Fate betrayal

CHAPTER 29

Chapter 29: Shadows and Whispers

Aria's POV

There was a tension in the air of the estate that seemed to increase every day. Like snakes, whispers of secrets, cautions, and treachery appeared to slither down the corridors, never quite reaching their destination.

After supper, I strolled around the silent hallways in the hopes of gaining some insight from the silence. My muscles hurt from exercising with Killian's soldiers, and my mind was racing with unanswered questions regarding Veyron, the rogues, and the real reason for my death.

However, I heard voices coming from a partially open door as I rounded a bend close to the east wing.

—Eva, you must stop digging. This poses a risk.

It was a familiar voice, low and anxious. Darius.

My pulse accelerated as I froze in place.

Eva said, "I can't," in a stern but terrified tone. "I have a right to know whether you're concealing anything that could endanger the pack."

Something you're hiding? As I pushed myself against the wall and approached the door, my heart was pounding. Long shadows were created on the floor by the dim moonlight coming in through the window, but I remained buried and breathed shallowly.

"Do you believe this has to do with the pack?" Darius gave a hiss. "This surpasses all of us."

"Then be honest with me!" Eva's trembling voice conveyed her concern and fury. "If I could just—"

"You can't!" Darius yelled. Like an impending storm, his rage splintered through the atmosphere. "You believe that I am unaware of my actions? What have I done?

There was a thick quiet, and I strained to hear everything that was said.

Eva's tone became softer, almost begging. "It will destroy you, Darius, if you don't tell anyone—Killian, Aria, or me."

His chuckle was hollow and sad. "It has already."

---

It was only when the door creaked that I realized I was holding my breath. I quickly ducked behind a nearby column and pressed myself into the darkness. With her lips squeezed into a tight line and her cheeks pallid, Eva ran out of the room. She vanished down the corridor without seeing me.

I contemplated for a second whether to confront Darius or follow her, but my curiosity pulled me in the direction of the chamber. I could still see Darius sitting in a chair with his head in his hands through the little opening in the door.

My stomach turned over. This was different from the weight Darius had always carried, which seemed to crush him. He was being tormented by whatever he was concealing.

Before he could answer, I stepped inside and knocked gently. "Darius?"

His eyes widened momentarily as he glanced up, then he covered his face. "Aria. Why are you here?

Despite the tension in the room, I added, "I could ask you the same thing," in a joking tone. "Eva seemed distressed. Is everything okay?

His actions were defensive and rigid as he got up suddenly. "You shouldn't be concerned about it."

"Nothin'?" I looked into his eyes while crossing my arms. "Because Eva seemed to be asking you a significant question." You're concealing something.

He turned away and paced to the window as his jaw tensed. "Ariana, you shouldn't listen in."

"Perhaps not," I said, taking a step forward. "However, I've discovered that secrets can find me whether I want them to or not."

He remained silent, staring out at the starry trees.

I said, "Please, Darius." "If this is related to the rogues, Veyron, or—"

"It doesn't," he cut in, his tone piercing. Aria, this is my burden. Not yours.

"Perhaps it's not mine," I murmured, my anger erupting. But it's everyone's if it impacts the pack. include my.

Then he turned, rage, pain, remorse, or something else I couldn't quite put my finger on burning in his eyes. "You're not getting it. You are incapable of comprehending.

"Then make sense to me!" My voice reverberated around the room as I snapped. You can't handle this alone, no matter what it is. You are not required to.

I briefly believed that he may finally break down the barriers he had put up around himself. However, his countenance hardened as he shook his head.

His voice was icy and decisive as he replied, "Go to bed, Aria."

---

After that experience, sleep was impossible. I rolled about, rehashing in my head what Darius had spoken and Eva's cries for help. What did he conceal? Why was it so risky, too?

I completely gave up on sleep as morning drew near and made the decision to go for a stroll outdoors to decompress. As I strolled around the gardens, I let the refreshing morning air to wash over me.

I noticed her at that point.

Eva was standing close to the forest's edge, her arms around her body as if to protect herself from the cold. At first, she was too preoccupied with her own thoughts to notice me.

I called quietly so as not to wake her, "Eva."

Her eyes widened for a moment before she attempted a grin as she turned. "Aria. How come you're out here?

I gave her a little knowing grin and replied, "I could ask you the same thing."

She looked back to the jungle and paused. "I just needed a little air."

"Eva," I whispered softly as I moved in closer. "I overheard a portion of your talk with Darius last night. I am aware that something is happening.

She shook her head and her face clenched. "You ought not to have—"

I put a hand on her arm and interrupted, saying, "Please." "I'd want to assist. But if I don't know what's going on, I can't.

With her defenses firmly in place, she briefly gave the impression that she may shove me away. But then she drew a weak breath and her shoulders slumped.

She muttered, "It's not my truth to tell."

"So, whose is it?"

She paused, her eyes straying back to the jungle. "Darius..." She bit her lip and drifted off.

"How about him?" I pushed.

As if collecting her confidence, Eva closed her eyes. "He's keeping something from you. concerning Veyron. about your passing. Regarding...everything.

My thoughts raced, and my breath caught. "What do you mean?"

She stepped back and murmured, "I can't say more." However, Aria, you must use caution. Darius may not be who you believe him to be.

She turned and vanished into the trees before I could reply, leaving me with a nagging sensation of discomfort and a thousand unanswered concerns.

The wind was carrying the subtle smell of blood and ash as I stood there, alerting me to the impending storm.

I was certain that the truth would eventually surface, regardless of what Darius was concealing. Nothing would ever be the same once it happened.