fanqie novel
107: A Bond of Necessity
Hayley’s POV
Aiden and I moved forward as the forest inhaled exhalations held tightly to make its prey face-being. Ethan, being a rogue pack leader, had sent ripples through our pack, and the air was seizing. Mystery solved: Aiden’s long-lost brother was one of the central characters in this mystery, and it became important for us to figure out who he is.
Aiden kept pace at my side, his expression one of grim determination laced with dread. It was a perilous path and could be in fortune’s favor as well. An opportunity for alliances and a chance to get stabbed in the back.
“You okay?” I asked, breaking the eerie silence that sat upon us.
His eyes, however, revealed a storm he kept hidden. I just hope this guy is trustworthy. There’s so much at stake.”
I gently grasped his hand in mine. We’ll make it up as we go along together. We will take care of whatever he needs.”
The tree line grew dense as we neared the territory of this lone pack, casting long shadows and seeming to whisper in our ears. The air was cooler; it bore the fragrance of pine and loam. A place that was at once familiar and alien, much like the tenuous peace we were to shortly be a part of.
The rustling of the brush heralded a nearby sentry, who crept through the thick foliage with all eyes peering into view. He seemed to be questioning what we were doing there, but he made no effort to try to oust us.
“I’m going to see Ethan,” Aiden declared, resolute.
The guard nodded, motioning for us to go. “He’s expecting you.”
We followed a maze of narrow trails bordered by trees, separating the rogue camp from the outside world. The camp rows of makeshift shelters and eyes never quite closed. The clearing gave us a view that made me understand even in the murkiness that these people were always on guard, always present, watching from within shaded darkness as to not use up their candlelight before excess was in sight trickle into glimpses until it was too late for them all!
Ethan strode out, more of a presence than an object, to which familiarity latched. He nodded at us and looked expressionless, like he wanted to say something.
“Hayley, Aiden,” he greeted with the authority of rank but a touch of warmth. “Thank you for coming.”
Aiden strode forward, tension in his stance. “We need to talk, Ethan. But why didn’t you mention that part of it when you declared mutiny and went all rogue-leader on us?
Ethan let out a long puff of air, showcasing the burden that shone in his eyes. It wasn’t planned. I did begin to lead the rogues after going undercover, and it soon became apparent that was a better way of opposing the cult from outside.
He studied me again, looking for a tall man to lie to. New toughness is colored by old shadows. Survive-to the learned, to weeks barely in thick enough skin, and deprivation hardened from years on the margins. But under it, I felt the same determination Aiden had.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!
“Benefit in kind for your assistance? Just get to the point, I told her.
I looked into his eyes; he was completely serious about this. We will need rogues once the cult is eradicated, but you must give me your word that their blood lusts will be curbed. And we can’t remain on the outskirts forever.
Aiden thought about this and the possible meaning behind what Ethan was asking him to do. He paused a moment, then said slowly, “What you want is integration.
“Yes,” Ethan replied. The rogues are sick of being exiled. We desire to be in community, a part of the whole.
It was not totally unreasonable, but it had costs of its own. It would take intermingling the rogues with our current pack, which means mutual trust and cooperation all around. but it could also solidify our ranks in case of any future attacks.
I looked at Aiden for confirmation. “This needs to go before the elders.” If you help us, we will fight for your place among the packs.”
Ethan nodded with a sort of glimmer in his eye. “Then I’ll share what I know. The cult has a big attack on the packs in store. They want us to turn on each other, destroy the bonds we share as Americans, and take control.
Aiden’s expression hardened. Do you know when and where they will attack?
Ethan hesitated, then nodded. Council President, who had targeted the next council meeting. They think if they get rid of the leaders, it will disrupt the packs.
His words filtered down upon us like a rain cloud. The council meeting functioned as a sacred convocation for them, set apart to make decisions together. A strike there could prove catastrophic.
We need to alarm the elders,” I said in no uncertain terms. “We need to prepare.”
Ethan agreed. “I’ll lend my support. Rogues will be familiar with the landscape and can assist in fortifying this meeting spot.
Aiden’s resolve was palpable. “Together, we can stop them.
And as we discussed tactics, a oneness developed between the rogues and our pack. More was at issue than ever, yet we were no longer encountering them alone.
Yet Ethan had also become something of a hopeful figure. His seasoning and leadership might be enough to turn the tide in our favor; his inclination for instruction might pave the way toward an improved unification of our past.
Ethan pulled Aiden to one side as we got ready to leave, and they spoke quietly but with a lifetime of experience behind every word. I saw them and felt the way pasts were mending and present binding.
It was dangerous and perilous, but it also offered hope. We were one in intent and purpose, united first of all by the need to preserve our own people, but also because a world where everyone could have a place in it should creep toward us.
All the while, as Aiden and I slowly made our way back through the forest towards civilization, it felt like every shadow was less like a looming predator ready to snatch us up and more like a murmur of sweet nothings spoken by some ancient thing nestled between gnarled branches. We stood side by side, prepared for whatever it was that came our way, as we heard noises from all corners of the forest.