A/N: I did warn this story would have a darker feel than the previous two…Sometimes it's easier for us to see things as black and white or good vs evil, but I challenge you to consider that even the most innocent of people can commit heinous acts given the circumstance. I've come to learn in my line of work, that most real-life monsters are frequently created in childhood by acts of cruelty, not necessarily born that way. On this Thanksgiving, I am grateful for this fandom... for serving as my own escape and for all of you who continue to read. This chapter is a short one, but I hope considered worth the effort…
Chapter 10
CHIKUK
He tracked his movements covetously. His confidence and grace set him apart from the rest, and Chikuk was astute enough to know genetics were but a partial factor. Kayan had been skillfully trained, yet there was much of Aylen in him. The same lithe and trim physique with equal unassuming charisma and grace. Self-awareness hit, and he exercised his meticulous control, forcing his treacherous eyes away while scanning the rest of the trainees; unwilling to expose his ardent interest.
The choice had already been made, but he still went through the motions of weighing his options. There really was no other way; it was sheer weakness of him for even considering otherwise.
Him…always him…his genuine Achilles Heel…
His refusal to destroy the last shred of affection he may still possess for him was threatening to undo all he'd worked towards. And it truly would be the last straw…Aylen would undoubtedly hate him for it…challenge him even, and Chikuk would be forced to put him down. He glanced back at his cherished one's younger doppelganger; the likeness forcing his mind back to a time when his mind was still his own…when his essence was unblemished by longing and self-doubt…
The rains had been particularly bad that season, keeping them mostly indoors, and serving to amplify his dread. His body was heavy with fatigue, his mind foggy from lack of sleep, but he feared what would surely follow in slumber. Sleep was once a coveted past-time, now a source of paranoia and fright. The images were violently graphic, but that wasn't what terrified him most; it was the taste of truth left on his tongue as he came to. Tuari pressed him on the nature of his dreams, insisting it was a sign they would soon take on their wolf spirit. But Chikuk couldn't bring himself to share…it was the first time he'd kept anything from his other half. Mostly out of shame, but also to avoid reliving his vivid dreams.
Most nights, he fought against the need to sleep. But that changed when Aylen's father fell in battle and his parents took him in. Chikuk often awoke in fright, his body trembling in shock, and covered in a blanket of his own sweat. He'd mastered the art of doing so in silence but Aylen, ever the perceptive one, refused to see him suffer alone. Chikuk had gasped in utter surprise the first time he'd felt the warmth of his back pressed against his own. He never dared turn to face him, nor ever voiced a word of acknowledgment and yet Aylen always remained. His warmth and silent support pacified the demons in his head. It was the beginning of his unhealthy dependence on the soft-spoken, orphaned boy.
But Aylen had since joined the Aleut wolves and held the responsibility of patrols. So, when his mother lamented not gathering enough wood for the fire on that cold, rainy day, Chikuk gladly volunteered for the task. Anything to keep him on two feet and away from his violent dreams. His father was renowned for his gift of sight and he pondered the likelihood he may have inherited his gift as he continued his search for firewood. It was a reasonable explanation but one he was inclined to reject, for it meant his dreams were not dreams at all, but visions of what was to come. The prospect was too horrifying to contemplate, and he couldn't bring himself to discuss it with his father, for he would undoubtedly demand details of his visions, isolating him further from the people he loved most.
His methodical mind worked and reworked his dilemma incessantly. Too engrossed in thought, to spot the approaching large bear. A menacing growl the only warning before feeling its sharp claws rake across his back. The pain was instantaneous, rendering him immobile as he dropped to the ground. In retrospect, it was probably what saved his wretched life. A powerful echoing crack sounding out was the last lucid memory before everything went black.
He often traveled back to that moment in time, now fully aware of the catastrophic effect it birthed. In rare instants of melancholic regret, he genuinely wished the spirit of the bear had been stronger than his. But alas the spirits had a crueler fate designed. The scorching of the red-hot iron against his mangled flesh jolted him awake; his agonized cry muffled by bile traveling up his throat. The charring smell was overpowering, worsened by the fact it stemmed from his own cauterized skin.
"Keep still or you'll bleed out before I treat the rest…"
Her words dripped with hostility but the authority in her voice told him she was speaking truth and he forced his eyes shut, passing out again from the strain. And the vivid images returned, now mingled with the memory of his own unfortunate experience, only semi aware he was asleep. He shot up in alarm, his throbbing injuries swiftly reminding him of his current state. Her cold fingers locked his chin in place as she surveyed his face.
"You have the look of your father…but all that gibberish tells me it's not all you've inherited from him…"
"Where am I?"
He scanned his surroundings wildly, trying to gather his bearings through the pain. But she continued circling him silently, a touch of madness swimming in her brown orbs. Her head turned in alarm before moving towards the entrance of the large cave.
