The Hunters Mark

5

{ Eifa ~ Ee-fah }

-✧-

T H E Y were loaded into the van at exactly 8:15. Each recruit sat in silence, clutching onto their weapons. There was a variety of spears, daggers and bows, with the odd gun given to a hunter. Elijah and Damien had been given the small shot guns by Sonja, while the rest of them chose their weapons of choice. Cora's was the bow and arrow as it meant she wouldn't be close enough to see her targets in detail. She had tucked a smaller dagger into a strap around her lower leg, which was hidden underneath her tight uniform. It was meant to be tight so that it wasn't constricting, but so that it fit perfectly. She wore her hair up in a pony-tail which pulled harshly on her scalp. Her fingerless gloves gripped the bow handle tightly leaving a clammy handprint where she had held it. Cora tried to steady her breathing, concentrating on what she would do when they entered. She felt a small tug on her jacket and looked up to see Elijah.
"Are you okay? You're shaking." He stated, looking down on her in concern. Cora nodded and pulled a tight smile before looking back to the floor and up again. Eifa and Rae were standing in the corner, Eifa hidden inside Rae's jacket as they embraced. Cora noticed the slight shake in Rae's hand as she comforted Eifa.
Damien and Ilana were standing together in silence, fingers intertwined. There was a light tapping sound of Ilana's nails bouncing against the van walls as she looked around. Elijah was the only one who didn't look frightened, or at least didn't show it. He was standing tall, staring at the wall in front of him. He had a red band against his arm to show his position which was bright, looking out of place in the bundle of black and brown clothing. His fingers were wrapped tightly around his spear and his other hand scrapped back his fringe. He looked down at Cora, searching for her eyes. He bent down slowly and reached for Cora's hand. His sudden, cold touch burned against her hot skin and she looked up in surprise at him, only to see that he was again staring at the wall, however with his hand wrapped around hers. Emilia scowled loudly, mumbling something to Pippa. Cora ignored the harsh stares and continued to hold his hand, his cold touch comforting her nerves.
The van pulled to a stop and the shuffle of footsteps as someone walked around the truck echoed inside. The doors swung open and the sector piled out. Cora pulled her hand out of Elijah's at this point, not noticing the flash of hurt in his eyes as she did.
Cora pulled her bag onto her shoulders, counting her arrows and prepping her bow. She tightened her hair further and zipped up her jacket as a cold gust of air whipped against her rosy cheeks. The moon shon brightly down, flickering through the thick trees of the Silva. The bordering trees of the Silva towered high up into the sky, brushing against one another as the wind whistled.
Sonja brought her fists up against the walls of the van, bringing the Sectors attention on her.
"Welcome, Sector B, to the Silva. This is what you have spent all these years training to enter. Inside these tree walls, are every pack that has been registered. The Silva is an unforgiving place. Death lurks in the shadows. Stay together, teamwork is key. Listen to Elijah for when you enter that forest, he is your superior."
The sector broke off into small muttering.
"Won't you be coming in with us?" Rebekah asked.
"No, as I have not received the injection that you all have, I cannot release the hormones that you can to disguise my human self, they would smell me instantly and it would ruin the mission." Sonja sighed, seemingly annoyed.
"When you enter the Silva, you must allow your wolf abilities to be let loose. Heighten your senses, your skills. This will hide your human smell from any nearby pack, as well as helping you find a group. Now, this is your duty to your country, the Silva is waiting, may luck be on your side!" Sonja screeched, pointing towards the small gap between the trunks. Elijah grunted and started throwing commands. This was it, this was what they had been trained to do. Cora closed her eyes and welcomed the darkness that was the Silva. When they were all inside, the gap seemed to close, and the pockets of light seeping through the tree tops seemed to die. Cora involuntarily shuddered. She watched as the Sector released their wolf-like selves, letting the poking black veins on their necks and hands gleam and their eyes glow shades of blue and green. The rustling of the rabbit in the bushes became clearer and an overpowering smell filled the area; our disguise.
Elijah bent to the ground, sniffing at the air.
"Alright," Elijah stated, his eyes glowing blue.
"Follow me, stay close."