.

"No," Leo answered as he studied the image. "I've never seen it before."

The Shaman took comfort in his words and let out a sigh of relief.

"Good, good. This is good," he muttered to himself as he set the book aside. "You see, the amulet is key to all of this. It was buried with the Ancient Alpha and is connected to him by powers out of our comprehension. If someone had taken it without knowing its ability and significance, well, it could cause cascading events that would lead to the ultimate resurrection of this once feared leader."

"How long would the holder have if they did have this…amulet?" Leo asked, almost sounding like he didn't believe what he was being told.

The Shaman looked at each of us accordingly and then continued.

"It really depends. Weeks?" The Shaman leaned forward in his seat, setting his elbows on the tabletop.

"The fact that you have never seen this doesn't mean that your father hasn't taken it. I recommend returning to the Bloodmoon Pack as quickly as possible, and searching everywhere you believe it could be hidden. Ensure that it is not with you. If it is, in any capacity…" He inhaled before speaking again and looked Leo in the eyes with no room for misinterpretation. "We need to be prepared for what it will bring."

***

When leaving the Shaman's house, I was unable to keep my eyes off Leo. He looked perturbed and remained quiet other than to mumble thank you to the Shaman as we left. Something was bothering him, but I couldn't figure out just what.

Once the Shaman closed the door and we descended the stairs, my father stopped us.

"I appreciate you coming to me, Leo," he said. "Knowing this…well, it isn't easy. You're welcome to remain here this evening, but the Shaman is right. The sooner we know that your father didn't take anything he shouldn't have, the better. I suggest you head home in the morning and return when you have word."

Leo didn't reply. Instead he simply nodded, which my father returned before taking his leave.

My heart sank at the thought of Leo leaving. There was a time when I would've been overjoyed to see him go, but now, it was overshadowed by impending heartbreak.

"Well, sh*t," Erylis said, clapping his hands together and breaking the silence. "This is…wild. Who knew that your scar was tied to such…extremities."

Leo's jaw was tense and his eyes were staring far off in the distance, like he was deep in thought. I felt for him. I couldn't imagine what was running through his mind knowing that his father, regardless of his intentions, could've woken an ancient being.

I shuddered at the thought, causing Leo to turn his gaze to me. I gave him a reassuring smile, which seemed to ease him.

"So, what's the plan?" Erylis asked, looking to Leo for an answer.

Leo took a moment and then sighed. "Going home. Orene has been handling things, but I think with both of us gone, the pack must be getting restless."

"And the amulet?" Erylis pressed.

I waited with baited breath, and watched as Leo pinched his nose.

"We'll cross that bridge when we get there. My main concern is—"

But we were cut short when a voice called out my name.

"Nia! Hey! I've been looking for you everywhere. Your mom needs you to meet her at the daycare. She said you were with Leo—"

Suddenly, she stopped speaking. Her eyes glossed over and her face softened.

"Oh…I, uhm, didn't see you were busy," she started, tucking her hair behind her ear. "I'll come back after, I mean later…"

I had never seen Malissa tongue tied before. She was almost fumbling over herself. I looked to who she was referring to and noticed her staring directly at Erylis, who visibly blushed.

"I–Malissa?"

She smiled at the sound of her name coming from his mouth, as if she had been waiting to hear it her whole life.

"I'm sorry…I don't—" I watched as she put it together in her mind's eye. Malissa's hand then slowly raised to cover her mouth. "Oh my Goddess, Erylis?!"

His grin broadened and similarly to me, he opened his arms to welcome her into a hug, which she readily accepted.

I raised my eyebrow. Malissa was friendly, almost to a fault, but displays of affection weren't ever really her strong suit. She often showed love through banter and teasing. This was like an entirely different version of her.

She pulled away and her eyes remained on Erylis for a beat longer before looking back at me. "I-I'm sorry," she began, flickering her gaze between the two of us. "I, uhm, I came here to tell you…"

"About my mother?" I said, finishing her sentence for her.

"Right, yes! Your mother," she repeated, like I had turned on a light switch for her senses. "She said that she needs a hand with the pups. Said it might be a good chance for Leo to get to know everyone and for you to train? She doesn't know about…?"

She not so subtly looked at Leo, tilting her head in his direction.

"No!" I said, glaring at her to stop her, already feeling my body responding to the embarrassment. "I'll come. But Leo and Erylis don't have to join."

"In my defense," Erylis began. "She said Leo, so I'm exempt either way. You guys go, I'll get things ready for the morning. Would you like to come?"

Erylis shot a hopeful and entirely bashful smile at Malissa who beamed at his request.

"I'd love to!" she practically screamed. Once she realized her mistake, she coughed and adjusted her shirt. "I mean, I'd love to."

Smooth.

I looked at Leo. I would totally understand if he didn't want to come. They were leaving the next day, possibly to not return. Why would he need to get to know anyone?

But instead of shutting it down, his stoic expression softened and I swore I could see a hint of a smile.