Chapter 156: Guilt and Pain
Once Eli left Riven’s estate, he let out a deep, heavy sigh that seemed to carry the weight of the world with it. His small shoulders sagged under the burden of guilt that gnawed at him relentlessly. He had done as he was told. He had passed on the hint to Riven, subtly steering him toward a decision he otherwise might not have made.
He had kept his words light, casual even, but inside, his heart was heavy. It felt like he had betrayed Riven, even though he kept telling himself it was for a good reason.
What could he have done? He kept asking himself.
He trudged forward mechanically, his soft steps barely making a sound on the dirt path as he moved away from the estate. His mind wandered back to earlier that day, to the encounter he wished he could erase.
Julius had appeared out of nowhere again, like a bad omen.
Eli had been walking peacefully, minding his own business, when he sensed the presence behind him. Before he could react, Julius was there, stepping into view with that unsettling calmness that made Eli’s skin crawl.
Without any pretence, Julius asked for Eli’s help.
Eli had refused immediately, almost on instinct. He had said no firmly, even stepping back, preparing to leave at once. But then Julius spoke again, and his words froze Eli in place.
"I know things," Julius had said smoothly, "Secrets that could help your Alpha and keep Riven safe."
Eli’s heart had skipped a beat at that.
Healers were not built for politics, but they were raised hearing stories, horrible, gut-wrenching stories of wars that tore apart clans, of unspeakable tragedies that left both wolves and rabbits in mourning.