Dark Twin Moon - The Awakening

Chapter 7:

When Kayleb went home, his brother sat silently at the kitchen table, waiting for his return. The food he prepared before the group interrupted him looked mostly edible and was placed right before his little brother. It was obvious that Ian had been waiting for his big brother; it made Kayleb feel warm and loved inside. But when Ian saw his older brother's face, he could see the agony his twin's death had inflicted on him yet again. Almost as if his little healing never happened.

He didn't know if he could endure all the pain, anger, and destruction he had caused himself and others a second time.

Kayleb walked and walked. Ian figured he would go to his room to bathe in his sorrow like he had done last time.

So he squealed as his older brother's thick, protective arms wrapped around him. Light, watery tears fell on his head as his brother held him for dear life.

"Please never leave me," he whispered into the younger lycan's ear, whimpering softly.

Ian's eyes widened. He knew his brother was broken, well beyond healing, but he wasn't aware it was this bad. He would never leave him no matter what, so he whispers, "I promise you that you will never lose me."

For Kayleb, it was something he needed to hear because he blamed himself for what happened to their brother.

Nobody, not even Ian, knew the whole story about that accident. Kayleb never told anyone about it. Usually, he was too far away with his thoughts anyway.

Kayleb didn't leave his brother's side for a second all night. He just held him like a big teddy bear. His brother never once complained. Ever since the accident, he'd wanted Kayleb near him every second. Because he always felt safe with him, even when he was like that.

As the next day approached, it was as if nothing had happened. They showered alone, but after that, Kayleb was always close to his brother - not as close as in the night, but close enough for both to feel loved - until they got to school, where Ian disappeared like the days before.

Sighing heavily, Kayleb went through his memories of last night and morning. Nothing felt strange, just that his little brother was less on his phone. This made him even more curious about why he was left alone every single day. Was there someone in Ian's life he didn't know about? He seemed to be more invested in their closeness than even himself. But it didn't seem to matter now. Or was it just his mind trying to make him suffer with all these doubting thoughts? It wouldn't even be far-fetched.

With all these dark thoughts in his head that seemed deafening, he didn't hear someone approaching, which could cause him more problems than it was worth if it were to happen often. But this person might also stop him from stealing his little brother's phone to snoop.

"Hey," the voice was quiet, just loud enough for him to hear, and it was painfully familiar. "I wanted to apologize for yesterday. We crossed a line and did not think everything through to the end," her voice didn't get louder. Even the lycan - she spoke to - had a hard time making out all the words.

Since he didn't do or say anything but stand there, Clara took it as her signal to leave him alone.

"Wait," he surprised himself with the strength to speak. Last night was pure horror for him. He hadn't gotten any sleep, so his energy reserves were low. "I have to apologize too. It wasn't right for me to reveal your true self." He played with his fingers as he spoke. A habit he'd had since childhood for some reason. He knew he had screwed up, and now he has to make up for his mistake, even if he can only sincerely apologize.

"Honestly, I couldn't forgive myself if something bad happened to you because of me," he confessed to her.

They hadn't known each other long enough, but Kayleb knew Clara and her species were in grave danger. With the bond, they have with the moon god himself. Many others, especially creatures of the night, want their powers, and now there aren't many left. He only knew one other, the moon priestess of his pack, an ancient midnight elf.

"I understand if you hate me, no question, I would too." His anxiety suddenly went through the roof again. Breathing heavily as his eyes darted through the hallway, he realized what was triggering his fear: the thought of someone new whom he hoped might become his friend - albeit annoying - might hate him because of his stupid words.

He didn't meet the elf's eyes. He was too scared to see the same hate he had seen the day before. So he didn't see her closing in on him. His body went rigid as her arms wrapped around his muscular torso.

"I do not hate you. You are a lycan, and we have invaded your direct territory. I know you were mad at us and couldn't think straight. It was all our fault! My friends support me. Although they're a little disappointed I didn't tell them sooner." Kayleb could hear Clara's relief that everything went smoothly, and he was relieved, too.

"But now," she raised her voice, "come with me, we'll have music together, and whether you like it or not, you'll sit next to me!" Her smile warmed Kayleb's heart a little, which made him smile back at her.

He was grateful that, for once, he hadn't lost everything through his destructive behavior.

"Oh no, how awful," he tried to joke.

"Oh wow, that's a start, I'd say." Her smile grew at the little joke the worried lycan had made at her. To her, it felt like the possible beginning of a beautiful friendship.

He just hoped that the rest of the few people who were somewhat friendly to him would accept his apology as lightly as the midnight elf.