RED ( Twisted Forbidden Tales) Book Two

Surprise

Ria

I didn’t have to hold his hand, but being near Walden comforted me and my wolf somehow. We both knew what that tether worm meant. Bo and her dad, Dillon, had filled me in on what had happened to the Night Wolves during their disappearance.

Was Walden really one of the lost heirs of the Sapience kingdom? If he was still alive, then what about the rest of his family?

I had lots of questions, but I had a hunch that memory would solve a lot of missing pieces. Now that the worm has been removed, the memory or memories should return.

Finally, we reached the wooden doors to the meeting hall. I could even hear the many voices of our allies and the people here who wanted change for the better for Dark Woods. This meant an uprising against the Red Family, my family that I severed ties with a long time ago.

Taking a deep breath, my nerves slowly subsided. I looked back at Walden, who had a look of extreme curiosity on his face. I reluctantly let go of his hand, and pushed the double doors open, nodding for him to follow me in. Many of the Night Wolves were here, along with a few Fairy, Witches, Spheres, and other creatures. Walden looked around in awe and I couldn’t help but smile.

I bet he had never seen such harmony among different species before. Bo and Dillon were up ahead talking with a group of people. Walden followed closely behind. Before I could administer proper greetings…..

“Figures, you guys got the map too, huh,” Walden said as he greeted the five men and three women before us respectfully.

Everyone knew of The Seven. The five brothers that were here were also ambassadors now. What did this mean Walden was an ambassador too? My question was answered shortly after. Walden clasped her forearms with Danny, who many knew around here as Doc.

He was also my mentor and inspired me to discover the height of my healing abilities within the medical field. A kingdom ambassador suited him well, he could adapt to many of the changes here in the Dark Woods with ease.

The area in which the Mist had presented itself was his territory. Doc Harbor was indeed the perfect setting to hold this very important meeting. A gold crown symbol magically appeared on Walden’s forearm, as I looked around at the others. They too had a similar marking on their forearms. A sign of Queen Talia’s rule and her protection.

This Queen Talia was looking more and more interesting in my eyes. I bet we’d get along swimmingly if we ever met in person one day. Since our paths were on different roads for now, I’d bide my time until that day came. Walden continued to converse with his fellow ambassadors while my thoughts began to wander.

Bo’s tap on my shoulder caught my attention. I couldn’t help feeling something was up with her tonight. Even though her dad and she had filled me in on what was going on and what might be coming. Bo’s agitation was obvious, especially when Walden appeared in the hall. What was she hiding from me? I had a feeling that tonight would be full of surprises.

“ What’s the matter, Bo?” I asked outright.

“Can we talk after the meeting? I need to tell you something in private,” she said, specifically the word private.

Nodding my head in agreement. Together we headed to our seats in the front row, in clear view of the stage. The king’s second in command, Bo’s father, Dillon, his wife Audrey, and the kingdom's ambassadors, had now taken their seats set up on the stage. The now lively meeting hall was now a harmonious calm, as everyone awaited the news that Dillon had to present. Dillon stood and walked toward the podium.

“Welcome, my dear family and fellow comrades, it feels so good to finally have returned. Though many of you would like to spend this time reminiscing, I’m afraid we cannot enjoy that luxury just yet. What I am about to tell you and the choice you make after knowing will determine the next move the Night Wolves and I will make to set right the injustice to the Sapience Kingdom.”

Dillon continues to disclose the events of the Night Wolves as well as other creatures, undergoing their disappearance in Queen Christine’s tyrannic hold. My eyes couldn’t help wandering to Walden. His hands were balled into fists, and his face was flushed with anger. What would he choose to do going forward? With everyone now knowing who he was, would they join forces or make things harder for him?

Walden had lived and was raised by the person who caused so many of the people here so much pain and heartache. I felt conflicted but also worried about him because of that. The memory was real, but that woman had taken great lengths to hide it. Dillon and the Night Wolves were on the hunt for the male accomplice who assisted her. The trail had led here within the Dark Woods. He was still a threat even now after Christine had perished.