Chapter 125 THE INFLUENCE OF RED LOCKHEAD
Edeline
A shiver ran down my spine as I processed the name Red Lockheed. It was the same plant Mirabelle had mentioned, the one that could turn someone into a mindless puppet, doing the bidding of others.
“Initially, it was just a small gathering,” he continued, his voice steadying as he recounted the events. “Just enough to subtly influence my thoughts. She stressed how important it was for me to be there for you, to protect you. She went on about how Percival was not the right person for you, that he didn’t deserve your affection. She tried to convince me that my feelings for you were unmatched. But the more she talked, the more I found myself convinced by her words. My resentment toward my brother grew. Then she asked me again to accompany Percival. As Darius spoke, his voice grew more controlled, but I could hear the pain in his tone. It was clear now that she had a bigger impact than I had first thought.”
“She gave me a bag of tea,” he said, his face reddening with embarrassment. “She told me to drink it every day to increase my strength. I wanted to enhance my wolf’s power, so I started taking it. That evening, I began trailing Percival, before you even got the necklace from him. I watched his every move, feeling compelled to do so. Her words kept echoing in my mind, and I felt this overwhelming urge to protect you. I observed every interaction between you two at the treehouse, listened to your conversations, and it was frustrating. I felt so out of sorts. I kept drinking the tea, dreaming of having the strength of a powerful wolf, hoping it would make you notice me. I was unaware of the subtle manipulation happening in my mind.”
He paused, looking down, his embarrassment palpable. “I saw him give you the necklace, and it seemed like you both were aware of my presence. Whenever you thought you heard something, it was me,” he admitted, his voice dropping to a whisper. “When he left, I followed him. I used a masking spray so neither of you would notice me. I tracked him to the lake where he set up his tent. That’s where I found something unexpected—your underwear...” He cleared his throat, struggling to continue, his face flushed with shame. “I had to hold back my emotions, taking deep breaths to stay calm. It was crucial for him to share everything. I couldn’t let my feelings show, even though it was painful to hear.”
“And?” I asked, trying to keep my voice neutral.
“Sure, let’s talk,” he said quietly, his eyes meeting mine with a mix of relief and apprehension.
He looked up at me, his face flushed with a mix of embarrassment and frustration. “I got really angry about it,” he admitted, his voice trembling slightly. “I was so upset back then. I hid those items away in my room, trying to figure out what to do with them. I didn’t want to get involved in anything. That wasn’t like me, but in that moment, I was overwhelmed with anger. Tatiana kept calling me. I’ve been drinking the tea every day because, well, she convinced me it would make me stronger. I felt this new strength and this intense urge to connect with you. I don’t even understand why I’m reflecting on all this now. She asked me about what I had found, but I told her it wasn’t for her. I didn’t want to give her any information, especially after what I had anticipated from her. I don’t understand why I even kept those things, Edeline!”
He grabbed at his hair again, anguish etched deeply into his worn face. “I just don’t get it! I agreed to spy on him to figure out where he was, hoping you would see me differently. I know it’s not who I am, if you’re wondering.” His eyes were pleading, searching for understanding.
I nodded, trying to keep my emotions in check. Relief mingled with my thoughts as I considered the depth of his feelings for me. This person, although not Darius, was showing a vulnerable side that made me wonder about his true affection. “Please continue,” I said softly.
He shook his head rapidly, lost in his memories. “I suddenly remembered wanting Percival to mark Tatiana so you could find closure and move forward. It felt like she made me believe that was what I wanted. I was completely absorbed in my own thoughts, but then I recalled how I once said I’d choose you over anyone else. If you could love me, that would be amazing. I truly care about you, Edeline, but I also understand the strength of a mother’s bond. I would do anything for you if you asked. But would I really choose you over my partner?”
His words hung heavy in the air, and I couldn’t help but question the depth of his commitment.
“Tatiana was upset that I hadn’t shared my findings with her,” he continued. “She asked me to meet her on the night of the welcoming barbecue for Anita. I could sense something off about her—she felt gloomy. Even though I’ve never believed in witches, I felt more like a wolf in that moment. Tatiana introduced me and mentioned I was the one who had helped her with Percival. She said he was her brother. Her face lit up with this mysterious smile, and she seemed genuinely excited to see me. I reluctantly agreed to go with her to their new cabin for a drink.”
He paused, his face tightening with regret. “Once we got there, she offered me a homemade drink. I made the foolish choice to drink it. Afterward, I felt like a different person. Looking back, I realize there was something harmful in that drink. She began asking me personal questions, probably to test her experiment. I felt like I had to answer honestly. She insisted that you needed me, and I trusted her. She wanted to know about my findings while tailing Percival, so I told her everything about the items I had discovered. I couldn’t lie, even though I wanted to. I promise!”
He raised his voice, swaying slightly as sweat glistened on his face in the dim light of the torch.