Chapter 28 The Reality Is Here
Rever
In exasperation, Rever ran his fingers through his hair as he paced the length of his study. Long shadows were created throughout the room by the moon's gentle brightness as it seeped through the windows. With her arms folded tightly across her chest, Sharon stood by the door.
She responded sharply but shakily, "I'm waiting, Rever." What was Pier trying to say? What do you have to conceal from me?
With his back to her, Rever halted. The weight of unspoken words drooped on his shoulders. His voice was barely heard as he whispered, "It's not that simple."
"Then make it easy," Sharon retorted. "Because I'm sick of half-truths and secrets. I have a right to know what's happening!
His eyes were dark with tension as he turned to look at her. "I've dedicated my life to defending this pack. Keep you safe. The truth—it has the power to alter everything.
She squinted. "Rever, what are you so terrified of? That I will despise you? Or will I despise myself?
Rever started to say something, but the words became stuck in his throat. No confession could overpower his silence.
"Tell me,” She demanded, taking a step forward. "Explain to me what you are concealing."
The door creaked open before he could respond. Lasmay entered with a solemn look on her face. She whispered, "Alpha," her gaze flitting between them. "We must speak."
Rever nodded despite clenching his jaw. "Sharon, give us a moment."
Sharon's eyes became stony. "No. Whatever it is, I will remain.
With a hint of desperation in his voice, Rever begged, "Please, Sharon." "Trust me, just this once."
The tension between them was evident as she paused. At last, with a sigh, she hurried out, slamming the door.
Sharon hovered outside the door in the corridor, her heart racing. She was aware that she shouldn't listen in, but her curiosity overcame her guilt. She strained to hear what was being said inside, pressing her ear to the door.
"Rever, she's going to find out," Lasmay remarked quietly. "Until she learns the truth, Pier won't give up. He is fixated on her.
"I am aware of that," Rever said sharply. However, she isn't prepared. She has hardly had time to process the claims, much less cope with them. He walked away.
"Let alone the reality of where she came from?" For him, Lasmay completed. "Keeping her in the dark isn't helping her at all. She must be aware of who and what she is.
"And what use will that serve?" Rever shot back. "It will only increase her vulnerability."
As Sharon took in what they had spoken, her heart was pounding. What is she? Who is she? The more she heard, the more perplexed she grew because the puzzle's parts weren't fitting together.
Lasmay's voice became softer within the study. "Rever, Pier won't stop. You are aware of that. She gets more exposed the longer you hide this from her.
Rever let out a deep sigh. "All I want is to protect her."
"Then be honest with her," Lasmay stated firmly. "Before Pier doing it."
Sharon took a step back from the door, her thoughts racing. She wanted to barge in, and demand answers, but a part of her was scared of what she could learn. Rather, she spun around and rushed down the corridor, her footsteps resonating in the quiet.
The packhouse was eerily quiet the following morning. Sitting at the kitchen table, Sharon stirred her tea absently. The weight of unspoken truths weighed heavily in the air, and River hadn't spoken to her since their confrontation the previous evening.
Lasmay came in, her face unreadable. "Sharon," she said in a bland voice. "There is something you ought to observe."
Sharon's face furrowed as she looked up. "What is it?"
Lasmay said, "Just come," and motioned for her to do so.
They made their way to the main hall, where River and a few warriors were standing. A man Sharon didn't recognize stood in the middle of the gathering, his hands shaking and his face pallid. In his hands, he grasped a little wooden box, stained with blood.
“Who is he?” Sharon asked, her voice apprehensive.
“A messenger,” said Rever abruptly. He gestured for the fellow to open the package.
The messenger hesitated, his eyes flitting uncomfortably between Rever and Sharon. Finally, he raised the lid, revealing a little, bloodied token inside. Sharon’s breath hitched as she recognized it.
“That’s...” Her voice faltered. "That isn't feasible."
Rever had a somber face. "It's Pier's message."
Her voice wavered as she questioned, "What does it mean?"
For the first time, the messenger's voice trembled. "To let you know that someone from your past is still alive," he remarked.
Sharon's heart stopped beating. The options whirled through her thoughts, but none of them made sense. Her father had owned the token, a little carved wolf. Her father, however, had passed away. Years had passed since his death.
She shook her head, saying, "This is a trick." "It must be."
River muttered, "Pier doesn't deal in tricks." He works in a chaotic environment. If he’s saying this, there’s a reason.”
Sharon’s knees buckled, and she grabbed the edge of the table for support. “What does he want?”
Anxiously, the messenger's eyes darted. He remained silent. Just that you would be aware of what to do.
Rever's patience snapped and he growled. "Leave. Right now.
There was no need to repeat the message to the messenger. Leaving the bloody symbol behind, he turned and ran.
Sharon's fingers were shaking as she picked it up. Sharp and metallic was the smell of blood that clung to it. “This doesn’t make any sense,” she muttered. "My dad passed away."
"Perhaps," Rever said warily. “Or maybe Pier knows something we don’t.”
She gazed up at him, her eyes filled with despair. "Rever, what if he's still alive? What if I was mistaken about everything I believed to be true?
His hand touched hers as he took a step closer. Then, together, we will discover the truth. But Sharon, you must have faith in me.
Her feelings whirling, she withdrew. Have faith in you? After all that you haven't told me?” Her voice broke. "I no longer even recognize myself."
Rever's face softened, but a howl shattered the silence before he could react. It was close—too close. The packhouse exploded into life, fighters hurrying to their places.
“Stay here,” Rever instructed, but Sharon shook her head.
"No. I’m done hiding,” she said firmly, clutching the token in her hand. “If Pier wants to play games, then I’ll play. But on my terms.”
Rever’s eyes clouded, but he nodded. “Stay close to me. Regardless.
As the sound of wolves approaching grew stronger, the two of them ventured out into the darkness. A man loomed out of the darkness, his eyes blazing with a menacing light. Although it wasn't Pier, the message was obvious.
This was just the start.