Chapter 12 We will be just fine
Rue’s POV
“I don’t understand, Mom.” Iris’s small voice cut into my thoughts as I braided her long dark hair, looping the soft strands carefully.
Her hair was way thicker than most girls her age, wild and long. The bloodline she inherited from my dad made it exceptional.
“Why don’t you ever talk about him? My dad. Everyone in my class talks about their dads. Even Lucy says her dad brings her chocolates every evening.”
My hands stopped mid-way. The question wasn’t new, but every time she asked it, it struck deeper. Iris was eight now, old enough to see through the silences. Old enough to know her father had hurt us both.
She looked down at her lap, voice smaller. “I know he was mean to you, Mom. Grandpa said we had to pretend to be gone so he wouldn’t find us. Sometimes I wish he tried harder.”
My throat tightened. If only she knew how many times I had wished the same. I kissed the top of her head, forcing a soft smile. “You’re right, baby. He should have tried.”
“But we can’t change the past. What matters is that you have me, your grandpa, your grandma, and Uncle Cole. And we all love you more than enough.”
She tilted her head back, her curious eyes searching mine. “So… will he ever come back into our lives?”
I brushed a strand of hair from her face and steadied my voice. “Let’s not worry about that..”
Her lips pressed into a little pout, but she nodded, the weight of her young loyalty shining through. She loved adventure, yes-but she loved family more.
I tapped her nose. “Now, tell me more about this trip. The summer camp. The midterm program at Blood Claw Pack. You’ll meet other children, train, swim, even practice shifting.’
>>
Her frown cracked, excitement flickering through. “I’m gonna come back with the biggest stories, Mom. Bigger than yours.”
I laughed softly. “I’ll be jealous.”
She giggled, the heavy question fading as she skipped off to pack her bag for the hundredth time today.
I watched her, chest heavy. She already knew too much. And yet, I knew one day she would demand the whole truth. I only prayed she’d be strong enough to carry it.
My phone buzzed with Bella’s name flashing across the screen.
“Rue! You’re impossible to reach. Come shopping with me today, I found this place offering 50% discount for fancy boots-”
I laughed. “Tempting, but not today. I promised myself I’d visit the shaman. He’s been ill, and it’s been too long since I’ve paid my respects.”
Bella groaned theatrically. “The fancy boots! Come on! But fine. Next time I will take no excuses. I’ll even bribe Iris with ice cream if I have to.”
Her lightness made me smile. Bella was one of the few friends who’d stood by me when I returned under my real name. “Next time,” I promised before hanging up.
+25 Bonus
I made my way to the hospital. It was way quieter than I expected. I paused at the ward door before entering
The prominent pack shaman, who was once my mentor, lay on the bed gazing into the distance.
He was the one who once noticed that I had a strange knack for healing, a kind of gift that reached deeper than
herbs and medicine.
But I had abandoned him to chase a different life.
I stepped closer, assessing just how much he’d changed. Propped against the white pillows, his portrayal of strength had dimmed but not entirely gone.
“Shaman,” I said softly, snapping him from his thoughts.
“Rue.” His voice was raspy but warm. “You came.”
I moved closer, guilt gnawing at me. “I should have come sooner. How are you?”
“Sick” he lightly chuckled “never thought I’d ever see you again.”
I meant to come earlier but I was…afraid.”
He studied me, eyes like they had seen many lifetimes “Afraid of what? That I would turn you away? Child, you turned yourself away.”
I lowered my gaze “I know. I was reckless. If only I knew that your guidance was invaluable. I’m sorry.”
A long silence stretched as he shifted to his side. Finally, he sighed. “I was disappointed when you abandoned the path, yes. But you have to know, your gift doesn’t just leave you. It sits and waits.”
I blinked at him. “You mean… I could still-”
He gave a faint nod. “If you choose to. And perhaps you must. Do you know what has been happening recently?”
I shook
my head.
+25 Bonus
