Untamable

Chapter 20 Token

Elizabeth’s POV

After Margaret finishes her story, we all huddle together in silence. Sometimes, the quiet says more than words ever could. It conveys our sympathy and sorrow to the largest extent.

The only sound breaking the still night is the crackling of the campfire.

Margaret takes a deep breath, trying to lighten the mood. "It's okay, really. Life is tougher than it looks. I've survived, and the past is behind me." She gazes into the fire, sighing softly, and murmurs, "I'm not worried about myself anymore, but I'm anxious about facing my son. Apparently, he's been sent by James to hunt down the rogues..."

"Or maybe he volunteered because he's got a thing for rogue hunting," Echo chimes in, but her sentence gets cut short as Catherine and I quickly cover her mouth.

"It's alright," Maggie chuckles, waving a hand dismissively. "We shall let people spill their truths.”

Maggie's voice is calm, but there's an emotional storm brewing beneath the surface. Sensing this, Echo wisely decides to stay silent once Catherine and I remove our hands.

"I heard rumors about the Lycans planning an attack on the rogues a week ago, so I had Cora and Taylor take turns patrolling the borders. But I never expected Edward would be leading them," Maggie says, a frown creasing her forehead. "That certainly complicates things for us."

The mood around the campfire grows tense as we exchange worried glances. After a pause, Maggie asks, "Any ideas on how I should handle my own child?"

"It depends on your son's attitude," Echo responds calmly. "If he's a potential ally, we try to convert him. If he's our enemy, we capture him..."

"We won’t kill him, for your sake," Catherine adds.

"And then what? Lock him up forever?" Maggie sighs, rubbing her temples.

"Do you have a better plan? Your son is a Lycan prince. He's got influence coming out of his ears. We can't just let him go, or other rogues might be pissed off once they heard about this," Echo points out.

"Like it's that easy to capture Edward," Catherine scoffs. "Let's not forget it was Elizabeth who almost got nabbed. Your son's a crafty one."

"But our dear Elizabeth outsmarted him and led him far away from our base," Echo says, beaming with pride.

"It was a narrow escape, to be honest," I admit, pulling a face. "He almost had me."

Maggie muses, "I was thinking... maybe I could meet with Edward, try to negotiate with him."

"No," Echo replies sharply. "That's a no-go."

"Why not?" Maggie asks.

"With a war looming, what if meeting him makes other rogues think you're cozying up to the Lycans?" Catherine warns.

"And it's too risky," I add. "Hate to say it, but if your son decides to hold you hostage, the whole Healer Squad would be thrown into chaos.”

"Me, held captive by my own son?" Maggie asks incredulously.

"You have to admit it's a possibility, Maggie," Echo says firmly. "I agree with Elizabeth. You're our leader, and we simply can't afford to risk losing you."

"But I believe Edward's reasonable," Maggie argues. "Negotiation might avoid unnecessary bloodshed. I am his mother, after all. I know him."

"The last time you saw him, he was a boy," Echo notes sharply. "People change. Are you sure that living with his father for so long hasn't turned him into a different kind of 'reasonable'? Remember how he fooled Elizabeth by posing as a rogue—smart, maybe too smart."

Maggie pales, falling silent as the others nod in agreement.

"We know you miss your child, but decisions made with the heart can spell disaster for all of us," Catherine says softly.

"You're right," Maggie sighs deeply. I can see the invisible weight pressing down on her shoulders.

Out of sympathy or duty, I offer, "Then let me go."

They all turn to me with curious eyes.

"You can write a letter to Edward, and I’ll be the messenger," I suggest to Maggie.

"Do you think he’ll meet you?" asks a familiar voice from above. I look up to see Lucy gazing down with wide eyes.

"Edward's probably combing the forest for me after I tricked him," I say with a mischievous grin. "He won't pass up a chance to win. Men's competitive nature, you know."

Lucy looks at me with admiration. "Is there anything I can do to help?" she asks eagerly.

"Just don’t ignore the whistles and make things harder," Echo teases and Lucy blushes slightly.

"Pack up and get some rest, baby. You’ve got archery practice tomorrow," Penny calls to her.

"How many times have I asked you not to call me baby," Lucy groans. "I’m an adult!"

"Nonsense, you're light years from coming of age," Echo quips.

"Legal age aside, I’m spiritually mature," Lucy insists defensively.

"A truly mature person wouldn't shout at others," Echo retorts with a smirk.

To diffuse the banter, Catherine says, "Just get some sleep, Lucy. We may need your help when you're older."

"But there must be something I can do now," Lucy says hesitantly, glancing at us with hope.

I recognize the feeling—wanting to contribute but feeling a bit on the sidelines. After a moment of thought, I say, "Lucy, I might need your help with something."

Lucy's eyes light up. "Yes?"

"I'm quite the snack lover and get hungry easily," I say, making a funny face. "Could you whip up some road snacks for me?"

"No problem! I'm on it," she says cheerfully, nodding.

"Thank you," I smile warmly at her.

"You're welcome," she replies, somewhat awkwardly.

"Goodnight," I say.

"Goodnight," she murmurs, ducking back into her tent.

"Who knew that fiery girl had such a bashful side?" Echo remarks in surprise.

"People are complicated," Maggie says. "It takes patience and a bit of finesse to bring out the best in them."

"No wonder you never let me mentor Lucy," Echo muses. "We'd end up at each other's throats."

"You definitely would," Maggie smirks.

"Back to business," Catherine says, looking at me with concern. "I'm not worried about Edward agreeing to meet you. I'm worried he might hold you hostage."

"That's okay. Even if that happens, you don’t have to rescue me. I’m not that important," I shrug.

"We won’t abandon any of our kin," Margaret says firmly.

I smile and joke, "All the better. I'll just vacation in Edward's camp until you come to get me."

"Aren’t you afraid he’ll kill you?" Catherine asks cautiously.

"Well, getting executed isn’t exactly on my bucket list, but my demise wouldn’t be a huge loss to the squad. I mean, I’ve only got a year left to live anyway," I reply with a shrug.

"Please don’t sell yourself short, Elizabeth," Maggie says, shaking her head with a hint of concern.

"I have this wild idea—if our goals line up, I’m fine with being used as a tool. Just make sure you use me wisely," I say, winking. "I might even thank you for it since it helps me find some purpose." I pause and meet her eyes. "Let me be your sword, Maggie," I plead earnestly.

She stays silent for what feels like a small eternity before finally nodding and sighing, "Alright." Turning to Echo, she asks, "Mind if I borrow your pocketknife?"

"What’s it for?" Echo asks, curious, as she hands it over.

Maggie snips a lock of her hair and places it in a small vial, passing it to me.

"What’s this?" I ask, intrigued.

"A token," Maggie explains. "If you go to Edward with just a letter from me, he might suspect you’re trying to deceive him."

"Can't you give him something more... accessory-like? An earring, necklace, bracelet, or ring?" Echo suggests.

"I don't have anything like that!" Maggie pouts. "The guards took all my valuables before tossing me into the wild. Not even sparing my glass slipper!”

Her growl earns a chuckle from us, as we can't help but give her a sympathetic look.

"But can Edward really recognize you from just a lock of hair?" Catherine inquires, glancing skeptically at the vial.

"I can't guarantee it, but there's a good chance," Maggie says with a fond smile. "Edward used to play with my hair all the time when he was little. I think he'll remember."

"Let’s hope your wonder boy recognizes your token," Echo says with a grin. "Otherwise, our dear Elizabeth might find herself in a bit of pickle."