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A shaman had the ability to call upon thetupilaq, a vengeful creature formed of malice and disharmony when a person deserved to be punished. They were invisible but violent; they could kill a person without any warning.
The chief was vague on the details regarding the methods and what would happen if, as the cryptid had mentioned, the person shouldstray. He was, however, specific about the ability to protect oneself against these attacks, in turn sending the beasts back to their origin.
While most people would think this kind of information would be impossible, Cyrus made a mental note to do a little more research about protection from spirit creatures later.
He then called the meteorologists and first asked if they knew what the ancient man called the Norse gods. In Viking culture, the gods of the old way represent human traits such as war, marriage, and sexuality, among others.
He wasn’t sure how this would relate to his quest. Vikings didn’t seem to have a place in this matter. The man on the phone chuckled softly at the explanation, annoying Cyrus slightly.
“Sir, in a meteorologic sense, the Norse gods refer to a phenomenon called the Aurora Borealis. The Vikings believed that the northern lights were what they called the Bifrost, allowing people to travel between Earth and the kingdom of Asgard.”
“Of course. Ancient religions explained scientific notions with their customs. That makes more sense. What does this mean in the sense of location and time?”
“Well, while there are lights year-round, they are best seen at the North Pole between November and February when the moon is the furthest from full. The strongest lights happen between nine p.m. and two a.m. Between 60 and 75 degrees of latitude.”
“Excellent, that is very helpful, thank you.”
What he did know was that his parents’ plane was found on February 24th, and after a quick search, he found there was a full moon on the 23rd at 11:54 p.m. EST. So, this Full Snow Moon must have had something to do with this mission his parents were on.
After a few more phone calls and some expert advice on Inuit culture, Cyrus had a rough map of the area where the plane had crashed and where his parents might have gone. The hours ticked away, and Cyrus realized, for the first time, that he had been at it for most of the night.
He rubbed his eyes and looked down at his work, satisfied. He might very well be able to find where his parents had walked after the crash. A week ago, he would already be planning the expedition.
The satisfaction faded as quickly as it had come. A week ago, he would be packing to leave. A week ago, nothing stood in his way. But that was a week ago.
Luca entered the room, bearing snacks for his boss. When Cyrus looked up at him, eyes bloodshot and heavy, Luca stopped short, eyes wide.
“Sir? Have you hit a snag in your research? I was sure that the phone number would connect the dots for you.”
“I have hit a snag. But not in the way you might think.” Cyrus rubbed his face and ran his fingers through his hair. He let out a troubled sigh.
“Sir?” Luca cautiously approached the desk, setting the tray in front of Cyrus.
Cyrus stared blankly at the food for a moment and then returned Luca’s gaze.
“Mila. Mila is the sticking point.”
Luca nodded solemnly.
His fated mate was a huge hurdle. One he had not expected to face when he got to this stage. There were a number of points to this.
First, he could go alone, which wasn’t ideal in the first place, but there was the chance he may go the same way as his parents. If he didn’t die, he could find the answers for which he had been searching for so many years. But if he did die, he would lose Mila.
Secondly, he could take her with him. They would be together, but likely, one or both of them would die. He couldn’t take the risk of her being in danger, not when he was able to protect her. He couldn’t guarantee her safety, and maybe not even if he left her at the mansion.
Third, he could stay with Mila. It would be a happy and fulfilled life. They could live happily ever after, but Cyrus would never know the truth about the past. A truth that he had been painstakingly rerouting his whole life in pursuit of.
His life’s work or his heart’s desire. His head was already aching from the full day, from the ache of wanting her, from the frustration of Luca interrupting his plans, from the cryptic answers, and from the all-nighter …
He dropped his head on the desk. His whole body wanted to collapse. What was he going to do?
“Sir, if I may?”
Cyrus looked up, his eyes full of pain over the indecision and conflict. Luca sat in the chair across from Cyrus. He was calm and straight-faced.
“I have not been employed here long, but we have worked in close proximity for a while. I know how important this project is to you and how much time, effort, and money you have put into this. I have also seen a dramatic change in you since Miss Dillon entered your life.”
“What are you saying, Luca? Please speak plainly. My head is already splitting.”
