Page 3 of Panther in the Shadows
He leaves as quietly as he came, closing the door with a soft click.
I stand on shaking legs and move to the window. Below, the inn is closed, black crepe hung on the door for Gran's death. Beyond it, the ocean stretches grey and restless under morning clouds. My ocean now. My responsibility. My prison.
The pendant warms against my skin as if in answer.
I press my palm flat against the cold glass and feel the tide's pull in my bones, the storm's approach in my blood. Everything connects to me now—every drop, every tide, every current. All of it aware of my existence, and me of theirs. No part of me separate from the sea anymore.
This is my life now. Hidden in plain sight, serving drinks and watching for threats, using power I barely understand to protect an island full of people who can never know what I truly am.
The weight settles over me like the ocean itself—vast, crushing, inescapable.
I press my forehead against the glass. The ocean roars louder, responding to the loneliness I won't let myself feel.
Gran's pendant burns warm against my chest.
A reminder. A warning. A promise I didn't choose but will keep anyway.
RAFE
Seven Years Ago
Blood dries quickly under the Mediterranean sun.
I stand in the courtyard of my family's estate and watch Diego's blood turn from red to rust on the ancient stones… a gash along his ribs and his head bent at an odd angle. My hands won't stop shaking. His body was removed hours ago but I can still see him there, silver knife clutched in his hand, eyes wide with shock that I was faster.
Around me, the panther clans gather for judgment. Fifty shifters from five families, their scents mixing with orange blossoms and the sea breeze that always smells like home. Used to smell like home.
Now it just smells like the end of everything.
"Rafael Vega." My father's voice rings out across the courtyard, formal and cold. "You stand accused of murdering your brother, Diego Vega, and attempting to harm your betrothed, Catalina Reyes."
"That's not what happened." My voice stays steady despite the shaking in my hands. "Diego attacked me. He and Catalina were planning?—"
"Liar!" Catalina's voice cuts through mine, sharp with grief that would sound genuine to anyone who doesn't know her. She stands between her father and mine, tears streaming down her beautiful face, dark hair wild like she's been pulling at it. "You were jealous. You thought Diego wanted control of the Vega territory. You killed him!"
"He had a silver knife," I say through gritted teeth. "He ambushed me in the courtyard."
"To stop you from hurting me!" She sobs into her hands. "He knew you'd been growing paranoid, possessive. He tried to protect me and you killed him for it."
The lie is perfect. I'll give her that. Every tear calculated, every tremor in her voice designed to convince. And it's working. The gathered panthers stir uneasily, some watching me with suspicion, others with outright disgust.
My father's expression remains carved from stone. "Did you kill your brother?"
"In self-defense. He?—"
"Did. You. Kill. Your brother."
I meet his eyes, those amber eyes I inherited along with the shadow-walker gift that makes our bloodline valuable. "Yes."
"The silver knife was conveniently in Diego’s hand when the guards found him." This from Catalina's father, Miguel Reyes. "Easy to place after death."
"That's not—" I start.
"You have always been ambitious, Rafael." Each syllable drops like a stone from my father’s mouth. "Always reaching for more power, more control. It seems you decided the Vega territory wasn't enough. You wanted the Reyes holdings too. When Diego discovered your plan to harm Catalina and force the marriage, he confronted you."
"No." I can barely get the word out. "You know me. You know I wouldn't?—"
"I know you have your grandfather's shadow gift." His voice carries across the courtyard. "I know such gifts often come with hunger for power. I know my youngest son is dead by your hand."
