Chapter 16: A Ritual

   After Salvatore’s last statement, every alpha and their entourage stood up from their seats in unison.

“We will now pay a visit to the seer, the vessel in which the gods speak to us.” Salvatore added.

The alphas and their entourage walked slowly down the stage in a single line, walking past us. It was a remarkable sight, to see the world leaders in a single room, observing such rituals. Salvatore followed closely behind them, and as soon as they all walked past, I could see the School Council members spread out, guiding students to join the moving line, starting with the front row, ensuring everything remained orderly.

I soon spotted Lauren a few rows ahead, she always seemed to be squeezing her face like she was angry about something and yet, she was as gorgeous as ever, I could see most of the guys staring at her with dreamy eyes, she wore a short skirt, which I've known her for with the school uniform. Her huge busts threatened to spill from her cleavage. 

It had reached my row's turn, and I joined the line with the others.

“What do you guys know about this seer?” Josh asked, his interest leaking from his tone.

“I can’t say for certain, but it is believed that the seer is the oldest living werewolf, and he carries with him so much knowledge, wisdom and vision, from generations ago.” Oliver replied.

“Wow, generations you say?” Brad replied, clearly amazed by it.

“They say he directs the recruiters where to find new students every year, because he alone knows who is eligible to become a Sheffield student.” Isabel remarked.

“But why are we going to meet him?” I said, directing the question to Oliver. He shook his head, unable to explain why. If what Isabel just said is true, this means he clearly knows about me? Maybe he could give me more answers than that god ever did.

We were deep in the forest but hadn’t encountered monsters, this was impossible because of the sheer weight of powerful presence among us. After a while, we arrived at an enormous mountain with a deep cavern at the ground level, we entered, and the world seemed to have deemed as the darkness completely enveloped us.

“Where am I?” I asked, panic reflecting in my tone.

“Where you ought to be Elsa.”

“Who are you? Why did you separate me from the others?”

“The others have their own battle to fight.”

“Battle?”

“Yes Elsa, everyone has a purpose, a battle of their own.”

“So, you’re my battle?”

“Hahaha, you amuse me child.”

“What’s funny?”

“You’re.”

“How so?”

“You don’t know who you’re, you are as lost as a monster in a city.”

“This again!”

“What were you hoping to get from seeing me?” He asked. It was then I realized I was talking to the seer. I knew it but I wasn’t sure.

“I wasn’t just chosen because of a good heart, damn there are many others out there, though few, whose chivalry is unheard of, why was I given these gifts?

“Gifts? Hahaha You keep asking the wrong questions, you got one of my good ones killed Elsa.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Your apology is an insult to his sacrifice, do you know who you’re?”

“Yes okay, yes, I know what I am. I’m an Alpha”

“An Alpha you say?”

“You already know that, why do you ask me again?”

“I see the hatred and revenge you harbor in your eyes.”

“My mother was killed in such a disgraceful manner. If you won’t help me, then why bring me here!” I shouted, furiously.

“I had to see, I’ve waited ages for this day. Go now, find yourself. Oh and welcome to Sheffield.” He replied, as his voice grew distant.

I woke up, finding myself in the chair I sat on, before leaving with the others for the cavern. It was strange because I was certain that I had left this place. Some others who were also waking up, darted their eyes around in confusion. I looked to my side and saw Isabel had already woken up, others seemed to be awake except Josh, whose eyes looked like they were drained of life. 

“Josh Josh!” Oliver screamed, shaking him violently. He still didn’t move. I looked around the garden, some students were also not moving, about fifteen. 

“She isn’t breathing, what's wrong with her?”

“Alison, open your eyes.”

These were few of the voices I heard as hands trembled over lifeless bodies, trying to stir them. I could feel my blood boil as Salvatore smiled and came to the stage once more.

“Congratulations students, you’ve passed the final ritual to becoming a full fledged student of Sheffield. There is a saying that says many are called but few are chosen. The fallen students today, though we mourn them, were not strong enough, but you’re, you’re a survivor, you’re a victor. This is the judgement of the gods.”

The School Council began picking up the corpses of dead students and carrying them out. I didn’t like this ritual one bit, I was disgusted by it, but the pain in my belly had its own thoughts regarding the corpses.

“This filthy ritual makes my skin crawl.” Isabel said, you could see the sad feeling on her face. 

I didn’t know Josh that long, but in the past few weeks I spent with their company, he had this warmth that drew people. The rest of the induction involved different speeches of continuous support for the Academy from the different Alphas present, but I couldn’t register much of what was going on as my intestines were twisting within.

“I have to find a way.” I said, muttering to myself.

“Elsa, did you say something?” Isabel asked.

“Oh no I didn't.” I replied.

Maybe I can tell Salvatore to take me to where these dead corpses are kept, he has no choice but to do as I say.

“Elsa Oppenheimer.”

“What, why does everyone keep…”

I stopped half of the statement, as I turned to see who was calling my name, it was Beta Daniel Greywood, Lucifer’s second.

“Your Alpha would like a word.”