Chapter 28
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
ASHER
N o longer having a pack connection to Isla and Estee is something I’m determined to change tonight. Instead of utilizing my alpha command, I find myself shouting at Estee, desperately trying to get her to swallow my blood, hoping her primal instincts will kick in.
Isla remains unnervingly calm, a stark contrast to my growing frustration. She gently pushes me aside once I’ve given enough blood. “You’re going to be okay, Estee. I promise.” Her voice is a soothing balm in the chaotic setting.
Sure enough, Isla is right. While I was preoccupied with force-feeding Estee, I didn’t notice that she was already beginning to heal. Perhaps she wasn’t as close to death’s door as she appeared, considering how quickly she’s recovering now.
I step back, allowing Isla some space, and it hits me that my mate is hardly dressed. Oddly, my usual possessiveness doesn’t flare up. The bond we’ve forged seems to be steadying my emotions, instilling a deep-seated knowledge that she is unequivocally mine, and I am hers.
It shouldn’t be possible, given we didn’t have a proper ceremony, but I’ll send a request to meet with one of the gods after we get through tonight’s full moon run. Not only to confirm the bond with Isla, but to find out what they know about who killed her.
They’re not always willing to share information, but their blood runs through my veins and I’ll use the power they gave me against them if it means getting the answers I so desperately need.
Isla’s continued silence is beginning to unnerve me. She’s always been that way when she’s most furious. A yelling, loud Isla is the one I prefer. Tranquil Isla is deadly, and I can’t stand the thought of her putting herself in danger, but something tells me that I won’t have much of a say now that she’s starting to piece things together.
Being bonded will help matters, though. I’ll at least be able to find her and communicate with her moving forward, no matter where either of us is. That small sliver of peace will have to be enough until we uncover more answers.
A cough breaks my reverie. Estee, tears streaking her face, manages to speak through her sobs. “I’m so sorry, Issie. I don’t know why I would have hurt you. Yet I can’t make the image of me jamming a dagger in you go away.”
Isla shakes her head, cradling her sister’s head to her chest. “It’s okay. You weren’t in your right mind. I could see you, see your eyes. Everything is fine. We’re going to figure this out and you’re never allowed to leave me again, for any reason. ”
Estee’s sobbing subsides, but the fear and confusion linger. “I wasn’t trying to die,” she admits with a whimper. “I just wanted to feel a different kind of pain, anything other than thinking I could have possibly betrayed you in any life.”
“Shh,” Isla says, closing her eyes as a few tears fall down her cheeks as well. “I know and I’m going to make sure you know as well. You never betrayed me and you never will.”
Grayson, silent till now, signals me. As we step away from the emotional reunion, his expression is grave. “You’re bonded with my daughter.”
“Just as I always should have been,” I confirm with pride, despite the unconventional circumstances.
“How?” he asks. “How did you do this without…?”
“It wasn’t intentional,” I explain. “I brought Elyn, an elder shifter from Selaris, here to help Isla remember and it just happened.” Gods, having a conversation about having sex with this man’s daughter isn’t what I thought I was going to do today. “There wasn’t even a god present to bless the bond.”
He seems to consider this for an extra moment before he says, “At least not that you were aware of. Someone was there, in some form, or your bond wouldn’t be strong. It’s like the two of you are pulsing with new energy. It’s profound.”
Interesting. I hadn’t noticed, but I’m also not going to complain. The gods don’t typically mess with our world any longer unless we call on them first. At least not since Ocules and Aurora grew bored of their pets , as they called us, once we’d tried to kill each other off.
If they’re choosing to get involved now, then maybe getting answers from them won’t be as difficult as it normally would be.
“Are we certain that it was Estee who stabbed Isla?” Grayson asks, a deep crease between his eyes.
I nod, glancing over at them. They’re still huddled together and it seems the tears have finally stopped.
“Isla’s memories seem to be mostly back,” I tell him. “She said that it was Estee at her door with the dagger, but that her eyes were black, like she wasn’t in her right mind. Then the door closes and someone else is in the room with her. Yet she has no clue about their gender or what happened next.”
“How can she remember Estee, but not who was already in the room with her?” he asks and I don’t have an answer for him. I wish I did, but I’m beginning to wonder if the memory issues both women are having don’t have anything to do with their unusual reincarnations.
