Rumors

"Okay...before I do that, how is your relationship with your dad?" Jyriah prodded softly.

"I plan on killing him," Metas answered as though they were talking about the weather.

"Oh, great....well...you don't have to do that anymore, because he's dead" Jyriah revealed to the chagrin of both Joss and Myranda.

"You could have said that a lot better, Jyriah" Joss said flatly.

"Wow. Sometimes I wonder about you..." Myranda groaned into her hand.

"I'm sorry, what?" Metas asked as though he hadn't heard anything correctly, and then he turned his attention from the flat red gem that had started glowing lowly since it activation.

"Your dad. He died last night - well... People think you and Myranda did it, and that's why you've run off to hide," Jyriah repeated.

"They think we did it? How did he die?" Metas now lobbed questions at poor Jyriah who now had a darkened face.

"Metas - you seem upset. May-ack!" Jyriah let out a cry of surprise when his alpha put both of his hands on his shoulders.

"How. Did. He. Die?" the Alpha repeated with authority.

Myranda took to overseeing the fish that needed to be cleaned and prepared as her brother dealt with the hole he had thrown himself into.

"His throat was slit in his sleep. Your mother passed soon after from broken-heart syndrome. Harbinger has already announced that Silas and Syrana are due to be the next Alpha and Luna. They're having a ceremony in two weeks when the moon is full again..." Jyriah continued with hesitance.

"Does anyone who supports me think I would do something so cowardly?" Metas asked with concern.

"No. They actually think Silas is behind it to make you look bad. I think everyone does - but those who support Silas are fine with it, and those who support you can't do anything about it. That's just my guess, anyway" Jyriah replied and swallowed a lump in his throat.

"How does Syrana feel about all of this?" Myranda asked, her back still turned to them as she worked on de-scaling the silver-fleshed piscine.

"I haven't talked to her yet. I have a feeling she is uncomfortable about it, being that she's a huge supporter of your relationship," the eldest sibling said, just a little unsure.

"Hmmm. They've crippled me as far as movement, then. Going back into the mountain isn't an option now. Which means you two will have to do my dirty work....and I am not sure you can handle it, Jyriah" Metas replied truthfully and moved back from the stiff male to run his hands through his pitch black hair anxiously.

"What? Why?" Jyriah asked in annoyance.

"...because it concerns your first-born sister, and I need you to be level-headed if you want to help her, Myranda, and myself" Metas replied hesitantly.

Everything he'd tried to hide from someone seemed to be pushed into the light by his hand, or coincidence. It was annoying - and it made him feel like he was a liar. However, Metas being the devout believer of the Moon Goddess he was, knew that all of this had to be happening for a reason.

He had dreamed of her in his sleep. He had heard her whisper words of strength, promises, and future paths when he did dream of her. She led him to Myranda, and told him to be steadfast in hunting her. The Goddess had never let Metas down, and he wasn't about to stop believing in her now. He had to let at least one of them know, and it may give Jyriah something to focus on...

The measured Alpha took in a deep, slow, calming breath before he spoke. He wanted to ensure his words were considered carefully in hopes his even attitude would affect Jyriah's response.

"Metas, don't - that's a really bad idea..." Myranda started with a warning.

"I don't have a choice, my sweet. I can't back into the kingdom easily - let alone the palace. He is a guard. He is close to Silas in proximity. He can get access to the cells," Metas replied.

"My Alpha, I have already followed you into fire - but I will not help you cause a firestorm. This is a bad idea. Please reconsider, and perhaps instead talk to Joss about it" Myranda advised and this time looked over her shoulder to look him in the eyes.

"Do you really think it would be that foolish?" her Alpha asked once more, just to make sure .

"Exceedingly" his Luna answered curtly (and wisely).

"Very well. Your advice is invaluable, and I will take it. Jyriah - forget I said anything. That's a command," Metas looked to the blue-eyed wolf with burning, stern gold orbs.

"Woah, woah - you can't just tell me Syrana is involved with something and then leave me out of it" Jyriah protested.

"Yes he can. You pledged your allegiance to him, didn't you? Do as your Alpha commands, Jyriah" Myranda answered with strength that not even she had heard before. Metas absolutely was seeping into her - and it was empowering.

"Woahkay, then. Way to take up your role, baby sis. I'll do as my Alpha and Luna ask," Jyriah replied meekly. If he had been in his wolf form, his ears would have pressed back in subservience.

"Thank you," Metas and Myranda said at the same time.

The gloom that had shrouded Jyriah lifted a little when they both replied in unison. He made the right decision to back Metas, and this only solidified it. To see his baby sister growing into a strong Luna was far beyond what he had ever wished for her. It's all he wanted for her now, and so he knew it best to back off (for once in his fiery life).

"I'd like to speak to you then, Joss - when we have the chance. I believe tomorrow Gerald, Lara, and Ajax should be dropping by. I'd appreciate it if you both come over as well. It will get cramped in here for while - but at least we'll finally all be together to make a solidified plan" Metas informed them and crossed his arms as his head flooded with conflicting emotions and thoughts.

"Metas, would you like some time to yourself, or do you want to come help me clean these fish?" Myranda offered as she felt his discomfort and anguish rise in her own chest.

"Being with you would be far more preferable. I can remove the pesky fins quickly. I know some like the fins - but I am not one of them," Metas tried to act as though he were okay since they were with company, but on the inside he was feeling a mix of anger, relief, and sadness.

He walked back to where Myranda was busy gutting the first fish, and sat on his knees next to her. Metas got a bit closer to her, and relief became the dominant emotion as her scent and warmth filled his soul.