Chapter Sixteen: The Vaulsino

He lurked in the shadows, hiding from curious eyes. He couldn’t draw any attention to himself. He had, after all, managed to stay in hiding for twenty-three years. He got the short end of the stick, and was stuck having to hide.

He knew better though.

They’d both got the short end of the stick, and they both had to suffer because of the dark magic cast by that bitch. He swore that he would get his revenge, but right now, his job was to protect her. He already knew what had happened, and he knew she would need someone to watch over her where the others were blind.

He watched a daemon follow her, and he knew he had to take care of it. Not all of the daemons listened to him, and the rebels were growing in size every day. He couldn’t let any harm come to her though. She was too precious.

He moved swiftly, and the daemon didn’t even have time to truly retaliate. His body went up in flames, which wasn’t appreciated from the foul smell it left behind. He didn’t mind it though. As long as she was safe.

Always.

***

Max couldn’t stand to see her like this. June is his best friend, but the person he was looking at was simply a shell of the Juniper that he knew. She had officially shut down, despite the urgencies facing her.

It had only been a day and time was winding down.

“Is she up yet?” Balthazar asked Max.

As soon as Mateo’s memory left him, chaos ensued as one by one, the other pack members lost their memory of Juniper and any other relations to her as well. Merlin, Balthazar, Gail, Boris, Mama Deo, Max, Mark, Faith, Maya, Dante, Anastasia, Jacob, Chase, Domitius, Leona and King Paolo all disappeared from the scene. At Vistas, Orion and Rose were the only ones who knew what was going on.

Anastasia and Jacob couldn’t understand why they had been taken, and so the situation was explained to them. Everyone else was in on the situation at hand. Chase went back to his pack but promised to stay in touch, while Domitius, Leona and King Paolo returned to the royal castle.

Mama Deo, Merlin, Balthazar, Gail, Boris, Mark, Faith, Maya, Dante, Anastasia, Jacob, Max and Juniper were all staying in one of Balthazar’s mansions on neutral territory in Rome. The house was almost as big as a castle, guaranteeing it to be big enough to house them all. They were all staying around to help where they could with Juniper.

“Yeah, but she’s just staring into nothingness,” Max replied.

“The Vaulsino moves in ten hours,” Merlin said in frustration.

“Let me go in and talk to her,” Gail offered.

“Are you sure?” Balthazar asked her.

“I’m the only one who hasn’t spoken to her. Plus, I’m her mom,” Gail said with a weak smile.

The truth was that she was terrified of how Juniper would react to her. After everything they had been through, she wasn’t sure if Juniper truly believed that she really had been placed under a spell. She yearned to reach out and connect with her daughter once more, but she also feared rejection. She didn’t think she’d be able to handle it from her daughter of all people.

“Alright! Good luck in there,” Balthazar told her with a kiss to the forehead.

Gail opened the door to the room her daughter was in and slowly walked inside, so as to not startle her. June lifted her head to check who it was before looking out the window again. She did a double take when she realized who it really was. Everyone else had already come to visit her.

“Mom,” she whispered before getting up and running into her mother’s arms.

Gail couldn’t explain the conflicting emotions that hit her in that moment. No parent wants to see their child sad, and yet euphoria filled her heart that she was the person her daughter responded to. She held her tightly as she cried onto her shoulder.

“I’m so sorry, baby,” she murmured as she ran her hand through June’s hair.

“It’s not fair, mom. I miss him so much,” June sniffed.

“I know, baby, but you can’t forget your mission now. You need to save him and find a way back to him. I know that you’ve barely had any time to grieve your loss, but time is of the essence. You also need to think about your babies. When you’re upset, they’re upset too, and that’s not healthy,” Gail pointed out.

June wiped away her tears. “I know, but I’m just so drained mom. I can’t function without him.”

“Yes you can! You’re a lot stronger than you’re giving yourself credit for right now. Where’s my baby girl? The one who took out rogues by herself? The one who brought her mate back to life, despite the consequence?” Gail asked.

“It’s that very consequence that has put me in this position,” June argued.

