Page 42 of Outcast
Why was he assisting me when he’d just stated we were all doomed if I was in fact the prophetess?
A conundrum to work through later with my mates.
"I found this out because when the shift hit me, I was pulled into what I would call a dreamscape with Selene." I paused, expecting another outburst, but they listened in silence, so I continued. "At the time, I still thought myself a human—until she explained my destiny and role in this prophecy. She has entrusted me to expose the darkness and rally the wolves to victory."
Still, the elders sat with their mouths shut, so I made my intentions clear in closing, "I'm asking you to believe in me and to lend me help should I need it. All of our lives are at stake, which I think the prophecy makes pretty clear."
Milo and Seth both grabbed my hands, squeezing them in silent support. Seneca stood, nodding to herself as she turned to face the rest of the elders. "So, do we acknowledge Kira as our prophetess and the savior of the shifters? Shall we keep things simple and put it to a vote?"
Nerves settled into the pit of my stomach, and I prayed to Selene to help me open the eyes of the elders to the truth of my words.
"Show us your powers, and you will have my support."
The frail looking woman who spoke sat in the back, nearest the alpha, and I noted the smug expression on her face. She wanted me to fail. Why? What had I done besides exist in silence during my time with the pack?
"For some reason, I..." I paused, trying to find the right words. "My powers are depleted right now, and my wolf is recovering."
Vague but to the point, without admitting the full extent of the precarious situation.
The woman huffed, "You expect us to believe that you have a connection to our goddess and will lead us to defeat the sleeping enemy when you have reached the point of exhaustion after only one morning of using your powers?" The incredulous look on her face was mirrored on a few others in the crowd as they nodded in agreement with her words.
Stepping forward from his corner, the alpha commanded the room once more. "I saw her display powers that I'm unable to explain; however, I have not seen the crescent mark on her mentioned in the prophecy."
Milo butted in, "I saw it on her wolf last night during her first shift! It glowed a bright blue."
"As did I," Seth added.
I glanced at Jameson who agreed begrudgingly, "The mark was on display last night."
An 'I told you so' look crossed over Seneca's face, and it lightened my mood immensely to see someone believe in me. I swore she seemed seconds away from sticking her tongue out at the disgruntled disbelievers.
"Is that enough proof for you, Holly?" she asked the woman who had requested to see my powers.
"No," was her singular response as she turned her nose up at me.
Before I could ask her why the hell she was so adamantly against me, a younger girl yanked open the door, her brown locks flying around her as she breathed heavily. "Alpha...A pack of Daimona were spotted by scouts. They're awaiting...your command."
Alarm flashed on everyone's faces. No one had spotted a pack of Daimona since Maya's death. Ever since that day, scouts had only seen them hunting alone.
"Thank you, Adrienne. Go back to your father and tell him I will be there in a moment and not to engage yet."
Turning towards us, he commanded, "Jameson, with me. This meeting is adjourned for now. We will reconvene tomorrow, and maybe Kira will be rested enough then to put her powers on display for you."
With that, he rushed out of the room, with Jameson standing swiftly to follow. I couldn't help the words that tumbled from my mouth at the thought of him hunting Daimona, "Be careful, Jameson."
Milo released my hand, and I couldn't help but wonder if it was because of my determination to not give up on my bond with Jameson. He had accepted Seth with ease but didn't seem to extend that easygoing attitude to my other mate.
I'd have to chat with him about this in private later.
To no one’s surprise, Jameson ignored me, walking out the door without even a parting glance my way. Seneca approached me, reaching for my free hand. Seth stepped back to give us privacy.
Her soft eyes looked up at me as she enveloped my hand with both of hers. "May I suggest meditation to bring balance to your soul?"
My head jerked back in surprise, wondering how she knew something more than simple exhaustion was at play. "How did you..." I trailed off.
Patting the top of my hand, she clucked her tongue, "Some of us are more in tune with the energy of the world than others."
That's not cryptic or anything.
