Chapter 2
- CHAPTER 2
- THROW _BACK
- 5 DAYS AGO
- VICTORIA POV
- The sunset was beautiful on this very day and I had sprinted out to get the herbs the gamma had asked me to bring. It was for the Alpha and I had to go get it at the market.
- My name is Victoria and I have been working for the Pack ever since I was a child, clearly I was an orphan and the gamma had taken me in and taken very good care of me.
- As I made my way through the bustling market, I marveled at the vibrant colors and fragrant smells that filled the air. Traders shouted their wares, and customers haggled for the best prices. It was a chaotic but lively scene, one that always fascinated me.
- I weaved through the crowded stalls, my eyes scanning for the specific herbs I needed. The gamma had given me a detailed list, but finding everything on it was proving to be a challenge. I asked a few vendors if they had the herbs I sought, but most shook their heads or directed me to other stalls.
- Frustration crept in as I realized that time was running out. The Alpha was awaiting the herbs for a ritual that would strengthen our pack's bond with nature and grant us protection and also Good luck at the mating ball that would be happening at night. It was a vital ceremony, and I didn't want to disappoint the gamma or the Alpha.
- As I continued my search, I spotted an old woman sitting at a small stall tucked away in a corner. Her wrinkled face and wise eyes intrigued me, and I had a feeling she might have what I was looking for. I approached her cautiously, hoping she could help me.
- "Excuse me, ma'am," I began politely. "I'm looking for some specific herbs for an important ritual. Do you happen to have any of these?" I showed her the list the gamma had given me.
- The old woman peered at the list, her eyes scanning the words carefully. After a moment, a smile played on her lips, revealing a few missing teeth. "Ah, my dear," she said, her voice raspy yet warm. "I have just the herbs you seek. But they come at a price."
- My heart sank a little at the mention of a price. I was already short on time, and I hoped I wouldn't have to bargain or pay an exorbitant amount for the herbs because the money given to me was not so big. Nevertheless, I knew the importance of the ritual and had to do whatever it took to obtain them.
- "I understand," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. "Please, tell me the price, and I'll see if I can afford it."
- The old woman's smile widened, revealing her wisdom. "I don't need money, my dear. I need something else from you. A favor."
- Curiosity piqued, I leaned in closer, eager to hear what she wanted in exchange for the herbs. "What kind of favor?"
- She gestured for me to sit down on a small stool beside her, and I obliged. Her eyes seemed to sparkle with a mix of mischief and wisdom. "I need you to retrieve a precious item for me," she whispered conspiratorially. "A relic of great power that was stolen from me many moons ago."
- I listened intently, intrigued by the old woman's tale. Retrieving a stolen relic sounded like a mystery, and if it meant getting the herbs I needed, I was willing to take on the challenge.
- "Tell me more," I urged her, a determined glint in my eyes.
- "The power was stolen from me by an Alpha, I had laid a curse on him but I still need the stones back!" The old lady said as my brow arched in shock.
- The revelation took me by surprise. A stolen relic, a curse, and an Alpha involved?
- "What kind of relic are we talking about?" I asked, my voice filled with curiosity and a hint of caution.
- The old woman leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. "It is a set of ancient stones," she revealed. "They possess immense power and were once used by my ancestors to protect our pack. But when the Alpha stole them, he disrupted the balance of nature and brought misfortune upon himself."
- Where can I find these stones?" I inquired,
- The old woman's eyes gleamed with eagerness. "The Alpha resides in a neighboring pack, hidden within the depths of the ancient forest. He guards the stones closely, fearing their power but refusing to return them."
- "But I don't think I can go there right now because I'm only a maid in the pack house and I need to ask for a free day!" I responded.
- The old woman nodded, understanding my plight. "I see your problem, my dear. But remember, sometimes the greatest journeys begin with a single step. If you truly wish to retrieve the stolen stones and fulfill your duty to your pack, it would happen if you accept my favor."
- I thought about the fact that I won't be able to get the herbs to gamma after searching the whole market for it, so I took a deep breath before responding.
- "I understand the importance of the ritual and the duty to my pack," I said resolutely. "I accept your favor. I will retrieve the stolen stones for you."
- The old woman's eyes sparkled with satisfaction, and she reached out to place a wrinkled hand on mine. "You have made a wise decision, young one."
- I nodded, grateful for her encouragement. "Thank you for believing in me. Now, tell me more about the Alpha and the ancient forest. I need to gather as much information as possible before embarking on this journey."
- The old woman leaned back, her expression serious. "The Alpha is known for his cunning and strength. He has ruled over his pack with an iron fist, and his desire for power led him to steal the stones. As for the ancient forest, it is a place of mystery and danger. Many have entered its depths and never returned. But you, my dear, must face these challenges if you wish to bring back the stones to me!"
- "I would give you the herbs that you have come for and that is to say you have accepted to bring me my stone in return." The old woman said.
- I nodded, understanding the terms of our agreement. "I will bring back the stones to you, and in return, you will provide me with the herbs I need for the ritual. It's a fair exchange."
- The old woman smiled, her eyes filled with gratitude. "You are a brave young soul, Victoria. I sense great potential within you. Now, let me gather the herbs you seek while I share more details about the Alpha and the ancient forest."
- How had she known my name? Had I perhaps mentioned it? I gave her a small smile as she busied herself with collecting the herbs, the old woman began to recount tales of the Alpha's authority and that he was feared, she said that the pack was dark and awaited me in the ancient forest.
- She warned me of treacherous paths, mythical creatures, and the Alpha's loyal followers who would stop at nothing to protect him and the stolen stones.
- Once the old woman had gathered the herbs, she handed them to me with a gentle smile. "Here are the herbs you sought, Victoria. Use them wisely and remember, your destiny awaits in the ancient forest. May you find the strength and courage to retrieve the stolen stones."
- "I will return it to you, I promise, thank you!" I said.
- With those parting words, I left the old woman's stall and made my way back through the bustling market, my mind filled with anticipation. The sun had long set, and the moon now bathed the world in its soft glow. As I stepped beyond the market's boundaries,
- I wondered if I had made the right choice to help go to the ancient forest and the path to retrieve the stolen stones had just begun.