“True, but had you done nothing about it, he would’ve left you then. Wouldn’t you rather spend your time trying to avenge his attempted murder than going around like you actually lost him? Not all is lost baby. He can still get his memories back, but you need to complete your mission before he can do so. Help him first so that your future can be free of dark secrets and surprises,” Gail urged.

Juniper was quiet for a long time, and Gail was afraid that she’d overstepped the boundaries of their already fragile relationship. She just wanted her daughter to be happy, and she knew that no matter how much they wanted to help her, it was ultimately up to her to save her mate and their future together.

June squeezed her. “I’ve missed having you in my life.”

Once again, she was surprised.

“I’m so sorry that I couldn’t be in your life sweetheart,” Gail said regretfully.

“I understand, Mom, and I swear I’m going to avenge you too,” June said strongly.

“Well then, look out world! Mrs Santiago is on the warpath,” Gail teased, making June laugh through her tears.

“Indeed she is! How long do I have before The Vaulsino moves?” she asked.

“According to your grandfather, it moves in ten hours, and according to your father, you need eight hours maximum for the truth. Luckily, you can just teleport yourself there,” Gail replied.

“I guess I should shower quickly and head out now then. Who’s coming with me?” June asked.

“Max, Mark, Dante, Jacob and Boris. They wouldn’t let you leave by yourself,” Gail giggled.

June rolled her eyes. “Those five think they’re my older brothers.”

Gail smiled. “In a way, they really are. They’re just looking out for you baby.”

“I know. Mateo would kill them if anything happened to me anyway,” June giggled.

“Exactly! Anyway, go and get ready while I go and prepare you a sandwich before you leave,” Gail shooed. June hugged her one more time.

“I love you Mom,” she whispered.

“I love you too baby, so much!” Gail replied. After a kiss to the forehead, she left the room while June headed for her ensuite bathroom.

“So? What’s the verdict?” Boris asked eagerly when Gail entered the kitchen.

“She’s taking a shower. When she comes down, she’ll quickly eat before you guys leave,” Gail informed.

“Oh, thank the heavens!” Mama Deo said in relief.

“What exactly is she meant to do there?” Mark asked.

“The Vaulsino knows all and guides all. She’ll know as soon as she steps into the place,” Merlin replied.

“And are we supposed to wait outside with her?” Dante asked.

“Preferably, unless if you also seek answers, then you’re welcome to head inside as well,” Balthazar replied.

“How long is she going to take?” Jacob asked.

“Probably eight hours maximum,” Merlin replied.

Max frowned. “That’s a long time.”

“She’s not looking for a simple truth, and so it will take time. The Vaulsino will probably test her to find out what she truly seeks. It’s not a fortune teller. You go to The Vaulsino only when you seek true guidance,” Merlin explained.

“Is that why it’s so secretive?” Jacob asked. Balthazar and Merlin nodded.

“What’s the update with Mateo?” Maya asked.

“According to Ryan, everything is basically back to the way it was before June set foot on Vistas, except I’m not there. Ryan told Mateo that I found my mate but she rejected me so I took my life. They held a memorial service this morning,” Max said as he shook his head.

Boris chuckled. “Out of all the things he could come up with?”

“It’s Orion we’re talking about here,” Maya pointed out. She’d grown up around him to know that he was a terrible liar.

“So, there’s nothing out of the ordinary then?” Gail asked.

“Well, we were thinking that maybe we should bring Rose here. Mateo won’t know she’s missing for as long as we let Pete in on things. June will survive better with the little girl here,” Boris suggested.

“That’s actually not a bad idea. You don’t even need to tell Pete. Just leave it to me since Luca is her doctor,” Mama Deo smiled.

“Luca? As in your grandson Luca?” Max asked. Mama Deo nodded.

“I didn’t know that,” Max admitted.

“I’m the one who placed her with Luca, because although he’s a psychologist, I knew he wouldn’t perform tests on her. It’s wrong for them to want to do that to a little girl,” Mama Deo explained.

“That’s exactly what I told Mateo,” June said as she joined them. She was freshly showered and dressed.

“You ready to start your adventure?” Anastasia asked her.

June smiled. “I guess I am!”

“We’re here for you the whole way, pumpkin,” Balthazar reminded her.

