Music recommendation: The Adventure Begins… by Critical Role, Colm McGuiness on Spotify.
The following day, the town was in the process of restoring order. Viktor was swamped with his duties of tending to his pack members and citizens for relocation and assessment. The damage was minimal, and he could take a breather for a moment and left the work to his Beta and Gamma to deal with. He sent his beta, Marcus, to question the surviving prisoners and ordered his gamma, Jacob, to facilitate tending to the wounded. Leaving Viktor in the infirmary tent to rest, but he refused to sit still.
The wound on Viktor's side was slowly healing, and the healers strongly refrained him from shifting and engaging in hard labor. He received an earful from his Beta—Marcus. Rushing into battle against the enemy and summoning Artemis was beyond foolish. Viktor would've argued with his beta and not condoned his rude behavior. Marcus had a fair point.
Viktor left the infirmary tent posted in the town, rubbing his bandaged wound. His keen nose scented Leo was close to the mansion and proceeded there. As he approached the stables near the mansion, he saw his friend tending to his horse.
Leo sensed Viktor from the entrance but didn't bother to look. He brushed the slick mane from the brown colt that shook its head with a low grumble. It nudged Leo's arm with its nose, asking for more scratches, and Leo obliged. The air around him was peaceful.
Leo had a talent with animals. They naturally gravitated to him as if he were Mother Nature in physical form. Viktor recalled fond memories of wild beasts that would turn docile in his presence. Hunting for food was never an issue, but it did take the joy of the hunt being a predator in Viktor's case. Though, he couldn't help but feel the same sentiment towards Leo.
"I see you got your priorities in order," Viktor spoke with a playful demeanor. "Right when things were getting interesting."
Leo didn't respond. He took his saddle and placed it on the horse. He tightened the straps around the horse and applied packs on its back. His expression was indifferent and focused. Viktor knew the angel's troubles and didn't want his friend to feel guilty about what happened.
"Leo…" Viktor sighed. "What happened yesterday is neither Lyra nor yours to blame."
"Can you not beat yourself up for every disaster that falls in front of you," He pleaded to Leo.
Leo glanced over to Viktor, showing no emotion, "The sooner we leave, the better."
"Do you have to do this?"
"We talked about this, Viktor," Leo argued. "Nothing has changed."
"And what about Lyra? How is she fairing in all of this?" Viktor probed.
Before Leo could answer, his eyes trailed to the small figure stepping into the stables holding a bag. Lyra wore riding attire with leather pants that snugged the curves of her legs and boots that reached her calves. She wore a loose tunic tucked in with a fur cloak to keep her warm. Her hair was tied back, which revealed her serene expression. She was in high spirits, and her complexion showed.
"I heard my name. You're not plotting behind my back, are you?" Lyra jokingly asked Viktor.
Viktor scratched the back of his head, "None of the sort! How do you feel?"
"I'm alright. I feel well-rested, surprisingly," Lyra smiled. Her eyes were slightly puffy, but her rose complexion was a good sign.
Leo approached them both. Lyra looked up to him and blushed. Last night's endearment was still fresh in her mind. However, he snatched her belongings from her without uttering a word. He packed it in the saddle bags on the horse and didn't bother acknowledging her presence. Lyra was taken aback by the cold shoulder and furrowed in confusion. Was he going to be like this the whole journey?
Lyra thought they made a little progress in understanding one another. As the saying goes—one step forward, two steps back. She couldn't understand his cold behavior and ignored it for now.
"I can't thank you enough for the hospitality you've given me, Alpha Viktor," Lyra thanked him.
Viktor provided so much for her, including some clothes and provisions for their travels. She was indebted to him and couldn't do much to repay his generosity.
"No need to thank me, Lyra." Viktor waved off with his hand. He smiled at her and spoke, "I'm just grateful to see that smile once again. It suits you."
Viktor leaned in closer to her ear and murmured, "If you wish to repay me…" Lyra darted her eyes at him in confusion. He chuckled and continued, "…Keep an eye on him for me." He gestured his head to the brooding man, who finished packing everything.
