Page 21 of Night with a Gamma (Golden Strings of Fate #2)

TALKS WITH A SISTER-IN-LAW CAN BE DAUNTING

Harrison

I can still feel the echoes of the battle reverberating through the clearing, a haunting reminder of what we’ve just faced.

The air is thick with tension, and the smell of scorched earth and blood lingers, a testament to the violence that has transpired.

I know I should feel victorious — we’ve thwarted the initial attack, and Lenore is captured — but a gnawing sense of dread clings to me like a shadow.

Wren pulls away slightly, her crystal blue eyes searching mine.

There’s a flicker of vulnerability in her gaze, and I can see the storm of emotions raging beneath the surface.

The bond we share — strengthened by the chaos — feels electric, but it’s also burdened by the weight of her sister’s betrayal.

I can’t imagine the pain she must feel, knowing that the very blood that runs through her veins is capable of such darkness.

“Are you okay?” I ask, my voice low, laced with concern.

She nods slowly, though I can tell the uncertainty still lingers. “I just… I didn’t expect it to be Lenore leading the attack. I thought she was lost to us entirely.” Her voice trembles, and I reach out, cupping her cheek with my palm.

“Wren,” I say gently, “this isn’t your fault. You did what you had to do to protect yourself and our pack. Lenore made her choice, and that’s on her.”

“I know,” she replies, her voice barely above a whisper, “but she was my sister. There’s a part of me that wants to reach out to her, to try and bring her back.

But then I remember what she’s done, and the people she’s hurt.

I’m not sure someone can heal after having their heart ripped out by someone who was supposed to love them for all of time. ”

I can feel the turmoil within her, the duality of love and anger warring for dominance.

It strikes a chord within me, reminding me of my own family — of the things I’ve had to reconcile within myself as a wolf shifter.

“Sometimes, our loved ones make choices we can’t understand.

It doesn’t lessen the bond we once shared, but it can change the nature of it.

You have to protect yourself, Wren. You have to protect us all. ”

She takes a deep breath, and I watch as she steels herself, the fire in her eyes flickering back to life.

“You’re right. I can’t let her darkness consume me, or us.

” There’s a resolute strength in her voice now, and I can’t help but feel pride swell within me.

She is a warrior, a witch with power that rivals the fiercest of beings, and I will stand by her side no matter the cost.

“Let’s regroup with the pack,” I suggest, glancing around at the warriors who are tending to the aftermath of the battle. “We need to make sure everyone is okay and figure out our next steps.”

Wren nods, and together we walk through the remnants of the chaos.

The clearing is littered with signs of the struggle — a few fallen rogues, remnants of spells that fizzled out, and the lingering energy of the confrontation.

The air is still heavy, but I can feel the pack’s resilience rising as we begin to assess the damage.

As we approach a gathering of our warriors, I can see Wyatt, Poppy, Octavia and Dalton standing together, their faces marked with determination despite the scars of battle. They’re discussing the next course of action, and I can sense the urgency in their voices.

“Harrison, Wren!” Wyatt calls, his voice cutting through the noise. “We were just talking about what to do next. We can’t let Lenore’s capture be the end of this. We need to find out who else is involved in these rogue attacks.”

Octavia nods emphatically. “I know we’re all shaken up, but we can’t afford to be complacent. Lenore is just one piece of a much larger puzzle, and we need to uncover the rest before it’s too late.”

I can feel Wren stiffen beside me, the reminder of Lenore’s actions weighing heavily on her heart.

“I’ll speak with her,” Wren says, her voice firm.

“I can try to reach her, to understand why she’s done this.

It can’t be just because her mate left her.

Maybe there’s still a chance to bring her back. ”

Dalton raises an eyebrow, concern etched on his features. “Wren, you know she’s dangerous. She used powerful magic against you, and she’s allied with rogues who have no qualms about hurting anyone to get what they want.”

“I understand that,” Wren replies, her voice steady, “but if there’s even a flicker of hope that Lenore can be saved, I have to try. She’s still my sister, no matter what she’s done.”