“I know that, Dad. I’m hurt, but like mom said, moping won’t help me. I need to do this and find out the truth. It’s not the end of the world. He’s still alive, and I can fight to get back to him,” she said determinedly. They all knew that she was serious.

Boris smirked. “Mrs Santiago is ready to kick ass!”

“That’s what mom said!” June giggled.

“It’s because it’s true. We can tell that you mean it now,” Max smiled.

June nodded. “I do.”

“Well, eat up so that you and the boys can head out,” Gail said, handing her a plate with a turkey sandwich and orange juice.

They ran the rules by her one more time as she ate. They gave her a small bag with things she might need if she got stuck in the place. She was concentrating on every word, making sure that she caught everything. By the time she was done eating, she had been thoroughly educated. After many hugs and kisses on cheeks, she was good to go.

***

I was freaking THE HELL out.

We were standing outside the creepy building, which was a contrast from the nice weather around us. The sun was actually blazing and I would’ve rather stood outside than actually enter this creepy place.

“This place looks like the kind of place that a person doesn’t come out from,” Jacob commented.

I glared at him. “Because that’s totally what I want to hear right now, Jay.”

“Are you sure about this, June?” Dante asked me.

“I’ve come this far right? I need to do this,” I huffed.

“Alright! Have you got everything you need? Once you’re in there, we can’t help you until you come out. Be sure to keep the time before you travel with the place when it moves,” Boris reminded. I nodded.

“June Bug, please be safe in there. We need you back here,” Max told me.

I smiled. “I’ll try my bloody hardest.”

Mark hugged me. “Alright then, off you go! We’ll stay around here and wait for you to come out. It will probably be dark out when you do anyway.”

After I’d hugged all of them, I took a deep breath before walking towards the entrance. It’s a Roman styled building that looks as old as time, honestly. The huge oak door creaked as I pushed it open. I thanked the heavens for my werewolf strength then.

The moment I entered, I was tilted upside down. My lunch felt like it was coming back up before I was zoomed sideways.

What the hell place is this?

The place stopped moving and I was standing upright again. I had to take a breather. My hand rested on my belly in a sign of motherly protection. After a few minutes, I was fine. I blinked a couple of times to adjust my sight, and once it was clear, I couldn’t believe what was before me.

This place was made for mind-fucking!

I’m not usually vulgar, but there was no other way for me to put it. The term mind-blowing was too subtle and didn’t quite hit it on the nail. This was the kind of stuff you read about in story books, but then again, being who I am, I should expect anything at any time.

I was in a labyrinth of sorts, but it was a cross between technological, archaic and natural. It was like the place was trying to keep with the ages, while still maintaining its historical treasure, as well as its natural element.

I’m not even making sense, am I?

There were three passages before me, and there was a podium at each entrance. On each podium was an envelope, but the middle podium had two. One of the envelopes had my name on it, so I approached it first. I took out the letter and read it:

Mrs Juniper Santiago

The Vaulsino welcomes you.

You are on a journey to the truth, but you first need to understand how this place works. The Passage of Secrets isn’t a singular person, but rather an element of life that cannot be seen or touched. When a person enters The Vaulsino, passages to the truths they seek are created. The numbers vary from person to person, and it would seem that you wish to seek three truths.

Because some secrets are truly valuable, and the importance of certain people trumps that of others, some are given more than one truth. You happen to be one of those people. Your destiny is great, but you will face a lot of trials.

There are three truths that you seek, but you can only retrieve two of them. There are three riddles to solve. Whichever two you solve first, shall be your chosen truths. The Vaulsino tests a person on different levels, but you are with child, and so you shall be spared any physical challenges. However, you should prepare to be challenged mentally and emotionally. It will not be easy, but The Vaulsino knows all.

In the end, you will receive what you came to truly find out. How it ties to anything outside these walls is then up to you to piece together.

Happy journeying.

The Passage of Secrets

I laughed.

Out loud.

For a good, solid minute.

I just laughed.

This place is insane! It leaves you a letter?

Again...

WHAT THE HELL PLACE IS THIS?

“You’ve finally lost it June,” I giggled.

I knew I had no time to waste, so I went ahead and grabbed the three envelopes on the podiums and opened them up. I read the first riddle out loud.

