Chapter 105: Redemption in the Shadows

Chapter 105: Redemption in the Shadows
Jared's POV

I kept walking regardless. Not when I was this near. Not when the past still hung on me like a shadow I could not shake.

I was not the same wolf who once turned his back on Claire and all she represented, good for.

But redemption was not a present given to you by others.

You had to suffer for it.

And I did.

Over once.

Tonight would be the same.

The rogues were somewhere close to the East Hollow pass. That’s what the last message had said.  Most packs had ceased looking for them. Forgot them. But I had not.

They were shattered wolves. Gone. Outcasts like me who had made poor decisions. Many were hunted, feared, and blamed for crimes they did not commit. Some had acted in ways they regretted but sought a second opportunity.

I understood what that was like.

So, I went looking. 

I got to the deserted cabin just after nightfall. As I entered, the wood creaked. Dust hung in the atmosphere. The site reeked of fear and wet soil.

"Jared?" a gentle voice from the shadows inquired.

Though I did not budge, my body tensed. It is I.

Mira emerged from the shadows.

Though she was little and thin, her eyes burned. The last time I saw her, she was fleeing a hunter's trap with a ripped leg. I had saved her back then. After what I did to Claire, she had every right to despise me. But she always stayed.

She said softly, "We did not believe you would return."

I said I would.

She examined me. You seem exhausted.

I smiled weakly. You do too.

She stepped aside, and I walked deeper into the cabin. 

Now there were at least a dozen of them. Some young, some elderly. One had bandages about his ribs. Another lay on a mound of furs, breathing slowly and raggedly.

Are they unwell? Kneeling next to the hurt one, I inquired.

"Poisoned," said Mira. Aged meat. We have done all.

I stroked the child's brow. He was feverish.

They have to be moved, I said. Redwater has resources. The healers. Should I talk to Claire?

"No," Mira said vehemently. They will not believe us. Half of them also believe you remain faithful to the incorrect side.

I gazed up at her. Not me.

I understand. You will, however, have to show that.

I remained with them over the following two days. I searched. I cleaned wounds.  I gave away all the food I possessed. Slowly, some of them began to speak to me.  One by one, they shared their stories. 

A mother who lost her pack when her Alpha turned on her. 
 A young wolf who ran away to escape punishment after accidentally killing a hunter.
 A warrior who had once battled for Callum but sought to leave.

They were not malevolent.

Simply shattered.

Just as I do.

Gathering firewood outside on the third night, I heard a twig snap.

Too much weight for an animal.

I stood still.

Then a low growl emerged from behind the trees.

Three wolves emerged, their moonlit eyes aglow. Hollow Fang tattoos on their arms.

The chief remarked, "You have some guts." Assisting the underprivileged.

I stayed still. "They are not your worry."

"They were." They were. Until they ran.

Then he changed quickly and angrily. Before claws tore through the air where my head had been, I hardly had time to avoid.

I rolled, changed into my wolf form, and faced him directly.

We crashed violently, rolling over the snow-covered terrain.

I felt his claws tear through my shoulder, but I didn’t stop. 

I was no longer battling for myself.

I was fighting for their cause.

The second wolf lunged at me from the side; Mira came flying out of nowhere, snarling and knocking him back.

I saw her eyes—loyal, bright, fierce.

We battled side by side.

The third wolf ran when he saw his brothers down.

I did not pursue him.

Though I was bleeding, panting, and exhausted, I stood tall.

Mira hobbled over to me. "They will send more."

I said, "Let them." Next time, though, we will not be alone.

I understood my responsibilities.

I penned a note and attached it to a hawk's leg that night. It flew in Redwater's direction.

It was a straightforward message.

They require assistance. I have evolved. Come on, Claire. Believe me, one last time.

My injuries throbbed by morning, but I assisted the others in getting ready. We were about to go. We could not wait to be hunted once more.

All of a sudden, something rustled close to the path.

Claws out, Mira moved forward. Someone is approaching.

We remained.

Then Claire appeared.

By herself.

My heart leapt.

Her hair pulled back, eyes intense, she seemed fierce in her armour.

There was, however, something else as well.

Wish.

Claire, I moved forward, not knowing what to say.

Looking about, she noted how the group was doing. Her face became gentler.

She replied, "I got your message."

I agreed. Good wolves, they are. All they require is a house.

She stared at me for a long time. What about you, then?

I am not seeking a pardon. Just a chance to do something right.

She didn’t answer at first. 

She then looked at the group. Redwater has previously opened its borders. I will do it once more. But should any of you betray us—

"They will not," I replied.

She looked at me. Let us go then.

The trip back was difficult. A few wolves had to be carried. Others limped slowly.  Every one of them, however, survived.

Derek and Maren were waiting at the Redwater gates.

Derek said nothing but looked at me warily.

Claire was erect. They are with me.

That sufficed.

They were allowed inside.

Food was shared that night. Healers navigated the throng. Our new wolves sat quietly, uncertain of their position.

From the shadows, I observed.

Arms crossed, Derek approached. You caught me off guard.

I do not know whether that is a good thing.

He smiled slightly. You have gained some respect today.

"A few?"

He lifted an eyebrow. Let us not get ahead of ourselves.

We stood quietly for a while.

Then he remarked, "Claire vouched for you. That matters.

I agreed. I will not squander it.

Later, I found Mira assisting an older wolf in moving into a new hut.

She drew my attention and gave me a thumbs-up.

I grinned.

Perhaps salvation was more than simply being pardoned.

Perhaps it was about being useful once more.

About building something, one small piece at a time. 

Just as I was going to bed, I saw a shadow slide past the edge of the healer's tent.

It moved too quickly and too carefully.

I came after.

The shape vanished into the forest.

Heart pounding, I quietly and lowly crept after them.

The moon illuminated their face for only a second—I froze.

It was someone from the council. 

Someone I believed to be loyal.

Stopping close to the forest's edge, they murmured into a tiny gadget.

From the other end, a voice responded.

Though I could not make out the words, one thing was obvious.

They were not speaking to anyone in Redwater.

They were talking to Callum.

I felt my blood freeze.

Someone was betraying.

Kaid had spoken the truth.

Now I had evidence.

But before I could move, a branch snapped under my boot. 

The figure turned toward me.

We locked eyes.

Then they ran.

And I chased.