From The Ashes

Chapter Sixteen

After the meeting with the council, I had decided to relax for the rest of the day while I awaited Aunt Maddie's arrival. A huge weight had been lifted off of my shoulders knowing that, no matter what, I was going to be apart of this pack. But, doubt still lingered in my mind.

I couldn't fathom the idea that Aunt Maddie had ever hidden anything from me, or that she would outright lie to me. Was it possible she didn't know about my parents? 

No, that couldn't be it. My mother was her twin sister, of course she'd know. She was closer to her than anyone. But if that was the case, why did she tell me different all of my life?

Was she trying to protect me? And if so, from what? Or was she just so blinded by her hatred for my father that she couldn't tell me the truth?

I took a deep breath of the cool evening air. I had decided to skip dinner tonight and instead, I was lounging on the small seat in the gazebo. 

I gazed at the flowers all around me. Autumn had set in, and the once beautiful blooms were now wilting away. I still loved them, though.

Even with their brown tinged leaves, they were beautiful. I reached out and delicately ran my finger over the soft petals of the last surviving flower; a bright red poppy. I sighed as I withdrew my hand and stood up.

Aunt Maddie would be arriving soon, and I needed to mentally prepare myself for the conversation we were about to have. 

As I made my way into the castle, I caught sight of Valen and Von having another discussion. It looked like it was getting heated.

Valen's fists were clenched at his sides, while Von had his arms folded over his puffed out chest. I debated on seeing what was going on for a moment, before deciding it probably wasn't my business and continued on. Once inside, Aislinn rushed to greet me. 

"Your aunt is almost here. She's about 5 minutes out, according to our scouts."

I just nodded my head at her and made my way to the front entrance. As I waited at the doors, I looked down at my mother's ring and a twinge of guilt pinched my stomach.

Is this really the right thing to do? Maybe I should just let Aunt Maddie continue to think I have no idea about them.

Before I could ponder any further, the doors opened up and Aunt Maddie's arrival was announced. I was shocked at her state. 

She was even thinner than when I left her just a few weeks ago. You could see every sharp point of her joints, and her collar bones were poking through her old t-shirt. Her cheeks looked hollow and there were dark circles beneath her eyes.

I gasped and tears welled up in my eyes. Aunt Maddie's eyes immediately found mine and she rushed over to envelop me in a hug. I clung to her tightly and let a few tears fall, before hastily wiping them away. She pulled back to look at me. 

"Being in DarkBlood suits you," she said with a small smile, which I returned. 

"I'm glad you think so, I really love it here."

She glanced over my shoulder and I turned to face the royal family and Aislinn. 

"Aunt Maddie, I'd like to introduce you to some people." I stepped up and gestured toward everyone. "

This is King Ruben, Queen Stella, Prince Valen and Prince Von, and my friend, Aislinn."

Aunt Maddie appraised them for a moment, before stepping forward and bowing as deeply as her weak body would allow. As she rose back up, she clasped King Ruben's hands. 

"Thank you so much for giving my baby girl a second chance at life. She would have never thrived in Moonlight pack. Here, she can be what she is destined to be." King Ruben flashed her a brilliant smile.