Thinking more about Estee’s darkened eyes that Isla described, there’s only one answer I can come up with, but it’s still one that’s hard to accept. Dark magic hasn’t been around in centuries. The older generation of Lunarians, the ones who have lived multiple lives, would know better than to bring that kind of evil back into our world. But if someone stumbled upon a dark object and used it without understanding the ramifications…
“It’s the dagger,” I tell him, feeling more confident about this theory as the seconds pass. “Isla doesn’t remember because she wasn’t just stabbed. Someone used dark magic against her.”
This has Grayson’s face paling. I don’t need to explain further to someone who likely not only lived while that kind of power was freely used, but as a previous Alpha King, he would have also used objects just like that dagger.
“You need to find out the moment that your father stopped sensing Isla as part of the pack,” Grayson says with muttered urgency. “He’s the only one at the time who had a complete connection to her. I know we both asked him before if he could locate her as the Alpha King and he couldn’t, but maybe alerting him to this new information will help to make sense of the past.”
Hearing his words and seeing the determination in his strong gaze, which nearly matches my own, makes me more grateful than ever before to have him as part of my family. One of my biggest regrets will forever include letting him suffer alone for so long. I should have fought harder to help him and Isla’s mother to heal, just like I fought for our pack.
I was selfish then, but not anymore.
Grayson continues, his thoughts seeming to string together quickly, making me more secure in my own. “You were convinced for so long that she was still alive. Nearly a century passed before your father could talk you into taking your place as king. You weren’t officially bonded, but I still believe the two of you shared a connection unlike most mates in our history. It’s rare for mates to be born on the same day and I don’t think it’s a coincidence, either. What if you were right? What if Isla was out there, trapped by dark magic, hidden from us? We never did find her body.”
Whoever did this better hope that they’re long dead because if my mate spent years ensnared in her own body before she passed on and reincarnated on Earth, they will serve the same fate, but worse. I won’t take their memories away. I’ll make sure they remember every tortuous second that they’ll be spending with me.
“Asher?” Isla’s voice echoes within my mind. “Is everything okay?”
She’s feeling my rage. I’ll need to get better at controlling my emotions because I don’t want to lie to my mate. Though hiding from her likely isn’t much better. But she deserves only good things in this life and I’m going to do my best to give that to her.
“I’ll be fine, but we should be getting back,” I tell her, turning around to find her eyes on me.
“We’re ready,” she says out loud, helping Estee back up and giving her a once-over. “You used your claws before. Can you shift now?”
Her sister shakes her head, keeping her stare low. “No, she still hasn’t returned.”
“That’s okay.” Isla smiles warmly. “You can ride on my wolf.”
I expect to see something from Estee about her sister being able to shift now, but she just shrugs.
“We need to use the back entrance we used before,” I explain, knowing that even if my wolf is fine with Isla wearing only my shirt around her family, there isn’t a chance in hell that I’m going to allow her to walk through the castle as she is. “Malimorte will be waiting with fresh clothes for the two of you.”
At least he will be as soon as I ask him.
Nobody objects and the three of us shift into our animal forms. Grayson’s golden wolf flanks Isla on the left and I take the right as Estee climbs on top of her. Once she’s situated, I let Isla take the lead, controlling the pace since she’s likely never had to run with someone on her back before.
We move through terrain, taking the straightest distance back to the castle. I relay my request to Mali and I also reach out to my father. I need to talk to him about the dark objects. As an heir to the throne, I learned about them during my additional teachings, but I’m hoping between my father and Grayson, they’ll have firsthand knowledge that will sort everything out with efficiency.
“I’m going to meet with my father,” I tell Isla as the castle comes into view. “Why don’t you take Estee to your old room and get cleaned up?”
“That was already the plan,” she says, and I can hear the grin in her voice. “Also, who says that’s not still my room?”
“I do.”
She might be joking, but I leave no room for argument within my tone. I won’t sleep alone again for the rest of my life. I don’t care how much she used to hate being told what to do—I won’t budge on this.
We loop around to the back of the castle. Malimorte and Declan are waiting for us. I haven’t shared much with Declan, but he knows something more is going on. It’s one of the reasons I’ve always trusted him. His senses have always been spot on. Yet even knowing that, I’ve been hesitant to bring more people into this situation than is needed.
