Chapter 38 The Breaking Point
The friction between Sharon and Rever had grown into a tangible, oppressive force. With her arms folded tightly across her chest and her mind a raging storm, Sharon paced the room. A reminder of the danger that appeared to hang over her like a shadow, the luminous relic rested on the table, its light constant but dim.
Rever said, "Sharon, stop this," in a stern but desperate voice. His towering body obstructed any possibility of escape as he stood close to the entryway. "You're ignoring me, and I won't allow you to harm yourself like this."
She came to a sudden halt and looked up at him, her eyes flaming. "Rever, don't you understand? All of this is because of me. It's all my fault—the attacks, the curse, Pier. You—you deserve better than to be pulled down with me, and I am a burden.
He tensed his jaw and moved in closer. It's not up to you to decide that. Sharon, we're all in this together. You have no say in what I can tolerate or what I'm prepared to defend.
Her eyes were full of tears as she shook her head. "You're not getting it. More people are harmed each time Pier's men come for me. I am causing the pack to suffer. Knowing that how can I remain here?
At his sides, Rever's hands balled into fists. "The pack is powerful. We stand together, which makes us strong. Pier won't be stopped by your departure. It will only worsen the situation. Do you not see? He wants you alone and exposed. He cannot have that from you.
Sharon's shoulders shook as she turned away. "I am unable to... I can't continue to act like I'm capable of handling this. I'm simply I'm not.
With his hands resting lightly on her shoulders, Rever drew them closer. "Sharon, you underestimate your strength. Every day I witness it. Despite everything Pier has thrown at you, you have persevered. That isn't a sign of weakness. That is bravery.
She looked at him, searching his eyes for answers that she was unable to discover in herself. "Why are you even so concerned? Why are you putting yourself in danger for me?
His eyes softened as he hesitated. "Because, Sharon, I care about you. More than I ought to, more than I ever imagined. To me, you are more than just a duty. You are... everything.
The world appeared to lighten for a second as her breath caught in her throat. But before she could answer, the delicate moment between them was broken by a distant crash that reverberated throughout the packhouse.
Rever's body went into high alert as soon as his head swung toward the sound. His voice was low and authoritative as he commanded, "Stay here."
"Wait, Rever…"
"No, Sharon. "Remain here," he said again, his gaze meeting hers. "I mean it."
He left the door open in his hurry before she could raise any more objections. The noises of pandemonium became louder as Sharon peered after him, her heart racing. Torn between obeying his order and the strong desire to assist, she held onto the edge of the table.
Rever's senses sharpened as he walked the corridors with deadly accuracy. The pungent smell of smoke blended with the distinct smell of invaders. He turned a corner and saw a large wolf with a ruthless grin, one of Pier's men, standing directly in front of him.
Rever snarled in a low rumble, "Big mistake coming here."
With his claws bared, the man lunged, but Rever was quicker. He avoided the assault and struck the wolf's side with such force that he crashed into the wall. Never knew there were more, but the combat was finished in a matter of seconds.
His thoughts were racing as he continued. How had they gotten back into the packhouse? Since the last incident, security has doubled. Someone has to have
The understanding was like a kick to the stomach. A traitor. They'd been permitted in by someone inside.
Sharon returned to the room and paced. Her instinct told her to chase after Rever, but she kept thinking about what he had said. Remain here. Glancing at the artifact on the table, she noticed that its dim glow was creating unsettling shadows on the walls. What if it was being pursued by Pier's men?
She made up her mind. Taking the relic, she slid out of the room as silently as possible. She was led by the distant noises of combat, yet the passageways were oddly quiet.
A wiry man with piercing eyes with a dagger almost bumped into her as she turned a corner. When he saw her, he smiled. "Well, well. Observe who has wandered straight into our grasp.
Sharon gripped the relic more tightly. "Avoid getting in my way."
The man chuckled. Or what? Will you use that small trinket to strike me?
She held the relic out mindlessly. It started to flash brighter, throbbing with a powerful intensity that shocked her. The man stepped back as his smile wavered.
"What the devil?"
The passageway was flooded with a dazzling brightness as the energy surged. The man was splayed on the ground, unconscious, when it subsided. Sharon's hands were shaking as she gazed at the relic. What had she just done?
The loudest sounds of fighting came from the main hall, where River rushed in. A number of his pack members were fighting with Pier's troops. He launched himself into the battle, eliminating one assailant after another in a whirl of movement. However, he continued to think about Sharon even as they gained the upper hand. Was she secure? Had she remained in her previous location?
Everyone was frozen in place as a sudden shout of laughter reverberated through the hall. The tall, slender person standing on the balcony above them caught Rever's attention. Pier.
"Amazing work, Alpha," Pier yelled down, his tone brimming with derision. However, it's too late. The wheels are turning already.
Rever's fists clenched as he growled. Pier, turn to face me. Get out of hiding behind your men.
Pier grinned. Yes, I will. Not tonight, though. I have more essential things to take care of. His smirk expanded as his eyes changed. "That's correct, Sharon?"
Rever's heart froze. Following Pier's eyes, he noticed Sharon standing at the hall's edge, holding the relic tightly. Its strength remained in the air, but the glow vanished.
"What did you do?" With a voice that cut through the quiet, Rever demanded.
Sharon remained silent. Her look was a mixture of defiance and fear, and she was staring at Pier. Pier's laughter reverberated menacingly.
Pier's voice was low and threatening as he replied, "You have no idea what you've unleashed." However, you will. Soon enough.
He then turned and vanished into the darkness, leaving a trail of mayhem in his wake. With his heart racing, Rever hurried to Sharon's side.
With his hands lightly resting on her shoulders, he inquired, "Are you okay?"
She nodded, but it was obvious that her mind was elsewhere because her eyes were far away. "The artifact, Rever. Something was done by it. It stopped one of Pier's men, though I'm not sure how. I believe... I believe it has to do with my wolf.
A low growl erupted from behind them before he could reply. Just as Rever turned, he saw one of Pier's men lunge for Sharon, aiming a dagger at her heart.
As the television goes black, the tale concludes with Rever hurling himself in front of the assault, his yell of agony reverberating through the hallway.