Chapter 039: A Connection with Shadows

Jackson's POV

Like the hush before a storm, the peace that descended over the group was hesitant. We had dealt with the last traces of the Raven's adherents, but I couldn't get rid of the impression that something stayed like a shadow over our oneness. Though I had assumed this was finished and that our family could at last recover, there was evidence we were not quite out of the woods.

I kept these questions to myself, not wanting to cause any pack anxiety. She always sensed it, though. Her consistent presence steadied me, and together we headed forth, resolved to run our family with fortitude and grit. But tonight that old sense of something lacking would not let go.

Together, Ava and I strolled the border; her hand slid into mine as we silently watched the land. The moonlight gave the woods a silver sheglow, and for a while everything seemed calm. Then, though, I heard quiet rustling—a sound not typical of the hum of the forest.

I stopped, grabbing Ava's hand tightly. "Did you notice that?"

She nodded, her eyes keen as we surveyed the darkness. A black form ducked behind a tree slightly ahead, eluding my complete view. My instincts kicked up, adrenaline pumping through me as I waved for Ava to keep back.

Mumbled, "Stay here." Call for backup should things go wrong.

She looked at me; her lips drew a thin line but nodded. " Just be cautious."

I slid forward, moving stealthily, each sensation sharpened as I drew near the man. The slight rustle got louder, and I was close enough now to see the clear silhouette of someone slumped low, as though observing us. Trying to catch them off guard, I stepped in closer, but the man spun around, terror widening eyes. Certainly not from our pack, this young man was someone I did not know.

He turned to sprint without thinking, but I lunged to grasp his arm before he could go. He battled, his motions wild, and I could feel anxiety radiating off him.

Who are you? I insisted, keeping a strong hold. On our land, what are you doing?

Still, he gazed up at me with wild eyes and his breath came in short spurts. "I had not intended to... simply looking for somewhere safe. I was simply.

Ava joined us and scrutinized him with a sharp eye. Are you not from about here?

He shook his head, speaking hardly more than a whisper. "No," I was from... I had the Raven with me. But I turned to leave. I desire nothing of her or her games. I hereby swear.

Uncertain, I looked at Ava; but, something in the young man's face indicated he was speaking the truth. His worry concerned whatever he had left behind, not only of us. Ava appeared to sense it too; her expression softened as she spoke to him.

She asked quietly, "What's your name?"

He paused and then murmured, "Eli."

"Eli," Ava said, her voice cool. You don't have to be terrified. But you have to tell us everything. With the Raven, why were you?

Eli looked down, obviously embarrassed, and hunched over. "I was lost," he acknowledged. "She promised direction, something more than just myself. Still, all of it was a hoax. When I realized her true desire, how far was she ready to go? I was not able to stay.

Sensing that he posed no threat, I let off my hold. "Why visit here?"

"Based on what you did and how you battled her. His voice scarcely a whisper, I thought maybe I could find a place here.

Ava looked at me and her eyes reflected the same caution mingled with tenderness. We had been burned before, gathering former Raven adherents, but this one seemed different. Still learning the difference between power and loyalty, he was young.

I assessed him by inhaling deeply. You will have to prove yourself if you intend to stay here. The pack won't trust you straight away, and to be honest, neither will me. But should you be ready to put in the effort, we could be able to locate you.

Eli nodded fast and looked with a hesitant optimism. I am willing to do anything. I only want to fit somewhere.

I nodded and waved toward the packhouse. Then come along with us.

Eli stayed to himself and adjusted to the group in the next few days, contributing where he could. Though the warriors still eyed him warily, he was calm, perceptive, and eager to learn. I couldn't blame them; trust wasn't something lightly granted on our planet, not following the treachery we'd gone through.

Still, I discovered as I watched him that his presence made me more relaxed. He never grumbled; he worked hard, accepting any chore we assigned. Ava was naturally perceptive to people's motives; even she had begun to unwind around him, recognizing his sincere will to transform.

But an event rocked the packhouse as we started to relax our defenses.

One evening, as darkness covered the grounds, I came upon an unusual mark I knew all too well etched on one of the trees close to the border. Something we thought we had eradicated, it was a legacy of the Raven's impact. As word got out, tension ran through the pack and mistrust turned rapidly toward Eli.

He denied it, his face pallid and strained as he turned to face the pack's angry whispers. "I neglected it! I promise; I have nothing to do with her.”

As we discussed what to do, the pack council assembled and the room grew uncomfortable. Closely observing Eli, Ava and I looked for any hint of dishonesty. Though the data was devastating and the pack's tolerance was running low, I wanted to believe him.

Ava finally raised her voice steadily. "We owe Eli our search for the truth if he claims he is innocent. We cannot denigrate him without evidence.

The chamber went quiet as the council members exchanged dubious looks. The tension in the air was palpable, their mistrust weighing down on me. However, Ava was correct. We cannot jump to conclusions—not if we aspired to be faithful to the values we claimed to respect.

"Eli," I answered, sounding strong. "We shall investigate and you will be under observation. Know this, though: should we discover proof of your involvement, there will be repercussions.

He nodded, his face etched with a terrible resolve. Thank you, Alpha. I swear; I will do whatever necessary to show my allegiance.

The inquiry came up empty in the next few days, with no hints pointing to Eli's involvement. Though the shadow of mistrust stayed over him, the symbols stopped showing and the pack started to settle slowly.

Eli came up to me one evening on my way to the boundary of the region for my own patrol, his demeanor uncertain but determined.

" Alpha," he continued softly, "I know I haven't yet earned your trust." Still, I would like to volunteer. There are still many who believe the Raven has influence and those who wish to share her message. Should I locate them, perhaps I might demonstrate to you that I am on your side.

I looked at him and noted his honest eyes. He possessed a strength and a will that I had seen before. He was ready to fight for acceptability; he was not merely seeking it.

"Eli," I started, picking my words deliberately. "This is your opportunity for self-proofing. If you really want to assist, you will have to cooperate with us and win the confidence of people you have offended. This goes beyond simple loyalty here. It has to do with accountability.

He nodded with a firm look. "I get it." I will go to great lengths.

A subdued optimism started to stir inside me as I watched him go. Perhaps, just perhaps, we had discovered someone who could assist us in healing the scars the Raven left behind, someone who might provide a fresh viewpoint for our pack.

As always, though, I stayed alert since I knew trust was earned—not given. And as the evening fell around me, I felt a fresh sense of direction—a will to lead our pack across whatever challenges were ahead.