Reflection

Chapter 12

Chapter 12

The Face of Courage

"Is it safe?" A loud thud followed from up above. "Wipe that smirk off your face." Jack's voice echoed. I buried myself deep into the dozens of pillows surrounding me. I tried shutting my eyes, but it was no use.

"Jack, relax." Kyle's words rang clearly through the feathery madness on top of me; such a sweet and gentle tone. Just as he had said it, my legs, arms, and shoulders were released. It would have been easy to exhale reality and inhale my dreams, however, the hair on my back began to stand. Hot air was escaping above me and I could sense the intensity all too well.

"Listen, punk." I heard scrambling as Jack latched onto Kiran. "I don't trust you one bit. Keep your distance from Lorraine." I listened carefully as Kiran stumbled backwards, most likely shoved aside by Jack.

"Jack, you misunderstand me." Kiran spoke in boldness. "I robbed all of you," A bit out of breath Kiran proceeded. "I kidnapped your leader, caused distress on your white wolf, and I came back, disrespecting all of you."

I arose from my slumber, a bit distraught that Jack stirred all of this nonsense. Throwing the blankets to the other side I stood up, popping my knuckles, ready to let him have it. Marching my way up the stairs I continued to eavesdrop.

"Kiran," Once again Kyle implemented his peace-making tactics, but Kiran didn't hold his breath.

"I have one goal Jack, you fail to see that." I began picking up my pace. "To make up for what I did."

"You will never make up for what you did Kiran, look at you!" Jack's voice elevated with anger; hatred lingering. "You were born a mistake, how is someone with Avro's blood going to become the King of Sairen wolves someday?"

"You hold resentment towards them the same as Lorraine, don't you?" Kyle mumbled, realizing something about Jack he never knew. Of course, it had me curious as well. I reached the room, gripping onto the door handle, everyone grew silent. For some reason I grew nervous and let go of the door. Finally, Kiran opened the door for me.

"I will, someday," Kiran searched deep in my eyes, as if he needed approval. "I will put my life on the line, if that's what it takes." He sighed heavily. "If that's what it takes." He repeated. I tried taking a step forward, but my legs were motionless.

A brash huffing escaped Jack. "Do you even realize the trouble you are causing her?"

"I understand your concern Jack. But, what happened to Luah was not your fault, so stop taking it out on her." Kiran's eyes pointed at me.

Jack lashed at him suddenly, punching Kiran in the mouth. Kiran regained his balance and wiped blood off his bottom lip. "Face it," Kiran said. "It's not me you hate, it's him."

"How do you even know about them?" Jack was out of breath; furious.

"I was the one who killed him." Kiran held onto the wall behind him, rubbing his jaw. Jack wouldn't even look at a single one of us. For the first time I watched Kyle give in, letting them ensue past issues. Kyle grabbed a hold of my arm, whispering "let's go," but I stayed behind.

"Who?" I asked. In disarray, I glared at them both. Kiran only eyed Jack, who glanced up at me, shaking his head.

"Just drop it." Jack requested as he walked past both Kiran and I; exiting the room. Although a bit shaken, Jack turned back, somehow calm and even relieved. "and never, steal another man's revenge." He demanded.

My mouth opened, but I then paused in dismay. "Luah", I vaguely remembered her. Luah was Jack's sister whom was left in Jack's care after his parents were killed at battle. Since I rarely saw Jack after Joey and dad were kidnapped, I didn't see Luah much. I only knew that she was around my age and my only memory of her was the time she came with Jack to Old Brain's place, tugging on Jack's arms. She was a lot shyer than most Sairen Wolves, but like Kyle, she had a sweet spirit.