I didn’t have time to explain it to Ethan. I didn’t knowhowto explain. There’s too much history behind it.
I hope I’m wrong. I hope on everything that I’m wrong.
Branson is standing at the edge of the training circle, watching over the guard and the recruits as they practice. He looks like he always does: A deep frown is carved onto his face, and his long dark hair is pulled back into a ponytail. He stands with his thick arms crossed over his broad chest like a silent statue.
How could he have kept this from me? From all of us? He’s usually the one telling me what the laws are. He’s always the one to stay in line.How could he have done this?
I approach him and say, “I need to speak to you immediately.”
He glances down at me and says, “Yes, of course, Commander.” He cups his hands around his mouth and calls out to the trainees, his voice carrying on the wind. “Enough!”
Everyone stops. “Take a break,” he orders.
I motion for him to follow me farther away from the others.
Once we’re away from the listening ears and curious glances of the guards, he asks, “What’s this about?”
“I’m going to ask you something, Branson,” I say. “I need you to be honest with me.”
“Commander, I am always—”
“I didn’t bring Ethan with me,” I cut him off. I need to get all of this out. “I didn’t bring him because I need you to know that I trust you. I havealwaystrusted you. You have been the voice of reason for us all and I can’t—” I have to stop. I can hear the shakiness in my voice. I take a breath and start again. “Just don’t lie to me. Not about this. Please.”
He just stares, his mouth pressed into a hard line and his dark eyes locked on mine. “Of course.”
“Is Jayme a Scarlet?”
I expect him to deny it right off. I expect the next words to come out of his mouth to beof course not, Commander. Whatever gave you that idea?
But he doesn’t say that. In fact, he says nothing. He just stands there, staring, his lips still pursed and his arms stiff.
“Please,” I say, and my voice cracks again. “Just tell me the truth.”
“Commander,” he starts. But then he looks away, closing his eyes.
The only thing I think isno.I still can’t believe it. This is far too terrible of a thing for Branson to keep from me.
“Branson,” I say, leaning into him. “Is it true?”
He takes a big breath, his large chest rising and falling. “It’s not what you think.”
“Goddess help me,” I say under my breath. “No.”
“He’s not dangerous,” he says. The pleading in his eyes pulls at me. “I swear it. The matter of what he was at birth is only that. He isn’t what you think he is.”
I take a step back from him. It all makes sense. Jayme’s moods shift faster and more intensely than anyone else in our pack. I think about all the times someone came to me and said that they felt something off with Jayme, but they couldn’t pinpoint why. His true nature is something we’ve all sensed. Being a Scarlet could never be hidden completely.
“How can you say that to me?” I say, utter despair in my voice. “You know what Scarlets are capable of.”
“I know my brother.” Branson’s nose wrinkles as he snarls at me. “I don’t care what people say about what a Scarlet is or isn’t. I know his heart, and I am telling you he is not a danger to anyone.”
“How am I supposed to believe that?”
“Because I’m telling you!” His voice booms, shaking the trees. “You said you trust me. That you have always trusted me. Then trust me now. Jayme is not responsible for these crimes.”
His voice rings in my ears. All I can do is look up at him. My heart is breaking.
“Branson,” I say, “you know military strategy and history better than anyone. You understand the history of Scarlet Wolves, and the part they played in Clarion’s past wars.”
