The Hidden Alpha (Stryders #4) - HOLD

Chapter 21: Unveiling

Thanks to everyone for your support. Commenting motivates me to write and I always love to hear what you guys think!

Maybe another cliffhanger...ahaha...

.

.

.

Never did I think this would happen. With a simple touch, my whole façade of who I am came crashing down. There's no explaining what the bracelets are without just saying the truth.

Callum dropped his hand away like it stung him. A staggered step back. Eyes piercing through me in a different light. Realization dawning in his confused face until it morphs into-

Anger.

"What are you?"

My throat won't work. Words choke when I need them the most. My mouth glued shut. This is the moment where I die. By the way he's looking at me in complete betrayal, I know my luck and my time has run out.

On my wrists, the silver bracelets feel like two anchors weighing me down.

Say something, Freya, I think. I need to just come clean with the truth. I'm dead either way.

Someone else entered the tent. Julian.

Relief swept over me seeing his friendly face. He walked in so casually, unaware of the tornado of emotions whirling inside of me. 

Julian takes in the scene in front of him, taking a cautious step forward, eyes trailing where Callum's eyes were now. My wrists. Julian looked up at me, opening his mouth to say something, but Callum finally spoke. 

"Are you working for Levi?" Callum's voice now is cold and indifferent. Masking his emotions again- but this time was different. There was still the flash of betrayal in his eyes.

Julian's eyes widened at me, eyes slanted just a bit.

My voice comes out shaky. "I-I don't even know who that is. But I can explain, please let me explain. I don't know how I even got here." I let out a breath, turning to Julian, who I think would give me more leeway than Callum. "Remember that day you told me that only two people ever came through the Barrier? Two people twenty years ago? Zeke and Stella?"

Saying my parents name gave me a twinge of sadness. How they had an adventure way before I was born. Came here way before I was born. Had their own experiences together. Somehow, it also brought me comfort. 

Callum gave a questioning glance at Julian. Julian, who stared hard at me before nodding slowly.

Julian glanced at Callum before nodding slowly.

I rushed, "They're my parents. I'm Freya Stryder."

"Ah, Shit."

Julian ran a hand through his face, falling onto Callum's bed. He closed his eyes for the longest moment. "Oh man, you're both of them. I see it so much. Why you were so familiar to me, and I couldn't place my finger on it. It makes so much sense now."

Julian let out a deep sigh, looking at his brother. Callum straightened. Obviously not knowing who my parents were.

"You're not going to kill me?" I asked hopefully.

"Of course not- who do you think we are?"

"But you hate witches."

"We do," Callum finally responds. Not before he stormed out of his tent, taking all his anger with him.