I touched my necklace, taking strength from it. “You’re probably right about that.”
“You’re quite remarkable, Evander. You always have been. I knew it the moment I first saw you. When your mother stepped through the door of my shop, golden light radiated from her. Her aura was so gentle. Then, I saw you bundled up in her arms. And your aura?” Lupin’s smile shook. “It was so pure. Beautiful. A kaleidoscope of vibrant colors. Colors that would brighten the lives of every person you touched. It’s why I decided to disregard the rules and help you.”
I fidgeted in place, wringing my hands together. He made me sound way more special than I actually was. The only thing remarkable about me was when I managed to keep my mouth shut for more than ten seconds.
“I’m curious about something.” Lupin studied me, one brow raised. “You haven’t told your men about your mother being from Exalos. Why?”
“I don’t know,” I said. “Maybe becauseI’mhaving trouble understanding it all. I want to know more before I tell them.”
“If I may offer a word of advice… tell them everything. Confide in them. You’ll need your men by your side in the battles to come. All of them. Even those not yet realized. Each will have an important role to play.”
“Those not yet realized?”
He smirked. “Muffin Lord and the Seven Alphas.”
“Oh god.” I eyed the ladle again. “Can you at least tell me when I’ll meet the others?”
“You’ve already met them.”
My heart did a weird plunking thing. “I have?”
“Indeed. Do what you will with that information.” Lupin rose from the chair and smoothed the front of his suit again.
“You’re leaving?” I felt panicky all of a sudden. “But I still have so many questions. Worries. Things that’ll keep me up at night.”
“Gods. That pout is truly a weapon of mass destruction. Very well. I will answeronequestion before I go, so make it a good one.”
One question. A log popped in the fireplace as I mulled everything over.
“Okay.” I took a breath. It shook on the exhale. “In all the possible futures you’ve seen, specifically, the ones that end badly for me… are my men safe at least?”
“Out of everything I’ve told you, your only concern is still for them.” That sad smile returned. “You’re just like your mother. Selfless and with the biggest heart. But I’m not sure you want to hear the answer.”
My gut coiled. “Why?”
“Because it’s not a happy story.”
That coil tightened even more, as if a boa constrictor lived inside me, squeezing my organs and making it hard to move. To breathe. “Do they die?”
“Just as deeply as you love your men, they love you just as deeply. Every path that leads to your death is stained with their blood as well.” He shook his head. “I shouldn’t say more.”
“Tell me, Lupin. Please.”
“If you insist.” His pale eyes lingered on me. “Your loss hits Maddox the hardest. He blames himself for not being strong enough to save you, and his rage consumes him, making him reckless. Lake, as well. He loses all sense of humanity and becomes the blood-crazed wolf everyone fears. Rowan surrenders to his darker nature and really does become a villain. Inflicting pain on others helps him forget his own.”
Tears stung my eyes. “And Briar?”
“After losing you and seeing what becomes of the others, the grief is too much for him to bear. That’s all I’ll say on the matter.”
“None of that can happen.” I touched my chest, feeling like my insides were on the verge of breaking apart. “I won’t let it.”
“Fortunately, every little decision we make alters our fate. That dark future is only one of the possible outcomes. My advice about listening to your heart isn’t just for your love life. It’ll serve you well in the trials to come.” Lupin reached into his inner jacket and withdrew a silver pocket watch. The same one he always carried with him. “Now. I really must be on my way. I regret to say I’m unsure when I’ll see you again.”
“Then let me say thank you.” Blinking away tears, I stood from the chair and held out my hand. “For everything. Saving me when I was little and then bringing me back home. For trying to guide me down the right path.”
Lupin stared at my hand before taking it in his. “Happiness is all I wish for you. Truly. Do be careful, Evander. I mean that with my whole heart.”
“You be careful too. Take care of Saint.”