I glance at Wren, feeling the weight of her determination. “If you’re going to confront her, I’m coming with you,” I state, my tone leaving no room for argument. “You’re not facing her alone.”

Her gaze meets mine, and for a moment, I can see the gratitude shining through her stormy emotions. “Thank you, Harrison. I’d feel safer with you by my side.”

“Always, my Little Bird,” I reply, my heart swelling with the promise of unwavering support.

The warriors begin to gather around, their expressions a mixture of concern and admiration for Wren’s bravery. I can feel their respect for her growing, and it gives me hope. With the strength of the pack behind us, we stand a chance against whatever darkness may come.

As we strategize, Agatha approaches, her presence commanding yet comforting.

“I’ve spoken with the council,” she says, her voice calm but laced with urgency.

“Lenore will be held in the magical cells until we can determine her fate. We must tread carefully; she holds knowledge that could be dangerous, and the alliances she has forged are not to be taken lightly.”

Wren nods, determination etched on her features. “Mom, I want to speak with her. I need to know what she knows. If she’s involved in a larger scheme, we can’t ignore it.”

Agatha regards her with a mixture of pride and concern. “Very well. I will arrange for you to see her, but you must promise to be careful. She is not the sister you once knew, my darling girl.”

I can see the resolve within Wren, the flicker of hope battling against the shadows. “I promise. I won’t let her manipulate me again. This time, I’m prepared.”

With that, the plan is set into motion. The warriors disperse, tending to their duties, while Wren and I prepare for the daunting task ahead.

I can’t shake the feeling that the encounter with Lenore will be pivotal, not just for Wren but for all of us.

The stakes have never been higher, and the darkness that looms over us feels all too real.

As we walk toward the dungeons, my heart pounds in my chest. The air grows colder, and I can feel the weight of the stone walls surrounding us.

Each step echoes off the damp, dark corridor, a reminder of the gravity of our situation.

I glance sideways at Wren, who walks with an unwavering determination.

Even in this grim setting, she radiates strength, her aura flickering like a beacon of hope amidst the shadows.

When we finally reach the cells, Agatha gestures for us to wait. The High Priestess approaches the enchanted door, a barrier of magic shimmering in response to her presence. “Lenore Archer,” she calls, her voice resonating with authority. “Step forward. You have visitors.”

A moment passes, and then the door creaks open, revealing a dimly lit cell.

Lenore stands inside, her silhouette almost ethereal against the cold stone.

She wears a dark cloak, adorned with silver symbols that flicker ominously in the low light.

Her face is drawn, the fire that once burned brightly in her eyes now dimmed to embers, and I can see the toll her choices have taken on her.

Wren steps forward, her heart in her throat, and I follow closely behind, ready to step in if needed. “Lenny,” she calls softly, a mixture of hope and sorrow lacing her words. “It’s me.”

Lenore turns slowly, and for a moment, I can see the faintest glimmer of recognition in her eyes. “Wren,” she replies, her voice a hoarse whisper. “You shouldn’t have come here. It’s dangerous. I’m dangerous now.”

“I’m not afraid of you,” Wren asserts, the strength in her voice returning. “I want to understand. Why are you doing this? Why have you turned against your coven, your family?”

Lenore’s expression shifts, a whirlwind of emotions crossing her face — anger, pain, and something that looks remarkably like regret.

“You don’t understand,” she says, her voice rising with intensity.

“I didn’t choose this. It was forced upon me.

The darkness… it calls to me now. I thought I could harness it, control it, but it consumed me.

After he left me behind, I just needed something so I didn’t feel so hollow. ”

Wren takes a step closer, her heart reaching out to the sister she once knew. “We can help you. You don’t have to do this. We can fight the darkness together.”

Lenore’s laughter is bitter, a sound that sends chills down my spine.

“You think it’s that simple? You think your light can vanquish the darkness I’ve embraced?

I’ve seen things, Wren. I’ve learned powers that you cannot even imagine.

