Page 81 of Thicker than Water

“I recall the battle,” Tudor says, with a curt nod. But he has no genuine remorse in his voice. No true understanding of loyalty. He only cares about whoever is aligned with his own interests. Still, he tilts his head toward the grieving wolf shifter, feigning compassion. “We’ll head south now, toward the academy. To break out your young, and to avenge Sophie Arundel.”

Sophie.

The name rings like a shot in my ears. For a moment, the world blurs before my eyes. Did I imagine the name? Did Tudor even say it?

I shake my head, as if to clear the memory from my mind. “Sophie…”

The wolves shift into their animal forms, and disappear into the woods. Tudor and Oana prepare themselves to follow.

But I stay rooted to the spot.

“Celine,” Tudor snaps, pulling the hood of his cape around his face. “Come. We have far to go, and the night won’t last forever.”

“That was her name,” I whisper, my voice thick.

“Who’s name? Celine, we don’t have time for this,” Tudor says angrily. “My patience with you is wearing thin…”

“My sister. Her name was Sophie. Sophie Côté.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. None of your sisters are named-”

“Not your progeny,” I snap, anger rooting in my bones. “My biological sister. The one I had before I was turned. Her name was Sophie. Her name was Sophie, and she had brown eyes, like the bark of the maple trees behind our house. Brown eyes just like mine…before they changed…I almost forgot…”

Dizziness overwhelms me, and I stagger backward. My foot sinks into the crisp, white snow. It crunches under my boot. Trying to get my bearings, I look up at the vast mountain in front of us.

The mountain is old. It must have born witness to countless unspeakable events. And yet, it’s still standing. Still standing, and made new…by the freshly fallen snow.

“I’m not coming with you.”

“Whatdid you say?” Tudor hisses.

“You heard me. I’m going back to Silverlake City. This is your fight, not mine.”

My Creator brims with fury. “You will not defy me, Celine. You are my progeny. You belong tome.”

“Not anymore.”

Tudor’s eyes shine red in the thick darkness of the forest. “You will sincerely regret this. You’ll come crawling back to me soon enough. I created you with my own blood. And blood is thicker than water.”

“I don’tcare,” I reply. “I should have left you long ago, but I was a coward. I’m not making that mistake again.”

Before I can think, before I can weigh the consequences of the biggest decision I’ve ever made, I rise into the air. My resolve lifts me up, carrying me through the clear night sky.

Back to Silverlake City.

AND DON'T YOU FORGET IT

Amara

“Amara,” whispers a voice.

It’s a familiar voice, filled with love and light. But in my disoriented state, I can’t quite place it.

“Amara…you’ve got to wake up…”

My vision starts to clear, and a figure takes shape before me.

“I…I’m up…” I mutter, reaching up to rub my eyes. “I’m awake.”