Chapter 6: The Mark of the Jera

Alina and the King entered his office, it felt like she entered her own palace. She can sense the same vibe and energy, the office is decorated with big bookshelves and on the wall, there are portraits of old Kings and former Alpha. There she saw the image of his great-great-grand father's twin, their resemblance is uncanny she would think that it was him if it wasn't labelled. They sat at the receiving area while omegas prepare their drinks and some snacks on the table.

"Do you want anything particular to eat?" the Alpha asked

"No, this is fine now," she said

When the two omegas left and locked the door. He started asking her questions.

"I attended the ceremony for your parents but why didn't you come if you are still alive?" he asked

"It's a long story which I can shed some light for you to understand," she said while taking a sip from her cup. 

"I am all ears but before that, I need to see the mark of the Jera"

"We have not transformed yet, draw your blood and wipe it on your left shoulder," Rose said

Alina took a knife hidden from her belt and cut her right hand and followed Rose's instruction showing her left shoulder blade.

And there a burned skin spear-like birthmark shape appears. And as the blood dries the mark disappears.

"This is not tattooed but a birthmark," the Thalon king said, "And why it does not stay visible?"

"I haven't transformed yet, it will only become visible once I transformed and taken my place in my pack. Unlike the male heirs, I am the first female born and according to our family account both yours and mine there would only be one female Alpha in every 7th Generation. And the female shall bear it by blood and by flesh the mark of the true Jera," Rose speaks in Alina's behalf and her eyes in black and she slowly came back while Rose hides inside her.

"This is also the reason why I was hidden, my parents protected me because I am the only female Alpha,"

" I need to get back to our records in order to refresh my mind with all of this information. Now tell me how did your parents die," 

"I was supposed to be in that flight, but my guardian senses the danger and redirected my flight to the next city. My parents were aware of it, they agreed to change the plan and meet me there. Every year we host tours for orphans, they do this to keep my scent and identity hidden. the Orphans boarded their flight, and the perpetrators thought I was with that group. There were werewolves on both our trail and my parents and I have witnessed this that's why we have changed our meeting location. I didn't know that it would be the last time I would see them alive. I should have been in that flight, I should have been dead by now. My parents knew this would happen and prepared me for this day. " she said.

"Who do you think is behind this?"

"My uncle Archie is my suspect but I don't have enough evidence, to prove my claim," I said

"If you don't have any evidence what makes you think it was him?"

"My father and my guardian found pieces of evidence of his illegal transactions and unaccounted usage of the pack's fund, that was one. And another is the death of my grandfather, my father suspects him to have lured them to their death. If you have heard my father was supposed to release this information to the pack, they were on the way back to the territory and was just going to pick me up when they meet their accident. My uncle was in the custody of our warriors when the accident happened and because he is still the pack's beta and in the absence of any other family members he is next in line."

"But why didn't you claim your birthright, right after the death of your parents?" 

"You should understand that non of our pack knows my true identity, and it was only today that my Thalon has awakened. If I came before this time I wouldn't be able to prove my identity to them, my uncle would be able to come up with lies just to get hold of the pack and the Alpha title."

"DNA testing is already a solution to this even if you're wolf has not yet awakened,"

"DNA test can be altered and a young girl like me versus a man like him, what power do I have knowing that he killed my parents," she said with anger.

"I came here to ask your help to prove his treachery and take back my people. You must have heard of their upcoming alliance with those vampires who killed my grandfather. He will just use my pack to be the minions of those bloodsuckers which is against our code. This alliance will tilt the balance of this realm, this is what I came here for,"

A growl escaped the Thalon King, "where have you heard this news?"

"You can request an audience with my uncle since his pack is under Valeria, although he has equal rights as Alpha. The Jera Pack from the north is a brother at arms of Valeria Pack, any decision they make should be approved by the council since he did not come from the same bloodline, he is just adopted by name but not by blood he doesn't have the insight and capability of the Thalon. That decision should be done by the higher council and from the main pack, you can request a review of all their recent dealing after my father's death since the last meeting between our packs are done three years ago before he died,"

"You have proven wise at your age, your father must have been proud,"

"I have learned the hard way, I will not let him ruin the legacy of my family,"

"Very well, I will set my investigators and look into the matters both financially and on the death of my uncle and cousin. You have my word. You shall be under my protection, you can stay here as long as you want. You will be introduced as a guest and a distant niece of my wife."

"Thank you, Alpha,"

"Call me Uncle. When can I meet your guardian?"