“Riddle me high, riddle me low. Two sons were born a long time ago. Riddle me this, riddle me that. A spell was cast, by a greedy old bat. Riddle me here, riddle me there. A curse born that was unfair. Riddle me he, riddle me she. A daemon beholds the key.”

WHAT?

I shook my head and read the second riddle.

“Riddle me high, riddle me low. It started with an arrow and a bow. Riddle me this, riddle me that. On a mighty throne she sat. Riddle me here, riddle me there. The future she could bear. Riddle me he, riddle me she. In the waters, she will truly see.”

UH...

I took the last one and read it, hoping it would make a little bit of sense.

“Riddle me high, riddle me low. She will never know. Riddle me this, riddle me that. Mother Nature’s tit for tat. Riddle me here, riddle me there. A twisted fate she will fair. Riddle me he, riddle me she. A fine example it will be.”

I’m going to die in this place!

That was my first thought since none of these riddles made any sense to me. It was actually frustrating me. I looked at my watch and was shocked to find out that I had been here for an hour. I had spent an hour in just this one place.

Seven hours or so to go...

I sat Indian style on the surprisingly clean floor and closed my eyes. The only way I would be able to do this is if I centered my thoughts and emotions. I took deep breaths in and out before settling my hands across my belly. I felt the warmth from my belly, before the coolest thing happened.

It was like I had been offered guidance. I knew that it was all an illusion, but the kisses felt so real. They traveled from my shoulder to my neck, before settling on my earlobe. It’s like he was there with me.

“Think, baby doll. You can do this,” the illusion breathed in my ear.

Some may think of it as a cruel thing, or even a sick thing, but to me, it was all the help I needed. I lay the three riddles on the floor and looked at them carefully.

To be honest, I had no idea what the whole thing was about, but one sentence stood out to me - ‘the future she could bear’. There are only two people that I know of who can tell the future, but only one of them truly concerns me; and I don’t mean this in a nasty way or anything.

“The second riddle is about Rose!” I said out loud.

The piece of paper with the riddle went up in a pink flame before the door of the second passage opened up. That meant I only had one more riddle to figure out before I could move on, and I needed to be quick about it. I grabbed the third one and read it aloud again.

The answer hit me as I read the fourth line. This place has a wicked sense of humor, even though it doesn’t have any human characteristics. I shook my head with a smile before taking a deep breath, hoping that I would be right.

“The first riddle is about Mateo,” I said out loud.

The piece of paper went up in a red flame before the door of the first passage opened up. The third riddle went up in a green flame, but nothing happened to the door. I stood up to find a new envelope with my name on it on the second podium. I grabbed it and read it:

Mrs Juniper Santiago

Congratulations on finding the reasons for your visit to The Passage of Secrets. The two opened doors are but a formality, and you can take either one. They both lead you to the same place.

From this point on, you will be further tested to see which truths you deserve, and to what extent those truths should be given. It is merely a case of whether or not you are deserving, and so it would be advised that you use both your emotions and your tactical skills.

Happy journeying.

The Passage of Secrets

I did mention that I was losing my mind, right? I came to one conclusion though - if this place was a human, it would probably be a very flamboyant man.

Again, I giggled at my thoughts.

I headed through the first door and walked down the bare and barely lit passageway, until I reached the end.

Cue the hallelujah jingles.

The place my eyes landed on was beautiful, but it was deceitfully bright. It looked like a solar powered haven. I looked around, wondering what on earth I had to be on the lookout for, until out of nowhere, a little boy ran past me. I watched him run, until he fell down a few feet from me.

“Oh my Goddess!” I gasped before running to him as fast as I could.

“Are you okay?” I asked, helping him up as he cried. He looked at me and my whole body felt numb.

“I’m hurt, Mommy,” he sniffed. His big hazel eyes were the exact replicas of Mateo’s.

“I’m so sorry sweetheart. Let me kiss it better,” I said before kissing his elbow, where he was hurt.

“Did you ever wonder why you’re pregnant with twins?” he asked me.

I frowned, taken aback. “What?”

“I mean, think about it. There haven’t been any twin Alphas since ninety-three thousand, four hundred and fifty-eight years ago. Did you know that there has only ever been a single pair of twin Alphas born?” he asked.

