เข้าสู่ระบบRiog’s p.o.v.
“Elder Gerwyn, I don’t believe it is appropriate to ask my parents about the daughter they lost,” I respond before Dad can answer him.
“When did they lose their daughter, Riog?” Elder Gerwyn holds up the paper Alpha Fynlo gave him, and I see Mom pale.
“At birth.” I keep staring at the paper, not knowing it will turn my world upside down.
“According to this paper, Charleza Ironshield passed the class on pack laws with a h
Elder Olwenna stares after Riog as he walks out of the office, and for a moment she contemplates going after him.“Beta Aler, why don’t you start by explaining the website?” Elder Gerwyn asks, and Elder Olwenna choses to hear what Beta Aler has to say instead of going after Riog.“Those properties should have been mine when my mother passed away. Charleza was unplanned and unwanted, and doesn’t deserve a piece of the Mildglow name.” Beta Aler answers.It isn’t an answer to the question, and everyone keeps quiet, hoping that Beta Aler will come up with an answer that will explain why he made the website. An answer they can relay to Charleza, who can then decide what to do about it.“Fine.” Beta Aler growls. “I was hoping that someone might call because they feared they had the wrong contact information.”“You were hoping to steal Charleza’s income. Do you know how the fraud was discovered?” Elder Olwenna looks at Beta Aler and hopes she gets to tell
Charleza’s p.o.v.Pictures are scattered across the table, and I have picked up each one at least twice. I am as indecisive as I was when I put them on the table, but I need to make a decision soon.Moving into the lily residence was meant to be temporary, but we have been there for almost two years, and we are starting to annoy each other.It isn’t meant for four adults living there, and there are moments I miss Grandma Rozena’s cottage more than anything else.“Staring at them isn’t going to solve the issue.” Ealish stops near the table and hands me my schedule for tomorrow.“My friends avoiding giving straight answers is also a part of the problem.” I counter.“We don’t care where you are going to live, as long as it isn’t too far away,” Ealish responds as she walks out of my office.All three of them gave a similar answer when I asked which was their favorite, and at first I thought they were kidding
Riog’s p.o.v.“Elder Gerwyn, I don’t believe it is appropriate to ask my parents about the daughter they lost,” I respond before Dad can answer him.“When did they lose their daughter, Riog?” Elder Gerwyn holds up the paper Alpha Fynlo gave him, and I see Mom pale.“At birth.” I keep staring at the paper, not knowing it will turn my world upside down.“According to this paper, Charleza Ironshield passed the class on pack laws with a hundred percent accuracy.” Elder Gerwyn gets up and walks toward me, the paper still in his hand.Dad steps in his way, but one look from Alpha Fynlo makes him step back. His face is unreadable, but Mom’s shows discomfort and fear.I accept the piece of paper and let my eyes glide down the list of names. There should have been six names on that list, but at the bottom there is a seventh name: Charleza Ironshield.“This can’t be true. Why didn’t you tell me the truth?” I ask,
Dark Wind Territory“Alpha, I have two Elders at the gate.” The sentence startles Alpha Fynlo for a moment. Elders don’t have to announce a visit, but in most cases, if they show up without notifying an Alpha, someone is in trouble.Alpha Fynlo steps off the front porch as the SUV reaches the pack house, and Elder Gerwyn Runebelly and Elder Olwenna Crestmane step out after their driver has parked it.“Elder Gerwyn, it has been a while.” Alpha Fynlo shakes his hand, then turns to his left. “Elder Olwenna, I don’t believe you have visited the territory before.”“Alpha Fynlo, you are correct. I have never been to this part of the Kingdom, but after seeing the scenery, I wish I had.” Elder Olwenna responds.Alpha Fynlo gestures toward the pack house, and he follows the Elders up the steps. Neither Elder carries a notebook, so it probably doesn’t concern the Dark Wind pack.Elder Olwenna turns left to look
Charleza’s p.o.v.“When was the last time Grandma Rozena joined one of these gatherings?” I ask the question that has been on my mind ever since Yoanie told me about them.“Over twenty-five years ago,” Malane responds, and I understand why she stopped coming.It meant explaining why Aler refused to raise his daughter, and somewhere down the road it would have meant explaining why Rivanon mistreated her baby sister or why Riog ignored her.“Did Aler and Calyree ever join one of these gatherings?” I have no idea which answer I am hoping for, but I am curious if anyone ever saw my brother or sister.“No, not even after they had children. I don’t even know what they look like.” Malane answers.“Rivanon looks like Calyree, but I can’t tell you what Riog looks like. I have only seen him from a distance, and usually from the back or the side.” I say as the next group of relatives sit down.One of them is more interested in her tablet than asking me questions, and I smile when her mother grow
Charleza’s p.o.v.Finding out my family is bigger than I expected has been an adjustment in itself.Yoanie calls to ask how my day was, while Thurian drops by to tell me about my family from before I was born.I haven’t met my cousins yet, and Thurian hasn’t told them about me yet either. He wanted to wait a few more weeks so he could introduce me to everyone at the same time.Once a year, the entire family gathers to celebrate birthdays and remember those they have lost.“Nervous?” Ealish asks as I power down my laptop.“You can say that again. A part of me fears that they might treat me like Aler and Calyree did.” I answer.“They won’t. I can’t tell you why your parents did what they did, but you are not responsible for any of it.” I hear Thurian say.He wraps his arms around me and pulls me against his chest, as he has done several times after telling me about the family.“Charleza, what Aler and Calyree did was wrong. However, Rozena raising you was the best outcome.” Yoanie’s voi







