Fie Wright's P. O. V

Among the lack of various food on this trip, there seems to be another difficulty I hadn't thought of. That would be the lack of showers and toiletry facilities that the great outdoors brings to us and more specifically me. Granted I did bring a copious amount of tissue with me, that didn't seem to do much when it came to taking a shower since we weren't all that close to any running water large enough to take a dip in.

Nonetheless, I manage to power on through another day of covering ground as we sit down around our second campfire, chomping down on what other animal the warriors seemed to hunt down so that we could all dig in. As long as no rats are any other rodent of the sort is being roasted, my stomach didn't seem to have any qualms regarding it.

"We only have one more days journey. Then we'll be there by that days afternoon. Let's just hope all this travelling isn't in vain." Marcus' last words come out in a mere mutter and I'm sure he wasn't intending for the rest of us to here it but, albeit, we do even though no one mentions it.

I'm not going to pretend like the thought itself hasn't crossed my own mind but for some reason- maybe the naiver part of me that still believes in miracles- I still think it will all go according to plan. The outline in my head is incredibly vague but once we pass into this weird realm that I've heard little about, we'll travel a little further till we reach the main point where the king's palace resides. From there, we'll seek an audience with the King. Maybe Marcus can speak some truth and sense into the reigning man and from there, he'll let us traverse back to the pack with mage in hand who will quite literally work their magic when we get back home within less than a week. Who knows, Tyrell might even be a gracious host and send us back with the mage for a safe journey.

That is if Aria is in better condition and not deteriorating for the worst.

"I know you all ignored my previous question, but no WiFi right?" Ezra interrupts their silence of everyone feasting on their food while Marcus sighs at his son's words before shaking his head.

"No. Definitely no WiFi. But then again, they might have had huge technological development and it could be more advance than us over here." Even as he says it, his words come off sarcastic but it doesn't seem to penetrate through his son who waves a hand in dismissal.

"Na. We're all creatures of habit. If it is how you say it is, I won't be surprised if we walk back into the eighteenth century. You know, during the Middle Ages." Ezra speaks as my lips parts before I clamp down on them.

Why even bother?

"That is true. The only fast paced creatures are human's and we've benefitted from them. Nonetheless, don't expect too much." Marcus says, even he seems to not bother with Ezra while I turn to him, eyes gleaming with interest at the brought about topic. I think it's safe to say that I can scrounge around for information now.

"You mentioned that this realm is difficult to find and that not many have crossed into it. Why is that? Wouldn't it be massive confusion going from such a backwards realm into this one?" My questions are many and seemingly complex as Marcus leans back for comfort, eyebrows raised high as he thinks over his words.

If he asks about the boatload of questions that I have still to ask, I'll base it on me wanting to learn knowledge as part of my advisory duties than play it off as my mere curiosity. That might help to paint me in a better light. Especially with Marcus.

"Well, for starters, it is indeed difficult to find if you have no idea where you're going. You could miss it if you don't look close enough and it's because you can't tell when you've reached the gateway from this realm to the other realm because there isn't any big sign that says we're here. It's sort of an invisible layer that you have to pass through. It makes sense when you see it and experience it in person." I guess that's another thing that I won't get fully explained to me 'until I see it for myself.'

"The other reason why it's so difficult to cross it is because not everyone simply can. You have to be a figure of authority and need great causation to go from one realm to another. You just can't simply cross it on a whim. Unless you're an official or someone high up like the King of course. An Alpha's mate being in grave danger is more than enough valid reason to embark on such a journey even if the King doesn't entertain us. Because of course, if something were to happen-," Marcus cuts off, feeling simple unease at the mere thought as everyone listening shifts uncomfortably.