I gasped. “That’s impossible!”

“It’s possible. You’re the chosen one,” he smiled, before running away.

I was left baffled. I thought this was going to test my emotions and thoughts, not confuse the heavens and hells out of me. I was about to turn around, when my eyes caught sight of something - a figure in the distance. I walked towards it to find that it was a man.

“He is not of blood. You must find the book.”

That’s all that the man chanted. Over and over again. I tried reaching out to him, but it turned out that he was only a hologram. This place is so weird. Speaking of weird, the weather suddenly changed, and a storm started brewing in the ocean before me.

Unlike any other smart person who would run away from the storm, I headed to the shores of the sea. Again, something in the distance had caught my eye, but this time it was a much bigger structure. It was a kingdom of sorts, and it was in the water.

Atlantis!

I closed my eyes, and when I opened them, I found myself on the other side of the storm. I was actually in the royal castle. Leona and Mateo had educated me about Atlantis since I was so curious about it. When I saw the trident sign on the throne ahead of me, I knew I was about to witness something important.

Right on cue, the doors of the room opened and people rushed in. A large merman holding a trident, headed towards the throne with a dainty mermaid behind him. They both had crowns on and realization dawned on me.

The King and Queen of the Ocean were before me.

And they couldn’t even see me.

When everyone had settled, the King nodded towards the guards at the door, and the door was once again opened. But this time, a young boy was thrown in. He was bruised and battered, and I gasped at the sight. It was horrible, especially with the long scar down his tail. He looked like he was around fourteen, but he also had quite the build on him.

“Draxlon, what do you have to say for yourself?” the King’s voice boomed.

“What should I say that I haven’t already said?” the boy spat.

“Son, I am giving you a last chance to redeem yourself! You have betrayed your own kind. Own up to it now, and we might consider a lighter sentence,” the King stated.

“A lighter sentence? Do I look like a fucking charity case to you?” the boy said angrily.

“Watch your language!” the King warned.

“What? If you’re going to trial me like I’m a criminal, then you might as well reserve your special treatment! I am innocent, but you refuse to see that because of the influence that that whore has on you!” Draxlon growled.

“DRAXLON!” the King’s voice boomed. The Queen didn’t even flinch from Draxlon’s words, which I found strange.

“You have no authority over me, old man. You stopped being my father the moment you disrespected my mother by marrying that no good for nothing woman! Our people love my mother, but you disrespected them too by marrying that thing. You refuse to see reason because she has poisoned you and you don’t even realize it. She’s poisoned you against me, but you chose to choose her whorish ‘love’ over your own damn son!” Draxlon shouted. Again, the Queen didn’t flinch, while the King looked like he would pop a vein at any moment.

“You stole the amulet!” the King said through gritted teeth. I guess he was reining in his anger.

“Do you have actual proof of this, or are you following your whore like a lost puppy?” Draxlon asked. This kid’s got balls.

You know what I mean, you dirty minded freak.

“Draxlon,” the Queen called calmly.

“You don’t get to call me anything, you filthy witch!” Draxlon growled as his eyes darkened. His words seemed to slide off of the Queen’s skin.

“The amulet was found in your possession. You had been spotted at the Treasure Room multiple times that day. You were even spotted going in and out twice. A few days before, you were heard discussing the amulet with your hoodlum friends. You told them that it would be easy for you to get it. What reason do we have to believe that you’re not guilty? You know very well that stealing the amulet is a crime punishable by death, and yet you sit here and insult your father, when he is willing to risk his integrity to save you from such a fate? Have you no shame?” she spoke calmly.

Too calmly.

Draxlon looked like he would explode at any moment. “Shame? YOU want to talk to ME about shame?”

“ENOUGH! I have tried with you Draxlon, but I cannot tolerate this anymore. Take him away until we reach a consensus about what to do with him,” the King said wearily.

Draxlon didn’t seem affected by his father’s decision as the guards carried him away. My eyes stayed on the Queen, and I caught her smirking at someone behind the King, before sending them a wink.

The King’s advisor.

I blinked, and when I opened my eyes, I was back at shore, except the storm was gone. Again, my emotions and thoughts weren’t tested. Instead, I was even more confused about everything. What had been the purpose of me seeing that? What was the purpose of the chanting man? What about the little boy? How did all of this tie back to Rose or Mateo?

