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I remove the helmet, my gaze fixed on Darian’s back as he unlocks the garage door with a combination of his fingerprint and a randomized code from his phone.
“Banished,” he confirms, his voice laced with bitterness. “Seems like my brother conveniently forgot to mention that minor detail.”
I let out a weary sigh and rub my temples. “Of course he did,” I say, my voice thick with sarcasm.
I can’t help but wonder what else he conveniently omitted.
Darian’s gaze softens as he turns toward me, “I understand your apprehension, Lara. I really do. All I ask is for a chance to show you who I truly am. I’ll do my best to fill in the gaps and provide themissing pieces of the puzzle. Hopefully, with time, you’ll come to see that I’m not the person my brother may have portrayed me to be.”
I meet Darian’s gaze, “He painted you as quite the villain, Darian.”
Darian’s expression changes, and he pauses for a moment before responding, “I don’t doubt that I’m somebody’s villain. There are things I’m not proud of, actions that have caused pain to others. But it’s important to remember that every story has two sides, Lara.”
Darian’s words echo in my mind as I follow him through the open door and down a short hallway. Entering the main living area connected to the kitchen, I take in the cozy ambiance of the space as Darian gently places my bag in what appears to be a spare bedroom before disappearing beyond the doorway.
The room is adorned with simple yet comfortable furnishings, creating a welcoming atmosphere amidst the unfamiliar environment.
There are no visible gaps or flaws in the construction of it, a testament to the attention to detail that Darian put into its design. Modern lighting fixtures illuminate each room, casting a warm and inviting glow.
Moving into the kitchen, he’s combined practicality with contemporary style, and it’s evident that no expense was spared in outfitting this space, with top-of-the-line appliances.
From the well-crafted construction to the modern amenities, every aspect of this house exudes a sense of quality and comfort. It’s clear that he put great care in creating a home that offers both sanctuary and modern convenience.
I sink into a chair in the kitchen, feeling exhaustion weigh heavily on my mind as I close my eyes, rubbing them with the palms of my hands. My attention is caught by the faint sound of nails clattering against the floor and my eyes snap open as Dan -Val- hurries into the room.
Relief nearly overwhelms me, and I throw myself toward him, wrapping my arms tightly around his thick, fur-covered neck.
I whisper softly, my words muffled against his warm coat, “I’ve been worried about you.”
Darian’s voice breaks through my reverie, dripping with amusement. “You think you were worried? Val has been driving me absolutely insane. I was tempted to take him to the pound just to get a moment’s peace.” he says with a grin.
Val huffs and shakes his fur in a purely canine manner before settling against me as he and Darian share a look, as if they have some form of silent communication.
Confusion swirls in my mind and I cock my head to the side, “Wait, so you two have a history together...” I state, trailing off to prompt Darian to fill in the blanks.
Val’s ears twitch, and Darian heaves a sigh, as if resigned to explaining the situation. “I suppose since I’m the only one capable of verbalizing it, I’ll do the honors,” Darian says, a touch of feigned annoyance lace his words. “Val is like a brother to me, despite the absence of a blood relation. We’ve known one another for nearly two centuries,” Darian explains, “During one of his visits to me magic was bound here, and he happened to be in his wolf form at the time. He’s remained this way ever since.”
As the puzzle pieces click into place, I blink at him. “So, when I escaped...”
Darian interrupts, completing my thought. “When you ran from the safehouse, I sent Val to help guide you.”
My gaze narrows, suspicion tugging at my thoughts. “You sent Val after me but not the man that...” I trail off, the words hanging in the air.
Val’s ears pin back and he growls.
Darian shakes his head, “I haven’t sent anyone other than Val,” he says, his voice thick with remorse, “My intention was solelyto ensure your well-being, to protect you from starving or dying in the forest. I didn’t know where you were headed or where your path would lead.”
“I understand why you might think the hunters were my doing, especially considering Caspian’s accusations. I wasn’t lying when I said I work alone,” Darian winces, “I suppose I did lie. Val is the only exception to that.”
His honesty is refreshing, and if I’m honest with myself, it’s hard not to trust him already. It doesn’t help that I’m confident I can rely on Val, and if Val trusts Darian, he’s in my good graces.
But this means that much of what I’ve been told by Caspian is a lie, including that Darian sent the Leathery Man after me.
And if he didn’t send him...
A mixture of emotions wells up within me, I let out a strangled laugh as memories of the leathery man and the dangers I’ve faced since that day in the forest flood my mind.
Val leans his weight onto me more, and I cling to him tightly.
