FORTITUDINE (COMPLETED)

20) Explaining the Trials of New Strength

Thomas and I both gasp as we look from Stephen to Julia and back to Stephen.

"That's your sister?" I exclaim with wide eyes.

Stephen only nodded before taking a step forward. Julia let go of Thanatos' hand and quickly closed the gap between her and Stephen.

"I missed you so much!" Whispers Stephen as he embraces his younger sibling.

"I missed you too Stephen." Says Julia as she pulls away from him.

"Where have you been all this time?" Asks Stephen.

Julia shakes her head. "After Boston, I came here knowing that Thanatos owned Thomas' ship. I thought he knew where Thomas had taken you. I'll tell you more later." She says as Thomas and I approach the two.

I smile and hold out my hand. "Hello, my name is Alexandra. It's nice to finally meet you. Stephen has said so much-" Julia interrupted me.

"I know who you are you coward. You are Thanatos' twin sister that ran away when she knew Thanatos was going to kill her." She smirked at me and walked back to where my family was standing.

I frown and look up to Thanatos. He was smirking at me as he pulled Julia into his side.

"Two can play at that game, brother." I say through my mind link to Thanatos.

He jumps slightly after hearing my voice in his head for the first time in weeks but quickly returns the glare I'm giving him.

"Tell them what I did and I'll kill Stephen's precious little Julia." Threatens Thanatos through the mind link.

I shut down the link and tiredly smiled at the rest of my family.

"Actually, I was kidnapped. But Thomas and Stephen saved me and brought me back home." I say loud enough for the people around me to hear.

As expected, the next things I heard were gasps and peoples' mutterings.

"Who kidnapped you?"

"Where did they take you?"

"Who are Stephen and Thomas?"

"What happened?"

"You poor dear!"

My father raised his hand in order to silence the clan. "Everyone's questions will be answered at a later time. Until then, we shall celebrate my daughter's safe return."

Cheers and shouts went about the clan as I was engulfed in hugs and praises from my family, a few elders, and clan members.

"Remember what I told you." Whispered Thanatos into my ear as he came up and gave me a sincere hug. I hugged him back as I pushed away my thoughts of his murderous side and gave him a sweet smile.

"Don't worry, I won't damage your twisted pride." I reply and walk away to hug my crying mother.

~~~~~~~~~~

"So Alexandra?" Asks my father as we-meaning my entire family along with Thomas, Stephen, Jacob, and Julia-sit around the dinner table at my house eating our evening meals.

"Yes father?" I ask cautiously.

Everyone looks up from their plates and waits to hear what my father has to say.

"Has Thanatos informed you on what you two will be partaking in next Monday?" He asks.

My mind is rushing to understand what he is talking about as I slowly shake my head.