Chapter 4–THE TRUTH
1048 Words
The Crescent Pack library was one of the few places where the world softened.
The air in the library’s annex was thick and livid with the scent of old paper, ink and like warm coffee which wrapped around me like a familiarity, keeping me grounded from all the ruckus in the pack. I called it a labyrinth of knowledge as it was one of the places “I felt the safest”.
I came to dust the books on the shelf when I heard a voice call out to me from behind.
You always look like you're planning something shady here. You're not funny Jaxon.
He leaned casually against the doorway, arms crossed paths. His expression seemed relaxed, amused, like someone who had never known how it felt to be unwanted.
“Come on Scarlet," he said lightly. I thought we were way past formalities. “Well we're not,” I replied, turning back to the shelf. Still, he continued undeterred. I didn't see you at the bonfire. So I decided to check in here. Thankfully you were not kidnapped by the books. That would even be better than being in the same space as you are.
Jaxon didn't smirk this time, rather he gave off a softer smile. This time he brought a chair, sitting on it.
He gazed sharply at me. Tell me Scarlet this intense scrutiny you give me most times, “Is it out of disgust or does the word flow just flows out of your mouth.”
I paused…And although my voice seemed weak. I replied sharply, it's neither Jaxon. You're not really....my type you know. Am not just attracted to you.
Jaxon grabs a book from one of the shelves and looks at me, I looked at him briefly then continued what I was doing.
He kept on looking at me and smiling. I asked why he was smiling. I don't want to say anything to you Ice Queen before people will think that am corrupting you. He dropped the book on the table laughing loudly.
I felt an unfamiliar warmth after answer Jaxon. I don't like it when I get rattled by words from people; that's why I steer clear from emotional attachments. I liked minding my business and doing things at my own pace. I was fed up by what he said and I began climbing off the ladder. I heard a sharp crack and fell off the ladder. Only to find myself on Jaxon's arm.
He whispered in my ear. “I won't let you fall”. His grippling words sent shivers down my spine.
Our eyes gazed at each other. Jaxon's hand remained on my shoulders, his gentle touch yet firmly placed arm caressed my shoulders. I felt safe… Suddenly I broke off from his grasp as flashing images from my past came in.
And as I walked past him, our shoulders brushed, I felt a light stir in my guts but I didn't want this feeling to go on so I left his arms. My father instructed me never to enter the private archives. But today all I wanted to do was escape Jaxon's gaze. The corridor was lit by only a single torch, flickering against the stone walls. I moved quickly while I got close to the door, I felt an instant pull and this made me more curious on what beautiful stories were hidden through.
The air was stiff and the room reeked of dried herbs and aged papers. This was where the Alpha kept personal records, things not meant for the pack council or public knowledge. My parents' handwriting was everywhere.
I moved slowly, admiring how the books were placed until a loose plank near the back wall caught my attention. It was slightly raised, as though it was recently handled. My heart began to pound.I knelt and lifted it.
Beneath the lay was a thin leather-bound journal, and a folded letter, with yellow-brown stains. The letter was awkwardly placed, with one corner protruding from between the pages.
My fingers trembled as I unfolded the paper.
The handwriting seemed strange…
My love,
I have sent him away.
He will no longer be a burden to you.
Take care of Scarlet.
She is your responsibility now.
P.S. I named him Mark.
The words blurred.
No, no, no.
The room began to tilt and I couldn't breathe properly. My hands trembling, I reread the letter, once, twice, again hoping the meaning would change if I looked long enough. I have sent him away. I named him Mark.
Different thoughts clouded my brain with a cold realization clawing it's way to my chest.
“Mark”.
The boy who hated me. The boy who almost killed me during the fight. Thankfully I was saved by Jaxon and Liam.
He had always known something I hadn’t. My knees betrayed me, and I sank to the floor clutching the letter to my chest tightly. All those years. All that cruelty. All that pain. Not because I was “wildless”. But because I was chosen over him.
The way Mark watched me during pack gatherings. The way his insults always cut too deep. The hatred that felt really personal. He wasn’t my enemy. He was my brother. The truth settled like ash.
Footsteps echoed suddenly in the hallway. I didn’t have time to hide the letter. The door swung open.
“Scarlet?” Liam shouted in the room.
A soft sound escaped my throat, something between a sob and a laugh. I tried to hold myself together as memories rushed in unbidden. I looked up slowly, still holding the letter. My face all swelled up.
His expression shifted the moment he saw me, with confusion melting into alarm. “What are you doing in here?” he asked, stepping closer. Then he saw the paper. The color drained from his face. "Scarlet…” he began, his voice breaking. I stood unsteadily, holding the letter out between us like a wound. “You knew,” I whispered. It wasn’t a question.
Liam froze. The silence between us screamed louder than any answer. And in that moment, I understood something that changed everything.Some betrayals are born from love. But that does not make them hurt any less.
- Writer
