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The look on Father’s face rivaled that of the snow on the ground outside—pale as milk.
“Anyone care for a drink?” Father rubbed his head before looking back at me with so many questions.
I laughed. “It’s good to be home.”
“I see.” Father didn’t, in fact, see anything, even though Lucius and I had done our best to explain things, which had been very difficult considering that we couldn’t tell Father why I wasn’t married to the man I’d sworn myself to, not without putting Ander in danger.
On the way to Providence several days ago, my mates and I had discussed what exactly to tell my parents. We all agreed to tell them about the Alpha and Omega dynamic, that something in my blood made me different, and it was that reason that things had to be… rearranged. Father and Mother hadn’t understood, but with Demos there in the room, they were at least willing to. Not to mention, my physical changes held more weight than mere words could.
“The reason for The Fealty,” Demos said, addressing my parents, “was originally for the purpose of securing an omega.”
I listened intently, noticing Fadon, who sat across from Demos, lean forward. This was what Auria had once mentioned, but because I’d been lost in heartbreak and was coming to terms with being Omega, I hadn’t stopped to ask anything further about it.
“There is a prophecy,” Demos continued, “that is known only to the Ongahri, that a woman outside the tribe would one day be called upon as the… savior of their people, if you will. Because the Ongahri had always kept themselves removed from the people of Titus, they made a compact with the Owl, who in exchange for their aid in procuring a bride, the Ongahri would swear fealty to the Owl Order in the event war was to come to the foot of Great Mountain. This was two thousand years ago, give or take a century. Titus was a very different world then. Kings rose, rulers fell, political ties formed and broke, and the population grew from peacetime. The Ongahri are long-lived, bred to be warriors, and the Owl, a peaceful organization made up of scholars and healers and spiritual leaders, knew how vulnerable they were. With this compact, both parties were provided with an answer to their weakness.”
“And here I was thinking it was only a promise to never go to war with them,” Ander said.
“I thought that as well, Prince Trajan.” Father rubbed his chin. “So this Omega. I am assuming Sierra is the one prophesied?”
I winced. I didn’t like the idea of being that special, being depended upon, relied upon, sworn to. But then again, all those villages we had passed on our way here: Children too cold, too sick, too hungry to hope. Women too terrified of losing their families to rest. Men too ashamed and scared that they couldn’t provide for their loved ones. All because of one elemental losing control of her domain.
But if I had to play this role of savior, if it meant putting an end to all the suffering, I’d gladly take up the mantle and wear it.
“…and I apologize for the duplicity.” Demos paused, folding his hands on his lap. “There are things going on Titus right now that even you, Constance Linden, have never witnessed. The winter that doesn’t seem to have an end in sight. The growing unrest in the cities. The villages we have passed through in coming here… pure devastation, both from marauders, opportunists, but most of all from a lack of winter provisions.”
“Yes, I have heard the rumors, have even lent aid and am housing families who were destitute.” Father said. “And you are correct. I have never seen anything like this in all my years. In fact, I was speaking with one of our farmers just yesterday. He and I studied the almanacs. There is no recorded entry or mention of the winter we have been having. The yearly cycle didn’t even come close to predicting something this grand.” His tired eyes widened. “We even contemplated it being of a metaphysical nature.”
“Metaphysical? Not familiar with that word,” Ander replied.
“Spiritual.” Fadon waved a hand towards his brother but kept his gaze on Father. “From what we’ve gathered, there is a three-fold event happening. Political uprisings, inclement weather, and…” He hesitated, looking to Demos.
“This information cannot leave this room,” Demos said.
“Perhaps my wife should leave.” Father patted Mother’s hand.
Mother smiled, looking relieved. “Of course. Sierra, come. Let’s get a room ready for you and your… the others.” She stood and offered a hand to me, and I grinned at her discomposure.
We excused ourselves and left the others to their conversation. Walking through my childhood home sobered me instantly. Everywhere I saw traces of Lucinda, and by the time Mother had found Hannah in the guest wing, I was a mess of tears and sniffles.
Mother waved Hannah on and took me in my arms. “My daughter. What are these tears for, hmm?”
“Lucinda. I still can’t believe she’s gone. Mother… I’m responsible for her death.”
“No, you are not. And she isn’t gone, love, just not here. And I know, I know without a doubt, that she is watching over you with pride. We have so little control in life, Sierra. Good and bad things are wont to happen regardless of our choices. You need to forgive yourself and honor Lucinda.”
“Oh, Mama.” I hadn’t called her that since I was a little girl, but that was how I felt at this moment.
“Now. Come, let’s get you settled. Hannah is going to get you a bath drawn, and Cook has already planned for a meal. There is a ton of things to see to, but first I want you clean and dry and warm.”
I laughed at her list of priorities. “All right, Mother.”
“And then you can tell me how you managed to marry that delightfully delicious man you call husband.”
“Mother!”
This time, she laughed.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
