𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥 {𝐀 𝐓𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐅𝐚𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐜} - 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 [1] ✔️

22. URSA CLAN

THE DRIVE BACK WAS TENSE AS WE MADE OUR WAY THROUGH the winding roads, the silence between us as heavy as the storm clouds gathering above. Each mile brought a sense of foreboding, amplifying the unease that already simmered within our group. The mansion loomed in the distance, its gothic architecture casting an even darker shadow as we pulled into the driveway. The sight of its towering spires and intricate stonework only added to the feeling of dread that had settled over us.

Rushing inside, we were met with an atmosphere that crackled with tension. Joseph greeted us at the entrance, his expression etched with concern.

"Are they inside?" Rhona inquired, her voice tight with anxiety.

"Gabriel and Simon are with Saoirse," Joseph responded, his tone grim. "And Adeline is giving Ethan her usual death stare."

A low growl escaped Alana's throat, her eyes narrowing. "If she harms him—"

"Don't worry," Joseph cut in, raising a placating hand. "She hasn't harmed him. Yet. But they need to have a conversation with her. Now."

Confusion clouded my thoughts as I tried to make sense of the situation. What had transpired in my absence? What had caused this tension?

"Oh, wait," I began to piece the puzzle together, realization dawning upon me.

"I know what you're thinking, Violet," Joseph interrupted my thoughts, his voice calm yet filled with understanding. "You were in their territory, and you too saw a shadowy figure lurking. Was that shadowy figure my brother?"

His words hung in the air, the weight of the truth settling upon us all.

"It's not what you think," I began.

Joseph raised an eyebrow, waiting for me to continue.

Helena, who had been listening intently, couldn't help but interject. "Why would you even be there?" she asked, her voice tinged with curiosity and concern.

"I didn't think I had gone too far," I confessed, feeling a pang of guilt. "But Simon did mention something about the Ursa Clan, and... well..."

I trailed off, unsure of how to explain the events that had unfolded. The truth was, I never expected to encounter them. My only goal was to see Ingram, but the bear shifters got caught in the middle. Thankfully, he intervened. Who knows what the bears would have done to me.

Joseph's concern deepened, his brows furrowing as he listened intently.

"Violet, you need to understand the gravity of this situation," Joseph said, his voice laced with urgency. "The Ursa Clan is not to be trifled with."

I nodded, fully aware of the danger I had unknowingly stumbled into.

"But why were they after you?" Alana asked, her voice filled with concern. "What did you do to provoke them?"

"I didn't do anything," I replied, my voice tinged with frustration. "I was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. I had no idea their territory extended that far."

Just then, the door swung open and Simon emerged, his golden eyes locking onto my presence.

"Violet," he began, his voice low and filled with a mixture of relief and concern. "We were told what happened. Are you alright?"

I nodded.

"I'm fine, thanks to you," I replied, a sense of gratitude washing over me.

Simon's gaze softened, his expression one of understanding. "I did warn you about the Ursa Clan but I haven't told you about their land," he admitted, a hint of regret in his voice. "They are fiercely protective of their territory and do not take kindly to outsiders."