GABRIELLA’S POV
The crowd stirred, a cacophony of murmurs and exclamations filling the room.
“Silence!” Argatha’s voice thundered once again, cutting through the noise. “I didn’t ask for any of your opinions,” she added sharply, her tone laced with anger.
The room fell silent once more, every eye fixed on Argatha, awaiting her next revelation. I could feel the weight of the situation settling upon us all, uncertainty and fear mingling in the air.
“As I was saying,” Argatha continued, her voice now tinged with frustration, “we sought guidance from Makamasilanduta, the one who sees what has happened before. We hoped to gain insight into the source of the attack or at least identify the culprit, so we could prepare our warriors for war. But to our utmost surprise, we were instructed to conduct a thorough search within our own community first.”
A wave of confusion washed over the crowd, mingling with the lingering fear. Conversations erupted, voices overlapping as pack members speculated and voiced their concerns.
“Silence!” Argatha’s voice rose above the chaos, cutting through the din. “I didn’t ask for any of your opinions,” she repeated, her voice sharp and laced with sarcasm.
Gradually, the room hushed once more, the pack members reluctantly returning their attention to Argatha. The weight of her words hung heavy in the air, and the question she posed echoed in our minds: Was there a traitor among us?
Argatha’s gaze swept across the crowd, her finger pointing accusingly at various individuals. “Could it be that we have a traitor amongst us?” she asked, her voice filled with suspicion. “Could it be that one of you is a betrayer?” The bitterness dripped from her words.
As Argatha’s words hung in the air, the room remained still, the silence heavy with anticipation and apprehension. Each pack member seemed to hold their breath, afraid to make even the slightest sound that could potentially implicate them as the culprit.
Argatha’s piercing gaze swept across the crowd, her eyes lingering on each individual, intensifying the feeling of suspicion and unease. The weight of her accusation settled upon us, and I could see the flicker of worry in the eyes of my fellow pack mates.
Without prompting for silence this time, Argatha continued, her voice resonating with authority, “Apart from the most important reason for which this meeting was called, there are quite a number of other issues we need to address. Over the past few months, some of you have broken certain laws and acted against the rules of this community. While I will address the most pressing matter first, I assure you we will revisit these transgressions in due time.”
The tension in the room grew thicker as Argatha’s words sank in. Whispers and murmurs rippled through the crowd, conversations filled with speculation and concern. The weight of suspicion bore down on everyone, a collective sense of guilt and anxiety.
“In order to conduct this thorough search within our community, a ritual will be performed,” Argatha explained, her voice clear and resolute. “This ritual will determine the individuals who will take part in the investigation. However, let us all understand that this is just the first step of the process. Much more will be done to ensure the safety and well-being of our pack. In the meantime, I must emphasize the importance of everyone’s presence at another meeting scheduled for 10 p. m. tonight. I expect all pack members to attend, and that includes bringing your children as well.”
The announcement sent a shiver down my spine. I was glad about the fact that we were going to swing into action almost immediately, but I was more worried that I had told Margaret that I’d take part in the activity but hadn’t told Nicklaus about it yet.
As Argatha concluded her speech, the weight of her words lingered in the room, casting a shadow over us all. The murmurs and whispers ceased, replaced by a solemn silence.
The room slowly began to empty as pack members dispersed, their expressions a mix of worry, determination, and fear. Conversations resumed in hushed tones, with each group discussing the implications of the upcoming investigation and the need to remain vigilant.
I needed to see Margaret before leaving. Spotting her amidst a small group of people, I approached her eagerly, hoping for a moment of reassurance.
Margaret noticed my approach and gestured for me to wait as she engaged in conversation with the children surrounding her. I stood patiently, understanding her innate ability to connect with the younger pack members.
“I’m sorry,” Margaret apologized, a warm smile spreading across her face. “Those kids are always intrigued whenever they see me. I just had to answer their questions and bid them farewell.”
“It’s alright, Margaret,” I replied, relieved to finally have a moment with her. “Thank you so much for being here. I’m glad to see that the process has begun.”
Margaret stepped closer, her eyes reflecting a mixture of admiration and concern. She took my hand in hers, her touch offering a sense of comfort and support. “Oh please, it’s nothing,” she humbly responded. “I’m glad I can help. You’re a good child, Gabriella. You have known the elders and respected them. You have done well in upholding the seven pillars of our community, keeping our secrets safe. Therefore, the elders know you too, and we are ready to receive you when it’s raining, shield you when it’s sunny, and rescue you in times of trouble.”
Her words touched my heart deeply, and I felt a surge of gratitude for her presence and guidance. “Thank you so much, Margaret. I truly appreciate you,” I expressed, a genuine smile gracing my face.
Margaret’s eyes sparkled with warmth as she returned my smile. “It’s nothing, my dear. Just take care, okay? Believe that everything will work out well, and we will uncover the root of this situation.”
I nodded, absorbing her comforting words. “Yes, yes,” I affirmed, a newfound determination kindling within me. “Thank you.”
With that, Margaret and I bid each other farewell, her reassuring presence instilling a renewed sense of hope within me. As I walked away, I carried Margaret’s words with me, reminding myself to trust in the strength of our community and believe in our collective ability to overcome the challenges that lie ahead.