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“Are we really going to let him join the group?” Dwayne asked as he stood beside Kieran outside Jeremiah’s house. They both watched from a distance as Adelaide spoke with Flint near the gate. “He’s a thief! Who knows what kind of person he really is,” he added, clearly not trusting Flint.
“Let’s observe first,” Kieran replied calmly, though his voice had a sharp edge. “The information he offered seems real. But if he ever lays a hand on my mate…I’ll deal with him myself," he said as his eyes darkened. Dwayne fell quiet for a moment.
“I tracked down the person you said was following us when we arrived here," he said, changing the topic. Kieran turned his head quickly, brows drawn.
“Well? Was it Celestia he was after?” he asked, his voice low and tight as his fist curled.
“No,” Dwayne answered. “It’s you he’s after,” he added. Kieran narrowed his eyes, a muscle in his jaw twitching.
“Me?”
“Yeah,” Dwayne nodded. “I think he’s one of your old enemies. Maybe someone from the time before you became Alpha. You know… back when you were known as the wild one no one could control,” he added. Kieran gave a short, humorless laugh.
“That was a long time ago,” he said, shaking his head.
“Still,” Dwayne said, looking serious. “Not everyone forgets. Some people carry grudges for years. Especially if you beat them,” he added. Kieran looked up at the sky for a moment.
“We’ll keep an eye out. I don’t want any danger near Celestia… or the others,” Kieran said. Dwayne nodded again.
“I’ll keep watch. If this guy shows up again, I’ll know,” he said and left Kieran.
Adelaide approached him and stood beside him.
“He said he’ll come back tomorrow,” Adelaide said. “Thank you,” she added.
“He’s not clear yet,” Kieran said, his eyes steady. “If he ever hurts my mate, I’ll deal with him myself,” he added, crossing his arms. He meant every word. Celestia was his top priority, along with the pack.
“He knows that,” Adelaide replied softly. “Where’s Celestia?” she asked.
“Inside,” Kieran answered.
Adelaide gave a nod and walked back into the house. She saw Celestia sitting quietly on a chair near the window, holding out her hand where a small flame flickered softly.
“Celestia,” Adelaide called. “Are you upset?” she asked as she stepped closer.
“A little, Aunt,” Celestia replied without looking up. “I'm still mad at Flint for almost stealing my necklace and for nearly making me lose control of my power. But like you said, I'll give him a chance,” she added, letting the fire vanish from her palm.
“I’m sorry, Celestia. I didn’t know he did that,” Adelaide whispered. She felt bad. She had brought someone into their circle without knowing everything. And Celestia was upset because of that choice.
“I know, Aunt. I just hope he proves he’s not a bad person,” Celestia said softly, giving her aunt a small smile.
Adelaide smiled back and placed a gentle hand on Celestia’s shoulder.
“Me too, sweetheart. Me too.”
Flint came home with a smile on his face, but as soon as he stepped inside, Freya was already waiting for him. She grabbed his arm, her eyes wide with panic.
“Where have you been?” Freya asked, her voice tight with worry.
“Outside,” Flint answered calmly. “You told me to sell the potions, remember?” he added.
“That doesn’t matter right now,” Freya said quickly, brushing his reply aside. “I think we should leave this place. Maybe it's time to pack up, yeah?” she said, forcing a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. Flint frowned.
“What about our house? And the money we owe the lenders?” he asked.
“The house… we can always come back for it,” Freya said, trying to stay calm. “And the lenders? I’ll send them the fifty gold coins they want. I’ll figure it out,” she added. Flint’s brows furrowed.
“Where are you going to get that kind of money, Mother? And why do we suddenly have to leave? Is it because of the witch who came to see you?” he asked.
Freya froze. Her smile disappeared and she took a step back. She sighed and looked down before meeting his eyes again.
“Staying here any longer might bring us trouble, Flint,” she said quietly. “You don’t understand what’s at stake,” she added.
“I do,” Flint said. “I heard everything. I know who that woman is. And I joined them. I'm going with them on their journey,” he added.
“What?! Are you out of your mind?!” Freya’s voice rose as her face twisted in disbelief. “You did what?” she added.
“I want to help,” Flint said, standing his ground.
“No, Flint. Why did you really joined them?” Freya snapped, her voice shaking. “You’re risking your life for something that has nothing to do with us!” she yelled.
“You know it has something to do with us,” he replied. “I made a choice. You know the Abyss Brotherhood, who worship the Nightmare Wolf, were the ones responsible for my parents' death and how I ended up becoming a slave. I'll find them, and I will have my revenge,” he added.
Freya’s eyes filled with anger and fear.
“So it was about revenge. You don’t know what you’ve gotten yourself into,” she whispered.
“I know enough because I have read your journal,” Flint said. “And I’m not backing out,” he whispered.
“You read my journal?” Freya asked in disbelief. The journal held years of research on the Nightmare Wolf and was her most important possession. Flint avoided her gaze, making Freya slowly drop into the chair.
“Is our life here not enough for you, Flint?” she asked. “Did I fall short in giving you what you needed?” she added.
“That’s not it...” Flint walked toward her and kneeled. “You know how much I loathed the Abyss Brotherhood for making my life miserable,” he added.
“And joining them was the answer? You know the risk, Flint,” she said. Flint did not answer, so Freya wiped the tears from her face and stood up.
“Do what you want,” she said coldly. “From now on, you are not my son,” she added and left, leaving Flint devastated.
- Writer
