Nielu [REWRITTEN]

19 - Angels Shall Rise [Part Two]

"What?" her mother whispers.

"Is Ethan adopted? Some girl named Evelyn made it seem that way." Alina mutters. "Though, I told her he's not and that he's my sibling."

Aphmau sighs. "Of course not. He's your sibling through thick and thin." she fixates her gaze to the countertop, placing a plate down.

"I thought so." her daughter beams.

Ethan lays down on top of his bedspread, his head looking upwards as he closes his eyes, just for a mere moment.

When he awakes, he's met with two unfamiliar faces greeting him with nothing but a warm smile.

"Happy birthday, pup!" a brunette woman says. "I made your favorite! Strawberry cheesecake muffins!"

She stuffs a muffin in his mouth and he hesitantly lifts a hand to take it out, swallowing the bite before doing so.

"Your mom and I have a special day planned, kiddo. I hope you have Terzo ready."

"Why do I need my wolf ready?"

"Because we're going for a run!

"David, I think you're worrying him. Ethan, you've grown up to be a handsome young man and we are proud to call you our son. Even, if we aren't in your life."

"I'm confused. I don't know you or why you say I'm your son. I'm Aaron and Aphmau's son, not yours."

The man, David, lifts a hand to pat his son's shoulder. "Izzy and I are your biological parents. Aaron and Aphmau merely adopted you as a baby."

"And how do I know you're telling the truth?" Ethan eyes the two. "I hardly believe a word you're saying."

"Easy." Isabelle says then moves her right hand to take hold of Ethan's wrist. She waves her other hand over his wrist and reveals a single white wolf intwining with another wolf's tail.

"You are a member of the Cardarelli bloodline. And the Salomon, if you want to get technical." she tells him.

"So I'm a born Cardarelli who was adopted by the Lycans as a baby, and suddenly, sixteen years later, I discover the truth. Unbelievable."

"Ethan," David begins, but Ethan tilts his gaze at him. "Well, he's definitely got Neil's gaze down."

"No. This is a dream. This isn't real! My parents would never keep that from me or my sister!"

The teenage werewolf jolts awake and places a hand over his heart, trying to slow his suddenly speeding heartbeat. A long second passes and he scuffles to his feet, hoping off his bed. His feet guide him down the stairs, pausing mid step once he reaches the bottom and spots his sister talking to their mother.

"Mom? Alina?" he asks. "What's going on?"

Aphmau turns on her heels. "Oh! Your sister was just telling me about a a new friend she made."

"Right," Alina eyes her mother, "her name's Evelyn."

"Evelyn?" Ethan whispers. "Nice name."

"She's one of my partners for the group project for werewolf class. Apparently they chose the wolf of Blood, Terzo."

Her brother freezes in his spot. "Terzo? Huh, interesting."

"What about you?"

"Oh! Alfred and I are doing The Demon Wolf."

"The Demon Wolf? You know, your grandparents knew about him, even told your dad and I that no one wanted to name their child Tyler."

"Why?" Alina questions.