Just as I was racking my brain, words began to appear on the sand. I had to wait for all of the words to appear, before beginning to decipher them. They were in Old Naturalist tongue, so they took a while to translate. When I was done, my eyes watered.

“If you were to choose to save your children or your mate, who would you choose to save?”

The question was so simple, yet it wasn’t. It was so direct, and it was also cruel. How does one even begin to answer something like that? Even though the answer was on the tip of my tongue, I couldn’t help but feel the little bit of guilt that I did before saying it.

“My children,” I replied.

I don’t know what I expected, but coordinates were not it. The message in the sand disappeared to reveal a set of coordinates. I frowned, but noted them in my head before they disappeared. A new question appeared.

“What is Rose’s full name?”

This one I replied with no hesitation.

“Rosaline Phyllis Santiago,” I said proudly. It wasn’t official, but I didn’t care. She was my little girl.

Instead of coordinates, this time I received four numbers. I didn’t know the relevance of the numbers as of yet, but I figured they would come in handy some time later in my life. I noted them in my mind before waiting for the next set of events to occur.

“You have to find it,” the little boy appeared beside me once more.

“What?” I asked.

“The host! The daemon is the key,” he smiled.

Like I actually knew what on earth he was on about.

“What daemon?” I asked.

He shrugged. “The other half.”

Oh. this is just ridiculous now!

Before I could ask anything, the little boy was gone. Instead, to my side, in the distance (again) were two girls. I huffed and walked towards them. Seriously? I thought I was going to be spared physically! The two girls were giggling and running about, until they spotted me.

They looked exactly like me.

Except me with blonde hair and green eyes.

And me with white hair and red eyes.

The two girls smiled at me before they each reached out to touch my belly. Warmth spread through my belly once more and they giggled. It was the strangest thing, but I was rooted to the spot. I couldn’t move as these weird beings groped me.

Ha, that sounds so wrong.

You, know, coz they’re me and all.

I’m groping myself.

Insert silly laugh.

“Aloe,” blondie giggled.

“Vera,” whitie joined in.

Can I slap them?

Aloe Vera?

“What about it?” I asked them, only to have them turn around and run away.

You know what? On second thought, this is messing with me emotionally and mentally. It’s frustrating to not know what the hell I’m supposed to be doing here and what all this information means, and not forgetting the fact that I’m being mind fucked!

“Mrs Santiago,” a voice called to me. I turned to find a man in a hot pink suit with a purple magician’s hat and silver shoes.

I couldn’t help but laugh. “Yes?”

“It would seem your vision of me is a flamboyant man. Have I lived up to expectations?” he asked amusedly.

“I thought you weren’t a person,” I instead asked.

“I am not. I’m merely appearing to you as one,” he replied.

I nodded. “Ah, got it!”

“So, have you reached the point of insanity yet?” he asked.

I scoffed. “I passed insanity a long time ago.”

“That isn’t necessarily true. Why do you doubt yourself and your skills so much?” he asked curiously.

I looked away. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“You forget that I know all, child. You have no idea just how much of an influence you have on the future of the world, and yet you doubt yourself to figure out the smallest things. You are your own person, Juniper. You were your own person even before you met Mateo. I know that they say mates complete each other, but you can do this without him. You must remember that you’re doing this for him,” he pointed out.

I looked up with a smile. “Aren’t you breaking protocol or something?”

“I am The Passage of Secrets. I’m allowed to make and break my own rules,” he winked, making me laugh.

“On a serious note though, you need to take yourself seriously. I have given you more than enough clues to lead you to the truth, but you need faith more than anything else. I cannot tell you any more without messing with the course of time. I don’t want to make it seem like the fate of the world rests on you, because that isn’t entirely true. Your decisions and faith in yourself, however, have a major impact on how the fate of everyone you love turns out,” he informed me.

“So you really are breaking protocol by talking to me like this?” I asked. He nodded.

“It is very rare that I am brought out to make personal contact, but like I said before, you are a special case. There are more secrets than you think Juniper. While you have been convinced that your mate is the only one with secrets, you will find that secrets are everywhere; even the places you’d least expect. It’s up to you to weed them out and bring them to light. That which has been cast into darkness, must come to light,” he said.

