Chapter 2 JOURNEY TO DESTINY

CHAPTER TWO

FANGORIA KINGDOM

"Leave the kingdom?" Kane exclaimed, his voice laced with incredulity. "How am I supposed to do that?"

"Yes, my lord," Lykon replied, his tone unwavering. "But, I must caution you, your mother and the elders will not take kindly to this proposal."

Kane rose from his chair, his eyes drifting toward the window as he contemplated the impossible task. "I fear you may be right, Lykon. But staying within these walls will not yield the answers I seek."

Lykon took a step forward, his voice tinged with urgency. "Time is of the essence, my lord. Every passing day brings us closer to... unforeseen consequences."

Kane's gaze snapped back to Lykon, his mind racing with the weight of his decision. "I will need someone to accompany me on this journey," he declared, his eyes locking onto Lykon.

But to Kane's surprise, Lykon's expression turned hesitant. "My lord, I-"

"You will come with me, Lykon," Kane said, his tone firm.

Lykon's reluctance was palpable as he protested, "But, my lord, who will oversee the kingdom in your absence?"

Kane's eyebrows furrowed in annoyance. "My mother is more than capable of handling such matters."

Lykon's eyes darted about the room, searching for an alternative argument. "My lord, this mission is a test of your courage and worthiness to rule. You must embark on this journey alone."

Kane's gaze narrowed, his mind weighing the merits of Lykon's words. After a moment of contemplation, he nodded. "Very well. Arrange a brief meeting with the elders and my mother. I must inform them of my decision."

With a curt nod, Lykon departed to fulfill Kane's request, leaving the young Alpha to ponder the uncertain fate that lay ahead.

THE MEETING HALL

The grand doors swung open, and a booming voice echoed through the hall. "All hail the Alpha and the queen!" The elders rose from their seats, bowing their heads in reverence as Kane and his mother, the queen, majestically entered the hall.

Kane's gaze drifted toward the throne, a mix of longing to sit on it for just a day swirling within him. He cleared his throat, beginning his announcement. "I have called this meeting to share a decision of great importance. I intend to leave the kingdom in search of answers to the mysterious threat that has been plaguing our land."

The queen's head snapped toward him, her eyes wide with alarm. "Impossible!" she exclaimed, the elders nodding in fervent agreement.

"No Alpha has ever left the kingdom, no matter the circumstance," one of the elders declared, his voice firm.

Kane's frustration simmered just below the surface. "This mission is not a choice, but a necessity. I must prove my courage and worthiness to rule. Every passing day counts, and I fear that if I do not act swiftly, the kingdom will be lost."

The hall fell silent, the weight of Kane's words settling upon the assembly. Lykon, sensing the queen's hesitation, spoke up. "Your Majesty, we must consider the Alpha's words. If he does not prove himself worthy, the kingdom will never truly accept him as their ruler."

The queen's expression softened, her gaze lingering on Lykon before returning to Kane. "You cannot go alone. Lykon will accompany you."

Kane's voice was firm. "No, Mother. I will go alone, and I will return victorious."

The council chamber erupted into a flurry of whispered conversations, the elders conferring among themselves. After a tense thirty minutes, one of the elders spoke up. "This is our decision, Alpha. We grant you permission to embark on this mission, but you must complete it within two months. If you fail to do so, you must return to the kingdom."

Kane's heart swelled with determination. "I accept your terms. I hereby appoint Lykon as acting Alpha in my absence."

The elders bowed their heads in acceptance, Lykon's smirk hinting at his own secret agenda. As Kane and the queen departed the hall, the elders exchanged uneasy glances, their whispers weaving a tapestry of distrust.

"I fear we have made a grave mistake," one of the elders whispered, eyeing Lykon with suspicion.

Lykon's smile never wavered. "It is an honor to serve the kingdom. I assure you, esteemed elders, that I will not disappoint."

LYON, FRANCE

Freya's body thrashed about, her sheets drenched in sweat as she muttered incoherent words. Her nightmare had reached a boiling point, and she jolted awake, screaming. Gasping for air, she glanced at the clock and let out a frustrated sigh.

She forced herself out of bed, staggering to the kitchen in search of water. Her mother, Queen Lyra, stood by the counter, watching her with an unreadable expression.

Freya ignored her, opening the refrigerator door to grab a bottle of water. The tension between them was palpable, a testament to their strained relationship.

"Bonne journée, Freya," Queen Lyra said quietly, attempting to break the silence.

Freya responded curtly, "Ç'a été bien, et la vôtre?" Her voice was laced with indifference, and she avoided eye contact.

Queen Lyra tried again, "Why are you just waking up? Didn't you set an alarm?"

