Chapter 111: The Mask Falls
Ronan’s corrupted laughter still echoed through the trees when Darian felt something snap inside his chest. His younger brother was gone. Turned into something dark and evil.
"We have to get him back," Kael said, ice crackling around his hands. "Whatever that thing did to Ronan—" "It’s not what he did," Darian interrupted quietly.
"It’s what Ronan chose." Everyone stared at him. Elara’s tear-stained face twisted with anger. "How can you be so calm?" she asked. "Your brother just joined our enemy!" "Because I saw it coming," Darian answered, his voice flat and emotionless.
The stranger holding the twins smiled bigger. "Ah, the attentive one speaks. Tell them, Darian. Tell them what you really think." "Shut up," Darian growled. "Tell them how you’ve been watching. Calculating.
Planning for this exact moment." Kael turned to his younger brother with growing horror. "Darian? What is he talking about?" "Nothing," Darian said quickly. Too quickly. "Liar." The stranger’s voice was like silk.
"Show them the book, Darian. The one you’ve been keeping since the twins were born." Darian’s shadows flickered and died. His face went white. "What journal?" Alpha Marcus asked. "I don’t know what he means," Darian lied.
But Elder Vera was already moving, her old hands glowing with magic. She reached into Darian’s jacket and pulled out a small, leather-bound book.
"No!" Darian lunged for it, but Kael’s ice wall blocked his way. "What’s in it?" Kael asked, his voice deadly quiet. Elder Vera opened the book and began to read aloud."
’Day One: The twins showed strange power fluctuations. Ronan gets more unstable. Kael’s power is slipping. I may be the only one thinking clearly.’" "That’s not—" Darian started. "
’Day Five: Observed Ronan talking to himself. His dog is definitely gone. He’s becoming a problem. Need contingency plans.’" Elara’s eyes filled with fresh tears.
"You were watching us fall apart and taking notes?" "It’s not like that!" Darian protested. " ’Day Twelve: Kael picked love over duty, but he’s too emotional now. Makes poor choices.