Chapter 25: Whispers in the Quiet
Ethan Nicolas sat in his dimly lit room, the clock striking 7 p.m., his body and soul heavy from the previous night's crowning rituals in Blackwood Forest. His dark hair was a mess, green eyes bloodshot, face pale from reliving his life with Sophie—her blonde hair, her soft laugh, her stinging "You're a freak" echoing in his mind. The pack's chants and the antler crown's thorns had drained him, leaving him emotionally and physically wrecked. His phone rang, cutting through the silence. He picked it up, voice rough. "Yeah?"
Ava's voice came through, bright but urgent. "Ethan, you free? Can we meet now?"
Ethan leaned back, exhaustion clawing at him. "What's so important, Ava?"
She hesitated, then said firmly, "I want to talk about Marcus. It's urgent."
Ethan's brow furrowed. Marcus, his best friend—whatever Ava had on him, it sounded serious. Despite his battered state, he felt a spark of duty. "Okay," he sighed, rubbing his scarred arm. "We'll meet at our usual club."
Ava cut in, sharp. "No, Ethan, I'm not asking for a party. I want to talk about something important. Take me to some calm place."
He paused, her insistence pulling him out of his haze. "Okay, fine. Get ready, I'll come now." He hung up, dragging himself to the bathroom to freshen up. Splashing cold water on his face, he caught his reflection—haggard but sharp. He pulled on a black t-shirt that hugged his lean frame, making him look strikingly handsome despite the fatigue. He paired it with dark jeans, the fit casual but deliberate, his green eyes glinting with a flicker of resolve.
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Across town, Ava stood in her room, her heart racing. She slipped into a simple black cotton frock, its soft fabric swaying as she moved, practical yet elegant. She headed downstairs, finding her father, Greg, in the kitchen, cleaning up from dinner. "Dad, I need to go out with Ethan tonight. It's important."
Greg frowned, wiping his hands on a towel. "Why this late, Ava? It's already seven. Can't it wait?"
"It's about work, Dad, and a friend. I won't be long," she said, her voice steady but pleading.
He sighed, studying her. "This Ethan… you trust him?"
Ava nodded. "Yeah, he's a puzzle, but he's solid." Her confident mood lingered, giving her strength.
Greg relented, waving a hand. "Fine, but be back by ten. And text me where you're at."
"Thanks, Dad!" Ava grabbed her bag and stepped outside, waiting on the porch, the cool April night air brushing her skin.
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Ethan's car roared to life, the engine's hum steadying his frayed nerves. He drove to Ava's house, pulling up to the curb. She stood under the streetlight, her black frock catching the glow, her dark hair loose. She slid into the passenger seat, her eyes sharp with purpose. "Hey," she said, buckling up. "Thanks for this."
Ethan nodded, his handsome features softened by exhaustion. "Yeah, no problem." He pulled away, driving toward a quiet riverbank just outside town, its secluded calm perfect for serious talks.
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Ethan and Ava reached the riverbank, a completely isolated spot with a single small house nearby, its windows dark, no light spilling out. They walked to the water's edge and sat on the cool grass. Ava slowly dipped her legs into the river, the cold water sending a shiver through her, but she smiled, enjoying the sensation. Ethan settled beside her, his black t-shirt and jeans blending into the night, his handsome face softened by the moonlight.
A cold breeze passed through them, carrying a melodious, soothing hum, like nature's own music. The night sky glowed with a waning gibbous moon and scattered stars. Ava tilted her head, gazing at the moon and stars, a quiet smile spreading across her face, the calm wrapping around her.
To be continued...
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