Hare Moon

Truth is a Noun

Truth is a NOUN. It is solid and definitive.

Lie can be used as a VERB; simple, easy.

Truth isn't a verb. You can LIE but you can't truth.

TRUTH is more complicated than that.

You have to TELL it.

╚»≋≋≋≋★≋≋≋≋«╝

"Miss Brown?" The Jarl scrutinises me. He has grey hair and deep lines all over his face, which sags more on one side. I can't tell which are wrinkles and which are scars. I vaguely remember it was mentioned that Ylva's mother was from the Skollson Alpha's family but I can see no resemblance. Wolf relations are complicated. Wolf everything is complicated. "What happened? Who killed the child?"

I look to Milton, but he is avoiding my gaze. Sunny is staring at me, brow scrunched, face a mess of emotions. Fear and hope, but mostly horror. Horror no matter the truth.

Luna Amara gives me a look of disapproval. Or maybe that's just her face. "She's not a reliable witness. She's going to say what her mate wants her to," the woman waves a dismissive hand.

But I don't want to say it. I don't want to decide which of these two young men that I love is going to be branded a killer. Which one is going to take all the guilt.

Then Ylva catches my eye. The corners of her mouth tilt up in a grimace and she nods ever so slightly. A good friend (and even greater enemy) once told me...I don't know, something like 'the Luna know things because she channels the Goddess so we have to trust her' or some nonsense. I don't believe Ylva is some all-knowing conduit, but she certainly knows more than I do.

I swallow the cactus that seems to have taken root in my oesophagus. I'm weirdly aware of Asa Green. I should be self-conscious about speaking in front of the powerful, important people in the room, however it is his eyes I feel on me, stalking me like a predator.

Ignoring the burning sensation running from my heart to my eyes, I try to force words out. Any words.

Milton said to tell the truth. Simple.

"There was a wolf in the bedroom, stirring. It scared me, because I had no idea what I would do if it woke up. Because Sunny had...chased the man away and gone after him and I was alone. Well, I had the dog, my aunt's pug, well it's my Mum's now, I suppose, because my aunt died of cancer last year. Kitty calls it Puppy as a family joke, but it's actual name is—"

I shake my head. Not relevant. Everyone is frowning at me, running out of patience. I focus back on Milton. For once he doesn't look annoyed by my rambling. He waits expressionless, staring forward, not at me, like he's trying not to tamper with the witness.

"So me and the pug, we heard someone else was coming down the stairs and panicked. So I ran into the bathroom with it. Then someone, a wolf, came down the stairs and...I didn't see it happen but I heard..." —the needles in my throat stab me as I swallow— "I heard a noise. Like a whimper. Like...like someone died." I swallow. "Then I saw Milton. Um, he came in the doorway and I pointed my bow at him. I made it on the camping trip. With survival club. And my arm gave out and my finger slipped and—"

"That's enough, thank you." August holds up a hand.

Milton killed someone. It's difficult to say.

It's the truth. But it proves nothing.

I search Milton's face. It's relieved. When his gaze flicks to mine briefly I feel like that's his way of showing his gratitude.