We're Almost Home

the preparations

As she fixed the ruffled duvet on her sleeping daughter, the weight of guilt settled heavily on her shoulders. Selene's heart ached at the memory of Eve's frightened expression earlier that evening. The woman replayed the moment in her mind. She wished she could take her words back and erase the fear she had unintentionally instilled in her precious child.

Although she was not yet willing to acknowledge it, Selene herself was considerably distraught. The Elder thought that leaving the Lycans leaderless would have finally left them defeated. It was foolish and wishful thinking. She scolded herself for being this incredibly naive, walking briskly to the Coven's main level.

The command room, filled with live footage monitors, weapon cabinets and spartan-looking steel tables, was buzzing with activity when the female Death Dealer barged in. At that moment, all eyes fell on her, and a grave silence overtook the room.

The vampiress shot them an annoyed, questioning glare, "Well?" She probed, focusing her eyes on Varga.

Not wanting to fall into her bad graces, especially now, the man decided to skip the usual banter and spoke, "Upon further investigation, there is no doubt that they are coming in our direction," he replied, "We cannot be sure of their intentions, but it's safe to assume that the Lycans might be planning a large-scale attack," he explained showing her the various maps and data they gathered.

With a stony, cold impression, Selene nodded, "What are our numbers?"

"We do not have this many experienced Death Dealers left," he explained as calmly as possible, "the events from the beginning of the year left us weakened."

"How many, Varga?" She growled.

"Fifty Death Dealers and fifty-five recruits. In various stages of training," answered the male Death Dealer.

The vampiress sighed heavily. She locked her chestnut eyes on the maps and began considering their options. Fuck, there aren't many, she cursed in her head.

Seeing the woman tense with nerves, David came up and gently pulled her aside, "I think it would be wise to ask Lena to provide sanctuary to Eve for the time being," he trailed, "If we send her now, she'll arrive in two days time. She will be safe there," suggested the man.

What 'we' now, angrily thought the woman. "No. Absolutely not," hissed Selene, "I will not send my daughter away." Visibly upset, the Elder started to pace back and forth, "We will not cower," she spat, "Varga, call all the recruits to the dojo. See to their preparations at once," she ordered.

The second in command obediently nodded, "As you wish, my Lady," he responded, walking away.

David gazed at Selene with the utmost admiration. Her courage, charisma and resilience made the young man adore and idolise her. He studied her face, tense yet so graceful. Her brows furrowed, and her nose slightly scrunched. The woman's beautiful eyes, verge on mad, were scanning the maps and screens. Quite possibly, he was the only one not afraid of the vampiress when she would get that look in those eyes, full of rage. The male Elder got so entranced he did not realise she was talking to him.

"Could you?" She repeated. "David," yelled Selene, now evidently annoyed.

"Oh, sorry," he apologised, "I was thinking of something."

"We need to be focused now," she said, shaking her head in disapproval, "I need you to contact Lena," she said, "Let her in on what's happening. Ask her to send a force of two dozen experienced Death Dealers here," she asked making her way out of the command room.

"Alright," he agreed, "And where are you going?"

"I am going inform The Council," she left, slamming the door shut.