Chapter 8: Dangerous Game
735words
"What happened?" I ask urgently.
"Deucalion," Ethan says with difficulty, "he found out... about us... he thinks I betrayed him..."
Scott and Deaton help Ethan lie on the examination table. I continue healing him with my ability, feeling the connection between us growing stronger.
"He sent Kali to kill me," Ethan continues, "I barely escaped... but they won't stop. They want you, Valerie. Not just because of your ability, but because of your blood."
"My blood? Why?"
"The Blood Moon ritual," Ethan explains, his voice trembling with pain, "Deucalion believes Shadow Heart blood can enhance an Alpha's power during the blood moon, making him invincible."
I feel a wave of fear, but I don't stop healing. As the silver light flows, Ethan's wounds begin to heal, but I feel my own power rapidly depleting.
"Enough," Scott grabs my wrist, "you're too weak."
I shake my head, "I must finish."
"He's right," Ethan says weakly, grabbing my hand, "don't deplete yourself for me."
Our eyes meet, and I feel a strong emotional wave, not just my own, but Ethan's too. This connection shocks me.
"Did you feel that?" I ask softly.
Ethan nods, his eyes full of wonder, "The connection between us... it's stronger."
Deaton observes this scene, his expression serious, "As I feared. Power sharing creates bonds."
Stiles looks confused, "So what are they now? Werewolf mates? Supernatural soulmates?"
"Not exactly," Deaton explains, "but this connection will affect both parties. Valerie may be more susceptible to Ethan's emotions, while Ethan may find himself influenced by her humanity."
Scott looks worried, "This sounds dangerous."
"All power comes at a price," Deaton says, "Shadow Heart abilities especially so."
I look at Ethan, feeling his fear, guilt, and... something deeper. I know I should keep my distance, but at this moment, I just want to ensure he's safe.
"You can stay here," I tell Ethan, "until you're fully recovered."
"No," Scott immediately objects, "it's too dangerous. If Deucalion tracks him—"
"Then we'll protect him," I say firmly, "he risked warning us, Scott. We owe him that much."
The siblings' gazes clash, finally Scott sighs, "Fine, but not at the clinic. We'll take him to Derek's apartment."
"Derek?" Ethan weakly laughs, "He'll kill me."
"He won't," I say, squeezing his hand, "I won't let anyone hurt you."
As we leave the clinic, I feel a strange certainty. Whatever the Blood Moon prophecy means, whatever Deucalion is planning, I will face it. Not as a victim, but as a guardian.
My bloodline is a curse, and a gift. And now, it's time to learn how to use it.
---
The atmosphere in Derek's apartment is tense. Ethan sits on the couch, having recovered most of his strength, but still weak. Derek stands by the window, arms crossed, expression grim. Scott and Stiles sit nearby, while I prepare coffee in the kitchen, trying to find something to do.
"So," Derek finally breaks the silence, "Deucalion wants Valerie's blood for some kind of ritual."
"The Blood Moon ritual," Ethan confirms, "legend has it, Shadow Heart blood can amplify an Alpha's power under the blood moon, allowing them to transcend ordinary Alpha limitations."
"Is this true?" Scott asks, looking at me.
I shrug, "I don't know. I don't know much about my abilities yet."
"It doesn't matter," Derek says, "what matters is Deucalion believes it's true, and he won't stop hunting Valerie."
Ethan nods, "He's already sent Kali and Aiden to find her."
At the mention of Aiden's name, Ethan's expression becomes painful. I can feel his emotional fluctuation—the pain of betraying his twin brother.
"Your brother chose Deucalion," I say softly, sitting down beside Ethan.
He looks at me, surprised I read his feelings so accurately, "Yes. We've never been apart... until now."
Derek notices the interaction between us, his brow furrowing deeper, "What's happening between you two?"
I and Ethan exchange a look.
"Power sharing creates a connection," I explain, "I can feel his emotions, and he can feel mine."
"This is too dangerous," Derek immediately says, "if he wants to betray us, you might not be able to tell, because your judgment would be influenced by this connection."
"I won't betray her," Ethan says firmly, looking directly into Derek's eyes, "I've chosen my side."
"People's sides change," Derek coldly replies.
