“Well what do you think?”
A snort and shake of the head are my replies.
“My thoughts exactly.” I sigh as I climb onto her back to start the trek home.
It’s night before we get back to the ranch. It’s the latest we’ve ever been out but I still don’t rush as we meander down a path we both know well. I need the extra time to think before I face the pack. To face Lukas. Seeing him suffering and then watching his dad… My chest twists at the thought.
Did Seth know that his son was still alive? I’d like to think so but the sounds of his cries when he saw his sons unmoving body were more heart breaking then the screams when he was killed. Did Seth attempt to kill my mum? No surely not. Alistair was right there. He must have seen Alistair coming. From the angle I saw I could be mistaken but Seth has fast reflexes. Alistair must have been reaching for my mum and Seth tried to stop him.
The hairs on the back of my neck prickle and I see a shadow pass through the trees overhead. I think I see a flash of white eyes but it’s too dark to see clearly. Daphne gives no indication of seeing it but I scan the canopy and horizon for a while regardless.
We’re half a mile from the ranch when Lukas comes strolling through the trees. His jeans undone and shirt unbuttoned. He must have just shifted back to meet me.
“Where did you go? Your parents are worried.” He says gruffly.
“For a ride, I didn’t realise how late it got.” I reply with a shrug.
“Are you OK? You seem tense.” His tone is worried.
“I’m fine but I need to speak with Mum and Dad.” I try to keep my voice steady but the weight of what I witnessed makes it hard.
“What happened?”
I debate telling him. Part of me wants to speak with my mum first but he’s the pack Beta. He should know.
I sigh and look directly ahead. “I received a message from Gaia.”
His eyes widen and it seems words escape him. We walk in silence for a little while. The only sounds the clip clopping of Daphne's hooves.
We reach the ranch and I take Daphne to the stable and get her tucked in for the night. I give her a kiss on the side of her face before going to the main house. I find Lukas and my mum and dad sitting in the living room waiting for me.
It’s really cosy in here with wood floors and a roaring fire in the large stone fireplace. A cow hide rug is splayed on the floor with a wooden coffee table nestled between two brown leather, three seater sofas with furry cushions. My mum is snuggled into my dad’s side sipping a hot chocolate and my dad has his arm around her with a beer in his hand. They look relaxed but their posture is slightly tense and the hardness of their gaze tells me they're on edge. I take a seat next to Lukas on the opposite sofa. Lukas opens a beer and hands it to me which I gratefully accept. I take a long sip before speaking.
“I’m sorry for making you worried. The afternoon got away from me. I found a huge, ancient oak tree in a hidden glen and Gaia spoke to me through it. She showed me the night of Hades attack.” I say softly as I look at all of them in turn.
I feel Lukas stiffen beside me and my dad’s brow knots. As if reliving memories they would rather forget. My mum leans forward and puts her cup down looking at me in wonder.
“What did she say?” She asks in awe.
I tell them everything. Of everything I saw and the cryptic message Gaia told me. Tears fill my mums eyes as she rubs mydad’s arm. Lukas is staring at the floor as he runs his fingers across his jaw. He looks at Carter and leans back in his seat.
“We know one thing.” Lukas says with a smirk. “Alistair suffered immensely for failing Hades a second time.”
I wince. What I put him through was bad enough. To think Hades, his own father would punish him more? I feel sick at the thought. Lukas probably isn’t wrong though. Those cold, silver eyes as he held the flaming dagger at Alistair's face. The promise and the threat. It makes my blood run cold.
“We need to focus on Gaia’s message.” My mum cuts in. “Fall into the darkness to find the light in its depths. What she showed Krista followed Alistair’s story. I think her message refers to him.” She looks to me and clear understanding passes between us.
Gaia sees the good in her son and she wants us to see the same. She wants me to accept the bond between me and him. To do so would feel like a betrayal of myself though. To accept the bond with him would be to accept all the awful things he’s done. How am I meant to feel anything for such a monster? If there is light in him then I dread to think how much darkness smothers it. If it’s even there.
My dad growls.
“There is nothing redeemable about him. He deserves to suffer. They all do. Gaia needs to accept that her son is a lost cause.”
His anger and conviction leaves nothing for debate. Lukas nods his agreement. Mum takes my Dads hand but looks to me. Worry flashes in her eyes at the secret we both keep.
I gulp down my beer then stand.
“I’m tired.” Is all I say as I go to my room.
