Page 39 of Framed and Forgotten
First, I needed to clear the awkwardness between Nerine and me. I wouldn’t get far in my investigation if she suspected that whatever spell she had me under wasn’t working. As disgusting as it was to even pretend I harbored romantic feelings for her, not playing the part could put my very life in danger.
Secondly, I needed to find other clues to solve this mystery. Pressing Nerine for information would be easier, but also risky. Too risky. She had to believe I trusted her, and asking too many questions might raise suspicion. Thankfully, I had an ace up my sleeve.
When I first started training with Theo and Elijah, they explained the special skills Ashen Wolves possessed - including the ability to glimpse fragments of the past by touching an object. At Crystal Pond, I was surrounded by items that carried pieces of Nerine’s story. Her essence lingered in every corner of the packhouse, the walls silent witnesses to her every whisper. As long as I chose the right targets, I was sure I could uncover something useful.
The only problem was, I had never actually used that ability. In my short time as an Ashen Wolf, I had barely tapped into my powers, and the ones I had mastered were more suited to camouflage. Still, since I had learned to become one with the shadows, I could only hope this skill would come just as naturally.
Either way, I’d find out soon enough.
After a moment of mental preparation, I got dressed and headed downstairs in search of Nerine. As I walked, I analyzed the decorations lining the halls, scanning for anything that might hold enough significance to reveal glimpses of the past. Nothing in particular stood out, but eventually, I found my ex-wife outside, playing with our pup.
The second Elias noticed me, he beamed and rushed into my arms. I lowered myself to greet him with a hug, but for the first time since diving headfirst into this mess, I couldn’t fully enjoy the warmth of his love. Questions crept into my mind, leaving me hesitant and cautious. Still, I smiled as though nothing was wrong.
Nerine shot me a sheepish look, studying me. She was clearly searching for any signs of our last conversations affecting me, wondering if something had changed in my behavior.
It was time to put on my best act.
“I’m so happy you decided to stay longer, Daddy,” Elias said, unburying his face from my chest.
I ruffled his hair. “Now that I’ve found you, I can’t stay away from you anymore.” Sucking in a shallow breath, I steadied my voice to make my lie more convincing as I added, “Or your mom.”
On cue, Nerine gasped. I made sure to hold her gaze, locking eyes with her, making her believe in me. In the end, she glanced away, her cheeks flushing red. The corner of her lips curled as she tucked a strand of blonde hair behind her ear. Although myheart pounded, my mind spat every curse word I could think of at her. I would turn the tables - she would be the one caught in my web.
Just then, I delivered my last line, “We’re a family, all three of us. I don’t ever want to break us apart.”
In every line on Nerine’s face, I watched her soften with appreciation, her eyes lighting up with a quiet glow as she absorbed my words. However, behind the expected signs of affection from a loving comment like mine, I could see something darker. It was subtle, yet unmistakable the way her lips curled maliciously, as if savoring a victory. Though it was exactly what I needed her to believe, the sight of it made my blood boil.
Remembering to stay calm, I forced myself to sit beside her. I could feel her relax, the hesitation from earlier fading with each word we exchanged. As we spoke, I let my fingers brush against her hand - seemingly by accident at first, but gradually becoming more deliberate, making her believe I wanted to touch her.
Half an hour later, she called Elias. “Baby, let’s go inside. Mommy has to work.”
The pup pouted. “But I wanna play a little longer, Mommy!”
“It’s okay,” I promptly chimed in, smiling at her. “I’ll stay with him.” I told myself it would be easier to play detective in her absence, but truth was, I couldn’t stand to stay next to her a second longer.
She nodded, thanking me before leaving. As soon as she did, I sat on the grass beside Elias. “Can I play with you, buddy?”
“Of course, Dad!” Elias agreed cheerfully. An instant later, he grimaced at the toy in his hand. “But I only have one dinosaur. Do you want to do something else?”
“Sure. What do you want to do?”
“Hmm.” He was thoughtful for a moment before his face lit up with an idea. “Oh, I know! Can I ride your wolf, Daddy?Mommy sometimes lets me ride hers. She’s very pretty.” He paused, eyes wide with curiosity. “What does your wolf look like? I bet he’s super cool and strong since you’re an alpha!”
His suggestion made me stiffen. The thought of freeing Columbus at Crystal Pond didn’t sit well with me. I had brought a couple of potions to mask his altered appearance in case I absolutely needed to shift, having just taken the last one this morning, but it wasn’t something I should risk doing casually.
However, shifting would also give me access to my Ashen Wolf powers.
Suddenly, an idea bloomed. Who better to inform me about what Nerine had been up to during the years we were apart than her own son? If Elias could show me the past, perhaps I could uncover everything I needed right here and now.
“Let’s do it,”Col decided.
With a smile, I replied, “Alright, bud. I’ll let my wolf out so you can see him for yourself. Then, we can go for a quick ride.”
“Yay!” the pup cheered, his eyes glistening with anticipation.
Rising to my feet, I took a few steps back. After putting a safe distance between us, I allowed my counterpart to come forth. In a matter of seconds, he was standing on four paws while an awestruck Elias stared at him.
“Wow! Your wolf is even more amazing than Mom’s! And he’s huge! Just like a real dinosaur!” Elias chanted, wobbling toward my massive beast.
