Not All Heroes Are Guiltless

Chapter 75

Chapter 75

Aela’s POV

We rode hard and nonstop until we reached a decent clearing with a small spring for a late lunch. The horses needed some time to recuperate before we journeyed on before we could set up camp. My appetite was still lost with all the concerns within me. I found a silent rock to sit and wait for us to continue on. After Ethan finished preparing lunch, he came and sat down next to me.

“Want to talk about it?” He says after several minutes of quietness.

I turn to look at him, and I try to tell him everything, but my tongue refuses to move. My expression drops in recognition that the spell I was under is still wrapped around me even this far from the capital. I still can’t find a way to break it, and I can’t even tell anyone I’m under one. “I wish I could.”

“Complicated?” He seems genuinely concerned, and it hurts immensely. The spell won’t even let my emotions escape to show my misery. Andrew said if Ethan was my mate, he would be harmed. I hate to think what Andrew endured to gain such a malicious ally. To change him into a creature who would do such terrible preoccupations for his own enjoyment. After I don’t respond, Ethan asks in grumble, “Do you love him?”

“No.” I hiss quickly, and Ethan looks at me, surprised.

He stares me down and shakes his head in disbelief. “Then why? You told me years ago I wasn’t your destined and you would only be interested in your destined. I just didn’t think the asshole was either.”

“He isn’t.” I hiss again and cross my arms and turn away from Ethan. I’m frustrated. I can’t tell him what happened. The spell is still wounded around me so tight it is nearly suffocating me. I’m not sure anymore if it's breaking my connection with my wolf or if the actions Andrew took have damaged it even further. I play with my new amulet lost in my thoughts.

“Silence, you know I had to tell many that you were supporting the rebellion. Many fought because your mother had been an amazing leader, and we hoped you would be the same. The queen is hated by many for some of her ridiculous mandates.” Ethan sighs, but I don’t turn back towards him. “Many are afraid of her. Even a petty crime like stealing bread sends you to the dungeon. Anyone who speaks out against her either disappears or becomes mindless like your mother did.”

“Mindless?” I look up at him.

Ethan stares at me for a long moment, almost like he was contemplating how much to tell me, “Andrew? He’s not in his right mind, is he?”

“I can’t talk about it.” I emphasized the words, and Ethan pursed his lips. I bite my lip and clear my throat, “Tomorrow, can we send your men ahead, and we investigated a lupine ruin?”

Ethan furrows his brow and tips his head to the side, “Crypt Hunting”

“Delmar the cruel was framed for killing a lupine city, Toloda. My mother was investigating it right before she went mad. The location isn’t far-“

Ethan cuts me off, “I know where it is, and like I said, it’s a giant crypt. It was the center of lupine society, and its where they had their gatherings and meetings. Now, evil spirits are all that remains within its walls. But why investigate Toloda for the proof Delmar was framed. Didn’t he train you?”

“Yes, but I didn’t know his name. He said nothing to me about his past. Damnit, the asshole never wanted me to know his name. It took traveling in the spirit world to learn he was adopted by my grandfather. In all the time I traveled with him, everyone called him Dark One, Dark Child, or Shadow. With all the knowledge of that, I can’t shake what his actual attentions were when he warned me about the giants attacking. He told me I needed to escape. Yet, he went to distract Queen Lana and allow them to enter under an invisibility spell. I learned he was the Queen’s son, but even she never used his name. She called him a revengeful bastard.” I say, and I’m excited I’m not hindered by the spell.

Ethan wipes his face with his hands. “How?”

“I’m not really sure. I found my mother’s journal, and she hinted about Delmar and Lana’s relationship being difficult. Lana’s original name was Delana, but when it was learned she didn’t have a wolf, they shortened it to Lana. “Del” is the family name for the black wolf and the name she gave him. But he goes by the name Dungan now. And “Dun” is the name for grey fur wolves. My father was Dunnell.” I say, and Ethan is fixated on me.

“Alright. That’s the fastest and most words I’ve ever heard you speak. But Dungan. King Dungan of Bellar?”

I shrug, “It appears so. She said she wondered if he would ever choose his birthright.”

Ethan goes to speak and then stops. I can see his head turning as he is processing, “I’ve been worried that once King Dungan’s has his territorial disputes controlled, his eye would turn towards the mines in our north. That was always one of their priorities before the Hou Ndours. I really hope this isn’t a precursor to Bellar influence undermining our territory.”

“Right at this moment, I think we are a little bit of a sweet spot for him. He’s the reason the Queen returned and the reason we haven’t had anyone move against us while we are rebuilding.” I say with some comfort.

“That confirms it to me. You and the Queen aren’t seeing the underhand tricks he can play. He must be the reason they are pulling our resources out from under us.” Ethan snips.

I sigh and rest my hands in my lap and play with my riding skirt, “Will you go with me?”

“Yeah. Because you’d go alone if I didn’t go with you. I will always follow you.” Ethan winks at me. “You are my general.”