Freya's response was icy, "I don't see how that concerns you." She dropped the cup on the table, the sound echoing through the kitchen.

Queen Lyra's expression darkened, her voice rising. "Am I talking to myself, or are you intentionally ignoring me?"

Freya's anger flared, matching her mother's intensity. "I don't know what's wrong with you today, but stay away from me!"

Queen Lyra's face twisted in a scowl. "I hate you, Freya. With every fiber of my being."

Freya's retort was venomous. "The feeling is mutual, Mother. And one day, I'll be free from you."

As Freya stormed out of the kitchen, Queen Lyra crumpled to the floor, overcome with tears. Memories from twenty years ago flooded her mind, and she whispered to herself, "I wish I never fell in love with him...".

FREYA'S ROOM

Freya slammed the door shut, collapsing onto her bed as tears streamed down her face. The pain of her mother's words eclipsed the lingering fear from her nightmare.

"Why must I be the product of my father's betrayal?" she sobbed, her body shaking with anguish.

With a newfound determination, Freya vowed, "I refuse to be reminded of my pain. I will rise above it."

She began packing her bags, her mind made up. She would leave the house, leave the pain behind, and forge a new path.

SHAMAN SHRINE

As Lykon entered the shaman shrine, the pungent aroma of herbs enveloped him, making his eyes water. Despite his frequent visits, he still hadn't grown accustomed to the overpowering scent. He wrinkled his nose in distaste as he sat down on the low chair reserved for visitors.

Lykon's gaze wandered around the shrine, taking in the soft glow of candles and lanterns, the sacred masks of revered ancestors, and the various offerings left by the people. The air was thick with the scent of incense and herbs, creating an otherworldly atmosphere.

The shaman emerged from his inner chambers, a warm smile spreading across his face. "Hello, my son," he said, his eyes twinkling with kindness.

Lykon rose from his seat, bowing his head in respect. "The greatest shaman of the Fangoria kingdom," he hailed, his voice filled with reverence.

The shaman chuckled, gesturing for Lykon to follow him. "Why didn't you enter the inner chambers?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Lykon shook his head. "No, Father, I have but a little time to spend here."

The shaman nodded, taking a seat in front of Lykon. "Very well, my son. Tell me, what brings you to my humble abode today?"

Lykon cleared his throat, his voice taking on a serious tone. "Shaman, I have come to express my gratitude for your guidance and assistance."

The shaman smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "You are welcome, my son. I am always here to aid you."

Lykon's expression turned somber. "Has Kane left the kingdom yet?"

The shaman's smile faltered for a moment before he responded, "No, but I sense that he will soon. The elders and the queen have granted him permission to embark on his journey."

Lykon's eyes gleamed with interest. "What were the conditions of his departure?"

The shaman's expression turned grave. "He has been given two months to find the killer. If he fails, he must return to the kingdom."

Lykon's face lit up with confidence. "He will never succeed. The task is impossible."

The shaman's laughter echoed through the shrine, a low, rumbling sound. "Indeed, my son. The odds are against him."

Lykon's expression turned anxious. "And what of his mate? Will he find her on his journey?"

The shaman's smile was enigmatic. "Destiny cannot be stopped, my son. The path ahead is shrouded in uncertainty."

Lykon's face fell, but the shaman's next words lifted his spirits. "For now, enjoy the power that comes with the throne. The future is uncertain, but the present is yours to command."

Lykon's smile returned, his eyes gleaming with ambition.

A faint, flickering light danced across the entrance of the cave, illuminating the tall, lanky figure that stepped into the shadows. The air inside was heavy with the scent of damp earth and decay.

The figures gathered within the cave's depths were shrouded in darkness, their faces rough-hewn and obscured by the shadows. The tall figure approached the massive form seated at the cave's heart, its left eye a twisted mass of scar tissue.

"My Lord," the tall figure bowed, its voice low and deferential. "I bring news from the Fangoria kingdom. The Alpha is set to depart on a mission, leaving the kingdom vulnerable."

The massive figure's gaze narrowed, its scarred eye glinting with intent. "And who assumes control in the Alpha's absence?" it rumbled, its voice like thunder in the cave.

"His Beta Alpha, Lykon," the tall figure replied, its voice dripping with disdain.

The massive figure's laughter boomed through the cave, causing the shadows to tremble. "You may take your leave," it dismissed, waving a massive hand.

The tall figure bowed, backing away before turning to disappear into the darkness. The massive figure's gaze lingered on the spot where the tall figure had vanished, its expression twisted into a snarl.

"Fangoria kingdom is mine, and mine alone," it growled, its voice dripping with venom. "No one – not even the rightful Alpha – will take it from me."