the last Nightspire

Bonny’s Frustration

*Bonny's POV*

The frustration had been building for weeks. Every time I tried to get through to Aneles, it was like hitting a brick wall. She smiled, she laughed, and she acted like everything was fine, but I knew her better than that. Something was wrong, and she wasn’t telling me.

I needed answers, and if she wasn’t going to give them to me, maybe my father would.

---

The packhouse was quiet when I arrived, the afternoon sun casting long shadows across the wooden floors. My father, Alpha Darius, was in his office, as usual, surrounded by stacks of papers and maps. He barely looked up when I entered, his sharp gray eyes scanning a document.

“Bonny,” he said, his tone distracted. “What brings you here?”

I crossed my arms, standing in the doorway. “I want to talk about Aneles.”

That got his attention. He set the paper down and leaned back in his chair, studying me with a raised brow. “What about her?”

“She’s hiding something,” I said, stepping closer. “And I know you know what it is. You’ve been acting weird around her, too. What aren’t you telling me?”

His expression hardened, and he let out a slow sigh. “Bonny, some things are not yours to know. If Aneles wants to share her past with you, she will. Until then, you need to respect her privacy.”

I stared at him, disbelief and anger bubbling up inside me. “That’s it? That’s all you’re going to say?”

“That’s all I *can* say,” he replied firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument.

“Unbelievable,” I muttered, shaking my head. “She’s supposed to be my best friend, and she won’t tell me anything. And now you’re keeping secrets, too?”

“Bonny,” he started, but I didn’t let him finish.

“Forget it,” I said sharply, turning on my heel. “I’ll figure it out myself.”

I stormed out of the office, my frustration boiling over. I couldn’t stay in the packhouse, not with my father’s cryptic answers ringing in my ears. I needed to get out, to clear my head.

---

Draven was waiting for me at the edge of the forest, leaning casually against a tree. He grinned when he saw me, but his smile faltered as I approached.

“Rough day?” he asked, his golden eyes filled with concern.

“You have no idea,” I muttered, running a hand through my hair. “I need to blow off some steam. Can we go to the Stormgale territory? I don’t want to be here right now.”

Draven’s grin returned, and he held out a hand. “I know just the place.”

---

The Stormgale ice stadium was breathtaking. The massive, open-air rink sparkled under the twilight sky, the ice glistening like a field of diamonds. A few wolves from the Stormgale clan skated gracefully across the rink, their laughter echoing in the crisp air.

Draven laced up his skates and joined me on the ice, his movements fluid and effortless. I, on the other hand, wobbled awkwardly, gripping his arm for balance.

“You’re doing great,” he teased, earning a glare from me.

“Shut up,” I muttered, but I couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at my lips.

We skated in silence for a while before I finally spoke. “I don’t know what to do, Draven. Aneles is keeping something from me, and my dad knows what it is, but he won’t tell me either. It’s like everyone’s in on some big secret except me.”

Draven’s expression softened as he slowed his pace, guiding me to a quieter corner of the rink. “Maybe she’s just not ready to talk about it. People carry all kinds of stuff they’re not ready to share. You’ve just got to be patient.”

“Patient?” I repeated, frustration flaring again. “I’ve been patient. But it feels like she doesn’t trust me. I’m supposed to be her best friend, Draven. How can she keep something like this from me?”

Before Draven could answer, another voice cut in.

“Talking about Aneles, are we?”

I turned to see Elias skating toward us, his dark blue hair falling loosely over his shoulders. His piercing silver eyes sparkled with curiosity, and there was a hint of a smirk on his lips.

“What’s it to you?” I asked, narrowing my eyes.

“Just curious,” Elias said smoothly, coming to a stop beside us. “She’s an intriguing one, isn’t she?”

Draven rolled his eyes. “Don’t start, Elias.”

Elias ignored his brother, turning his full attention to me. “So, what’s she like? Quiet? Mysterious? Or is she one of those fierce, independent types?”

“Why do you care?” I asked, crossing my arms.

Elias chuckled. “Just making conversation. You can learn a lot about someone from how their friends talk about them.”

I glared at him, but he didn’t seem fazed. Instead, he skated a slow circle around us, his silver eyes gleaming with mischief. “She’s interesting, that’s all. Not many people catch my attention, but she… well, let’s just say she stands out.”

Draven groaned. “Elias, seriously, back off.”

Elias smirked, raising his hands in mock surrender. “Alright, alright. I’ll leave you two alone. For now.” With that, he skated off, leaving me more annoyed than before.

“Is he always like that?” I asked, turning to Draven.

“Pretty much,” he said with a shrug. “But don’t let him get to you. He’s harmless. Mostly.”

I sighed, rubbing my temples. “Great. Just what I needed.”

Draven placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. “Hey, forget about him. Let’s just skate and enjoy the night, alright? You came here to relax, not to stress more.”

I nodded, taking a deep breath. He was right. For now, I needed to let it go. The truth about Aneles would come out eventually. I just had to be patient—even if it killed me.