“You should totally write a book,” I teased.

He laughed. “You’d be surprised by how many books I’ve inspired.”

“So what? You’re an element that’s just stuck here telling people their truths?” I asked.

“I don’t tell people the truth. I merely guide them to it, but it’s not the only thing I do. I act as a moral guide in the world through good acts. I am everywhere essentially, but this is my main job, if you may,” he offered.

“On any other day, I swear that would’ve never made sense to me,” I admitted.

“You’re learning,” he smiled.

I scowled. “Learning?”

“You’re learning to be open-minded,” he elaborated.

“I was never close-minded!” I defended.

“True, but now you’re more accepting of that which seems extraordinary. You’re accepting that things aren’t always black and white, and that there are weird and fascinating things that people don’t even realize,” he further explained.

“Again, you wouldn’t have made sense to me on any other day,” I giggled.

“You have made progress, Mrs Santiago, but the way forward from here is up to you and the decisions you make,” he reminded.

“Any way of telling me where to start?” I asked.

“Unfortunately that answer lies within you, but I can give you one last clue,” he offered.

I nodded. “I’ll take it.”

“Good,” he smiled before vanishing.

Before confusion could settle in, an envelope appeared in my hands. I smiled and opened up the letter inside:

Mrs Juniper Santiago

‘The flower unlocks the heart and the mind, but that very mind must work with its half to save the flower.’

Say nothing of your findings here.

Happy truth hunting.

The ‘Flamboyant’ Vaulsino

The Passage of Secrets.

You son of a confused and deranged gun!

“June Bug!” Max ambushed me, making me laugh. It was strangely sunny outside.

Outside.

I was out!

Mark was next to hug me. “We thought we lost you!”

“Wait! How long was I in there for?” I asked.

“Well, you were in the building for a week, except it left with you,” Boris explained as he hugged me.

“WHAT?” I shouted.

“You left with The Vaulsino, June. You just appeared out of nowhere right now,” Dante informed me.

“How is that even possible?” I whispered.

“No one has a clue,” Max replied.

“Why did you wait for me then?” I asked.

“We were honestly hoping that you’d show up here whenever. We were going on a hunch more than anything,” Boris informed me.

“Thanks for waiting,” I smiled.

“What were you doing for so long?” Mark questioned.

“Honestly, it didn’t even feel like a week to me. It didn’t even feel like half a day,” I confessed.

“Did you at least get something out of it?” Jacob asked.

“Yeah, I got plenty,” I replied.

“And do you have an idea about where to start?” Dante asked.

“Not really! I’m really tired and hungry right now. I think once I’ve rested, I’ll be able to process everything and then have a starting point,” I suggested.

“Well, that sounds like a plan then. Let’s get you home,” Max smiled.

In a flash, I was back home. I was engulfed in a hug faster than I could blink, and I already knew that it was my mom. She must’ve been freaked out when I didn’t show up, especially with The Vaulsino moving and all.

“I’m alright, Mom,” I whispered in her ear.

“I thought I lost you,” she sobbed.

“Honey, she’s fine,” my dad soothed.

“Was it a worthy trip?” my grandfather asked.

“Yeah! It was really useful, although I need to piece everything together,” I replied.

“Well, the good part is that you at least have some starting points. The Vaulsino can be quite the experience,” Mama Deo laughed.

“You’re telling me! Anyway, I’m going to head up for a shower. Can someone please make me some food? I could eat a cow right now,” I said in realization.

“Coming right up,” my brother chuckled.

“Thanks Mark,” I giggled as I headed up to my room.

“Anything for you, sis!” he shouted after me.

Idiot!

I reached my room and went straight for the bathroom. I wanted nothing more than to take a relaxing bath, which is what I did. I took my own sweet time in the bath, letting the water soak all of me. My hands traced my stomach and, for the first time in a long while, I was at peace as I smiled, thinking of my husband.

I eventually left the bathroom and got dressed in my most comfortable pajamas. I didn’t care that it was still light out. I had every intention of sleeping as soon as I‘d finished eating. I was about to leave the room when my eyes caught sight of the package on my bed.