Lyra was puzzled by Viktor's statement and opened her mouth to speak but was startled when Leo took her hand.
"Let's go," Leo spoke, directing her to get on the horse. When she settled on the saddle, she nodded to Viktor in assurance. Leo was about to place his foot on the stirrup, but Viktor halted him, placing his hand on Leo's shoulder.
"Stay safe, Leo…"
Leo stared at Viktor and faintly nodded. Giving a small pat on his comrade's shoulder, Viktor let his hand fall to his side. Leo swung his leg and settled snuggly behind Lyra. His firm arms wrapped around her as he took hold of the reigns, inciting a faint blush from her. Leo stirred the colt with a kick and trotted out of the stables.
Viktor walked out as their figures were out of sight. He stood there motionless with worry. He was concerned for the couple and wondered what the gods had in store for them. He looked up, and his silver eyes shimmered as the calm breeze tousled his unruly blonde hair.
"You do know where my loyalties lie, don't you?" Viktor asked no one.
Viktor felt like it was only yesterday, the dark times of his past when he was a pup. His home was engulfed in flames, and his parents were slain by the rogue wolves that broke through their forces. He was on the brink of death and was losing hope. He was helpless and wounded. He was broken from the loss of his parents. Tears kept streaming from his puffy cheeks.
The rogue resembled a rabid dog with beady silver eyes growled at young Viktor, who looked no older than five. Bloodstained drooled from his gaping mouth as it crept over his parent's corpse, heading toward young Viktor. The rouge wolf lunged in the air, and its snarling growls shook the boy as his heart pounded.
Young Viktor shut his eyes tight and awaited his fate with bated breath. However, nothing happened. He peeked, only to gawk at white majestic wings unfurled before him.
There stood a celestial warrior before the little boy. Leo, majestic in his divine armor with an ethereal glow, gripped the rogue's throat as it clawed and snarled at him. Young Viktor was mesmerized by the angel that stood before him. With little effort, he flung the wolf to the other rogues and turned to the little boy,
"Close your eyes, little one," Leo told the boy gently.
The young boy quickly shut his eyes and shielded his face with his tiny hands. When all was quiet, he felt Leo pick him up and press his little face on his shoulder. Leo unfurled his wings and draped one over the child, shielding him from the horrific scene. During his fight, the boy peeked and witnessed the power Leo unleashed on his foes and still held a compassionate air around him. Since that fateful day, he pledged his loyalty to Leo and had never wavered.
Though time had passed, Viktor would never forget the day Leo saved him. His beta approached him from behind with a weary expression,
"Alpha…," Marcus called.
Viktor heaved a sigh, "What is it?"
Noticing Marcus' flustered face, Viktor furrowed his brows as he waited for his beta to spit it out, making him agitated.
"Alpha…I received word from the borders, and you are summoned to speak with the high council in Eden," Marcus reported. His voice was serious and held a grim expression. Viktor darkened at the mention—He just returned from Eden and was already swamped with the recent attack.
Viktor growled under his breath as he clenched his fist. Marcus felt his aura heavy and nearly winced but held his ground. Any other shifter would've cowered before him.
"Damn them and their fucking demands!" Viktor growled through his gnashed teeth. His silver eyes blazed with disdain. The high council couldn't bother themselves in assisting him and his territory, but they dared summon him now.
"Does this mean you will ignore their call?" Marcus enquired, a little hesitant.
"No," Viktor glanced at him and continued, "We'll focus on our people here for now."
"I'm sure they can wait. The audacity they call after what laid on my turf and only now they summon me," Viktor stated, his lips pulled revealing his canines in a growl.
"Understood, Alpha," Marcus bowed.
Viktor gazed out at the sprawling city, his domain. He had a hunch as to why he had been summoned, and a growing sense of unease crept up his spine. The thought of the Celestials' deal, which involved Lyra and had somehow dragged Leo into the mix, left him feeling uneasy. His wolf shared his sentiments, but the nagging feeling that something wasn't quite right or something important was missing from the grand plan bothered him the most. All roads led to Eden, and Viktor knew that he would have to make the journey there to find the answers he sought.