Unlike my parents, Iwasgoing to protect my family.
"Petulant, insubordinate mortals," Terranus snarled. His eyes locked onto me. "You. Alpha."
I stared back at him, waiting to hear for whatever he had to say.
"Do you remember me?" Terranus asked.
"Yes."
His yellow fangs gleamed in the darkness. "Then you know you are only alive because of me."
What was he talking about? Whatever it was, I didn't believe him.
"What did you do to protect me?" I asked. "Nothing. You didn't help me."
Terranus barked out a laugh. "Of course a slow mortal wouldn't understand. You think too small. Think bigger. Why would a sturdy, years-old cavern suddenly collapse?"
I frowned.
And then it hit me. When the ceiling collapsed on top of Ashe earlier, it triggered my memories. That's why I'd rushed in to save him so fast. I couldn't let him get buried alive like my parents might have been.
"It was you," I signed slowly, as horror descended on me. "You caused the cave-in during my childhood, Terranus. Is that true?"
"Correct."
A chill ran down my spine.
"Why?" I demanded.
Terranus narrowed his eyes into slits of emerald. "Your parents did not deserve you. We both know this is the truth. Even the omega knows it. I can see it written all over his face."
Ashe frowned deeply at being called 'the omega' but he didn't respond. He was too focused on Terranus's words.
"You are worth more than the trash your parents treated you like, alpha," Terranus said. "That is why I cut you off. Or rather, I cutthemoff from you."
My mind was spinning. Memories of the cave-in flashed in front of my eyes. I shook my head, trying not to stagger back. Terranus stared at me relentlessly. It was like he was forcing me to revisit those awful memories on purpose.
"Tell me exactly what you did," I signed furiously. I refused to let him win this mind game. "Otherwise I don't believe a word you're saying."
Terranus didn't blink as he said, "I collapsed the cave to kill your parents."
I froze. I didn't move. I didn't know what to think or how to feel.
From the corner of my eye, I saw Ashe grimacing. He reached out to touch my arm. It was a reminder that no matter what happened in my past, he was here right now, and he always would be.
So my doubts were confirmed. My parents perished in the tunnel collapse. I felt numb to this knowledge, like it was something I'd always known deep down.
Honestly, I didn't know how much I could bring myself to care. They were horrible, abusive people. I didn't deserve what they did to me. Ashe taught me that. He taught me I was worth so much more.
I felt my feelings... and let them float away. Then I faced Terranus.
"Why me?" I asked.
"Because of this," Terranus said. In the dim light, I saw him gesture with a large, clawed hand towards me and Ashe.
I tightened my grip on my mate. I didn't like where this was heading.
Ashe muttered something under his breath. It didn't feel like the right moment to ask so I let it slide.
