Chapter 4
News of Orion bringing in a strange woman spread like wildfire, and the council of elders gathered at the council hall. The hall was a large, circular room built from strong timber, its high ceiling adorned with intricate carvings. Some believed the carvings themselves acted as charms, a suggestion strongly supported by Madam Tyler, the pack's priestess.
A long wooden table occupied the center, surrounded by chairs that bore the marks of countless discussions and debates. The atmosphere was always thick with tension, a testament to the weight of their decisions.
The council was composed of notable individuals in the pack, each contributing their unique expertise. First among them was Orion himself, the alpha of the pack and its leader. He stood at the head of the table, his expression serious, the weight of his responsibilities etched on his face.
Next was Brynhild, the captain of the guards, her presence radiating strength and unwavering resolve. Ronan, Orion's second-in-command, stood beside her, his brow furrowed in thought, his mind already dissecting every possible scenario.
Lysander, Brynhild's mate and the master of medical research, took a seat, his usual grumpy demeanor softened by a hint of concern. He was a healer, first and foremost, and the woman's injuries troubled him.
Other members included Madam Tyler, the priestess, whose deep connection to the Moon Goddess often guided the council's decisions. Her eyes held a knowing glint, as if she possessed insights beyond the grasp of ordinary mortals. Caspian, the oldest member of the pack, sat with a quiet dignity, his eyes filled with the wisdom of ages. Some wondered how he was still alive, having outlived so many, his survival after the tragedies that had befallen their pack nothing short of a miracle.
Eldric, the historian, was tasked with preserving the pack's history and was currently working on deciphering the writings on the altar in the shrine. The writings were tiny, almost invisible to the naked eye, and Orion had only come across them by chance. He had consulted with Eldric, hoping the knowledgeable historian could unlock their meaning, but to date, nothing. The language used was unlike anything Eldric had ever seen or come across.
There were also drawings on the walls of the shrine, faded and worn, but still hinting at a history long forgotten. Perhaps they depicted the creation of the shrine, or the lives of those who had once worshipped there. While Madam Tyler insisted that the shrine should be incorporated into their pack's territory, a place of worship and connection to the Moon Goddess, Orion remained hesitant. There were too many mysteries surrounding the shrine, too many unanswered questions.
Like why the shrine was still standing upright, without even a crack, after so many years. The north was known for its harsh climate, even before Orion's pack had relocated, it was something everyone in the werewolf community knew. The blizzards were relentless, the winters unforgiving.
But even with the harsh climate and the monsters that lurked around, the shrine stood tall and firm, defying the elements. Another thing that plagued Orion was the stones used to build it. They seemed to glow with an inner light, a subtle luminescence that was unlike anything he had ever seen. His pack members were working to uncover the mysteries of the shrine, but progress was slow.
Mary, the master swordsmith, sat with her hands clasped in her lap, her expression unreadable. Daniel, Alaric's second-in-command, a loyal and steadfast warrior, supported Orion in his leadership, his presence a reassuring reminder of the pack's strength. Lastly, Tobias, the master of trade, appeared bored, his gaze drifting towards the window, where the snow continued to fall. He was more interested in wealth and commerce than the current discussion, which revolved around the mysterious woman.
The silence in the room stretched, thick with unspoken concerns. Finally, Madam Tyler spoke up, her voice breaking the tension.
"I heard you found her in the shrine," she said, her eyes fixed on Orion.
"Yes," Orion replied with a nod. "I found her unconscious on the altar."
Madam Tyler's eyes widened, her expression becoming even more intense. "This is a sign," she insisted, her voice filled with conviction.
Caspian shot her a skeptical look, his lips twitching in a wry smile. "Madam, with all due respect, just because she was found in the shrine doesn't automatically make it a sign. We need to be rational about this."
"But it is!" Madam Tyler countered, her voice rising in frustration. "How many injured people have you seen in that shrine? It's been abandoned for years and we've been the only ones using it. This woman's appearance there must have some significance."
Orion sighed, rubbing his temples. "I'm pretty sure she simply lost her way after being attacked by enemies or something and stumbled upon the shrine seeking shelter from the storm. There is no sign there, Madam Tyler, and we still do not know if she is a friend or a foe."
"But according to some eyewitnesses, she bears a striking resemblance to the Luna from the prophecy," Madam Tyler argued, her voice laced with urgency.
Orion scoffed, his eyes rolling. "Prophecy? More like a myth, a fairytale told to children to give them hope."
"But the prophecy…" Madam Tyler started to protest, but Daniel interrupted her, his voice firm.
"The prophecy never said the Luna will have black hair. That's just one interpretation. The descriptions vary depending on the region."
"Well, no…" Madam Tyler conceded, her voice faltering slightly.
"The prophecy differs in each region," Eldric muttered, adjusting his glasses, his gaze lost in thought. "Those from the south believe she has red hair and striking blue eyes. The West believe she has black hair and green eyes. The east believes she has brown hair and golden eyes…"
"And we believe, or rather, the myth that has been passed down to us, says the Luna has white hair and eyes reminiscent of the moon," Orion said with a smirk, his voice laced with sarcasm. "So, unless our mysterious guest suddenly develops white hair and eyes that shine like the moon, I'm not convinced she's the Luna."