A MAZE OF GREED

Ruth read as much as she could on supernatural creatures. Her curiosity catalysed her greed for knowing more and more.

All the things she read sounded myths to her. None of the books she read, claimed the authenticity of the information given in them. She did not only read about the Vampires, but she also read about the werewolves, Shades, Centaurs, Goblins, Dragons, Demons, Devils, Griffins and much more.

She was already well aware of the witches. Although she had similar powers to them, she still doubted their existence. She would continue doubting it unless she met one.

Although all that information and the world of supernatural creatures sounded fascinating to her, she was also a scientifically inclined person. She asked for the logic, rules, equations and proofs.

Today she came into the library to put the book she had just finished reading. Her mind was filled with only these non-existent creatures that she felt her head heavy. She needed a breather, and that was why she chose to not get another book on the same topic for a while.

Yet she could not leave the library just yet. The place was so extensive that she wondered if she could ever finish every book on the numerous shelves even in two lifetimes.

Ruth walked through the lines of the shelves, running her fingers on the names of random books that caught her attention.

She did not realise when she reached the end of the large hall where the duty and old books were placed.

Ruth sighed at her miscalculation. She probably needed two more lives to finish every book in this library.

She yawned then realised her stomach grumbling. While feeding her curiosity, she forgot to feed her stomach. She decided to get some food.

She turned around to leave but halted when something caught her attention. Ruth turned again to face the large shelf that had a glass covering it. It was fitted on the end wall of the library.

What caught Ruth's attention was that the shelf had only one large book in it. Ruth walked towards it. Her eyes had enlarged in mesmerization, as she had never seen such a large book before.

It was black in colour and by the look of it, it seemed very old. She saw a lock on the glass covering. This book must be very special and rare if it was put securely like this.

What could be in it? Ruth wondered.

The excitement coursed through her at the thought of reading that book. But where she could find the key to that lock?

Ruth ran her fingers on the glass covering, trying to imagine how would that book's cover would feel under her fingers.

She should ask Elsie about it. With that thought in mind, Ruth left the library after about an hour.

*

*

*

"Rees, is there any message from Lester? It has been three days now." Edwin was now in his office.

During these three days, his wounds had recovered so well that he did not need to put bandages around them, yet he did not want to create suspicion for Ruth, so he kept them covered.

He had gradually resumed his old life, and so had Ruth.

"Yes, Master. But there is no progress in the investigation. Lord Lester hasn't found any clue yet. He has already sent search parties around the Bluemoon pack. But there is hardly any news." Rees informed.

Edwin was restless. He feared for the life of that girl. But then, she was not the first one with that fate. Over these past months, many cubs had disappeared. Where were they? What was happening with them?

Were they even alive?

Edwin's heart ran to their parents. How were they holding up?

"Master, people are living under the shadow of fear. Before this incident, the news of kidnapping was not popularly known as they were all small packs.

But After the kidnapping in the Bluemoon pack, people have begun questioning their security. We have received letters filled with concern from various alphas. I have sent them the assuring responses, but I doubt that will do much."

"I know Rees. I just... I do not know how to deal with this. If even Lester can not find any clue then the kidnapper must be very smart. Whoever he is it is clear that he is two steps ahead of us." Edwin said through the clenched jaw.

Rees then queried. "Master, I was thinking why the kidnapper suddenly decided to target a large and strong pack like Bluemoon? And why Bluemoon and not any other?"

Edwin pulled his brows together. "What are you pointing at?"

Rees took a step ahead. "I think this kidnapping is warning. Of what- I do not know. But the kidnapper perhaps wanted to catch out attention. Or I highly doubt he would have dared to target Bluemoon."

Edwin paced around, his hands crossed behind his back. The two vertical lines between his brows furrowed deeper as he lost in thoughts.

Rees could be right about this. Edwin was so focused on the kidnapping that he overlooked the very intention of it.

And if Rees was right about this and this kidnapping was indeed a warning, then something great and disastrous was about to come. And they had no clue about it.

"Rees, get ready. We are leaving for the Bluemoon pack this afternoon."

Rees was surprised at Edwin's command. "But Master, you are still healing. If you permit then I will go to help Lord Lester."

Edwin shook his head in disapproval. "You are not getting it, Rees. If your theory is right then we need to find what this warning is for. And we cannot do that sitting behind the walls of 'the great manor'. Just do what I am saying." Edwin told sternly.

Although Rees was concerned for Edwin's health, he also understood his state of mind. Besides, he had a fair point. They need to step out of Vincardine to get the solution to this problem.

"Brother Edwin"

Rees closed his open mouth when he heard Elsie's voice.

The crease on Edwin's forehead instantly smoothened as he saw Elsie standing near the door.

"Come in." He said.

Elsie could feel the tension in the room. "I have heard your conversation."

"You mean you evesdropped our conversation!" Edwin narrowed his eyes at her.

But Elsie ignored his comment before continuing. "Rees is right, brother. You are not completely recovered. What if something happens there that would call out your wolf? What would you do then?" She asked in concern.

"Then I will let him handle the situation," Edwin replied nonchalantly.

Elsie groaned at her stubborn cousin. "If you are going then I am coming with you too!" She declared.

She expected Edwin's anger, but the sceptical look he gave her caught her off-guard.

"I cannot belive you are more concerned about meeting Lester even in this delicate situation!" Edwin spat, failing to control his anger.

Rees mentally face-palmed himself because he expected tears in Elsie's eyes after listening to her cousin's harsh words.

Instead, what he saw in her eyes was determination with a tinge of anger.

"I am surprised to hear this from you brother Edwin. But honestly I do not blame you. I have never given you a reason to think otherwise about me. But now I want to!"

"What do you mean?" Edwin was puzzled now.

Elsie glanced at Rees. "You still have not told him about the conversation betwen you and my father?"

Rees shifted uncomfortably in his spot. He avoided meeting Edwin's eyes.

"What is she talking about Rees?" Edwin asked sternly.

"Let me tell you brother. Father got the message about kidnapping from alpha Wright. And guess what he hasn't received any repsonse to his letter till this date."

Edwin could feel Elsie's anger. The more he tried to ignore his uncle's irresponsible behaviour, the more it got worse every time.

"Then he met Rees yesterday."

Edwin's gaze snapped to Rees questioningly, but the man had his head bowed down in guilt.

"Rees went to him to ask for his help. He told father about the current situation. He requested him to lead the O'dell's investigation because you are still recovering from your injuries. Rees knew the first thing you would do when you feel slightly better was leaving for the Buemoon pack."

Edwin was aware that Rees did it for his sake, yet he did not like him asking for Augustus's help.

"And guess what my father's response was. He downright insulted Rees by saying...."

-"You do not dare to teach me what should I do. Do not forget your place, Rees Welby. You are just a servant. Edwin is a fool to place you, dirty people, on his head. You, your wife and that maid, Ruth!

He never fails to bring shame to this family's reputation and status. But I am not like you. Alpha Wright is well capable of handling this situation. I or anyone from Vincardine does not need to interfere in it." Augustus's chest was heaving in anger.

"Pardon, My Lord. But this situation is not as simple as it seems. Master is injured and it is risky for him to deal with such stress." Rees gulped down the insults thrown at him, his wife and, his friend. For him, his Master and his people were the priority!

Augustus scoffed. "Accept that our leader is not capable of serving the justice or protecting you. I have warned Lester multiple times. But no! He likes to run around Edwin's feet like his loyal dog.

Then let him be.. If not now then soon you all will realise that your leader is as useless as the dirt on my shoes. Now get out!"-