Chapter 117: Geo’s past.
Elias waited until they climbed into bed and he was not reeking of blood anymore to bring up Numia. He would have preferred to take care of ’paper work’, but some things needed to be put on the table sooner rather than later.
"By the way," he said slowly, pulling her closer to his body with his tail, "I put your aunt Numia under house arrest. That is why you have not seen her for a while. I know you were looking forward to her matchmaking attempts."
Sienna yawned. Loudly. "I am too busy to think of her. You mad the right decision. Besides. if my relatives are not complaining, then I have nothing to complain about as well." She pushed away the tip of his tail that brushed past her neck. "I am trying to sleep Elias, save the funny business for another day."
His lips curved into a sly smile. "I will take that as a promise."
Sienna wondered what promise he was talking about that. She wanted to ask, but when she opened her mouth, it was to yawn.
"The eagle was wrong, I do appreciate everything you have done during this summit." He said, softly.
"Hmmm." She replied. With a tiny sigh and one last yawn, she squeezed her eyes closed. It didn’t take long for her drift off.
And it didn’t take long for Elias to throw his leg over her, and pull her into a deeper embrace, his tails smothered her, as if he was trying to hide her from the heavens.
While the couple slept, the wolf lord showed up to the path leading to the gates of their home. A second later, from the shadows of that same path, Geo stepped out. He faced his father, a beast lord he had not seen in so many years. His figure was still towering, his beard was still thick, and his eyes, still dangerously sharp as blades. Despite not seeing or talking to each other for years, Geo had known that the man would come looking for him because he knew where he was.
"So this is where my son hides." His father’s voice cut through the night, heavy with authority. "My own son, living in hiding and reduced to a servant on land that once belonged to our ancestors. If you were that determined to live here, why not purchase the property and just live here with your head held high. I know you can afford it."
Geo straightened, his hands tightening on a wooden post that had a crab warning meant for outsiders. "I am hiding, Father. I am living. I did try to buy this place, but the fox lord was worried that it would strain relations with the mer tribe as it is close to the sea. So, I decided to stay on and care for the land."
His father’s lip curled, a growl rumbling in his chest. "Living? You call this living? You were born heir to the Wolf tribe. You carry our blood, our honor. And yet you mend roofs and plant herbs and flowers like a common hand. Do you not feel any shame?"
Geo’s eyes flashed, but his voice remained calm. "Shame? I felt shame the day I left home. The day the tribe turned its back on me after the fire. You remember, don’t you? The accident that killed my sister. Everyone whispered that it was my fault. You did not defend me. You let me drown in scorn."
His father’s claws flexed, digging at the air. "You ran away before I even had a chance to defend you! A wolf doesn’t flee. You abandoned your kin, your duty. That was your shame."
Geo’s chest rose and fell, his breath sharp. "I ran because I couldn’t breathe under everyone’s judgement. I was only fourteen!! The fire was an accident, one minute we were preparing to roast a deer and the next, Dina was dead. I blame myself because I stepped out of the kitchen to meet my friends for a moment, leaving her in there for ten minutes. I have no idea what happened in those ten minutes.
Despite me being as confused as everyone else, I was looked at like a monster. People thought I killed her. How many of my brothers slapped or punched me...I don’t remember. All I know is that I could not breathe under your judgement and hatred. I ran because home was no longer home. And now, I have found peace here. The soil listens, it doesn’t judge. The horses look at me with trust.
Lady Sienna relies on me for protection and advise. She doesn’t have her guard up when her children play with me. The fox lord asked me if I would consider joining his vanguard a week ago. I am happy here."
His father stepped closer. looming, his shadow swallowing his son. "You have found peace? You mistake cowardice for peace. You mistake servitude for freedom and acceptance. Do you not see how demeaning this is? My son, the future heir of the Wolf tribe, bowing to another, living like a servant. I know the fire wasn’t your fault, everyone knows this now. Return with me. Take your rightful place."
Geo’s jaw tightened. "Rightful place? My rightful place is where I choose to stand. Besides, hasn’t my elder brother Zeke stepped in already. I am sure he would have something to say about my return. Just name him your heir already, so that everyone can breathe easier. I will never return to a place that reeks of hypocrisy. I will not sit at a table where my name is cursed." And he could never go home because Dina’s ghost would be waiting for him. Those ten minutes would haunt him forever.
His father’s voice rose, thunderous. "Ungrateful bastard. Do you think you can sever blood? Do you think you can erase your roots? You are mine, Geo. My son. You will obey!"
Geo’s eyes burned with defiance. "I am your son by blood, but not by chains. You cannot command my spirit. I have lived years without your approval, and I will live many more. If you cannot accept me as I am, then leave."
The silence that followed was heavy, broken only by the rustle of the sand. His father’s chest heaved, his pride wounded deeper than any blade. He had come to reclaim his son, and found rebellion.
Geo bowed once, and took his leave. He did not look back.
His father’s voice broke into a howl--a long, mournful, sound that echoed through the night. It was not the howl of command, nor of rage, but of grief.