Chapter 92: The Secret Revealed!
A few hours later, Cael had eaten and everything seemed to have returned to normal.
Even though Neve was still a bit sad that Ryker had lost his chieftaincy, he was genuinely happy that Cael was back on his feet. The leopard had been commenting on the meal he ate, saying it tasted even better than the soup. He had been energetic and full of life since the dragon talon powder had healed his wound.
Cael had almost wanted to head back out to gather the beastmen so they could continue working on the village defenses. But Neve had threatened him, telling him to sit and rest for at least one more day. After everything that had happened, Cael deserved a break.
The cave felt full now. All of his present mates and mates-to-be were around. All of them except Aldric, who was still outside somewhere in the village. Ryker was there. Cael was there. Kelly was there. Sorin was there. Popi was there. Gideon was there. Even Sif was still present.
Neve suddenly rubbed his palms together nervously.
He wanted to tell them his secret. He wanted so badly to share the truth about where he came from and what he really was. He wanted to explain about the system and the missions and everything that made him different from the other beastmen.
But he could not do it yet.
Sif was still present. And more importantly, Bella was still kneeling in the snow outside. If Neve was going to share something this significant, he wanted an intimate setting with only his mates around. He wanted privacy. He wanted safety.
Neve wanted Bella gone quickly so he could use this opportunity to increase his bonding with his mates. The quicker he dealt with Bella, the faster he could work on his missions. The faster he could level up. The faster he could get his rewards.
He stood up and walked toward the entrance where Bella was still kneeling.
She was covered in snow now. Completely covered. Her hair was white with frost. Her body was trembling violently from the cold. Her lips were blue. Her eyes were barely open.
Six hours in the snow was taking its toll.
"P...please," she stuttered, looking up at Neve with desperate eyes.
"You may go, Bella," Neve said, his voice calm and firm. "I would have invited you in to keep yourself warm, but you’re not my friend. And I doubt this little punishment has even taught you any lesson."
Bella glared at him even as she shook from the cold. The anger in her eyes was clear despite her suffering.
’I knew it,’ Neve thought to himself. ’She would still return to her old ways. But don’t worry, I’m going to deal with you and make sure your plans never work.’
He watched as Bella managed to stand on her feet with great difficulty. She dragged herself down toward the village, her movements slow and painful. The snow clung to her body with every step.
As soon as she was gone, Neve turned back to Sif.
"Can you get your brother here?" he asked.
"I will," she said immediately, standing up. "Even if I have to drag him."
She walked toward the entrance with determination.
Neve tilted his head and asked her, "You know, there are kids your age at the village. Why aren’t you hanging around with them?"
Sif stopped and looked back at him.
"Neve treats me better," she said simply, folding her hands in front of her chest. "And besides, all the kids know is how to play with sad expressions and cry all day."
Neve wanted to laugh at how bluntly she had put it. It was obvious that Sif was far more mature for her age than most children. She did not have time for childish games when there was real life happening around her.
He just smiled and reached over to ruffle her hair gently.
"Just get your brother here and stay at the cave," he said.
"Yes," she said and left.
.
.
Neve entered the cave and immediately all eyes were on him.
The sudden attention made him feel slightly self-conscious but he pushed through it.
"You’re calling the bear," Cael asked, not as a question but as a statement of fact.
"Is there something going on?" Ryker asked, his protective instincts immediately activating.
Kelly raised his hand from where he was sitting.
"Neve, you should know I’m next in line for the bonding," he said with a slightly possessive tone. "Whatever this is, if it’s not appropriate for me to hear, I can leave."
"Ha," Neve exhaled, shaking his head slightly. "I just have something important to share with all of you."
They all exchanged looks with each other, clearly confused by the sudden seriousness of his tone. But beneath the confusion was worry. They were hoping it was not bad news. Hoping he was not going to tell them something devastating.
Popi moved closer to Neve protectively.
Sorin’s expression became more alert.
Gideon was observing Neve carefully, his physician’s eye already checking for signs of illness or injury.
Then Aldric’s shadow covered the low light coming from outside.
The bear had arrived, his large frame blocking the cave entrance. He looked confused about why he had been summoned, but he entered the cave anyway and stood quietly to the side.
Neve saw him and felt something shift inside his chest.
This was it. This was the only chance he would have to tell them the truth. If this moment passed, if he let it go without speaking, he knew he might never tell them. He would keep the secret locked inside forever.
"Since all of you are here, I’m going to tell you at once," Neve said, his voice steady but carrying an edge of vulnerability. "Promise me you won’t get shocked or scared. Promise me you won’t send me out of the village."
Cael stepped forward immediately, his protective instinct overriding everything else.
"No one will send you, not even my brother," Cael said firmly. "Tell us, Neve. Whatever it is, we’ll handle it together."
Neve took a deep breath.
He looked at each of them. At Cael who had bonded with him first. At Ryker who had given up his chieftaincy for him. At Kelly who was waiting patiently for his turn. At Sorin who had saved his life. At Popi who had joined the tribe for him. At Gideon who had helped everyone. At Aldric who was shy but loyal.
This was his family now. These were his mates and his future mates. These were the people he was building his tribe with.
"I..." Neve started, his hands shaking slightly. "I’m not from this world."
They all went very quiet.
"I’m from a world that’s beyond the... beyond this world."