Though judging by the look on his face, it doesn’t seem as if he’s okay with being left in the dark.
“I told him to go, but he insisted on waiting for you, Your Majesty,” Malimorte tells me before I’ve shifted back.
“It’s fine. I’ll handle him.”
Once I’m on two feet again, wearing only the slacks I had on earlier, I point to the piles of clothes that have been left for the women. “Grayson, once they’re dressed in these, will you make sure they get to the room okay?”
“Of course.”
Going to Isla’s wolf, I run a hand between her ears, sharing a look with the strong animal. Her eyes swirl with barely restrained fury. “We’re going to figure this out and you’ll be safe again.”
“Being safe isn’t what we’re most worried about,” Isla replies, her tone rough and tense.
“Just focus on Estee right now,” I tell her. “ I’m going to see what I can learn from my father about that dagger. With what you said about Estee’s eyes, I think it’s a dark object that should have been destroyed before we were ever born.”
“Let me know what you find out,” she says, her voice softening ever so slightly. “And don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine.”
I step away from her wolf, only because I know meeting with my father is necessary, but as I walk toward the door, I shake my head. “That’s like asking me not to breathe, love. I will always worry about you.”
She doesn’t reply as I enter the castle. Mali excuses himself to continue with the paperwork he was reviewing on my behalf from King Aeson of Venaris. Apparently, the insane man wishes to court Queen Sloane of Alcaris. Neither has found their mate and while they’re free to choose instead of waiting, this is a complication we’ve yet to face since the islands were divided.
Bringing two kingdoms together could be an issue, but at the same time, Alcaris has been slowly dying off for decades now. Considering Aeson has never been one of my favorite people, I’m not entirely opposed to Sloane becoming his queen if it means he’ll be less of a difficulty when it comes to trade deals.
Though I am surprised. Queen Sloane doesn’t seem like the type to be told what to do, which is how she’s held her throne for so long on her own. Yet King Aeson is, well, an arrogant prick. Still, as long as there’s no risk to Polaris or even Selaris, for that matter, and trade deals are still honored, then I won’t stand in their way.
Declan catches up to me and steps in my path. “You know better than anyone else that I respect your role as Alpha King,” he begins. “I also know I often speak with humor, but something is wrong, and I want to make sure you know that I’m here to help however you need. I may not agree that Noen has ill intentions with Isla, but you are still my king. More than that, I consider us friends and as your friend, I’d appreciate not being left in the dark on the matters I might be able to help with.”
Gods, I don’t have time for this. Yet as much as I want to brush him off, Declan has been the one to keep me sane all these years. He came into my life with the right amount of wittiness to help me remember how to live again. Something that not only I needed, but so did our pack.
“I can’t talk right now, but I promise to fill you in tonight,” I tell him since speaking with my father is at the top of my priority list.
His grin widens. “I’ll hold you to that, even if I have to wait for you in your bed.”
“Isla’s sleeping in that bed now,” I tell him with a raised brow. “Do you really want to find out what I’d do to you if she’s the one who found you there and not me? ”
He sputters a bit and laughs. “Nah, I think I’m good. I’ll still find you later—you can count on that.”
Yes, I’m sure I can.
Finally free to go speak with my father, I take the stairs three at a time until I get to the suite he shares with my mother.
He’s sitting at the couch, legs stretched out, and a whiskey dangling from his fingertips. “Son.”
I take in his relaxed position, but there’s no missing the tension in his eyes. Something is wrong.
“Father.” I walk farther into the room and take a seat in the chair on his left. I can smell the alcohol on him. “Did you have a fight with Mom?”
He frowns, setting his drink on the table in front of him. “Something like that. What do you need?”
“Isla remembered?—”
He sits up ramrod straight on the couch. “You bonded with her.”
“I did and we’ll talk about that, but more importantly, she remembered who killed her.”
His eyes darken. “So, why are you here, half-dressed, and not out there, righting the wrong that was done to you?”
“Because it was Estee,” I tell him with a sigh, leaning back in the chair.
He lets out a low whistle. “Well, that complicates things. How does your mate feel about that?”
