The Shadress (MCD x Reader)

Ch. 17- Tribal Returns

The dirt and gravel crunches under my feet; the sound reverberating around the empty air that comes with me traveling alone once again. I appreciate nature once again filling my senses, no need to be on guard with what I do in front of those I travel with.

The only issue I find myself worrying about is the presence of eyes once again on my back. Whoever it is, is now following me back from Pikoro, meaning they traveled there with us and are tracking me. I take solace in the fact that they aren't targeting Irene.

With a push from the breeze, the trees whisper information to me, a thought popping into my head at the same time. Issues with Zane will push to the forefront of my mind once again, and I don't think I'll appreciate the outcome. I file that issue away for later. There are bigger fish to fry, like the newfound issues with the wolves that I once again have.

They don't seem to stay out of my business. I scoffed the thought sarcastically.

The South Eastern Wolf Tribe should have received the new oracle by now – Helena having promised me it would take very little over a day. Not to mention that they should have already received better information from said oracle. I think I won't have an issue with coming in, but I can never be too sure. My wings are out, feathers vibrating the same as the trees, and I again have the shadows over my face.

I was careful to do an in-depth prayer to the beings above before I left Pikoro. The process took me over three hours and took a couple of my more difficult materials to perform. If it were not for the fact that we were in someone else's home, I would've set up a more permanent altar to keep a stream of energy flowing across the bond I have to the heavens.

Energy should not be an issue this time around.

In a similar vein, the werewolves should be well aware of the things that I can do. I would not be surprised if the new oracle had already told the king about my return. I wonder what they look like. Helena had told me nothing about what this person was supposed to be like, just that they are a werewolf, and that they are a reputable oracle.

My thoughts are interrupted when I get to the gates, the feeling beginning to fade away now that I am safe within the walls of the little kingdom. For now.

Unlike last time, as I approach the doors to the palace, the guards at the front give a half bow before letting me through with ease. I keep my head high, giving the air of being unaffected, but my nerves sting with the pain that followed my last trip here.

Before I could even step foot in the throne room, I could see the king sat upon the opulent chair; something that was once again different from the previously closed dark oak doors. His queen was now at his side in a more equal position. She doesn't have quite a throne, but the very cushy chair makes up for the standing position she once had. There were people talking and laughing, a minor party of sorts taking place. Honestly, the palace just seems more lively than last time.

"Lady Mene!" The king's voice echoes across the hall, announcing my presence that I was not aware he knew of. "I have been expecting you. What are you doing back so soon?" The man seems to ignore the presence of feathers on my back.

This man seems very different from when I last saw him. "I came for my friends' belongings. Although, I suspect you were aware of that already."

He laughs before shouting, "Borus! Get Lady Mene the humans' things!"

A wolf with rather thick, gray ears brings me a sack of things. It rattles when I take it from him. "Thank you," I mumble. No doubt everyone in the room heard it, but I kept my voice down anyway. A quick look in the bag reveals the swords and pieces of armor that the guards were wearing. It isn't much but will be better than losing all of their things. The regular clothes, however, seem to be missing from the bag.