"They'll be coming for you soon child…I've done what I could"
Chikuk watched her disappear into the night, partly relieved yet indebted for her help. Her potent scent of sage lingered in the cave with him, but she'd spoken the truth…his father and two other wolves, including Aylen arrived soon after. A look of unease reeled in his father's gaze as he took stock of the cavern. But Chikuk only felt joy… happiness at seeing his father and Aylen's shared relief. The odd woman passed through his thoughts more than he cared for in the days which followed. How swiftly she'd unraveled his secret and his father's open distrust of her only amplified his intrigue.
But it'd be after he came into his wolf spirit when their paths would cross again. His lupine nose had no trouble tracking her scent once he stumbled across that strong trace of sage. How ridiculously naïve he'd been…like a gullible ant ensnared by the pretty web. Pathetically weak and eager for reassurance. Her coy yet knowing smile should have served as warning enough but Chikuk was desperate for any wisdom on his gory dreams. She was one of their own, her lupine scent was hard to miss yet unwilling to speak on the reasons behind her seclusion. A secondary bad omen ignored…
He chalked it up to her eccentricity…her awareness and sheer interest in his predicament made it easier to overlook. In time, Chikuk came to erroneously believe they'd been cut from the same cloth…two misunderstood souls.
You've been chosen for greatness by the spirits, she'd said. No one will understand…only me. You mustn't let fear or emotional attachments deter you from what needs to be done. Your father and brother will lead our people down a path of destruction. It is why the spirits have given you the gift of sight, so you may intercede on our people's behalf. You cannot trust them with what you know…they will try to destroy you…the people you trust most will turn on you…you will see…
Her words seeding a deep paranoia which only intensified with time. She was skilled with words and he hung on her every sentence. He'd been destined to become a monster and was grateful for her genuine acceptance. Chikuk became withdrawn...hateful of himself and of the spirits for tasking him with such a burden… distrustful of even his own flesh and blood …Tuari, his twin…his other half. Aylen tried reaching out to him and Chikuk loved him even more for it but the damage had been done. So, when his father chose Tuari to lead, even though he'd been firstborn, it served to strengthen his belief in Nazara's words.
With her guidance, mere thoughts turned into plots. Tuari's modern ideas threatened to extinguish their way of life and allowing she-wolves positions of power would only weaken them, she'd said. He utilized this argument to create dissent within the pack, placing doubt in some of the elders and the more conservative members of the pack. You must strike before they do, she'd counseled and Chikuk was doubtful of his ability to lay harm to his better half. For though he'd grown resentful of him, it hadn't lessened the love for his twin. But the challenge needed to be made…he was the rightful Alpha, not the usurper he was being portrayed.
That night he had another vision…one of a child born of mixed blood with a destiny of their own, forcing him into action. His followers had grown in number and he used the cover of the night to execute the massacre which ensued. It was in the early hours of dawn when Chikuk, son of Aguta, Chief and seer to the Aleut tribe, lost his soul. It'd been cold-blooded murder…no honor in his kill, because Tuari had forfeited his life the second he refused to fight back. He returned to the large cave desolately, still covered in his brother's blood, and believing Aylen's life had also been lost.
His father visited him for the last time; a murderous intent clear in his eyes. And Chikuk might've been vulnerable enough to allow it, had he been capable of following through. But the old seer did the next best thing…In a moment of utter anguish, he confessed his own weakness of the flesh…a past betrayal to the woman he loved most in this world and for whom? A woman with unspeakable malice in her heart. He'd betrayed his devoted wife who'd born him two strong sons and had begged for the life of one before forfeiting her own; even after he'd cavorted with the devil and annihilated all they'd been…
Chikuk turned about, not waiting for a confirmation of what he already knew. His father's hysterical weeping no longer capable of moving him in the slight. There was nothing of him left, the drumming of his cold-heart the only sign of his humanity. Nothing but sheer hate…a hate so all-consuming he could feel his lungs threatening to collapse from rage and the effort of breathing. There was no need to track her scent…he'd walked this path countless of times in his need for refuge…for a listening ear…for the undiluted acceptance he so deeply craved, and she'd skillfully used for her bidding.
His affection had never been tainted by desire. She was much older but the smile of content on her face filled him with an overwhelming need to reach over and savor her mouth. A silent farewell perhaps or maybe morbid curiosity in seeing if he could taste the malice on her lips. It was a gentle peck…his eyes glazing over with the coldness she'd infused. He'd become the monster in his dreams…a puppet on her tight set of strings. His lips parted into a knowing smile, eyes boring into hers…obliviousness in her callous eyes. And it pleased him to know that even if for that moment, the pupil was outmaneuvering his master.
