Jacob's fingers traced the delicate and frail pages of the Enchiridion. It felt like stiff parchment paper which had degraded over the years. The writing looked like ink, yet, it almost appeared to be burnt into the page so it could never be rewritten.
Hunter watched his nut-brown eyes examine every little detail, right down to the discoloured leather and the yellow tinted pages.
"What are you looking for?" His deep voice caused Jacob to jump out of his mesmerised trance.
"Uh..." Looking up, he felt a little shy about talking around a subject that seemed so crazy. "W-When Alisha appeared to me, it was someone else, someone not from this world... I don't think. But I know the answers are in here."
"I don't think you're mad you know," Hunter smiled that dazzling smile. Leaning closer, Jacob felt his hot breath trace his cheek. "I want to know who it is too."
Diverting his attention back to the book, Jacob started turning pages with only his index finger and his thumb, not wanting to ruin anything. He felt a little nervous about finding out what it was. Whatever the answer, it will open up so many new doors for him to explore.
"Wait, go back," Hunter rested his fingers over Jacob's and turned the page for him. "Look, this chapter is about the God of lightning."
"Me," Jacota whispered, eyes glistening with wonder.
Hunter's eyes traced the italic writing until a surprised frown embedded into his forehead. He leant forwards, making sure he read the words correctly.
"Why does it say here that you're the ruler of the Gods?" He questioned and traced the word ruler with his finger. Jacob read the same sentence and lightly gasped. "A pure leader, one who possesses great sympathy, understanding and leadership is the true Lord. Jacota, the keeper of lightning and the God of wolves fought and claimed the victory, earning his rightful spot as the godly sovereign." Hunter repeated the words he read. However, Jacob didn't want to be distracted from his task ahead.
"That was years ago, it has probably changed-"
"Nope," Hunter added as he read further. "It says that when the time is right, Jacota will lead the Gods and will never lose his status." Looking up, his eyes were almost as big as his mates. "Do you know how important this is? You're the leader of the Gods, not just the werewolves."
Jacob shook his head and looked down to his lap.
"That's insane."
"Not really. You know the human myths about their Gods? What was his name... Zeus or something? Well, they got their idea of the Gods from the werewolves and rumour spreads and facts change. But that God is the keeper of lightning and also the ruler."
"I'm Zeus?"
Hunter shook his head.
"You're Jacota, Zeus is just another name for you... a human name."
Their eyes turned back to the book, suddenly craving the information and wanting to read every little fact. Jacob had the information in his head but was having trouble locating it.
Hunter shuffled closer, adjusting himself on the cold wooden floor of his bedroom.
"Let's not get overwhelmed," He pressed his chest against the back of his mate's shoulder, leaning into him as they turned the pages. "We just need to find something about, I don't know, spirits?"
They searched for a few minutes, making sure their eyes didn't miss anything until a page sparked Jacob's attention.
"The Cosmo Order." Jacob read the title and looked down to a diagram. There were four circles, creating a square shape, which was labelled as worlds. In the middle were two small circles, labelled heaven and hell. Underneath each world had titles which read: Vampires, Angels and Demons, Werewolves, and Humans.
"What is this?" Hunter frowned. Their eyes quickly read the paragraph underneath with raised pulses.
The Cosmo Order is a magic cycle filled with four different worlds, holding four different beings. As humans are spread across each world, Vampire's, Angels and Demons, and Werewolves are singled to one each. The order has existed for as long as records began, no correct explanation can be given, only opinions. However, in later years, the Demons thrust for power and have found a way of transporting to other worlds, leaving a few integrated beings such as Vampires and Angels. The Gods have the power to transport to these worlds, However, their only passage through is the bridge between either Heaven or Hell. The God can be full of life if they wish to enter, their souls do not need to be separated from the spirit.
Jacob looked up to Hunter, his hairs were standing on end.
"What did I just read?" Hunter was now frowning with confusion. "Is this trying to say that other worlds exist through this... this Cosmo thing?"
Jacob was beyond overwhelmed. He quickly shut the book and pursed his lips together.
"I don't know how I feel about that."
"What? About there being other worlds? I mean, we can't just be the only other signs of life out there." Hunter pushed the book away. "So, do you think that Alisha's body was used by another God?"
Jacob shook his head.
"No, it didn't feel like it."
"So... A demon? It did say that they had started breaking into other worlds."
Jacob shook his head again.
"I don't know do I?" He frowned.
"Alright, you're quite snappy when you're confused. I like it."
Jacob's unamused eyes trailed his face until they spotted two people approaching the door.
"Hello deary," Flora beamed and struggled to sit on the floor with her husband. Alfred ran a hand through his grey hair and puffed from walking up the stairs. He wanted to sit on the bed but he couldn't enter his territory.
"What a lovely room." Alfred looked around. "It's a bit bare though."
The boys stared at them, not acknowledging their conversation. Hunter knew they had read the Enchiridion which means they know about the other worlds.
"Is it true that other supernatural things exist?" He questioned and scooted over.
