Born To Rule
Chapter 13:

In Accalia’s head: It's been two weeks since my birthday and ever since I turned twenty one, I've had the same reoccurring dream every single night. It appears to be some sort of castle? Who are those people? What does this dream mean? At this point I felt like I was suffocating. Slowly drowning within my own mind. How many secrets can one person hold?

Malik: “H-hey, Accalia.”

Accalia: “Hey, Malik.”

In Accalia’s head: The relationship between me and Malik has become undeniably strained. It's like our whole dynamic has changed. It's my fault that this is our new reality. We've switched places and it was now me, avoiding him. One wrong move and he would know the very secret I've been trying so hard to conceal.

Malik: “Sorry for the random intrusion. I came to see if you were feeling any better.”

Accalia: “If I'm being honest, no. I think I need some fresh air.”

Malik: “Want me to come with you? e could visit one of our spots.”

Accalia: “I think it's best if I go alone.”

Malik: “O-okay, that’s fine. I uh…will see you later then.”

In Accalia’s head: Nice one, Accalia. (in the woods). I told Malik I wouldn't be gone for too long but I found myself wondering and unfamiliar territory. I failed to realize how far I was traveling away from home. Once alone, the negative thoughts started to cloud my mind. should I go back? Should I run now while I had the chance? I hated myself for thinking such things. Malik is my mate. We're connected for life. I was such a hypocrite. I pushed Malk to tell me his deepest secret. He trusted me that much and yet I can't repay the favor. I wanted to tell him more than anything but I can't risk losing anyone else. My heart wouldn't be able to take it.

Kirima: “Are you okay? Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you.”

Accalia: “No, it's okay. I just wasn't expecting to see anybody out here, that's all.”

Kirima: “Neither was I.”

In Accalia’s head: Strange. Those markings are like nothing I've ever seen before. She doesn't smell like a wolf but then again, she doesn't smell human either. Interesting.

Kirima: “Not to sound rude on our first meeting, but are you quite finished staring at me?”

In Accalia’s head: Why am I like this?

Accalia: “Sorry about that. I have a bad habit of zoning out.”

Kirima: “So I see.”

Accalia: “I’m Accalia.”

Kirima: “Pleased to meet you. My name is Kirima.”

Accalia: “So…what brings you out here?”

Kirima: “I think the better question to ask is why were you crying?”

Accalia: “It's nothing.”

Kirima: “You're a wolf.”

Accalia: “How did you know?”

Kirima: “Don't be alarmed. I can sense what you were through the use of my powers.”

Accalia: “Powers?”

Kirima: “Yes, my powers. I'm a witch. (meanwhile by a lake)”

In Amara’s head: Where is he?! I told him to meet me here ten minutes ago.

Kai: “Thinking about me, Amara? Do I look okay?”

In Amara’s head: Cute.

Kai: “Amara?”

Amara: “Come on Romeo, we need to go hunting.”

Accalia: “Um, Kirima? What are you doing?”

Kirima: “I’m foraging or different types of herbs.”

Accalia: “Herbs? What for?”

Kirima: “Mostly for medical purposes. My anaana and anaanatsiaq who asked me to collect.”

Accalia: “Your what?”

Kirima: “Sorry about that. I meant to say my mother and grandmother.”

Accalia: “Oh, I see. Are they witches too?”

Kirima: “Yes, we're very close. We live together. Our ancestors have lived on this land for thousands of years.”

Accalia: “That's amazing.”

Kirima: “What's wrong?”

Accalia: “Oh, sorry. It's just conversations like this, make me think of my own mother.”

Kirima: “Are you not close with yours?”

Accalia: “She died when I was young.”

Kirima: “Oh, Accalia, I'm so sorry.”

Accalia: “Don't be, it was a long time ago.”

Kirima: “Was she the reason you were crying earlier?”

Accalia: “No, it was…it was because of something else.”

Kirima: “I know we just met, you can talk to me. Sometimes talking to a stranger can be easier.”

In Accalia’s head: That’s when it dawned on me that she might be right. Letting out all of my emotions would be good for me, right? I took the plunge and did that. I told Kirima everything. How it all started from the very beginning…becoming banished. The blackouts. Sesi cutting me off. Hearing voices. Having strange dreams. Even my appearance was slowly changing. I let it out for the first time in months and I felt a huge release.

Accalia: “You think I'm a freak now, don't you?”

Kirima: “Not at all. It’s just a lot to absorb, that's all. What if I told you that I can help you?”

Accalia: “Really?!”

Kirima: “My family are from a very old and powerful bloodline. I'm pretty sure that my grandmother wouldn't know how to help you.”

Accalia: “I don't know how to thank you or what to say. Thank you.”

Kirima: “You're welcome. My home is at far from here. Follow me.”

In Accalia’s head: I promise to come back home as to mate you deserve, Malik.

Kirima: “Halu?!”

Accalia: “Is everything okay?”

Kirima: “Yeah, just give me a second.”

Kirima’s Mindlink: “Anaana, where are you?”

Akna’s Mindlink: “I'm not home right now, sweetheart but your grandmother should be.”

Kirima’s Mindlink: “Okay, thank you.”

Accalia: “Your eyes just changed colors.”

Kirima: “When us witches use our powers, our eyes usually change colors. It's 100% normal.”

Accalia: “That's incredible.”

Kirima: “My mother isn't home right now but my grandmother is. Let's go replace her.”

Accalia: “Mhm.”

Kirima: “Unusakut, anaanatsiaq.”

Yura: “The chosen one has finally arrived.”

In Accalia’s head: The chosen one?

Kirima: “So it's you!!”

Accalia: “What's me?! What are you talking about?!”

Kirima: “One of the many powers that our family possesses, is the ability to see into the future. We've been waiting for the chance to speak to you on your own and we knew that moment would arise today. But I had to make sure it was definitely you. However, you mostly confirmed my suspicions after everything you told me earlier.”

Accalia: “What do you want with me?! And who the hell is 'we’ you keep referring to?!”

Akna: “I suppose that would be me. Hello, Accalia.”

In Accalia’s head: Wait, where have I seen her before?

Accalia: “IT’S YOU!! You're the same woman for my dream.”

Akna: “Let me explain. I know you must be terrified and confused but we are on your side.”

Accalia: “How does any of this show me that you're on my side?! For all I know, you could be the very reason I'm experiencing all of these madness. Did you put some sort of curse on me?!”

Akna: “No. I'm trying to help you.”

Accalia: “Well thanks, but no thanks. I don't need any of your help. Stay away from me!!”

Yura: “Don’t panic, panik. Sooner or later, Accalia, will qaigit tunu. (Duskfall Pack)”

Rose: “Can you tell me why we had to have an emergency pack meeting. And where’s Accalia?”

Malik: “This meeting is about Accalia.”

Rose: “Why?”

Malik: “Because we can't ignore what's going on with her any longer. Something needs to be done. (Accalia listening from outside the door)”