Chapter 132 A HEAVY SENSE
Edeline
After thoroughly rinsing my hair, I turned off the water and reached for my towel. I wrapped one around my head in a turban style and used the other to dry my body. I moved the shower curtain aside and stepped onto the damp, fluffy rug, feeling the softness beneath my feet.
I glanced at my reflection in the fogged-up mirror, wiping away the steam with my hand. Stepping back, I took in the sight of myself. My eyes, though refreshed, still carried a trace of fatigue. My cheeks, less plump than usual, bore the marks of unhealthy eating habits and stress. The person staring back at me looked weary, a testament to the significant changes I had undergone in recent months.
It was clear: I had matured rapidly, thrust into a whirlwind of discovery and emotional turmoil. The process had been both harsh and illuminating, forcing me to face my own vulnerabilities.
With a resigned sigh, I adjusted the towel around my body, mentally preparing myself for the day ahead.
Today was the Alpha test between Nixx and Tatiana. Only the Betas and Alphas were present for this pivotal event, and naturally, my family would be there. I anticipated the unfolding drama with a mix of apprehension and a desire for justice. Yet, despite my best efforts to stay detached, those pesky emotions began to resurface.
The doctor had diagnosed me with post-traumatic stress disorder. I had exhibited aggression and a peculiar detachment from sadness. Yet, it felt as though the hardened shards of my heart were gradually thawing, making it increasingly difficult to remain numb.
I wished that numbness could last a bit longer.
I was exhausted, yearning for a respite to calm my mind and heal my heart. Nevertheless, I knew this experience would ultimately transform me.
I hadn't felt like my usual self for a while.
Today, I opted for a stylish yet practical outfit: skinny jeans, brown ankle boots, and a burnt orange long-sleeved top. With the crisp autumn air settling in, I took extra care to dry my hair and apply a touch of makeup. An important test awaited in the afternoon, and I needed to ensure everything was in order beforehand.
Nervousness gnawed at me.
As I carefully styled my long chestnut brown hair into a side braid, my thoughts were consumed by the necessity of a contingency plan. The idea of things going awry weighed heavily on me. It seemed that no one was willing to do things my way. I had been avoiding Percival since yesterday, and there was a looming threat that Anita might create problems if she managed to escape. With Tatiana’s situation hanging in the balance, I fervently hoped that wouldn’t come to pass.
I remained uncertain about whether my mom had any intention of being truthful before the test. The potential fallout once the truth came to light was troubling, and ultimately, it would be up to Dad to handle it, given his position as her partner.
Poor Nixx. What a tangled web we find ourselves in.
It felt strange to realize that my brother and my friend shared the same father. The weight of it all pressed down on me, and I recognized that I still lacked a full understanding of Annabel’s story. Determined to uncover it, I resolved to ensure that by the end of the evening, everyone’s honesty would be laid bare.
Tonight was shaping up to be extraordinarily hectic.
…
Edeline
A heavy sense of unease weighed on me as I sat on the plush down comforter in my room, staring absently at the vibrant turquoise wall. The feeling settled deep into my bones, refusing to let go.
Outside, the rain intensified, beating down with relentless force as the storm continued to rage. The wind howled fiercely, creating a haunting sound as the branches of the tree outside my window scraped and scratched against the glass. Gloomy skies loomed overhead, casting the bedroom into dimness. The only light came from the open curtains, allowing the stormy day’s gray hue to add a faint touch of brightness. The room was nearly enveloped in darkness.
I had a nagging feeling that something unfortunate was about to happen. The unease was almost unbearable, coiling tight in my chest.
Suddenly, a bolt of lightning lit up the sky, snapping me out of my daze. Thunder followed, rumbling ominously. The storm was growing more intense by the minute. The rain had been pouring relentlessly since last night, and now it had escalated into a powerful thunderstorm.
I pushed myself off the bed and made my way to the closet, swapping my heels for a pair of knee-length brown rubber rain boots. With the rain causing some flooding, it was inevitable that my feet would get wet on the way to the packhouse. I couldn’t help but regret damaging the golf cart earlier this spring—moments like these made it sorely missed.
Heading downstairs, I glanced at the clock. It was already around 1:00. I had been sitting in my room for hours, lost in thought, preparing for the possibility that things might not go as planned.
I knew exactly where to take Darius if things went south. If Tatiana managed to slip away without facing any consequences, and Darius ended up being the one held accountable... I couldn’t let that happen. Percival hadn’t crossed my mind in days. I knew he wanted to talk, but I had been avoiding him on purpose. Darius had done something terrible to me, something that haunted my dreams, but deep down, I was certain it wasn’t really him. He seemed different, almost like another person, whenever Anita was around. But Percival... he had kissed Tatiana without any influence. I still remembered the scene vividly—watching from my bedroom window back when I lived at the packhouse, seeing him feed her from his hand. He had failed to defend me against his father’s disapproval, simply saying he wanted to do the right thing.
I understood, to some extent. Wolves are fiercely protective of their young, and I knew that. But it still hurt. It left a bitter taste in my mouth, being rejected like that. Even when I realized the letter wasn’t from him, but rewritten by Anita or Tatiana, it didn’t soften the blow. That was the final straw—the moment I completely lost faith in him.