Chapter 85: Echoes Returned

Claire POV

When the messenger came, the sun had hardly pierced the dense clouds covering Redwater.

Like he had run for miles without stopping, his breathing was laboured and his coat was wet from the morning mist. The instant I emerged from the council hall, his gaze fixed on me.

"Claire," he gasped, extending a crumpled letter. Sofia sent this. She claimed it is urgent.

Weeks had passed since I last heard that name.

Choosing to lead the injured remnants and make sure Jared's exile did not create a power vacuum, Sophia had remained behind following the Midnight Moon split. Her knowledge had prevented their wolves from going wild. I admired her, and perhaps deep down I was thankful that someone like her had not given up on Jared.

Feeling the paper soft and moist under my fingers, I read the letter slowly.

"Did she mention anything else?" I enquired about the scout.

He declined. "Just that you had to read it by yourself."

That by itself made me shiver.

I let the door close softly behind me and stepped back inside the hall. Derek was not here; he was once more organising defences in preparation for the approaching siege. We were still waiting on the complete report from the scouting team Jared led into the forest. Their quiet had lasted longer than anticipated.

And now this one.

Carefully opening the letter, I scanned Sophia's tidy, slanted handwriting.

Clare,

Once you said to me that redemption is a road, not a reward. At the time, I did not grasp it. I believe I do now.

Three days ago, I discovered Jared bleeding in the snow close to the northern ravine. Taking on seven wolves by himself, he had saved three rogue youngsters from a rogue band of Night Fangs. Of five, he killed. Saving those children almost cost him his life.

I cured him personally. He did not want to be rescued. Claimed he merited death.

But I saw something in him—something broken, yes—but also something genuine.

He said he does not seek authority. Do not seek retribution. Just wishes to assist in repairing what he caused.

Claire, he has evolved.

He is returning to Redwater. Not in a threatening manner.

Having finally grasped your meaning.

Hear him, please. His tale is not finished.

Sophia

The letter was read by me three times. Though the words stayed the same, with each pass my chest grew more and more tight. Jared had rescued kids. He had almost perished. He did not want to return as an adversary.

I was at a loss for feelings.

This man had been the source of so much suffering—mine, Redwater's, even his own. I had watched him let rage consume him until all that remained was ash and blood, kill for power, and break hearts.

But if Sophia, of all individuals, found something remaining in him deserving of rescue…

I had to find out for myself.

Stepping back outside, I scanned the village with my eyes. In silence, warriors were training, moving supplies, and strengthening barricades. Standing close to the armoury, Derek spoke with Elder Rowan and Beta Lena. His expression was serious and concentrated; he stopped when he saw me approaching.

Claire?

I extended the letter. He read it quickly, his jaw tightening the longer he stared.

"She still believes in him," he said quietly. "Though all things considered."

She believes he has altered.

Derek gazed at me. You do?

I paused. "I wish to."

That is not identical.

"I know," I said softly. "But if we judge every wolf only by their worst mistake... none of us are worth saving."

Derek's shoulders drooped a little as his posture relaxed.

He enquired, "What do you want to do?"

I want to hear it from Jared. I want him to say to me what he said to her. In person.

Derek agreed, but his eyes showed concern. We then bring him in slowly. Then we bring him in carefully. No shocks.

Jared reached Redwater's north gate by nightfall.

He was by himself, exactly as Sophia claimed. No sentries. No arms. Though his boots were dirty and his cloak tattered, he walked with quiet determination, eyes fixed on the torches lining the road into the village.

Flanked by two guards, I ran across him close to the council chamber. Derek stood next to me, quiet yet observant.

Jared lowered his head.

"Thanks for allowing me to arrive."

I studied him under the low torchlight. His face was thinner and a long, furious, fresh scar now ran along his jawline. His eyes no longer had the chilly edge I once dreaded. They had something different.

Tiredness. Remorse.

You have a lot of guts coming back here.

I understand.

You might have sent word. Sophia's letter sufficed.

I had to say it myself.

I nodded once and took him inside.

The council chamber was silent and dark. The walls were only lit by a few torches. Arms crossed, Derek remained at the door.

Keeping the thick wood table between us, I sat opposite Jared.

Talk now.

Jared inhaled. Years of believing power would solve all problems led me to say The agony I feel. My embarrassment. My grief. I believed I would stop feeling weak if I could govern others.

He hesitated, his gaze darting to the fire between us.

"But I damaged more than I ever mended. Ultimately, I was by myself. No group. No friends. Simply... quiet.

He looked up; for the first time, there was only truth, no anger or smug grin.

I witnessed those kids. Saw what I would nearly turn into. A wolf who would murder purity to make a point. For the first time, I struggled to defend rather than destroy something.

His voice broke a little. I murdered my way into authority. I do not want to pass away the same way.

I did not talk immediately. My ideas raced too quickly. Part of me wanted to yell at him, tossing every painful memory in his face. But another part recalled the shattered expression in his eyes that night on the battlefield, the way he relinquished power without a struggle.

He was making an effort.

I could sense it.

"You seek pardon?" I enquired.

"No," he said fast. "Just a chance to do something right."

Derek at last spoke. "And what does that look like for you?"

Jared glanced in our direction. You are about to be assaulted from two fronts. Night Fangs and the western rogue faction. I understand their mindset. I can assist in Redwater's defence. I understand their flaws.

Derek frowned. "You want us to give you a weapon and rely on you to guard our walls?"

"No," Jared replied. Just let me stand in the flames. Allow me to gain any remaining atonement.

Silence hung thick.

Then I remarked, "You battle at the front. Alongside Derek. You place orders. One error, one falsehood, and it finishes.

Jared agreed. I would not anticipate anything else.

Derek looked at me. He disliked it. But he noticed the option I did.