Chapter 13: Triangle Dilemma
681words
"Another sleepless night?" Derek's voice came from behind me.
I turned to see him holding two cups of tea. "How did you know?"
"Dark circles," he walked closer, handing me a cup, "and I heard you pacing."
We stood side by side at the window, silently drinking tea. Since Deaton discovered the seal might be weakening, Derek had insisted I stay at his apartment—safer than the McCall house.
"The dreams came again?" Derek finally asked.
I nodded, "Erebus... he knows my name, my fears. He says we're the same, both trapped in worlds that don't belong to us."
"He's manipulating you. Shadow Wolves are known for psychological warfare."
"I know, but sometimes... sometimes what he says makes sense."
Derek gripped my shoulder, his expression serious, "Listen to me, whatever he says, don't believe it. He wants freedom, wants revenge, and you're his key."
Looking into his eyes, I felt emotions deeper than concern. Our faces were only inches apart, his breath warm on my cheek.
"I won't let him control me," I promised softly, "I'm stronger than that."
Derek's expression softened, "Yes, you are." His hand slid down to hold mine, "You're one of the strongest people I've ever met."
My phone rang, startling us both. Ethan's name flashed on the screen.
"You should answer," Derek said, his voice returning to its usual calm, "it might be important."
"Ethan?"
"Valerie, I need to see you. Now."
"Now? It's already three in the morning."
"This is important. I found something about Erebus that might help stop him."
"Where?"
"The old oak at the forest edge. Twenty minutes."
Hanging up and preparing to change clothes, Derek stopped me. "Where are you going?"
"Ethan discovered important information about Erebus. We're meeting at the forest edge."
Derek's expression became wary, "I'm coming with you."
"No, he might not tell everything in front of you."
"That's exactly why I don't trust him, especially calling you to meet alone in the middle of the night."
"I can take care of myself," I said, somewhat annoyed, "and I trust Ethan."
Derek's expression turned cold, "Do what you think is right. But at least let me drive you there."
Twenty minutes later, Derek's car stopped at the forest edge. Ethan was already waiting under the old oak.
"I'll wait here," Derek said, "come back if there's any problem."
As I approached, I noticed Ethan was unusually nervous, constantly looking around.
"What's wrong?" I asked, "What did you find?"
Ethan glanced at Derek's car, pulling me to walk further away, "Not here. Follow me."
In a small clearing, Ethan turned to me, "I found an ancient text describing how to permanently seal the Shadow Wolf."
"Really? That's great!"
"Not exactly," Ethan's expression was serious, "the ritual requires the Shadow Heart's sacrifice."
"Sacrifice? What kind of sacrifice?"
"Your ability," Ethan explained, "the only way to permanently seal Erebus is for you to give up your ability, give up your connection to the supernatural world."
I digested this information, "This means... I would become an ordinary human?"
Ethan nodded, his expression pained, "Yes. And... the connection between us would also disappear."
Just then, a voice came from the forest, "What a touching scene."
We turned to see Kira—Ethan's ex-girlfriend, now a witch—standing there.
"Kira," Ethan said warily, shielding me behind him, "what are you doing here?"
"Coming to help you," Kira smiled, but her eyes were cold, "heard you have Shadow Wolf trouble."
"How do you know that?"
"News travels fast, especially in the supernatural world," Kira walked closer, "and, I have my sources."
"What sources?"
Kira's smile widened, "Let's say, a certain Dark Druid has been very helpful to me."
I was immediately alert, "Harris? You're working with Harris?"
"'Working' is too strong a word," Kira said dismissively, "we have common interests. He wants Erebus free, and I... I want you, Valerie McCall."
