Chapter 7: The Fateful Return
In the distance, the iron bars of the Golden Claw Pack's imposing gates gleamed in the wan sunshine. As we got closer, my chest constricted. I hadn't stood here for four years, since treachery and tragedy had caused my life to fall apart.
Even though I scarcely required it anymore, Jacob strolled next to me, his hand softly resting on my lower back as if to guide me. Everything was brilliantly painted in front of me, replacing the previously dull world I had known. I was able to see everything now, including the massive buildings that echoed with wealth and power, the huge tracts of woodland that surrounded the pack, and Jacob himself, whose presence was still intimidating.
He broke the stillness by whispering, "Isidora."
"Well?"
"If you're not ready, you don't have to do this."
The worry in his voice irritated me, even if his words were nice. I pushed aside the concerns that were still gnawing at me and straightened my back.
I confidently said, "I'm ready," even though the lie was difficult for me to say.
Jacob paused, looking at my face with his emerald eyes, then he nodded and ushered me on.
I felt a rush of familiarity and anxiety as soon as we entered the gates. The pack members turned to gaze at me, their inquisitive murmurs audible.
"Is she there?"
Is she back? After all this time?
"Why is Jacob bringing her here, anyway?"
I continued to stare straight ahead, ignoring the whispers. Their remarks were no longer important.
The packhouse towered above us, towering and majestic. With his hand resting on the doorknob as if he, too, felt the weight of what lay ahead, Jacob opened the door.
Tension permeated the air within. My stomach rumbled at the familiar smell of cedarwood and something somewhat metallic. I pushed back memories that threatened to reappear. Weakness was not an option here.
A voice sliced like a razor through the quiet. "Isidora, Jacob."
The pack elder, Magnus Hale, was waiting at the foot of the opulent staircase as I turned around. Like a predator assessing its prey, his piercing, calculating eyes were fixated on me as his silver hair gleamed in the light from the chandelier.
"Elder Magnus," Jacob said in a cold, courteous tone.
Magnus murmured, "Welcome back, Isidora," with a grin that stopped short of his eyes. "The prodigal daughter makes a comeback." How... surprising.
His tone infuriated me, but I faked a kind grin. "It feels good to return."
"Is it?" Magnus tilted his head in question. Since your departure, the pack has evolved. It might be hard for you to blend in.
I started to reply, but Jacob interrupted. "She'll be all right. She always does.
Magnus looked from one of us to the other and then nodded. Excellent. I hope both of you will come to the party tonight. Reintroducing Isidora to the pack is crucial.
"Obviously," Jacob said.
Magnus stayed a minute longer, his presence oppressive, then turned and vanished up the steps.
I let out a breath as soon as he left, my shoulders becoming less tense.
"He's not changed," I whispered.
Jacob said in a quiet voice, "No." "And that's the issue."
I looked at him, but he didn't provide any further details. Rather, he motioned me to accompany him to my room, which was upstairs.
The room was just as I recalled it: spacious, tasteful, and immaculate. I didn't feel like I could call it home; it was more like a guest room.
Jacob lingered at the doorway and added, "I'll let you get settled."
Something about his manner caught my interest, so I turned to face him. "Is everything alright, Jacob?"
His jaw tensed, and I briefly believed he may tell me. He shook his head, nevertheless. "Everything is OK. I'll come pick you up before to the event.
He was gone after that.
I stood with a knot in my gut, gazing at the closed door. I had no doubt that Jacob was concealing anything.
I started unloading, and ideas were flying through my head. Magnus's covert animosity, the pack's murmurs, and Jacob's reserved manner all suggested that something was going on under the surface.
But I didn't have time to think about it since I was interrupted by a tap on the door.
I said, anticipating Jacob, "Come in."
Instead, a young lady stepped in. She wore a plain uniform and her black hair was tied back in a tidy braid.
She murmured, lowering her head a little, "Miss Isidora." "If you need anything, I'm here to help."
I answered, "Thank you, I'm fine," but her presence simply made me feel more uneasy.
She paused, her eyes darting to the door as if to listen for prying eyes. "Be careful tonight," she added in a quiet voice. Some people are not pleased to see you again.
My heartbeat accelerated. "What do you mean?"
Her face was tight with terror as she shook her head. "I have nothing else to say. Simply said, follow your intuition.
She quickly left before I could question her more, leaving me once again to think alone.
The hours leading up to the event flew by in a haze of anxiety and planning. Jacob seemed just as anxious as I did when he arrived to accompany me.
As we entered the crowded meeting hall, the cacophony of voices subsided. Everybody looked at me, their looks ranging from inquisitive to downright antagonistic.
Jacob remained nearby, his fingers lightly touching me in a silent show of encouragement.
Magnus stood at the head of the room, grinning as he always did. "Hello everyone," he said. We're celebrating the return of one of our own tonight. Former Moonshine Pack member Isidora Christa is currently back with the Golden Claw.
The air was heavy with unsaid tension, and the applause was kind but subdued.
Magnus kept going, staring at me. A second opportunity is an uncommon occurrence. Hopefully, she makes good use of it.
I didn't miss the hint of danger in his words, and I tense my shoulders to avoid giving him the impression that I was weak.
I kept feeling like I was being watched as the event went on. My skin pricked, and when I looked around the room, I saw a shadowy figure.
The uneasiness persisted even though they left before I could get a clear view.
"Are you alright?" Jacob leaned near and asked.
I forced a grin and lied, "I'm fine."
However, the weight of the eyes, the whispers, and the lingering tension grew intolerable as the night went on.
Then it took place.
All discourse was interrupted by a tremendous bang that reverberated across the hall. The doors swung open, and a guy entered with a dominating and menacing demeanor.
As he marched forward, his eyes met mine with such intensity that I was out of breath, and the room became quiet.
His voice was rough and icy as he continued, "Isidora Christa." "You need to know the real reason you're here."
Chaos broke out in the room, but I was immobile. I knew that whatever he was about to disclose would alter everything as his words lingered in the air, ominous and threatening.