His hand cupped her cheek gently, caressing the side of her neck as his fingers traveled down her throat. Eyes never leaving hers as he tightened his hold. He took pleasure in seeing the surprise color her face as she gasped for air. She was strong…but not strong enough…the sound of his grip crushing her windpipe was muffled by those of his own choked sobs. A tidal wave of grief washing over him…how pathetically weak of him to mourn for a woman who'd destroyed him from the inside out.
And yet deep down he was also convinced she'd provided the thrust he'd needed to see this through. Considering otherwise would unravel him…Yet what if? What if he'd chosen to seek out his father's help instead of a stranger's?
No…No…No…There was no turning back now…considering otherwise was futile….
His eyes returned to the young wolf, recalling the vision of the mixed-blooded child. No…No…No, he whispered to himself once again. There was no turning back now…
Okano was loyal enough, but he couldn't be entrusted with such a delicate matter. He'd have to deal with his wayward sister on his own and at a later time.
"Kayan…"
A small nod of his head was enough to alert the young wolf he was being summoned, and he obediently approached.
"Yes?'
"If I didn't know any better, I would say you've been schooled in the art of combat. So, it appears you have natural skill"
A small bow of his head was his only reply, acknowledging the compliment.
"I'm sending reinforcements for the hunting party. Okano believes the Lycans have grown in number and they need more abled wolves. I want you to join them…it would be a good learning experience for you"
Kayan was smart enough to know he had no choice in the matter, choosing his next words carefully.
"Thank you for the opportunity Chikuk. I'd like to check in on my mother before leaving camp."
"There's no time…Tayen is readying to leave, you'll need to make haste to catch up with her and the other the wolves. I'll send word to your mother"
His eyes narrowing perceptively with his subsequent words.
"Don't worry Kayan, I'll keep an eye on her while your father is away"
A curt nod was all he could muster before heading restlessly towards the spiteful she-wolf. His selflessness on full display as he worried over the welfare of his very pregnant mother rather than his own. But it also exhibited his innocence in underestimating the grave danger he was in. Like the optimist, he was…sheltered by the love of the people who could no longer protect him from what was to come…
A strong, calloused hand pushed against the bedrock of the stony pass, balancing her steps; her deep breaths working to push past the sharp pains shooting across her lower back. Her free hand cradled her belly protectively and she continued undeterred, hoping to pace the discomfort away. The Braxton Hicks contractions were occurring more frequently, but Leah didn't trust anyone but Nauja in examining her. No one in camp had formal medical training and aside from the veteran she-wolf, there was only one other with minor midwifery skills. But Leah couldn't take that chance; Chikuk had eyes and ears everywhere.
Aylen would be angry, but she had more pressing concerns. Kayan had finally phased and even though he was trying to appease her mounting fear; every maternal instinct she possessed was screaming loud and clear…her child was in mortal danger and there was no friggin way a couple of contractions would keep her away. Chikuk had denied Aylen's request that he be allowed to oversee Kayan's training. So, he spent every spare minute near the training grounds…watching menacingly for any signs of foul play.
But her beloved and Tikaani had been conveniently ordered away for a needless food run, leaving Kayan with a bulls-eye on his back. Training had progressed normally the last couple of days, but nightfall was upon them and her son still hadn't made it home. Leah rushed forward as she caught sight of Tavi; a newly phased wolf and Kayan's only genuine friend. She worked to keep her expression relaxed as she neared the training grounds.
"Tavi, did training run over?"
"A little…"
"Is Tayan on clean-up duty?"
A look of confusion clear on his young face, quickly changing into genuine concern.
"Don't you know? Chikuk handpicked him to join the hunt. He left with Tayen hours ago..."
Leah felt the air rush out of her lungs, her chest heaving in distress, causing her to double over. Tavi rushed to her in haste and though usually, the proud she-wolf would scoff when fussed upon, was grateful to accept the offered support. She fought for composure, battling against the panic taking root. Tavi steered her away from prying ears needlessly. There wasn't much left to say…Leah's silent tears confirmed enough. And the young wolf knew he had an impossible choice to make and not a lot of time to decide. It was hard to stomach the desperation in her gaze, but he didn't look away…A silent conversation passing between them. Her eyes screaming a silent plea.
Waiting for Aylen and Tikaani's return was simply not an option, if they had any hope of saving Kayan's life. He could try and buy her time, but she wouldn't get very far alone and leaving with her would equal banishment from the pack, if not death. Emotional attachments of any kind were discouraged for unimprinted wolves. Loyalty to Chikuk and the pack above all was their creed, but Tavi knew he'd never be able to live with himself if he stood idly.
"We might reach them in time if we cut through the mountain pass…it's our only chance"
A tense smile was all he could muster as Leah's grip tightened around his hand. A soundless declaration of her inconceivable gratitude. And the sand-glass had turned, their strides making haste as they raced against time…
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This chapter was inspired by music from composer Hildur Guonadottir
