Chapter 8

“Blood in the Moonlight”

 Across the frigid hallways.  By means of the aroma of new blood.  Through the quiet that was more terrible than noise.

 Reaching the holding cells made me stop dead.

 Eve.

 My sibling.

 Chained to the wall, her face was covered in blood and tears.  But her eyes... they sparkled as though every second of this tragedy brought her pleasure.

 What the hell?  I said softly.

 The guard said, "She broke through two fighters."  She said she wanted to talk to Lora—alone.

 Revan yanked me back.  "Not going to happen."

 Eva laughed darkly.  "Aw, Alpha Revan, are you afraid of what I might say?"

 He growled softly in his throat.  You don't frighten me.  I just know poison when I smell it.

 "Lora," Eva whispered gently, disregarding him.  Sister, come closer.  Wouldn't you like to know how it all came about?  The night Jordan discovered his 'real' mate?

 My hands formed into fists.

 Revan came in front of me.  She is attempting to play with your mind.

 I wish to listen.

 Lora,

 I have to know.

 He stepped aside, unwillingly.

 I approached her just outside the silver-lined bars.  Speak.

 Like an inquisitive cat, she tilted her head.  He always loved you.  You know that, don't you?

 Liar.

 Indeed.  He was promised something greater, though—me.  Strength. Office.  A closer relationship.  So I made sure he was selected.

 You used him.

 I offered him a decision.  Her grin was viperish.  He chose me.  That's love as well, in its own warped manner.

 I shook my head in disbelief.  "He picked dread.  Not affection.

 She came nearer.  Then say something, sister.  Then tell me something, sister. "If Revan's your hero now... why didn't he tell you everything?"

 I became rigid.

 What do you mean by that?

 Her gaze darted to Revan behind me.  Inquire as to your father's fate.  Inquire as to who commanded our town's assault while we were children.

 I spun around quickly.

 Revan's face remained unchanged.

 Which terrified me more than anything else.

 "You knew?"  I said, my voice trembling.  "You knew about that assault?"

 He didn't refute it.

 Back then, I was a soldier, he added slowly.  I did as I was told.

 You destroyed my hamlet!

 I had no idea you were present!

 "But you still accomplished it!"

 Behind us, Eva chuckled; the sound was harsh and reverberating.

 I fell back.  I said, "You're just like him."  Just like Jordan.  Deceiving.  Employing me.

 Revan reached out to me.  Lora,

 Don't.

 I sprinted.

 I had no idea where I was headed.  I just had to breathe.  Had to escape the burning inside my chest and falsehoods and half-truths.

 I got to the cliff's edge behind the house.

 The moon was up.

 Complete.

 And then I experienced it.

 Suffering.

 Devastating.  Scorching.  Like claws ripping from the inside.

 Gasping, I fell to my knees.

 I said, "No."  "Not now..."

 Another wave of agony struck.

 Then came blackness.

 SOME TIME AFTER

 I awoke in an odd location.

 Walls of wood.  Faint illumination.  Ceiling-hung herbs.

 "Easy," a kind voice remarked.  "You are safe."

 I spun around.  Aging lady was watching a fire.

 “Where…?” 

 You collapsed close to the cliff.  Fortunately, someone located you.

 "Who?"

 The door opened with a squeak.

 Then my heart stopped.

 Jordans.

 "Get away from me," I shouted, attempting to sit up.

 Stepping forward, he extended his hands.  Lora, please.

 You have no right to mention my name.

 I followed you after seeing Revan with troops.  They were fighting over you.

 What is it?

 He looked down.  "They believe you hold the key to an ancient prophecy.  The kid you are carrying somehow relates to this.  Revan... he didn't want you to find out.

 My blood froze.  You are lying.

 Not me, he claimed.  I betrayed you wrongly.  I always loved you, though.  Now I wish to defend you.

 You are too late.

 Not me.  I'll get you to safety.

 I am alright.

 Revan included?  he said with bitterness.  The same guy who destroyed your house?

 Trembling but enraged, I got up.  You two destroyed me.

 He seemed heartbroken.  I can fix it.

 The door flew open.

 Revan

 He immediately spotted Jordan.  Touch her and I'll tear your throat out.

 Jordan moved in front of me.  You already caused enough harm.

 Revan's voice was as loud as thunder.  You should not have arrived here.

 You should not have deceived her either!  Jordan yelled.

 “STOP!”   I yelled. 

 Both froze. 

 “I’m not a prize!   I’m not a negotiating tool!   I’m not your redemption!” 

 Their quietness lengthened.

 I turned to Revan, my voice lower but deadly serious.   “Is it true?   About the prophecy?” 

 He was unsure.

 And that told me everything. 

 “You used me too,” I muttered. 

 Then suddenly—the old woman shrieked. 

 I turned— 

 It's too late now.

 There was a sword at my throat.

 But it wasn't Eva.  It wasn't Jordan.

 It was a completely different person.

 She had golden eyes.  Her aroma... ageless.

 She muttered, "Centuries have passed since the child of fire and blood."

 Who the heck are you?  Revan snarled.

 She claimed, "I am the beginning."  Your finish, then.

I never requested to be the reward in a conflict, yet here I am... and I'm finished staying silent.

 Jordan and Revan faced one other directly, the tension in the air acute like a knife.  My heart raced not out of personal terror but rather out of dread for what I was about to undertake.

 Jordan, get out of my way, Revan snarled.

 Not until she makes her own choice.

 I moved in front of them.

 That's plenty!  You two both!  I'm not a thing you can fight over like a sword or a kingdom.  I am finished being shoved around!

 Revan's gaze turned to me, anguish concealed under his typical restraint.  Jordan appeared as though he had been hit.

 Lora, you know I would never harm you.  All I want is to—

 Defend me?  I snapped.   Amusing.  You all say that while lying, concealing information, and deciding for me.  Revan, you set fire to my house.  The second my sister raised her skirt, Jordan, you discarded me.  So please, tell me again how I should believe any of you.

 Quiet.

 Revan was the first to shatter it.  I had no idea.  Regarding your family.  I promise it.  True, I spearheaded that assault.  That is unremovable.  But I would have died before injuring you.  I would still.

 Jordan spoke softly.  To me, you were never a mistake.  Not ever.  I kept adoring you even after learning Eva was my fated partner.

 So why then?  I stammered.  Why did you allow her to treat me like that?

 His expression dropped.  Since I was weak.

 And that... It was the most painful reality.

 Someone knocked on the door.  Bowing a little, a guard came in.  Alpha Revan, vital news.  The Council has arrived.  They want Laura to be there.

 Revan went white.  At this time?

 I inquired, "What council?"

 Revan replied, "The Elders of the High Pact."  They supervise every supernatural alliance.  Should they believe your child is prophesied, they could attempt to abduct you.

 You should bring me.

 They will bring up the kid.  Deprive you of rights.  Perhaps even banish you.

 Jordan moved up.  That will not happen.

 I withdrew from both of them.  "I need time to think." 

 Revan grabbed my hand.   "You don’t have time.   They're already present.

 I looked in between them.

 Two guys that cared for me.  Two guys who ruined me.

 And now a council prepared to rip my world apart once more.

 I decided.

 Then I'll confront them.  By myself.