Chapter 2 – SHADOW OF PAST
1086 Words
Still silence was filled in the alley only by the sound of retreating footsteps breaking only the silence of the quiet footsteps.
Rieka churned the cigarette down a boot and dipped it under her head. Her eyes drifted to Ralph whose face set in a hard line as he watched the darkness where the panther shifters had disappeared.
Ralph muttered lightly with a low and rough voice.
“They’re going to be bolder,” Ralph said.
Rieka leaned on the wall standing up to the wall with her arms crossed over her chest.
“What are they doing? Panthers usually stick to their own territories.”
He was smiling back, and his face touched her.
“And I don’t think they’ll stop until they finally get it”.
A shiver ran down Rieka’s spine, but she masked it with a forced smirk.
“Lucky for me, I have a good alpha.”
Ralph stared at her in the cheeks before smiling the same small smile - but it wouldn't reach his eyes. His tone softened slightly and he stepped closer.
“Rieka, we need to talk.”
She arched an eyebrow, curious.
“About?”
Ralph sighed as if he could not concentrate his thoughts. When he finally spoke after a long pause his voice was laced with an edge of vulnerability she wasn’t used to hearing from him.
“My parents were murdered.”
Rieka’s breath hitched.
“Ralph ... I’m so sorry.”
Ralph nodded in agreement, swallowing loudly before proceeding.
“It was years ago. When I was young, I remember the thing as it was yesterday. They were strong, fierce leaders. They didn’t just die—they were murdered.”
Rieka reached out and placed a comforting hand on him. “Do you know who did it?”
Ralph whispered in a tight voice.
“I’ve spent every time I’ve slept trying to find out. The pack says they’re talking about another wolf, but I don’t believe it. There’s something more... something darker.”
Rieka's eyes darkened and filled with a determination that sent it chilling through Rieka. Ralph toId her
“’ve made it my mission to find who murdered my parents and make them pay.”
Rieka’s heart ached at the weight of his words. She could feel the raw pain behind the relentless need for justice that drove him so long.
“I can’t imagine what you’ve been through,” said Rieka softly. But you are not alone, Ralph . You have people who care about you, people who will stand by you.”
Ralph said a slightly bitter laugh.
“I appreciate that, Rieka. But much of the pack now sees me as just the alpha. They expect me to lead, to be strong. They don’t see the broken parts.”
Reika's gaze softened.
“I see them. And I know what it is like to feel broken.”
Ralph tilted his head before curiosity flickered across his eyes.
“What do you mean?”
Rieka shrugged and seine jumped away from the moment they were spoken in her throat. She had never talked about her or anyone else fully or fully. But there was something in Ralph ’s presence that made Ralph feel safe enough to share this information with Rieka.
She admits to being rejected by her mate:
“I was rejected by my mates, and I was never liked and there are so many who don't believe I will. And my own mother rejected me.”
Ralph ’s eyes widened, re-focusing his expression in shock and empathy.
“Why?, I don't understand you”
Rieka said. “Because I can’t transform, I was supposed to transform to Lucan. I was supposed to be such a lunatic like them, but it never happened. They saw me as a failure, a disappointment. So they cast me out.”
Ralph reached out and gently took her hand.
“Rieka... I had no idea.”
She shook her head and looked over her eyes. It was a sad smile tugging at her lips.
“Why would you? So much time has been wasted trying to hide my truth, trying to act like I’m fine. But I’m not. It hurts, Ralph . It hurts every single day.”
Ralph squeezed her hand tightly. His eyes smiled with understanding.
“You’re not a failure, Rieka. You’re stronger than most people I know. And their rejection doesn’t define you.
Rieka felt tears prick in her corners of her eyes, but she blinked them away.
“It’s just... hard to believe that sometimes.”
Ralph said softly, his voice firm yet gentle
“I know. But you have a place here with us. With me.”
They stood in silence for a moment as one watched with a heavy sense of pain and understanding. It was a rare moment of vulnerability to which neither of them had allowed themselves too long ago.
Just as Rieka was about to speak a loud noise from the alleyway made them both tense. Ralph turned his face and thought his posture was defensive.
“Stay behind me,” he whispered.
Rieka watched Ralph the angel gaze into his shoulder with a resolute curiosity. A shadow moved towards the end of the alley. The figure gazed into the dim light and Rieka’s breath caught in her throat.
It was a panther shifter but not one of the men from before. This one was bigger, and more imposing, his eyes shining with dangerous intelligence.
The panther said, his voice a low growl.
“You messed up on things you don’t understand, you should quit now or face the consequences.”
Ralph took a big step forward, his leadership unwavering. “We’re not going anywhere. Whatever you are planning, it ends here.”
The panther chuckled darkly.
“Do you think you can stop her? You don’t even know what you’re up against."
Rieka froze through all her bones as the panther’s words fluttered across the air. He spoke about something that suggested a threat much greater than they had anticipated. She said to herself, her voice strained with fear
“Ralph , We need to be careful.”
Ralph nodded, his eyes never leaving the panther.
“I know.”
The panther looked closer and set his gaze on Rieka.
“You should have stayed out of this little warlock.
Now, it’s too late.”
Before Rieka could react the dragon dived and the alley erupted into chaos.
- Writer