I slowly walked over to it. It was a small rectangular box with a blue ribbon on it. I opened the box to find all my letters from The Vaulsino, as well as a new envelope. There was also a platinum, blue and lime charm bracelet in there. I opened the letter and read it:

Mrs Juniper Santiago

By now you are aware that I took you along with me to my new location, which you surprisingly don’t know. I must say that I enjoyed talking to you. It’s very rare where I refer to myself as a person, but since you granted me a personality, I shall take it up.

This is merely a final letter to remind you to have faith in yourself and in the future. Believe that all will be well, and have patience. It will all come together.

Also, the bracelet is a gift, and in time, you will know what to do with it.

I wish you all the best Mrs Santiago. Remember that I know all, and if I say that all will come together, there’s probably a high chance that I’m right.

P.S. Guns do not birth children, and I am therefore not a son of a gun.

Happiness and patience to you.

The ‘Flamboyant’ Vaulsino

I couldn’t stop my laugh even if I tried.

This was so crazy, and yet it felt like it fit in my already crazy life. I put the letter down and took the bracelet to really look at it. It was stunning, honestly. It had the colors of the ocean. The blue and lime complimented each other and glowed beautifully together, while the silver color of the platinum shimmered.

I put everything away in a safe place and cast an invisibility spell over the things. I didn’t want anyone finding them since no one was meant to know about my trip there. I headed downstairs and could hear everyone laughing and chatting. They must be relieved now that I’m back. When my nose smelled bacon, I swear my feet kicked into gear.

“One double bacon, cheese and chicken burger, with two slices of tomato, lettuce, gherkins, mushrooms, carrots, a slice of beetroot, barbeque sauce and mustard,” Mark laughed as he handed it over.

“That’s disgusting!” Maya scrunched up her nose.

“Pregnancy cravings?” my grandfather asked knowingly.

“In all their glory,” I confirmed, as I nodded before taking a massive bite of the burger. Mark slid me a side plate of fries as well.

I’d totally marry him if he wasn’t my brother.

And if I didn’t have a mate.

Husband.

Whatever.

This burger is so good!

“Mark, you angel from heaven!” I moaned in approval.

“Mateo would lose it if he heard you moan like that for another man,” Max teased. I threw a fry at him.

“Shut up!” I mumbled with my mouth full.

“Swallow!” my mother scolded.

“That’s what he said,” Max, Boris, Jacob, Maya and I all said. My mother glared at us while we battled to keep from laughing.

“We have a surprise for you,” my dad told me.

I jumped up and down in my seat. “Gimme, gimme gimme!”

“Mommy, you’re like a small child,” my baby girl giggled.

“ROSE!” I squealed before going to hug her. I couldn’t pick her up, but I could very well kiss those chubby cheeks.

“Mommy!” she squeaked as I smothered her with my greasy fingers and lips.

“Now you’re as tasty as my burger. Maybe I should eat you instead,” I wiggled my eyebrows at her. Her eyes widened.

“SOMEBODY SAVE ME!” she ran away screaming. We all laughed at her.

“That’s the greatest surprise ever! Is she here to stay?” I asked.

“Yep! We figured that you’re both better off staying together,” my dad replied.

“What about Mateo?” I asked. Surely he’d notice that she’s gone.

“It’s handled! Don’t worry about it,” Mama Deo asked.

“Well, I’m still thankful,” I said with teary eyes.

Stupid pregnancy hormones!

Stupid tears!

Stupid whatever!

“It was a pleasure sweetheart. Now finish up so that you can go and rest,” my mom instructed.

“Yes M’am!” I smiled. I may be eighteen, mated, married and pregnant, but I’ll always listen to my parents.

Look at me being an exemplary role model.

Wait...

I’m not saying go and get married and pregnant at eighteen. It doesn’t work out well for everyone!

Never mind me being a role model.

I finished up eating while chatting with everyone. I realized that while I didn’t have my mate, I still had my family - a family that was willing to help me with getting my mate back. I ended up falling asleep with my daughter beside me as she told me a bedtime story.

I couldn’t have been happier despite the odds.

Mateo Santiago by Katlego Moncho (16)

Chapter Sixteen: The Vaulsino

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