Chapter 19

Back at the village, Hybreed along with the residents have finished a feast put together by the elders. He takes some food to his mother, who is still recovering, but is doing much better.

Renee: This looks delightful.

Hybreed: A wonderful feast from the elders. They send their wishes, mother. Is there anything else I can do for you?

Renee: Thank you, Hybreed, but really, you have done enough. It should be me taking care of you.

Hybreed laughs softly as he keeps the fire going in her fire pit.

Renee: Something is troubling you.

Hybreed kneels down as the fire crackles softly.

Hybreed: The visions came back. Earlier today.

Renee: Of that night?

Hybreed: Yes.

Renee: Hybreed, what happened to her was not your fault.

Hybreed: Was it not?

Renee: What happened to Katherine was done by a town deceived by a power not of this world. Something that we don't even understand.

Hybreed: If we don't understand it, then what are we protecting the humans from?

Renee: It's not just the humans we protect, but each other. Even if they do awful things to one another, the point is, this world is precious, and we need to treat it as such.

As Hybreed goes to reply, he picks up a sense and suddenly leaves the house. He looks around the village and finds Konnor and Nikita, but Jasper isn't with them.

Hybreed: Where's Jasper?

Konnor: I thought he was at his house.

Looking at the tree line and seeing a pair of glowing eyes, he takes off into the woods as Konnor and Nikita follow him. The three enter the woods as they rush to where Jasper was and find him still pinned against the same tree, brutally and gruesomely wounded, but barely alive.

Hybreed: Jasper!

The three free him, but the wounds are far too great when they realize Hekate spiked the weapons with silver and was able to block Jasper from sensing it during the fight. Hybreed takes him into his arms and hurries back to the village and to Lyke. The residents become increasingly worried at his condition and wonder if they are being hunted.

Konnor: Settle them. We will stay with him.

Hybreed, distrought, steps out of Lyke's house and faces the residents. Tears begin to form in his eyes, but he remains strong.

Hybreed: I'm sure you all are wondering who is responsible for this. Mark my words, it was nobody from the town. Do not go there and start attacking them. I will find out who did this and when I do, I - we will hunt them down and deliver justice. I know I haven't been the best leader since Kargan passed, I know I have not held up my end of promises, but I am doing my hardest. I make this pact right now, to all of you, I will NOT let anyone, or anything harm you. If I am going to be king, I need to start acting like one. You all look to me for answers, and I have not given you any. I promise you all.

The residents all begin to kneel at him, but Hybreed stops them from doing so as he believes he is not worthy of any of it.