“She’s convinced that Estee wasn’t in control of her own actions and that’s why the two of them ended up on Earth together,” I explain, adding, “I agree with her, which is why I’m here. Do you remember the dark objects that used to exist? ”
Dad’s chest rumbles. “Of course I do. One of them took my life.”
Shit. How did I forget that? I think it was his second or third one. Either way, it’s not something he’s ever liked to talk about. Unfortunately, he’s going to have to this time.
“Do you know anything about a dagger that would be able to take down a wolf shifter?” I ask, my knee bouncing as I wait for him to answer.
His eyes level on me and he shakes his head. “If you think dark magic had anything to do with Isla’s murder, you’re going to need to find who did this, Son. They’re a danger to all of us and as king, this is your responsibility.”
“I know that.” I sit up again, wondering if maybe coming to him wasn’t the best idea. “What happened between you and Mom?”
If he needs to get this off his chest before he can be helpful, then maybe we can help each other.
“She says I do too much,” he replies with a low growl. “That I don’t spend enough time with her and the whole point of my giving up the throne was so that I could rest, but she has no idea what I’ve done for this kingdom, the sacrifices I’ve made. It’s not easy for me to just sit back and do nothing.”
It’s been almost four hundred years since he officially passed the crown to me, Isla’s death having postponed his request by over a century when I refused to stop looking for her. I didn’t realize he still felt so at odds with his decision. I knew it was hard for him to admit he had a weakness that could affect our kingdom’s reputation, but I was certain he’d moved on from that.
“I’m sorry, Dad,” I tell him sincerely. “If you want to do more, especially in a more official capacity, I will make that happen.”
He takes a deep breath and gives his shoulders a shake. “No, I’m sorry. I should be over this by now and it’s no wonder your mother is frustrated with me. Plus, you didn’t come here to talk about me. You need answers. Though I’m not sure what I can do after all this time. A fragmented memory isn’t much to go on.”
Settling back into my seat, I hope he’s wrong. “Do you think dark magic would have severed your link to Isobella as her alpha back then? You never could confirm if she was dead or not. Maybe this is why.”
His brows pinch together and he tilts his head. “It’s certainly possible. There’s a reason those objects were supposed to be disposed of. That’s also why I tried so hard to get you to stop looking for her. I never thought she was dead and then when… Well, never mind that. We need to focus on this memory. Maybe I should speak with Isla and hear for myself what she saw.”
“No,” I demand, not liking his sudden change of direction with our conversation. “What happened that you’re not telling me?”
He swallows thickly and looks away from me. “I should have told you this years ago, but I didn’t want to hurt you any further.”
“What?” I demand, my voice booming louder than I intend. “I’m sorry. This is just a lot to process. What should you have said before?”
Dad’s steady gaze meets mine again and he says the one name I’m not surprised to hear but also don’t expect right now .
“Noen.”
“What about him?” The pressure in my chest grows heavier by the tick of the clock on the wall beyond me.
“He’s the one who told me that Isla left on her own accord,” my father admits. “Yet he was also the one to stand by you the most back then. I should have questioned his motives, but at the time, something didn’t feel right, and the two of you were friends, so I just let it go. Maybe I shouldn’t have. You haven’t left her alone with him since she’s returned, have you?”
“Do you think Noen killed my mate?” I ask, not because I don’t think it’s possible, but because at one point, I had wondered if he could have had something to do with it, but everyone made me feel as if my suspicions had only been formed because he was in love with her.
Yet maybe that’s exactly why he should have been the person we looked at most.
“I don’t know why the boy would have done it, but his father worked for me,” Dad says. “He had high-level access to the castle. If he shared any of that information with Noen… Do you know if Edward has returned to Lunara?”
Noen’s father died a few years ago. As far as I know, he had no intentions of being reborn. The man had lived several lives, none of them lasting with his mate. He was bitter and tired after losing his mate three consecutive lifetimes and I hadn’t tried to talk him out of his chance at peace.
Neither had his son.
Gods, could Noen have really done this out of spite? After centuries of thinking he was my friend, I don’t want to believe it’s possible, but the moment Isla was back, every instinct in me screamed to keep him away from her.
Was I ignoring what my subconscious already knew all along? I’m not yet sure, but I’m certainly going to find out.