"Things?" Flora chuckled. "And yes, I believe it's true. However, I have not seen evidence of it yet. But you must understand that many, many wolves have the book of Gods. The fact that other worlds exist is no secret."
"Well, why are they not visible from space?"
"Because it's magical silly."
Hunter shook his head and chuckled.
"It makes no sense, Nana."
"Isn't that the beauty of it?"
"No, it's annoying," Hunter scoffed. "I want to know."
"Well you can search a lifetime and you'll never find the answer."
"But you said everything has a way of answering itself..." Jacob slowly trailed off, not wanting to stir the atmosphere.
"And there it is," Alfred grinned. "You'll do well if you think like that my boy. Stop testing him dear, he'll learn on his own."
Flora linked arms with her beloved mate.
"Of course there's an answer. I've always thought the angels would know, living in the atmosphere between the two worlds, they probably witness a lot."
Hunter breathed out a hefty sigh and slowly laid on his back, feeling the slight discomfort from his ribs.
"This is mad. I don't think I want to ever meet a vampire."
"Don't you be judging now," Flora tapped him with her foot.
Hunter rolled over with a horrified expression.
"Did you just kick me?" His voice was exaggerated and very sarcastic.
"Oh stop that Hunter, stupid boy." Her grandson watched with amusement.
"So... is it possible for angels and demons to visit the worlds through heaven and hell? Is it like a portal?" He asked.
"I'm not sure, I would also like to know."
Jacob was fidgeting and chewing his bottom lip. He was trying to piece things together in his mind. Today he has learnt that he might be the leader of the Gods and that other worlds exist with other supernatural beings. However, that news should not be this surprising. He is a God of werewolves, nothing should shock him anymore.
"I want to meet the other Gods."
"If you read on in the book, you will only meet them when there is a purpose for you all to be together, like a war or something big enough to threaten the wolf race."
"Can't Jacob just teleport to another country to find one?" Hunter asked.
"No, you can only see each other when it matters. You could be in the same room as another God and not acknowledge them."
"Seriously? And this is all in the book?" Hunter turned. "I think I need to read it."
"You do," Alfred nodded. "You are the guardian of a God. You should know this stuff."
"Hunter, don't you think this is all a bit surreal? I mean, a few weeks ago I-I was so different."
The werewolf turned to see his mind shifting into a swamp of information. As soon as he opened his mouth to speak, his eyes were drawn to something behind him. They widened, causing Jacob to turn quickly.
Alfred frowned but Flora squeezed his arm, keeping him quiet. They couldn't see what the boys were seeing.
"W-Who-" Jacob stuttered, unable to speak.
Standing in the doorway to the bathroom was Alisha. Well, her body. Whoever was inside it continued to be a mystery.
"Who are you?" Hunter asked with confidence and sat on his knees. "Why are you back?"
Alisha crouched to their level, not wanting to feel superior in the Gods presence.
"I am back because I believe it is unfair to leave Jacota with questions about my identity."
Hunter shuffled over to his mate and subconsciously held his arm. He only wanted to feel that he was there. Jacob leaned into him but didn't dare to move his eyes off the stranger.
"Who are you then?" Hunter was good at being forceful.
"First, I have to ask how much you know about-"
"Right," Hunter interrupted, feeling a little odd at talking face to face with Alisha's body. "We now know there are other worlds and stuff so if you're another being, it's fine to tell us because we know about you. Also, why are you not coming in your true form if you're showing us your identity?"
Flora was feeling proud of her grandson for asking important questions. However, the conversation was very one sided, she had no idea what was going on.
"That is a very good question, Hunter Rayson." Alisha's eyes were still emotionless, even if her cold soul was no longer inside. "I shall show you my true form if you are sure you can handle it?"
"Uh," Jacob's back was fully supported by Hunter, he was feeling a tiny bit overwhelmed.
"We can handle it, right Jay?" Hunter moved his hand up to his shoulder, squeezing it with encouragement.
"Y-Yeah." Jacob was exceptionally eager to find out who helped save his mates life.
"Very well. I will show you, then I will explain who I am, how I got here, and why I was able to help you."
Alisha stood up and closed her eyes. The atmosphere around her vessel instantly turned light and calm. Jacob and Hunter's eyes were wide and glued to a sudden creamy glow which erupted from Alisha's chest. The light got brighter, causing them to shield their eyes from something which Flora and Alfred could now see.
Jacob felt Hunter wrap an arm around him when their eyes were closed, just for extra comfort.
The glow radiated a minor heat and once it started to fade, they knew the light was fading too. With heavy beating hearts and impatient minds, everyone slowly opened their eyes.
Now, standing before them was a man, which surprised them. However, there was something behind him which caused Hunter's jaw to drop open. His eyes were wide and twinkling in awe. Jacob gasped, as did Flora and Alfred.
The handsome stranger stood, feeling a little shy with their judging eyes. Although, their gaze fell upon a part of him that he was incredibly proud of and would happily show off to anyone.
Attached to his back sat two magnificently flawless and elegantly shaped, beautiful white wings.