"-If something were to happen, the pack may run amok with chaos and hence the King might lose a pack. It'll be like losing a limb for him. Hence, not everyone just wanting to cross over will be allowed to. Most people don't even know another realm exists. Only our pack along with the ones nearest to the boundary do because we're- you could say- in charge of keeping an eye on any suspicious activities near about it. Even if we are quite a ways from it." It makes sense, I finally think with a nod while another part of me scoffs it away since I've already got a thousand more questions lined up in my head since I can't seem to shut my brain off from overthinking.

Maybe I'll heed Marcus' advice and actually wait and see what he's talking about. Seeing is believing as they say.

The uncomfortable cold hard forest floor has already ignited a throbbing pain in my lower back due to knotted muscles and hence my plan of rummaging into the foliage so that I can get some modesty and shift into my wolf. I hope it brings me some sort of relief as I move out on the ground, my paws stretching in front of me as I move in the literal version of a downward dog yoga pose. Resuming my normal position, I trot out of the underbrush with my bag swinging in my mouth as I slump down on the floor near the fire. I curl up around my bag and just as I'm about to close my eyes, I feel something soft brush up against me. Peeking one eye up, I try my best from rolling my eyes as a whining Ezra in his wolf form trots besides me, asking for permission to curl up together. A huffing from me signals for him that it's fine but just as his tail touches mine, a low growl emits from me indicating to not try any funny business. With that, I finally fall asleep.

I can already feel my brows being pulled down as a distant voice reaches my ears. Letting out a snort, I can already feel myself being pulled out of my sleep induced stupor as something continuously draws me away from my dreams. Burrowing my huge head further into my paws, I yelp with a start as a sharp pain ignites in my ear. Scrambling up, I sit on my haunches as my disorientated mind tries to pull itself together as I whirl my head this way and that, only now noting the worried brown eyes of Ezra catching my attention.

What was that for? I practically snap it him through my mind as he nods his head behind me. His usual nonchalant stance now taking on that of a threatened gait as he peers off to something I can't see. Turning this way and that, realisation only courses through me when I find no sight of Marcus nor the other two warriors.

This definitely isn't good

Turning to where Ezra so anxiously is staring off to, I squint my eyes as I barely try to see off into the distance. The moonlight filtering through the shrouded trees just about make a pathway as the moonbeams shine onto the figures of four people being huddled together. I go to take a step further but a whine from Ezra stops me in my tracks.

Dad said to stay till he calls for us.

I grunt at his words, the only sign of my acknowledgment as I sit back on my haunches. Trying my best to make out what on Earth is going on as I assess the situation. Marcus and the two warriors seem to be facing their back towards us as Marcus stands in the middle and the two men flank each side. None of it seems to be too threatening as a light hearted laugh resounds through the forest and the person Marcus talks to, clasps him on the shoulder.

That definitely doesn't seem threatening at all.

Ezra and I give each other a certain look. That same look that spelled out mischief for our parents whenever we'd be planing to get up to something that they wouldn't approve of. Before either of us can act upon our new found thoughts, a voice travels out from up ahead.

"Fie. Ezra. Come meet Thaddeus." I pause momentarily, slightly weary of what's about to happen as my guard goes up, readying mused to be on the defence just in case. I also make sure to keep an eye out for the puppy besides me because the boy can barely handle himself in a fight. I will admit, it's been a while since I've fought anyone- be it training or an actual foe- in wolf form since I'm better in my human form but I'm sure I won't be too rusty.

The both of us walk forward till I'm pushing passed the warriors and standing besides Marcus. I bow my head in greeting towards the man named Thaddeus. He seemed like an ordinary looking man who seemed to be on the older ages of life with salt and pepper hair, a square face with an angular jaw and an aquiline noise. Warm honey brown eyes set with busy eyebrows above them settled into a matted line as he looks on to us with good natured curiosity.

"This is Ezra my son and this is Fie. A fellow advisor's daughter. They're both in training and are here to help me with this expedition." Marcus explains carefully as Thaddeus smiles at us kindly.

