Page 32 of Night with a Gamma
“I understand that,” Wren replies, her voice steady, “but if there’s even a flicker of hope that Lenore can be saved, I have to try. She’s still my sister, no matter what she’s done.”
I glance at Wren, feeling the weight of her determination. “If you’re going to confront her, I’m coming with you,” I state, my tone leaving no room for argument. “You’re not facing her alone.”
Her gaze meets mine, and for a moment, I can see the gratitude shining through her stormy emotions. “Thank you, Harrison. I’d feel safer with you by my side.”
“Always, my Little Bird,” I reply, my heart swelling with the promise of unwavering support.
The warriors beginto gather around, their expressions a mixture of concern and admiration for Wren’s bravery. I can feel their respect for her growing, and it gives me hope. With the strength of the pack behind us, we stand a chance against whatever darkness may come.
As we strategize, Agatha approaches, her presence commanding yet comforting. “I’ve spoken with the council,” she says, her voice calm but laced with urgency. “Lenore will be held in the magical cells until we can determine her fate. We must tread carefully; she holds knowledge that could be dangerous, and the alliances she has forged are not to be taken lightly.”
Wren nods, determination etched on her features. “Mom, I want to speak with her. I need to know what she knows. If she’s involved in a larger scheme, we can’t ignore it.”
Agatha regards her with a mixture of pride and concern. “Very well. I will arrange for you to see her, but you must promise to be careful. She is not the sister you once knew, my darling girl.”
I can see the resolve within Wren, the flicker of hope battling against the shadows. “I promise. I won’t let her manipulate me again. This time, I’m prepared.”
With that, the plan is set into motion. The warriors disperse, tending to their duties, while Wren and I prepare for the daunting task ahead. I can’t shake the feeling that the encounter with Lenore will be pivotal, not just for Wren but for all of us. The stakes have never been higher, and the darkness that looms over us feels all too real.
As we walk toward the dungeons, my heart pounds in my chest. The air grows colder, and I can feel the weight of the stone walls surrounding us. Each step echoes off the damp, dark corridor, a reminder of the gravity of our situation. I glance sideways at Wren, who walks with an unwavering determination. Even in this grim setting, she radiates strength, her aura flickering like a beacon of hope amidst the shadows.
When we finally reach the cells, Agatha gestures for us to wait. The High Priestess approaches the enchanted door, a barrier of magic shimmering in response to her presence. “Lenore Archer,” she calls, her voice resonating with authority. “Step forward. You have visitors.”
A moment passes, and then the door creaks open, revealing a dimly lit cell. Lenore stands inside, her silhouette almost ethereal against the cold stone. She wears a dark cloak, adorned with silver symbols that flicker ominously in the low light. Her face is drawn, the fire that once burned brightly in her eyes now dimmed to embers, and I can see the toll her choices have taken on her.
Wren steps forward, her heart in her throat, and I follow closely behind, ready to step in if needed. “Lenny,” she calls softly, a mixture of hope and sorrow lacing her words. “It’s me.”
Lenore turns slowly, and for a moment, I can see the faintest glimmer of recognition in her eyes. “Wren,” she replies, her voice a hoarse whisper. “You shouldn’t have come here. It’s dangerous. I’m dangerous now.”
“I’m not afraid of you,” Wren asserts, the strength in her voice returning. “I want to understand. Why are you doing this? Why have you turned against your coven, your family?”
Lenore’s expression shifts, a whirlwind of emotions crossing her face — anger, pain, and something that looks remarkably like regret. “You don’t understand,” she says, her voice rising with intensity. “I didn’t choose this. It was forced upon me. The darkness… it calls to me now. I thought I could harness it, control it, but it consumed me. Afterheleft me behind, I just needed something so I didn’t feel so hollow.”
Wren takes a step closer, her heart reaching out to the sister she once knew. “We can help you. You don’t have to do this. We can fight the darkness together.”
Lenore’s laughter is bitter, a sound that sends chills down my spine. “You think it’s that simple? You think your light can vanquish the darkness I’ve embraced? I’ve seen things, Wren. I’ve learned powers that you cannot even imagine. You think you can save me? You’ll only end up getting yourself hurt.”
“No!” Wren cries, her voice fierce and unwavering. “I won’t give up on you. Not now, not ever. You’re still my sister, and I believe there’s still a part of you that wants to come back. I have to believe that, Len.”
Lenore’s expression falters for a moment, and I can see the cracks in her armor. “You’re a fool, Wren,” she replies, but her voice lacks conviction. “You don’t know what I’ve become. You don’t know what I’m capable of. You found amate,little sister.I can see your auras are intertwined.”
“I don’t care what you’ve done,” Wren insists, her voice steady. “I care about who you are. And I know there’s still good in you. I have been blessed with a fated mate, and Harrison is my world now. You have to fight against this. You can’t let it win. Forgiveness is right in front of you. Just grab it.”
The silence hangs heavy in the air, filled with tension as Lenore struggles to hold onto the darkness that has become her identity. I can see the internal battle raging within her, the flickering of a past she’s trying to suppress.
“Wren…” Lenore’s voice is softer now, almost pleading. “You don’t know what it means to be consumed by power. The things I’ve sacrificed… the lives I’ve taken… I don’t deserve your compassion. Please just let it take me. Peace will follow.”
“Everyone deserves compassion,” Wren replies, her voice gentle yet firm. “Even you. And if you’re willing to fight, I will be right here with you. You don’t have to face this alone. Us against it all, right? Pinky promise.”
Lenore’s facade begins to crumble, the darkness in her eyes flickering as she battles against the tide of emotions threatening to overwhelm her. “But what if I can’t come back? What if I’m too far gone?”
“You won’t know unless you try,” Wren urges, stepping closer to the barrier. “You have the power to change your fate. Don’t let the darkness dictate who you are. Fight for the sister I know you can be. Who you were.”
I can feel the weight of the moment, the potential for redemption hanging in the balance. The air crackles with tension, and I can see the faintest flicker of hope igniting in Lenore’s eyes. But just as quickly, it’s extinguished by the weight of her despair.
“Wren, you’re a light in the darkness,” Lenore whispers, her voice trembling. “But I don’t know if I can follow you back. I don’t know if I’m strong enough.”
“You are strong,” Wren insists, her voice unwavering. “You’ve always been, and I believe in you. We can find a way to break this bond of darkness together.”
