Behind Jacob's house, there was a bonfire, and around it was the Council of Elders.
A group was gathered around the fire, eating hot dogs, laughing. Billy sat at the natural head of the circle. Old Quil, Quil's ancient grandfather sits on one side of him, Sue Clearwater on the other. The three council leaders.
The whole pack was there; Paul, Quil, Embry, Jared, and Sam, with Mana at his side. Leah sullenly stares into the fire. Meanwhile, a young Quileute girl about Quil's age was definitely giving him the eye.
Across the sand – Jacob lead Kuri toward roaring fires.
"You sure this is okay? I really hate being a party crasher."
"This is where you belong." Jacob said comfortingly. "Your my Priestess. This is a Council Meeting. See. The Council leaders, Dad, Quil's grandpa, and Sue Clearwater. She took over for Harry when he died."
"Okay, I should not be here." Kuri noticed someone waving in the crown. "And Reiko should DEFINATELY not be here."
"You're okay. I thought... I mean, they thought it would be good for you three to hear the histories." Jacob admitted.
"The histories? The tribe's histories? Aren't they secret?" Kuri grinned at him.
"We all got a role to play. And you're a part of this. I mean, it's the first time Seth, Leah and Quil are hearing them, too. But it's the first time more than one Priestess is here." Jacob pointed out.
"Sounds like an ambush." Kuri shot back. "I should've brought back-up—my circle."
"Jake." They were interrupted by a gangly-limbed boy, Seth, 15, who trotted up like a puppy. He clearly idolized Jacob. "Hey. It's about time, you got here. Paul's been hoovering the grub. But, I saved you some burgers."
"Good looking out, Bro. Kuri, this is Seth Clearwater, Leah's brother. Newest member of my pack." Jacob said.
"Newest, bestest, brightest." Seth said proudly.
"And slowest." Jacob grabbed Seth in a headlock, the two tumbled to the sand. Seth laughed, absolutely loving this guy. A whistle came from the circle. It was Sam. Seth jumped up.
"Come on. Your dad's about to start." Seth said.
"Alright." Jacob said.
Seth dragged Jacob and Kuri toward the bonfire.
"Of all the legends of the Quileute, this is one of the most feared. That of the old God-Tree and what is sealed within. Long ago, when the Earth was new, the goddess that the Quileute worship, Selene, descended to earth often to be with her people. It was during one of her holy visits that she was defiled by an enemy named Raphael, an angelic demigod who dealt in shadows. When Selene fled in shame, the dark angel preyed on the Quiluete people, killing their men and raping their women. Most of the children of these unions were stillborn but those that survived were some creature between man and raven. Raven Mockers. The pain and torment of her people were too much for Selene to bear. She felt she was to blame. So she allowed her daughter Kaguya to return to the earth to vanquish her father with a weapon forged for sealing the black angel. Through her blood and her soul, the seal was made, and only through both, could it ever be broken again. However, within the soul of Kaguya was a dark spirit called Sadako. The enemy of all Quiluete, her one desire to free Raphael and take his power for her own."
Billy finished the story, and Mana stood up.
"The truth is, Sadako, the evil spirit that is the enemy of the Quiluete, and the only one that can release Raphael against our people..." Mana said.
Kuri's eyes widened. She wanted to run but her limbs were frozen fast.
"Dwells within the Priestess Kuri!" Mana accused.
"Its not true!" Jacob defended, furious.
Kuri put a hand on his shoulder, calming him. "No Jake. It's true. But I'm not the only one with something to prove to the tribe. Reiko too, wants to prove her worth as a priestess. Yes we are different. I am cursed, and Reiko is a vampire. Clearly we should be the enemy; however, we are loyal to the tribe! Give us a chance to prove our loyalty. Come back tomorrow night and we will call up a circle and break this curse, once and for all!"