You think you can save me? You’ll only end up getting yourself hurt. ”

“No!” Wren cries, her voice fierce and unwavering. “I won’t give up on you. Not now, not ever. You’re still my sister, and I believe there’s still a part of you that wants to come back. I have to believe that, Len.”

Lenore’s expression falters for a moment, and I can see the cracks in her armor. “You’re a fool, Wren,” she replies, but her voice lacks conviction. “You don’t know what I’ve become. You don’t know what I’m capable of. You found a mate, little sister . I can see your auras are intertwined.”

“I don’t care what you’ve done,” Wren insists, her voice steady.

“I care about who you are. And I know there’s still good in you.

I have been blessed with a fated mate, and Harrison is my world now.

You have to fight against this. You can’t let it win.

Forgiveness is right in front of you. Just grab it. ”

The silence hangs heavy in the air, filled with tension as Lenore struggles to hold onto the darkness that has become her identity. I can see the internal battle raging within her, the flickering of a past she’s trying to suppress.

“Wren…” Lenore’s voice is softer now, almost pleading. “You don’t know what it means to be consumed by power. The things I’ve sacrificed… the lives I’ve taken… I don’t deserve your compassion. Please just let it take me. Peace will follow.”

“Everyone deserves compassion,” Wren replies, her voice gentle yet firm. “Even you. And if you’re willing to fight, I will be right here with you. You don’t have to face this alone. Us against it all, right? Pinky promise.”

Lenore’s facade begins to crumble, the darkness in her eyes flickering as she battles against the tide of emotions threatening to overwhelm her. “But what if I can’t come back? What if I’m too far gone?”

“You won’t know unless you try,” Wren urges, stepping closer to the barrier. “You have the power to change your fate. Don’t let the darkness dictate who you are. Fight for the sister I know you can be. Who you were.”

I can feel the weight of the moment, the potential for redemption hanging in the balance. The air crackles with tension, and I can see the faintest flicker of hope igniting in Lenore’s eyes. But just as quickly, it’s extinguished by the weight of her despair.

“Wren, you’re a light in the darkness,” Lenore whispers, her voice trembling. “But I don’t know if I can follow you back. I don’t know if I’m strong enough.”

“You are strong,” Wren insists, her voice unwavering. “You’ve always been, and I believe in you. We can find a way to break this bond of darkness together.”

Lenore’s gaze drops, tears of frustration and sorrow glimmering in her eyes. “I’ve hurt too many people. I’ve made too many enemies. They won’t let me go.”

“We’ll face them together,” Wren promises, her determination shining through the darkness. “You’re not alone anymore, Lenore. You have a family that loves you, and we will fight for you.”

The silence stretches between them, an unspoken bond forming in the air as Lenore looks up, her eyes searching Wren’s face for something she thought she had lost forever. The flicker of hope is there, and I can see the struggle within her as she battles against the darkness she’s embraced.

“Can you really forgive me?” Lenore asks, her voice barely above a whisper.

Wren takes a deep breath, her heart open and vulnerable. “I can try,” she replies. “But you have to fight for it, too. You have to want to come back.”

The tension in the air shifts, a crack in the darkness as Lenore’s facade begins to crumble. “I… I want to believe you,” she admits, her voice trembling. “But I’m scared. What if I can’t find my way back?”

“Then we’ll find it together,” Wren assures her, her voice steady and strong. “I won’t give up on you, Lenore. You’re still my sister, and I love you. No matter what you’ve done, that will never change.”

Lenore’s tears spill over, and for the first time, I see the raw vulnerability beneath the layers of darkness she’s built around herself. “I’m so tired, Wren,” she says, her voice breaking. “Tired of fighting this battle inside me. I don’t know how to stop it.”

“Let me help you,” Wren urges, her voice filled with compassion. “Let us help you. You don’t have to fight alone anymore.”

In that moment, I can see the flicker of hope igniting within Lenore, the possibility of redemption taking root. But I also know that the path ahead will be fraught with challenges. Trust is a fragile thing, and it will take time for Lenore to rebuild the bridges she’s burned.