Chapter Fifty Seven

Chapter Fifty Seven

Iris pov

What was I even thinking? The moment he heard about Zareen's son, his whole expression lit up, like he’d been waiting for that news his whole life. And here I was, hoping… for what, exactly? That he’d suddenly look at dark wolves differently because of me?

Pathetic. Absolutely pathetic.

I noticed he was heading to the infirmary by the time we reached the pack grounds.

“You’re heading to the infirmary?” I asked, trying to sound casual.

“Yeah,” he said. “Henry needs to examine you.”

“Darius has some herbs. I prefer his.” I blurted, a little too fast.

“Oh?” he glanced at me, brows lifting.

“Darius just… knows what works,” I muttered, shifting my weight so it looked like my stomach ached. And maybe to get him a little jealous.

‘Why am I even doing that?’ I scolded myself.

“Alright then,” he breathed, all smiles as he parked the car, “I'm so happy for this chance, Iris. I hope we progress further from here.”

“You have Suzy to thank,” I bit out, “and don't get your hopes up. This doesn't change anything.”

I opened the car and slammed the door, ignoring as he called for me.

Darius was standing at the corner of his quarters when I approached, arms folded across his chest, his gaze already fixed on me like he’d been waiting.

“Where did you go with him?” he asked, eyes twitching while his eyes moved from me to the distant Pack house behind me.

I didn’t answer. My throat felt tight. I only met his eyes for a second before turning away, letting the silence stretch between us. I felt a small satisfaction as his sharp intake of breath and the faint clench of his jaw reached my ears.

“I only want to know what’s going on. I know I’ve asked before, but I’m not content with you ignoring me and then doing this. I need answers, and I need them now. What is your plan?” he fired, shutting the door the moment we stepped into his room. The slam echoed through my ribs.

I turned to face him fully, lifting my chin. He wanted honesty? Fine. He’d get something close enough. How do I even admit that I can’t bring myself to hate Lucian? My thoughts raced, a storm I couldn’t quiet. I clenched my fists at my sides, nails digging into my palms to ground myself.

“You’re the same person who warned me never to hurt your Alpha,” I hissed, eyebrow raised, my voice a little sharper than I intended. “And suddenly you’re angry that I’m close to him?”

His jaw tightened, but his eyes stayed steady, piercing. I could feel the weight of his gaze, and I hated how it made my pulse quicken.

“I knew your plans when you came to this pack, and I knew where I stood on that fence. But now? Things are changing, and I’m in the shadows. I don't like that.”

I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding, tilting my head slightly.

“I don't concern myself with the things you like,” I lied through gritted teeth. “Besides, you suddenly want your Alpha dead?”

The moment the words left my mouth, I knew I struck something. I felt like crap, but I was used to ignoring the things caused by the bond, and although it was more difficult now, it was still background noise.

“I don’t want him dead,” he exhaled, “And I don’t want you close to him either.” He ran a hand through his hair, frustration cutting through every movement.

“You're not making any sense, Darius.”

“You think I like living in this mask? For years, Iris… for years I’ve lived waiting for the day I can’t hide anymore. Every shift, I’m terrified my powers won’t be there. I lost hope until you. Until your powers surfaced.”

“What's that got to do with all of this?”

“I’m saying, Iris,” he grabbed my arm and turned me to face him. There was misery in his eyes. And something else. “You gave me hope that I don't have to live this way forever, hiding, unable to let myself truly be. You gave me purpose. Being your mate means I get to be a part of the moon goddess's plans. And you have given every dark wolf out there a reason to come out of their hiding.”

My chest tightened, an ache I didn’t have time to unpack. I pulled my hands back, breaking the connection before it swallowed me.

“Powers I don’t even know how to use,” I scoffed. “Don’t get your hopes too high.”

His eyes softened, annoyingly tender. He leaned closer, fingers skimming my chin as he lifted it gently. My breath caught, and I finally admitted to myself how hopelessly I’d fallen.

“You have to believe in yourself,” he murmured. “We’ll practice every chance we get.”

“We're in a Pack where everyone’s eyes are on us. You want us to get caught now? Are you even sure this room is properly proofed? He might even be watching us –”

He pulled me into a hug, effectively cutting off my anxious rambling and pressing a gentle kiss to my hair. My heart melted at the warmth in his arms.

“I’ve been here long enough to know how to navigate everything. That might even be the reason the goddess brought me here, so don't worry, I'll take care of everything. I’ve already caught something for you to practice on when you’re ready,” he spoke, a hint of pride in his voice as he pulled back. “I’ve also contacted the witch. We’ll meet him in two days before the council.”

“Thank you,” I breathed, a flutter of emotion catching me off guard.

“Give me a second,” he said, moving away from me.

“Now? We're practicing now?”

“Well, do you have something else you're doing? You guys have another date?”

“Jealousy looks cute on you,” I chuckled.

He shook his head and ran out the door.

I changed out of the clothes Suzy had dressed me in and wore something more practical for the challenge ahead of me.

Right as I pulled his shirt over my head, he walked in.

With a live hare that he gripped the mouth shut.

“How did you get that so quickly?” I gasped.

“Storm is offended you're questioning his hunting abilities,” he chuckled as he placed the animal on the ground and used a claw to open its flesh, his hand still pressing down its mouth.

Wouldn't want it to tell the entire Pack we were doing dark wolf stuff over here.

“Come,” he urged softly. “Breathe in and try.”

I stepped closer, inhaling deeply. My eyes fell shut as I hovered my hand over the injury. I waited a few seconds, seeking for that otherworldly feeling.

But… nothing.

I tried again, sitting down with instead with my legs curved around it, and I grabbed the small animal.

And I tried again.

And again, taking more deep breaths and searching for… something.

But all I could feel was my own racing heart and the thundering sound of failure.

So much for being a saviour, huh?