Amara – Reunion

Author's note: this is from Seraphina's point of view

- - -

Hugo's eyes darted from Ash to Duke when he asked, "What do I need in order to become an intern?"

"For my company, you will need at least a high school degree and willingness to learn and work hard.", Duke responded. "It would help if dealing with numbers is your strong point. Other than a strong footing in algebra, calculus, and statistics, you will need to be good in economics for business, strategic cost analysis, accounting, management, business law, and ethics."

Hugo paled while taking in Duke's words. It was obvious that he didn't understand half of it and he was embarrassed. "I am attending classes but it's not exactly a school."

Hugo was educated in his pack, and I hoped that he will not speak carelessly in front of Duke, so I responded quickly, "You can take exams and align what you are doing with what's expected in terms of academics for you to finish high school. Zoe, Ash, and Luca are taking a number of courses online and they can tell you more about it."

Ash understood my intention and he started talking about the internship itself. It seems that he did some research since talking to Duke the previous evening. It was proof that Ash is seriously considering joining Eclipse.

Duke interjected a few times to fill in the gaps in Ash's explanations and I was glad to see that they all spoke naturally.

Most of these teens grew up in their packs and they were curious about things like companies and jobs and how humans live. Their exposure to those things was mostly through movies and programs that television provides.

It didn't take long before they started joking and laughing and the scene of Duke blending in with these kids warmed my heart.

Lazarus was also sitting nearby and eating while listening.

I gave up on hopes that Lazarus and Duke will be friends, but I believed that given enough time, Lazarus can see that Duke is not a bad guy.

As for Duke, I knew that he respects Lazarus for all the help he provided me so far, and I was confident that Duke will not get into conflict with Lazarus as long as Lazarus doesn't cross the line of friendship with me.

It was nearly time for us to start the scavenger hunt and I left Duke on the beach with kids in order to grab backpacks that Mona prepared in advance for each team.

Eight teenagers can make four teams, and I grabbed two extra backpacks. I didn't ask Duke if he wants to participate, but I had a hunch that he will follow whatever I want to do.

The scavenger hunt was Mona's idea (of course it was) and other than having at least one grownup waiting for others to return, everyone else could join in the hunt.

The scavenger hunt intrigued me because I never participated in such an activity, but if everyone wanted to play, I was ready to sit this one out.

Mona explained to me the game in advance, and I was super-excited while thinking about how we can take it to the next level if it's a creature-only event.

Instead of riddle-like clues on finding the next destination, we could have a drop of blood or a nail or a set of runes that needs to be activated, and participants could fly or shift or use any ability they possess. I could imagine teams forming based on abilities, with the goal to cover a wide range, so everyone would be forced to strategize even before the game begins. That would be fantastic!

We didn't go that far because Zoe can't shift to her wolf form yet and it wouldn't be fair to exclude her. That's why this scavenger hunt was created as appropriate for humans, and there is a rule that shifting into wolf form is not allowed, which means that Duke can participate as well without fear that he will bump into an oversized wolf.

Each backpack had a map of the property with several reference photos, a compass, a flashlight, glowsticks, and a whistle that one could use in case something unexpected happens and they need help.

The goal of the game is for each team to visit ten checkpoints and collect stamps in a given order before returning to the villa. Every checkpoint will have a clue for the next destination, and the impressive thing is that Mona created the game with different starting points for each team, and clues for the next destination were in color-coded envelopes, which meant that every team will have a different path to take.

About one month ago, Mona asked for pictures and maps of the property, and she even visited in advance, only to prepare for this game. I admire her enthusiasm.

I expected that Ash and Luca will be in one team, and Hugo and Emilio in the second one. I was surprised to see that they mixed with girls, so team one was Ash and Zoe (OK. I was not surprised about this one…), team two was Hugo and Violet, team three was Chiara and Emilio, and the members of the fourth team were Luca and Cristina.

I glanced around and shook my head at Mona's absence. By now, it was obvious that she was not coming but I didn't want to interrupt her time with Julian. If it's not good, she would be down here.

I glanced at Lazarus and Duke. "Do you guys want to participate? There are three of us here, but only one needs to stay at the end point."

"I will do it.", Lazarus volunteered. "I need to take care of something so I will work from my laptop in the study. Whoever finishes first can find me there."

I saw that he was checking his phone earlier and I hoped that it's not another incident with human victims on his territory.

Duke's smile told me that he is eager to be my teammate, so I spoke to the teens. "After you collect all ten stamps, go to the study for Lazarus to confirm that you completed the tasks. We have three hours allocated for this scavenger hunt. If someone is not back by then, we will sound the whistle in three short bursts as a sign that the time ran out. You have five minutes to return to the villa when you hear it, otherwise, someone will go searching for you. Results and prizes will be announced after breakfast tomorrow!"

Kids cheered, obviously excited about the prizes and Lazarus went inside the villa.

I brought forth a box, and each team had one member pull a silky scarf from the small gap. The color of the fabric was unique to the team, and their clues will be within the envelopes of the corresponding color.

Zoe pulled a scarf and grinned when she saw that it's red. She tied it on the handle of the backpack that was on Ash's shoulder and Ash took the envelope that was red in color.

"Don't open until everyone gets their color.", I reminded Ash and then spoke to everyone, "Grab a bottle of water or some other beverage you might need before heading out."

After every team got scarves and envelopes, they split up and started reading the first clue and discussing their next move in excited whispers. With this, the game officially began.

---

If you are not reading this at 'W e b n o v e l . c o m', then the content you're reading is stolen! Please support the author by reading this novel from the original source.