Page 57 of Framed and Forgotten
Determined, I replied with a heavy heart, “Then I guess it’s a good thing she can’t remember what she used to feel for me.”
“Koen-” he tried, but I stopped him again.
“Thank you for your help, Theo,” I said wholeheartedly. “After all I’ve done, I don’t deserve it,” I acknowledged, sighing.Then, I glanced at him one last time, “When I’m done with Nerine, I hope you will grant me your forgiveness.”
Worry never left his features as he countered, “Just make sure to come back to collect it.”
After nodding hesitantly, he reluctantly left. I took a moment to reflect on our conversation before moving on to the other tasks I had to complete before I could finally enjoy my night with Avril. Firstly, I set off to Vereya’s hut to fetch a dose of the magical potion that helped mask my wolf’s changed appearance. While I hoped I wouldn’t have to shift, I wanted to ensure no one could identify me as an Ashen Wolf in case I had to.
When I was back, I sat down to carefully plan everything I would say and do. The amount of information I would get out of this depended on asking the right questions and using the most persuasive methods. I also had to prepare for every scenario I could face when I was out at Crystal Pond, including the possibility Nerine might have already figured me out.
Once I had a thoroughly analyzed, well-crafted plan, I grabbed my phone to set it in motion. Step one was sending my ex-wife a text falsely informing her that I had broken it off with Avril. I would ask her to meet me on Whispering Hills - neutral grounds, far from witnesses or allies she could hide behind.
After reading what I had typed twice, I finally hit send and took a moment to reflect on what I’d have to do tomorrow. Though I would’ve preferred a few more days to plan more carefully and learn more about the people I was dealing with, I had to work with what I had. I was counting on catching Nerine off guard, and if I wanted to succeed, I couldn’t afford to wait another minute.
By dawn, I’d be off.
A V R I L
When Koen approached me late at night with that same forced smile, I pitied him. His heart was clearly breaking, yet he pushed through the pain, pretending everything was fine. Pretending it didn’t crush his spirit to know I felt nothing for him.
Deep down, it hurt me, too.
I didn’t know why. With the memory of our epic love story erased from my mind, I shouldn’t feel anything for him - aside from the pull of our tainted bond. If anything, I should be angry at him for ruining everything by abandoning me. Still, as I watched him try so hard to pick up the broken pieces slipping through his fingers, part of me couldn’t help but hope he’d succeed.
We spent the night together by the waterfall again. Much like the night before, our time was filled mostly with silence. Comfortable, peaceful silence. I watched him relax as the minutes passed, my simple presence seeming to calm him. Though I still struggled to trust him, it truly felt as if he held me in high regard, like I was just as important - if not more - than the air he breathed.
Lying on the grass beside him, I eventually drifted off to the sound of cascading water. I only stirred when I heard the grass rustle close to my ear. It must’ve still been dark since there was no light bothering my eyes, but I refused to open them to confirm. I knew it had to be Koen, waking up to follow throughwith his plan - and if I wantedmineto work, I had to make him believe I was still asleep.
Even with my eyes closed, I could feel his gaze lingering on me, his hesitation filling the stillness between us. Eventually, he paced away. I waited until the sound of his footsteps faded before carefully rising as well, and I prepared to follow him.
It was a long journey back to Whispering Hills, especially when traveling on four paws instead of four wheels. Even for me, taking the long route through the forests instead of the highway was a test of resistance. As if making the journey wasn’t challenging enough, I also had to keep up my speed, taking no breaks at all, or else I’d risk arriving too late.
By the time I reached the outskirts of Whispering Hills’ wastelands, the burning in my muscles was so intense, even my bones were aching. Kea was panting heavily when I asked her to retreat, and standing on my human legs was no easy feat. Still, I pushed the searing discomfort away to search for Koen, afraid I might not have made it in time.
But as I drew closer to the heart of the territory, sneaking behind ruins of destroyed houses, I finally heard voices. All I had to do was follow them to catch the pair by the pack house. Considering a triumphant smile was still plastered on the blonde bitch’s face, Koen must not have shattered her fucked up fantasies yet.
I made it just in time.
“What is it you wanted to show me, Koen?” Nerine asked excitedly, big eyes glistening with anticipation.
She was so deep in her delusions, she didn’t seem to notice Koen’s serious expression. There was nothing romantic - or remotely positive - about the way he held himself before her, keeping a safe distance, as if the very idea of sharing the same air disgusted him. Even if she couldn’t see it, he didn’t hesitate to break the news.
“I know the truth, Nerine,” he said without hesitation.
Her lips twitched, her grin beginning to fade. “What?”
“The love potions,” he promptly accused, his calm slowly evaporating. “Your sick plan to poison me so I would reject Avril and pick you instead.”
It was bizarrely entertaining to watch reality hit her hard in the face. Still, she played dumb, a gagged chuckle pushing through her lips. “W-what?”
Koen took a step toward her, out of patience for her and her games. “Everything was just some twisted scheme to make me fall for you, wasn’t it?” He paused, his resolve wavering as he hesitated to ask, “Elias isn’t even mine, is he?”
Nerine’s mask slipped, and her eyes widened. “How can you say that?” she cried, feigning hurt, her arms flailing as she lost her composure. “You saw the results! You…you feel the bond you share with Elias! He’s your son!Ourson!”
Koen pressed his lips together, hiding part of the pain he felt. “You’re right,” he said, pausing thoughtfully before continuing. “What sold it to me was the paternity test. It didn’t appear to have been tampered with. Elias’s DNA is a match to mine.” He paused, gaze darkening. “Or… to someone with DNA practically identical to mine.”
Horror washed over her face as she froze. For the first time, she recognized he really had figured it all out. “I… I don’t know what you’re talking about-”