"It's great to meet you both," he says as he nods his head at us each in turn before continuing on with his words once more, "We should be heading out in a minute or so. Whenever you're ready. You can change into human form or continue on like this for the journey. It doesn't matter." Thaddeus says as he splays his hand out to the rest of us in wolf form, giving us the option. I glance at Marcus in confusion as Ezra lightly nudges his fathers leg with his nose, both of us wondering where on Earth this strange yet kind man wants to take us to.

Marcus smiles down at us as he motions to Thaddeus in front of him, "Thaddeus is here to take us to the gate. I wasn't expecting him to pay us a visit in the middle of the night but when duty calls, it's time to go."

"Think of me as a gatekeeper to the Realm of Tenebris. One of many." He offers helpfully with a playful wink.

Nodding my head, I mind-link the rest of them to wait a minute so that I can go and change. Just in case anything does happen that it's not supposed to, I can fend it off better in the form I'm most comfortable with. I'm also sure the lack of sleep would make me snappier than usual in my wolf form. I just want to make it back home as soon as hopefully. There's nothing as soothing as sleeping in your own comfortable bed back at home.

For some reason, I expect my surroundings to change but as we trek further into the woods, the scenery is exactly the same. Tall trees surrounding us with some bare of leaves as they crunch under our feet with the rest of the mulch mixed in with them. The same dry and cold ground with rodents scurrying about here and there as I try my best not to place a boot cladded foot onto a weird bug of sorts that will squelch under the weight. The only downside- only being slightly sarcastic- is the biting wind which is protected from my back by the backpack I carry but my jacket not doing much to ward it off.

When we come to a stop, I glance around only to find the same vague forest that I've been marching through for the past few days. The thicket of trees are denser than ever and I'm assuming this is where the gate to the realm is even though for the life of me, I can't see why such a normal looking place would hold such an important place.

Maybe this is just some sort of pit spot?

"We're here." Well then.

Thaddeus marches forward until he stops between a few trees just a few feet in front of us. I narrow my eyes and tilt my head until I finally see it.

Among the various trees, two of them come together with their thick branches intertwined almost like they are joined. Taking a further step forward, I furrow my brows as I notice that they don't look to be joined but the separate thick branches of the two trees have actually fused together to form an archway. Almost like an entrance.

"Go on then. Pass through." Thaddeus motions as if it's as simple as that. I frown as no one steps forward, everyone giving each other certain looks. Not even the warriors want to step forward first.

"Ladies first." Ezra says as he gives me a playful shove while I throw a glare over my shoulder. Looking at the rest of them, no one wants to interject as I roll my eyes.

Wimps.

"Here goes nothing." I mutter as I walk forward till I'm just in front of the entry way. Almost as on instinct, I hold my breath as I pass through the entry way and over to the other side of the forest. One part of me expected some sort of weird sensation or anything different but I felt the same constant motions.

"That was it?" I mutter aloud as I turn back to tell the others to cross but come up short as my mouth drops open.

There's no one there. Why is there no one there?

My nerves fry immediately as panic sets in, my mind ablaze with numerous things as all rational thoughts evade me.

Oh God.

Oh God.

I'm going to be stuck here all my life. No ones going to find me. I'll be wandering around this forest and I'll become a hermit, only eating raw animals because I can't even light a fire. What if I die of the cold. What if hypothermia sets in?

"Ow. Damn it Fie." Comes Ezra's moaning voice as he smacks straight into me, my face hitting his chest with a thud as pain laces through my forehead and nose. I take a step back just in case I smack into anyone else as the panic still courses within me, not completely settled down.

"Why do you look so bug eyed?" Ezra questions as I take a deep breath, restraining myself from hugging this goof of a man. I can't let him know I nearly had a panic attack as my mind thought up over dramatic situations that I know would never happen. Or at least I hope they won't ever happen.

