Teen Wolf: The Alternate Path

Chapter Twenty: The Rave's Revelations

The tension in our household escalated when Dad confronted Allison, his interrogation revealing a chilling suspicion of two killers among us—one human, one not. The intensity in his eyes, the pressing questions—it was a clear indication they were closing in on our secrets, pushing us further into a corner from which there seemed no escape.

The discovery by Scott, Deaton, Derek, and Isaac that the Kanima and its master were inextricably linked set the stage for a daring plan, one that hinged on the secret rave for which I, coincidentally, had tickets. The revelation that the Kanima could not act without the direction of its master, a sinister puppeteer guiding its every move, was a breakthrough that came from piecing together patterns of behaviour and victim selection, each attack intricately linked to past grievances. This discovery was chilling, reshaping our understanding and approach to confronting this creature. The rave, with its promise of anonymity among the throngs of revellers, became the crucial setting for our plan to isolate and expose both the Kanima and its master. It was here, amid the pulsing lights and pounding music, that I was tasked with using my nascent abilities, a role that filled me with both determination and dread.

However, my role as the inside man at the rave was one, I embraced, albeit with mixed feelings. With my fake ID in hand, I had originally been prepared to drown my sorrows over Stiles in a night of forgetfulness, yet it was Stiles' idea that I be on the inside, where I could potentially use my "Master Yoda" powers, a suggestion that added a layer of responsibility to my attempts at escapism.

I arrived ahead of everyone else, and immediately went for some Dutch courage, I felt I was going to need it. As the forbidden rave came to life, amidst the pulsating lights and thumping bass, I felt it—a wave of emotional turmoil from Stiles. It wasn't physical pain but a deeper, more poignant distress. Whatever it was, it was strong enough that I felt it from a distance, he wasn't here yet.
Tonight, however, was about dealing with my own heartache, or at least trying to numb it with the aid of a few drinks.

The rave was a living organism—pulsing, shifting, a beast of its own making. The strobe lights flickered like lightning against the walls, casting shadows that danced with the writhing bodies packed tight on the dance floor. The music was a relentless bass, a pounding heartbeat that thudded against my chest, echoing the erratic rhythm of my own pulse. My skin prickled with a mix of sweat and anticipation, the air heavy with the scent of smoke, spilled drinks, and adrenaline. Every shout, every burst of laughter, was swallowed by the roar of the crowd, an undulating mass of people seeking escape or salvation in the neon glow.

Amidst the looming chaos, the moment I overheard Allison's betrayal, involving our father in a plan against Scott, carved a rift between us, laden with disappointment and betrayal. The confrontation that ensued was charged with emotion, a clash of familial loyalty against the harsh realities of our entangled lives. "How could you?" I found myself asking, the words heavy with a mix of anger and disbelief. Allison's response, a mixture of defiance and guilt, reflected the turmoil of choosing between her heart and her lineage. "Is this betrayal, or am I simply honouring our family's legacy?" This exchange laid bare the complexities of our relationship, a bond tested by secrets and the weight of said legacy. As she walked away, I knew that argument was far from over.

I danced, attempting to blend in, the ensuing gunfire outside—it all unfolded in a blur. As the chaos swirled around us, I felt the familiar pull of something deep within me, like a tidal wave rising from the depths. Jackson was there, his eyes glowing with a predatory light, moving through the crowd with eerie grace. I had to act, had to focus my will on him, but every second felt like an eternity, every breath a struggle. 'We're not a threat to you,' I whispered in my mind, my voice barely more than a thought. It felt like pushing against a wall, a force I could barely comprehend, let alone control. The strain was immense, my vision blurring at the edges, my body trembling with the effort. And then, for a split second, Jackson hesitated, induced by my concentrated will, allowed Isaac to incapacitate him momentarily.