Page 100 of Dream in Darkness
“We should come clean about the engagement,” I say, trying to be diplomatic. “I think it would help me garner trust in the lupion community.”
“I totally agree,” she says, her smile fading. “And I think fostering transparency between me and the felion will be good, too.”
“Then it’s settled. We’ll come clean about it in the following days. Let me just tell my pack first,” I plead, and she nods.
“Of course.”
I lean in and kiss her cheek. I don’t know what’s going on in that pretty head of hers. She might be afraid of the change, having gotten used to constantly being by my side, or maybe there’s a part of her that genuinely likes me, but I can’t cling to that. I can’t let my selfish wants and desires get in the way of her greatness.
Movement No. 37
Tempest
Yasmeena and I revealed the truth. In an exclusive tell-all interview with a reporter from Haeresis Times, we confessed how our engagement was a ruse to help foster community between our two species. We also shared details of my father’s downfall, in hopes the transparency will lead to new trust in Pack Escalus.
I want the people to trust inme.
It’s been a few weeks since we signed the treaty. I moved out of my little tent in camp and back into the den, where I was welcomed with the most joy and excitement I’ve ever seen.
The pack had always felt a little clinical, and I internalized that. I told myself things felt off because I was being left out, unwanted. I never realized the bad apple spoiling the whole bunch was our Alpha himself. It’s fucked up, but I’m relieved he’s dead and gone. Pack Escalus deserves better than what he was willing to provide and determined to pursue.
I’ve spent the last week ironing out the details of how my pack will follow and honor the treaty, and now it’s time to celebrate.
Pack Escalus was invited to a celebratory gala in honor of the peace treaty, and as Stephano and I head through the familiar large metal gates, my heart beats a nervous rhythm.
I love my people and I can feel in my bones that I made the right decision going home, but I miss the carnies. The long talks with Taryn by the river, the joy that radiates off of Raph every time he walks in a room. I miss Absinthe’s energy, and Nico’s hugs.
But mostly, I miss Yasmeena. I crave the way our bodies fit so perfectly together, and the rich jasmine scent of her perfume.
As Stephano and I walk toward the main tent, my body itches, giddy with anticipation.
Nico stands in the entryway, next to Una and Po, and greets us with a grin. He’s dressed in puffy denim shorts with black and white striped socks and a matching denim hat, and it’s the cutest thing I’ve ever seen.
“Aunt Tempest!” he screams once he spots me, and comes running at full speed. He nearly knocks me to the ground, but I pick him up, spinning and giving him a tight squeeze.
“I missed you,” I say, and he kisses my cheek.
“I missed you more. Also sorry, am I supposed to call you Alpha now?” he asks.
I shake my head, a giggle bursting from my lips. “No, bubs. You don’t ever need to call me that. I’ll always be your aunt.”
Placing him down, Nico escorts Stephano and me inside.
Nothing could have prepared me for the way they decorated the big top. It’s completely different than I’ve ever seen it. The tent’s ceiling still soars overhead, but there are chandeliers hung from the rafters, dripping with sparkling crystals and colorful pearls. The walls are covered in a deep red brocade silk, and I wish I could say the color didn’t remind me of my father’s heart as it beat in my hand, but it does.
We reach our table, where a few other members of Pack Escalus are already seated, and I look around. There are a few tables with members of Pack Forres, and two more with Pack Caliban. Another table boasts Claudia, Kayoda, and some of the felion, while another is full of carnies—but I don’t see Yasmeena or Taryn.
Turning around to look behind us, I finally spot the rest, including Taryn’s tank. The Devil’s Masquerade are all there, talking and eating hors d'oeuvres, and it feels like I hallucinated everything. The engagement, the battle, none of it feels real anymore.
From this distance, they all look like strangers.
“You should go say hello,” Stephano says, gesturing.
I nod, swallowing my pride, and cross towards their table.
Taryn is the first to notice me. “Tempest! You wore my dress,” she says, excitement blooming with every word.
I received a mysterious package a few days ago, and to my surprise, when I opened it, there was a long, teal jacquard gown that Taryn had woven for me inside. I decided to wear it tonight, and seeing her reaction, I’m so glad I did.
