Chapter One Hundred Nine: The Guilt and The Lie

" What do you mean she is alive? I saw her die.." Penny stood to her feet and approached her father, grabbing onto his rather thick dark coat.

" I promise that you will understand once we finish our Business in the Lycan Kingdom. Until then, you will have to wait. But, since we are here, I suggest you speak with your friend here " Shawn tilts his head towards Keera's direction.

Penny took a moment to try and calm down, if what her father said was true, then what in the world had she truly seen at the castle. Was there any way possible that she had survived? She wasn't sure but she didn't believe that her father would lie to her. But still, seeing Keera angered Penny.

" Penny, I know that you won't believe me. But like I've been trying to tell you, I had nothing to do with what happened to your mom. I reacted the way I did because I needed to get you out of there. They would have tortured you, and probably would've killed you. I promise you, if there was something I could have done to prevent what happened then I would have done it. I thought they were better than that. I thought that they would see the good.." Keera pleaded.

" As stupid as it sounds, I don't mind you being mad at me. You can hate me forever if you want and I will understand but I really hope..that you don't. I don't want you to hate me" Keera tried to keep her emotions under control but her lips began to tremble.

" Why does it matter to you? You don't know me. You didn't know my mother" Penny growled at Keera who was now soaked with tears streaming down her face.

" I didn't know either of you and yet I wanted too" Keera cried out. " I didn't feel a damn thing when I was there. My whole damn life, I felt nothing. And then you came along and I had a friend. I had someone who I actually could help. And you made me think about life outside the Vampires for once. And in the process of helping you, I got careless. I didn't pay attention or focus enough on my job and training to see that there was a threat. And your mom payed the price for that. The guilt I feel is more than I can bare. Whether she is alive or not. So I'm pleading with you to not hate me. Not because you owe me anything but because I owe you for teaching me that there is more than just seclusion to make me feel safe. And I hope that someday I can repay you for it " Keera had only really known life with the Vampires. But her time with Penny had given her hope for a life outside of the walls. Where she could actually help others in ways that didn't consistently require her to be something that she wasn't. She wanted change as well, and Penny and Raven had given that to her.

Penny walked over to Keera, who could barely see straight now from the tears. She struggled to move and waited to see what would happen though this time, she didn't fear for her life. She feared that she would never be able to forgive herself from this pain. And if Penny could end her suffering, then she would have to let it happen.

Once she was face to face with Keera, Penny pulled Keera into her arms and hugged her tightly. They both cried, losing themselves into the emotions of pain, and no longer holding it back.

Shawn looked on, giving them their time and space. Though he couldn't be quite sure, he had feelings that Keera would be of great use to Penny. She seemed to have a positive influence over his daughter and that would be needed for the hardships to come. And that is why he allowed her to live, and would not interfere.

" I promise that I will do whatever it takes to make it up to you Penny " Keera swore.

" Its not your fault" Penny cried as she clinged to Keera.

"I will still, do all that I can to help you" Keera promised. " I am sorry" Keera continued to cry.

" We need to get moving" Lysette finally spoke, as she continued to stare into the distance.

" She is right Girls, we need to get moving" Shawn reiterated.

" If your mom is alive, I will offer my life to hers as well until I can repay the debt" Keera was overjoyed to have found forgiveness but she could not rest until she knew that Raven was okay. That Shawn's words were true.

" You owe us nothing.." Penny had forgiven Keera partially to her father's words but also because she could tell that Keeras plea was genuine. And she didn't want Keera remaining her life because of a debut that she never had or owed.

Keera smiled but would not let go of the guilt that she felt. She turned to Shawn and nodded, showing that she was ready to move forward.