"You smacked into me that's why." I mutter as the rest of the party enters almost as hesitantly as I did. Of course Thaddeus saunters through with ease and that continuous carefree smile on his face as he motions towards the outstretch of forest in front of us.

"Welcome to Tenebris. I, of course, won't be joining you since I have to keep an eye out on the gate but from here on out it's not far. Just keep going straight and you'll reach the edge of the forest and will find a dirt road. Keep going straight and soon enough you'll find a tavern. They'll give you further directions from there. Hurry along and you'll be seeing the King in no time." He says jovially as I stifle a groan.

I thought it'd be not far from here but it seems otherwise.

With a few quick goodbyes, we're back to our monotonous walking through forests but surprisingly, it's only a ten minute walk till the trees thin out and a dirt road greets our feet just a few steps out of the clearing of trees. Without missing a beat, we scamper onto the trail with no one in sight even though the warriors shift into their human forms and keep wild alert eyes crossing here and there.

"Only speak when spoken to. If anyone asks what we're doing here, just say we're passing through," Marcus announces to all of us as a small building looms ahead of us. The man looks over his shoulder and to his son as he throws him a pointed look, "Better yet Ezra. You don't talk to anyone or anything, even if they approach you first."

The billowing smoke from the buildings chimney alerts it's occupancy. Our surroundings are stocked full with the forests surrounded us on both sides with the dirt trail travelling both in front and behind us as far as the eye can see. The tavern itself is something out of a television show set in the olden period as a post with a sign outside displayed the taverns name;

The Old Mare

The closer we get to the wooden structure, the louder are the noises emitting from it as rambunctious laughter spills out from its interior. A sleuthing if swear words riddled in with the laughter nearly makes me smile as Marcus enters first through the thick wooden door, I hesitantly follow after him and I'm shocked for the second time within such a short span. I keep forgetting that this Realm is different from ours but the people within the place seem all to different from our raggedy group of travellers.

Men predominantly seemed to be scattered around the shabby interior of the dwelling as old wooden benches lay strewn here and there. Women running through the busy crowds with flat pieces of woods balancing tin mugs of ale. Some women seem to be customers themselves even though our attire's contrast causes a few eyes to look my way as a few curious eyes wander towards us. I guess a change of attire should have been a first if we wanted to fit in.

The men mostly adorned in tight fitted trousers with open dirty baggy blouses. The stains not seemingly part of the fashion but what most men sported, nonetheless. The women clothed in dresses but a few here and there with an attire of pants and tightly fitted blouses, much neater than that of the men.

I hope you packed your leggings. I tease Ezra who presses his lips together to hold back his laughter as someone behind him grunts causing him to jump and move to the side as a man a saunters passed him, ale sloshing over the brim of his mug and onto the floor without a care in the world.

Marcus sighs as he shakes his head but shuffles through the crowd till he reaches the tavern's head who stands behind the counter with a grubby clothe in hand running through a tin cup.

"Good morning Sir. Could you please point is in the direction of the Old City?" Marcus asks politely as the bartender raises a thick shaggy eyebrow at the manners he's portraying. I don't hear much but from the smile on Marcus' face, the man is clearly being helpful. I'm glad we don't take too much time in there as the air starts to grow thick with the amount of people cramped up into such a small space.

Stepping out into the crisp fresh air is like a wish come true as my lungs inhale as much as they can. A thankful change from that of the musty bar we've just exited out of. The warriors stretch out their limbs as Marcus and Ezra step to the side to gather their bearings on their own. Everyone taking a minute before we set off down the road and prepare to set our plan in motion for what the real task we came here to do entails.

However, my moment of peace comes to a screeching halt as something cold and sharp presses against my throat as a harsh grip holds me in place and a smooth voice speaks out.

"What business do you have with the King?"

——————

AN: That is a loooong chapter. But fret not, the one you've all been waiting for (I hope) will be appearing next chapter. Finally! I can't wait to introduce the King.

Question: What is your birth stone?

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