"I need his identity hidden, for now, you know him personally since he is one of my father's trusted men,"

"Alright, as you wish,"

"I will not take so much of your time, but I promise to come back after tomorrow,"

"Why don't you stay for the feast of the moon?" the Alpha said, "You will be able to run with us your remaining family,"

"Thank you for your offer but I am a Thalon just like you, everybody will ask who I am and I will not risk my safety and identity,"

"Then be our guest, we have a few guests within the castle ground. Caleb has been given a quest to return to the underworld,"

"What do you mean a quest to the underworld?"

"During his first shift, our young Babaylan showed a vision and a prophecy of him going back to the underworld,"

"In this vision which you refer to, it includes the four guardians of the underworld, am I right?" 

"Yes, so you have heard of the prophecy?"

"No, I have seen this prophecy from my own eyes,"

The Alpha went into deep thought and mind link, Caleb and Amelia. He spoke to Alina, "If you've seen the prophecy from your own eyes it means you're one of the guardians?"

"There are four guardians and in my vision, I stand next to your son in front of the cave along with my friend," Alina said

"If what you're saying is true, it means the pack is complete. And we can start the quest," the Alpha said

Just when she was about to speak she heard Rose speak, "Mate!" And there Caleb and Amelia came in.

"Alina said she has seen the vision and is one of the guardians standing next to you on your quest to the realms of the dead," the Alpha spoke to Caleb and Amelia

"What she has said is true," Amelia said

"Yes, that is correct,"

"So you both have known, why haven't you told me?" 

"It was one of the reasons I brought her here, we have known of this just last night," Caleb said

"Very well, you can start the quest. Inform the rest and let's plan ahead." the Alpha 

"But we need one more?" Caleb

"Alina, you said there were you and your friend along with the four guardians," 

Just then Alina realizes that it was Halea, she is the last companion they need.

"Yes, It was shown in my vision that she stands alongside us,"

"If I may Alina, Can I hold your hand again to see the vision," Amelia said

Just then Amelia came close and took her hands and Caleb took the other. Electricity shocked her skin right after he touched her, it shivered down her spine and she let go of his hands. Caleb felt electrocuted and apologized.

"I'm sorry, I am still new and cannot control the fire in me," he said

"He felt it but didn't recognize it," Rose said, getting annoyed. "It's okay, let's get it over and done with," Alina said and took Caleb's hand.

As soon as their hands meet, Amelia's eyes brighten and vision floods their eyes.

"Halea!" Caleb blurted, "It was her all along,"

"So you know who this person is?" the Alpha asked

"Yes," Caleb answer

"All is set then, call her in and let the journey to the realms of the dead begin," the Alpha said

"Hold on how can you convince her and her parents about this quest?" Alina asked, "I do not think her parents would allow her after the incident at the mountain,"

"What do you mean?" the Alpha asked

"She's human," Amelia said, "And she nearly died in the rogue's attack at the Babaylans,"

"Can you help us talk to her?" Caleb asked Alina and before Alina could answer Rose took over. Her eyes turned black and she answered "Yes,". Caleb saw what happened and wrinkled his head.

Alina took back the control and spoke, "Wait, let me try to talk to her but I won't promise," Alina said shaking her head.

"I will discuss this with the council and try to find a solution," the Alpha said

"We may need to protect Halea's identity, or the rogue's may attacker her and her family," Amelia said

"Very well, we will keep both identities," the Alpha said and look at Alina once again, "Alina, my offer still stands, you can stay here as a guest as long as you need. Caleb shall prepare the room for you," 

"Let's stay here," Rose said, "Stop it, we need to return home today Halea is waiting for us," Alina speaking with Rose

"Thank you for your generosity, I will need to go home first and speak with Halea," Alina said as she said her goodbye to the Alpha

"Alright, Caleb takes care of Alina. Amelia thank you for your time," the Alpha said

The alpha left while Amelia, and Caleb walk with Alina.

"Tonight is your first shift right?" Amelia asked

"Yes," Alina

"Why don't you join us, I can assist you if you need," Caleb said, "I will take you home first so you can inform Halea and her parents and we can return back before night falls,"

"It's a little complicated than that but thank you for the offer," Alina said

"Please do not tell anyone about me, only you and Halea knows about me being a Thalon," she said

"Don't worry, your secret is safe with us," Amelia said

"Promise," Caleb said looking at her, "Let me take you home now," 

"Thank you, Amelia,"

"Not at all, see you, Alina,"