Chapter 123 CONFRONTING THE PAST
Edeline
In one corner, a bucket stood, clearly used for far too long.
I frowned, shaking my head in disgust. I expected better from our pack. This was something Dark Moon would do, not us. I had always believed we were more humane. A cell with a toilet and cot in a more accessible location would be far more practical than this grim, underground cave.
This was absolutely outrageous!
“Darius. Wake up.” I spoke with a firm, unemotional tone, determined to keep my feelings in check. Showing any emotion might reveal my fear, and I was not afraid of him. This was my chance to confront my fears. There was a time when Darius was my closest friend, someone who had supported me through rough patches.
“Darius, wake up! Can you hear me?” I raised my voice slightly, holding up the torch to watch his gradual movements. He struggled to get up from the hard stone floor, and I sighed, wondering why he hadn’t let his inner wolf take over to endure the punishment.
He shielded his eyes from the torchlight, and I noticed streaks on his cheeks that looked like dried tears. “E-Edeline?” he asked, his voice hesitant and trembling, rising just a bit too high.
Despite everything, despite the hurt he had caused, I felt a pang of sympathy for him in that moment. I was searching for answers, not seeking vengeance.
“Darius… come on.” I reminded myself to stay calm and collected. It was important to remain strong and resilient.
“Darius, I really need to talk to you about what has happened recently.” I managed to keep my voice steady, even though the sight before me was overwhelming and made me feel like I could crumble at any moment. Discovering such a dark, cramped space—unsuitable for anyone, even a wrongdoer—was deeply unsettling.
Darius slumped, moving with an agonizing slowness as he propped himself against the cold, unyielding stone wall. His face was a grotesque mess of dried blood, swollen and bruised, clinging to his white t-shirt. Despite almost an entire day having passed, he still looked severely injured.
"You're not supposed to be here," he whispered, his voice strained and barely audible. His eyes drifted to a pitcher of water nearby. At least he had that, I thought.
"You know why I am here. You know I am aware of your collaboration with Tatiana and Anita. How could you, Darius?" I demanded, my voice trembling with anger. He was overcome with emotion, his body shaking as tears welled up in his eyes. The silence was deafening.
"Can you please respond?" I shouted, frustration bubbling over. I needed answers. Darius had the answers I sought.
Darius lowered himself to his knees, leaning forward with his elbows resting on them. He buried his face in his hands, tears streaming down his face. "I am so sorry, Edeline. I deeply regret what I did. I can’t even understand why I acted this way. I don’t remember..."
"Remember what?!" I cut him off, my voice rising.
He finally glanced in my direction, and for a moment, he looked like the Darius I once knew—not the terrifying figure that had haunted my nightmares.
"I can’t recall everything... I remember doing those things, but I don’t remember why. I just felt an overwhelming compulsion!" He suddenly turned his head away, avoiding eye contact. His hands tangled in his hair as he let out a desperate scream, pulling at his own strands.
"I can’t explain my actions. Anita had a hold over me, but that’s no excuse. I am drowning in guilt, and the thought of what I’ve done to you is unbearable." His voice cracked, fresh tears mingling with the old stains on his bruised face.
Taking a deep breath, I lowered myself to the ground, resting on my haunches. My wolf was itching to pounce, but I knew better. My rational side told me to hold back. Besides, my wolf would be intrigued by his words. As I carefully placed the torch into a slot near the cell bars, I gripped them tightly, trying to study him despite the overpowering stench that made my stomach churn.
"Did she poison you? Just be honest with me, Darius, and I will believe you. Tell me the truth about everything, because I can’t help you unless you do." My voice was filled with urgency, a plea for honesty.
I looked down at him, struggling to read his expression through the distortions of pain and fear on his face. But his piercing blue eyes locked onto mine with a curious intensity. "Why?" he rasped. "Why should anyone trust me after everything I’ve done?"
I closed my eyes and let out a deep exhale. "I understand that this wasn’t you. I have been angry and scared, and yes, I’ve held negative feelings towards you because of it. But I believe the Darius I know wouldn’t act this way. I am willing to hear your explanation." I stated this calmly, giving him a chance that his brother hadn’t received. Despite everything, I chose to give the person who nearly caused my downfall an opportunity to explain.
It was confusing, wasn’t it?
Percival had numerous chances to explain himself, but Darius… Darius had been driven to actions he would have never considered otherwise. Anita had stayed clear of Percival’s affairs but had interfered deeply in Darius’s life. I had seen it firsthand.
Darius shook his head, his somber expression almost swallowed by the darkness. "You are incredibly kind, Edeline. Whatever happens to me, I feel like I deserve it. This has been weighing heavily on my mind for the entire 18 hours I have been here, and it will continue to do so until I am released. My father told me I have a choice to make after two weeks. I can either be restrained for a month or face any challengers, including your brother and mine. I know many young men up to the age of 21 will come after me, and I’ve decided to choose the latter." He lowered his head even further, almost whispering. "I deserve to die for what I did to you," he murmured, his voice barely audible over the cool breeze.