Randolf kept replaying how he would unleash his vengeance upon those who turned their backs on his family and the protection they had provided for all of these decades. They had always thought him cruel. This time he would show them true cruelty and just how cruel he could be. The carriage pulled into the circular drive and halted at the front stairs of the manor. No one was expecting them, and it had been too dangerous to send word.
The sky was dark gray. A rumble of thunder announced the Alpha's arrival. Mr. Bailey opened the front door for him and he entered his home. It was an elaborate manor. Randolf had not so fond memories of growing up here.
It had been a much happier time in the manor back then. Randolf had despised how jovial and kind-hearted his father had been in those days. Young prince Randolf was always brooding and practicing his combat strategy, wanting to be the greatest Alpha who ruled. After the ambush on his father's camp last year, he saw firsthand how the injury to his father's face had devastated not only his father but everything and everyone around him. It was the catalyst for his father's dark Descent.
The silver nitrate cannon fodder had burned away half of his face and taken his sanity. His father was colder now and cruel. Randolf had spent his entire childhood and teen years wondering where he got all of his anger and cruel tendencies from. He had no doubt now he got his darkness from his father. No one was expecting him.
Mr. Gould spoke, " I will find the butler and tell him the news."
Randolph said nothing.
The man took that as his cue and left up the large mahogany grand staircase. Randolf waited. On the outside, he made sure to look the part of the strong, unphased warrior, but on the inside, he was a wreck. His mind kept going back to Sylvie. It had been less than 12 hours since he had left her.
He had a horrible feeling in the pit of his stomach knowing she would wake up in new surroundings thinking he would be there in wolf form, and wouldn't. Randolf hated to see her upset. The first night he had hunted for them both, it hadn't been because he was hungry, but because of the look of defeat on her delicate features.
He could literally smell her tears and sadness. He hated it.
Randolf would never forgive himself if something happened to her, while he was here. At the moment, he was still working out a strategy that would outsmart Amaruq and his band of Lycans. He needed more time but was afraid that was the one thing he was out of. Rash decisions made for missteps and mistakes. Those two things he could not afford in this time of constant war.
The old grandfather clock chimed in the corner announcing it was noon.
A few moments later, he heard his father's voice above him. "Randolf."
He turned around and looked up to see his father staring down at him. He wore a half mask made of porcelain. Randolph could see his other half. For half a second he thought he saw a smile on his father's lips, but when he looked at him again it was gone. "Son!" Adolf exclaimed.
Randolf watched as he quickly walked down the stairs and stood in front of him. Before his accident, his father would have happily embraced him. Not now.
He just surveyed him, then spoke. "You are alive. I never doubted it." He admitted, an heir of cockiness in his tone, "Come. You must get tended to and after you will meet me in my study. We have much to discuss."
"Yes, Father. That we do." He agreed.
"Whitly, see to it that my son is seen by a proper physician as well as fed, bathed, and properly clothed."
"Yes, sir," he answered obediently.
"One hour, Whitly."
"Understood, my liege. What about Miss Bouvier?" He asked.
"Not now. Whitly. We will handle that matter at another time." Adolf informed him.
The butler nodded his head and exited the foyer. Adolf turned to his son once more, "It is good to have you, home son." He walked away. Then back up the stairs.
Randolf went in the direction of his apartments, which were situated on the ground level of the manor. Walking the familiar halls gave him comfort. He was alive and would be able to regain his strength and fight another day. Randolf opened the double doors of his apartment and saw the physician already set up, ready and waiting for him. Whitly was also there, along with two maids he wasn't familiar with. He couldn't fault anyone but himself. He barely ever paid any attention to his servants. The Maids closed the doors behind him.
"Alpha, please undress for the doctor. So that he may examine you." Whitley instructed.
Randolph took off the borrowed shirt and let the doctor examine his wounds. The doctor gave him an injection of antibodies, as well as put salve on the healing gash on his side. It burned less when the salve was put on it. It had stopped completely. Randolf was relieved.
After his thorough examination, the maids led him to his washroom, where a tub with steaming hot water awaited him. It had been weeks since he had had a proper bath. He shut the door behind him, sank into the tub, and scrubbed himself clean. Randolf wished he had more time but knew Whitly would not allow it. When he felt clean and refreshed he wrapped the towel around his naked midsection and sauntered into his room.
Whitly and the two young maids were waiting for him. Randolf noticed a food trolley with a silver platter by the fireplace had appeared in his absence. His clothing was already laid out on the bed for him. He noticed the maids kept their heads down and their gazes averted. He could still see their blushes.
So they had seen him come out of the bathroom, he thought. Whitly seemed annoyed with the entire thing. "Gina. Curran. You both may leave."
Both girls nodded then gave a curtsy deep and left the room, quietly shutting the doors behind them while holding in their giggles. Randolf walked over to the food tray and took a bite of the ham. It was sweet and delicious. Then he walked over to his large four-poster bed and picked up the clothing that waited for him. He started with his pants.
Next was his shirt, and then his boots. When he was satisfied, Whitly escorted him to his father's study, opening the door for him. Randolf was surprised to see his father holding a woman rather possessively. She was sitting on the arm of his chair. Her back was towards him.
His father looked even more unhappy than usual. He wondered who this woman was...
| SYLVIE |
It was the second night alone. The wolf had left her, and shortly after that, the island was set ablaze. She was inside the cave sitting comfortably by the fire when the smell of smoke wafted in on the breeze. She felt concern for everyone down there slowly growing in her gut and decided to go outside and investigate. She saw the smoke on the skyline.
The flames gave off a strange orange glow. It was a good amount of flames despite the rain they had in the past weeks. It appeared the fire was growing. Her mind went to Caleb she had to make sure that he was safe. She went back inside the den and grabbed her satchel.
She put out the fire before leaving. Then she left her hiding place, making sure to place the Ivy over the opening, once again making it look as it had the first day she had found it. She said a silent prayer for strength. Then she began her descent into the woods...
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Caleb
Caleb had been sleeping soundly, he had once again had a late night. This night, however, was different because it was the last night of making weapons for Amaruq. It had been an altogether strange night. It almost felt like Amaruq had spies watching his home because when they were finished with the last batch, no more than 30 seconds later, there was a knock on their door. It was Amaruq with payment and his men ready to take all of the weapons off their hands.
Caleb's still felt ashamed and guilty about taking on this top-secret job. His father took the job. Amaruq was no good. His father, however, was still blind to that fact and happily took the large leather bag filled with silver and gold coins. Caleb recalled feeling great relief when his gang of ruffians left.
His father seemed pleased with himself and exited the forge, leaving Caleb to clean up, turn the furnaces off and sweep up.
His mind couldn't stay off Sylvie. He kept wondering if she was alright. Caleb had tried to be tough on her and hoped she would come to her senses, but it hadn't worked...