Chapter 9

{Casper's POV}

The trees blur past me as I run.

Faster. Faster still. Away from her. From that tent and everything I thought I understood.

I felt the wind whipping my face, but it couldn’t cut deeper than the truth she just dropped on me. My feet pound the forest floor, bare and bruised. But I didn't care. The pain is grounding.

She kept it from me all these years. I was just a secret, a reminder of her shame. Of the man who rejected her, Alpha Aurelius.

“Why is she so self-centered?” I questioned somehow, still expecting an answer. So I ran even faster.

I didn't even stop when the thorns ripped into my calf or when a low-hanging branch slapped across my cheek. Good, let the forest tear me open. Maybe then I’ll feel something other than this boiling, bitter rage. Before long I reached a clearing, breathing heavy while my lungs burned. My knees gave out, and I collapsed. Facing the moon… pale and cold, like her.

All I needed were answers. What truly happened between them? Why did they have to reject her? Why is this pack so different from ours?

I screamed and it’s not a word. Just a sound. Broken and ripped from somewhere deep, where boys turned to monsters. I shouldn't be this angry, What if she's right about my temper? My body trembled, then it changed. I didn't even mean to shift. It just happened. The heat surges through me, bones twist as my flesh morphs into something more.

As always, everything felt sharper. I could hear the trees creak. Smelled the rain coming. But I couldn't enjoy any of it… not when all I want is to destroy something. Anything.

‘I can’t find peace here, it’s best I head back…’ But I don’t think I can stand her yet.

Then something moved in the shadows and was already on the attack. Searching desperately for an outlet for all this anger. My claws gleam beneath the moonlight as I reach to harm whoever it was. It doesn’t matter if it’s a… frail old man…

I skid to a halt, claws tearing into dirt. There, beneath a drooping tree, is an old wolf barely more than skin and bones, pawing weakly at the ground.

He looked up but there was something off about how hollow his stare was. I stepped closer.

"If you want to kill me, make it quick. I've lived long enough." He said as I staggered back.

His voice was soft and weathered.."I wasn't going to," I said… dreading the fact it might be a lie.  I fell to my knees, panting, hands trembling.

"Of course not," he said, and coughed a dry laugh. "That's the thing about power. It’ll always test you. You seem to have quite the temper, young man."

I didn't reply. I stared at my hands. These hands that just moments ago nearly became instruments of murder. Maybe Om was right about me after all.

He shifted, groaning as his form melted back into a hunched, grizzled man. He lowered himself onto a stone.

"You might struggle with this rage," he paused before continuing; "But you also have something else. The choice to be better."

I swallowed hard.

"Who are you?"

"A wolf who learned too late. Don’t be like me. Don’t let anger become the only language you know."

I sat there for what felt like hours, silent under the judging moon.

×××

{Ryanna's POV}

I haven't touched my food in days.

I sat on the edge of my bed, watching steam curl up from yet another stew. The herbs I ground this morning are still spread on the table, forgotten. Everything around me felt still, yet my insides twisted with motion.

Casper hasn’t returned.

My heart ached, but I didn't chase him. Not this time. He needs to run, to hurt, to think. I raised him to be strong. Maybe now I have to trust that strength. To trust he’ll make the right decision.

Instead, I found my feet carrying me to Tyrion's hut. He saw me the moment I walked in, it felt like he was always aware, this must be the wisdom that comes with age.

I sat on the floor, in the same spot we would sit and speak all these years. I can’t believe this much time has passed since I met him. Since then, a lot has changed.

I stifle my tears as I whisper, "I don't know what I'm doing." He looked at me, taking the few precious seconds he always does before responding, I guess some things never change.

“True leadership isn’t about control, Ryanna. It’s about being brave enough to be vulnerable in front of your people. To be wounded, and still rise.”

I blinked, and tears fell freely. He reached out with calloused, wrinkled hands, wiping them quickly.

“No, let them fall. Let me feel this.” I said.

I need this, I’ve been strong for so long. For Casper. For the pack. But not now.

He stood, feeling the weight of the years restrict his movement as he glanced at his old satchel resting in the corner, opened it, and it revealed scrolls, books, and other documents.

“I once had a daughter, you know. She was fierce, just like you. I wrote these hoping I’d get to see her again someday… Maybe you could check them out before her.”

Unfolding one, he read; If you're reading this, it means we’ve finally met after all these years. I’m proud of who you’ve become, and I trust you've grown into a fine, strong lady. But…. He pauses… If I’m no longer here, the journey further still will require pain and sacrifice. I’m sorry I had to leave you.

                                                ~Love, Dad.

“Don’t end up like me, If you doubt even for a second, go after your son. Regardless of what anyone says.”

I took his message with a sullen heart; “Thank you, Elder Tyrion.”

I step outside at high noon, the time when everyone is usually out. As I walked I could hear the settlers murmur. They watched me.

Some whispered. A few frowned.

“She can’t even control her son.”

“How will she control a pack?”

Their words stung. But I kept walking. Head high. Shoulders square.

"She’s still our leader," Ophelia said firmly to one group. "And none of you would be here without her."

The whispers scatter like leaves in the wind. Before I could thank her, a scream pierced the air.

Everyone turned to the settlement’s entrance as a scout stumbled into the center of the camp, face bloodied, one arm dangling uselessly. He’s beaten black and blue, barely clinging to an inch of life.

“Jade! What happened?” I screamed.

"Osiris..." he gasps, more to himself than anyone else.

Everyone went still.

"Osiris is coming..."

His last words as he collapses at my feet.