Asrai

Chapter14: Responsibilities

“You’re back for a reason, River. Whether you know it yet or not.”

After Ms. Cook returned to her simmering pot, I lingered in the kitchen, the warmth of the hearth fading as a chill crept in from the hall.

The house did feel… different.

After sharing stories of my adventures in Seattle—my classes, my best friends, the chaos and charm of city life— After I lightly mentioned to Ms. Cook that I planned to take a walk in the forest, down to the river.

She immediately echoed Vince’s warnings, her tone laced with concern. She even tried to beg me to stay indoors, insisting someone should go with me. I resisted at first, stubborn as ever. But then she softened, reminding me how long it had been since she’d seen me, how she used to wait by the kitchen window for me to come home from school and tell her all about my day.

That broke me.

So instead of wandering into the woods, we spent the afternoon baking cookies and preparing a grand dinner for the family. As I kneaded bread and sautéed vegetables, the icy edges of being back began to melt. I let myself focus on the good—the warmth of shared meals, the laughter that once filled these halls—instead of the bruises, the bullying, the torment, or the perilous journey that had finally brought me home.

Ms. Cook filled me in on all the town gossip and whispered mysteries, her stories weaving comfort into the air.

For a moment, I felt peace.

That is until Vianna walked in.

My wretched cousin. Smiling like she owned the place.

Vianna stepped into the kitchen like she owned it, her heels clicking against the tile with theatrical precision. Vianna stepped into the room with the kind of poise that turned heads without trying. Standing at 5’10, She was polished and chic, every detail of her outfit curated with effortless precision. Her burgundy sweater hugged her frame just enough to suggest elegance over comfort, paired with stylish blue jeans that looked more runway than casual. Burgundy heels clicked softly against the floor, matching her top and adding a touch of drama to her stride.

With light icy grey eyes, her skin was a warm, light brown —glowing under the soft kitchen light—and her hair was a cascade of natural curls, rich brown threaded with golden highlights that caught the light like sunlit honey. The blend gave her an almost ethereal edge, like she’d stepped out of a fashion editorial but still carried the sharpness of someone who knew exactly where she stood.

Vianna didn’t just enter a room—she aimed to claim it.

“Well, look who finally crawled back,” she said, voice sweet and venom-laced.

I didn’t respond. Just kept kneading the dough, letting the rhythm of it ground me.

Ms. Cook stiffened beside me, but said nothing.

Vianna leaned against the counter, inspecting her nails. “Seattle must’ve been… enlightening. I heard you went off and got one of those fancy papers that says you are important. ”

I pressed my thumb into the dough a little harder than necessary, but kept my voice even. “It’s called a degree, Vianna. People get them when they want better options.”

She smirked, eyes flicking up from her nails. “ Better Options. Right. And now you’ve chosen to come back here, of all places. Smart move.”

Ms. Cook shot her a warning glance, but Vianna ignored it.

“I came back because I was asked to,” I said, drying my hands on a towel. “Not that I expect you to know what that kind of responsibility feels like.”

Vianna tilted her head, her curls bouncing with a calculated grace. “Oh, I know exactly what it feels like. I just prefer to be where I’m actually useful.”

Her words landed like a slap, but I didn’t flinch. I stepped closer, meeting her gaze.

“Useful?” I echoed, my voice calm but edged. “You mean admired. You’ve always mistaken attention for purpose.”

Vianna’s smile faltered, just for a breath. “And you’ve always confused suffering with significance.”

Ms. Cook let out a quiet sigh, her spoon pausing mid-stir. “Girls…”

But neither of us moved.

“I didn’t come back to be liked or wanted,” I said, my gaze locked on hers. “I came back because it was my responsibility.’

She glanced down at her burgundy heels, then back up, eyes sharp. “And yet, lets see you chose to be responsible for a town who chewed you up and spit you out? Don’t romanticize it just because you’re back.” ‘You talk about responsibility , but YOU left . Putting us all at risk . You know nothing of responsibility sounds selfish to me you-

Ms. Cook, who’d been quietly stirring the stew, finally spoke. “Girls, enough. The house hears everything, and it remembers.”

Vianna rolled her eyes but stepped back, her posture still defiant. “Just don’t expect a parade, River. Not everyone’s thrilled you’re home, as if they actually enjoyed you here in the first place.”

She held my stare for a beat too long, then gave a slow, mocking smile. “We’ll see how long you last this time.”

She turned and walked out, curls bouncing, heels clicking like punctuation marks.

I exhaled slowly, the tension still clinging to my skin. Ms. Cook placed a gentle hand on my shoulder.

“She’s always been fire,” she said softly.

I exhaled, the dough now forgotten. The forest, the veil, the whispers—none of it felt as dangerous as the games Vianna played. What really ached the worst was after all she was right. Not only was I not on everyone list of importnace. I did leave. She had been here, staking her claim as a leader in the pack. After all since my mom or I didn't awaken. The next leaders of the pack were definitely a no brainer. My Aunt Angelina will get the vote. Or Vince will go higher in ranks. I'm sure Vianna will try to get into the voting for the next Alpha. In all, her very words can bring down a cascade of problems, with me and the pack. I didn't want to deal with.

After that heated exchange, I left Ms. Cook in the kitchen and headed upstairs to prepare for the evening. Tonight’s dinner was formal—Everyone would be there: the Alpha, my mother, Aunt Alexandria, Uncle Austin, my cousins, and some members of the inner fae alliance . Even a few high-ranking guests from the pack were expected. Oh goody.