Chapter 22

Addison's Point of View

I could feel the weight of Uncle Achan's words, which threatened to crush us both.

"What are you talking about, Uncle?" I managed to stammer, my voice trembling. "Agatha and Alden have done nothing wrong. They're innocent."

Uncle Achan's lips curled into a sinister smile, his gaze never leaving mine. "Innocent? Your father betrayed our pack, Addison. He left us vulnerable, exposed to our enemies. And now, it's time for his bloodline to pay the price."

My mind raced, desperately searching for a way to protect Agatha and Alden from the wrath of my uncle. I couldn't bear the thought of them suffering for the sins of my father. They were like family to me now, and I would do anything to keep them safe.

"Uncle, please," I pleaded, my voice cracking with emotion. "Agatha and Alden have nothing to do with my father's actions. They're good people, just like you and me. We can't let this cycle of vengeance consume us."

Uncle Achan's eyes narrowed, his grip on his cane tightening. "You think you can reason with me, boy? You think love can erase the pain and the anger that burn within me?"

I took a deep breath, summoning all the courage I could muster. "Love is not a weakness, Uncle. It's what makes us human, what separates us from the beasts. We can choose a different path, a path of forgiveness and understanding."

Silence hung in the air, broken only by the distant howl of a wolf. Uncle Achan's face softened, his eyes flickering with a mix of emotions. For a moment, I thought I saw a glimmer of hope, a chance for redemption.

"You speak of forgiveness, Addison," he finally said, his voice quieter now. "But can you forgive me? Can you forgive an old man consumed by his own pain?"

Tears welled up in my eyes as I reached out to him, my voice filled with sincerity.

Agatha's Point of View

The sun was high in the sky, casting a warm glow through the curtains of our hotel room. It was noon, and the tension that had hung in the air for days was finally beginning to dissipate. I sat on the edge of the bed, nervously fidgeting with my fingers, waiting for the right moment to approach my sister, Amelia.

"Amelia," I began, my voice trembling slightly. "I need to talk to you."

She looked up from the book she was reading, her eyes filled with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. "What is it, Agatha?"

I took a deep breath, gathering my thoughts. "I owe you an apology. I blamed you for what happened to Alden, and I was wrong. It wasn't your fault that Uncle Achan kidnapped him. I let my anger and fear cloud my judgment, and for that, I am truly sorry."

Amelia's eyes widened in surprise, and she closed her book, setting it aside. "Agatha, I didn't expect you to say that. I thought you would never forgive me."

Tears welled up in my eyes as I reached out to take her hand. "Amelia, you're like a sister to me now... In fact, you're my sister. No matter what happens, I will always love you. We need to stick together, especially now that Alden is back."

Just as the weight of our reconciliation began to lift, the door creaked open, and Alden walked in, a sheepish smile on his face. "Did I miss something?"

Amelia and I turned to face him, our eyes filled with a mixture of relief and joy. "Alden!" I exclaimed, rushing to embrace him. "You're safe."

He hugged me tightly before turning to Amelia. "I'm sorry, sis. I never meant for any of this to happen. I should have been more careful."

Amelia shook her head, tears streaming down her face. "No, Alden. This wasn't your fault. We were all caught up in Uncle Achan's twisted plans."

We stood there, the three of us, locked in a tight embrace, the weight of the past few days slowly lifting off our shoulders. It was a moment of healing, of forgiveness, and of newfound strength.

As the hunger pangs began to make themselves known, we decided to celebrate our reunion with a meal. We gathered around the small table in our hotel room, sharing stories and laughter, feeling like one big happy family once again.

"Pass the potatoes, please," Alden said, his voice filled with a newfound sense of happiness.

I smiled and handed him the bowl, my heart swelling with gratitude. "Of course, little brother. Anything for you."

Amelia raised her glass, her eyes sparkling with joy. "To family," she said, her voice filled with love and warmth.

"To family," we echoed, clinking our glasses together.

In that moment, surrounded by the love and support of my sister and brother, I knew that we would face whatever challenges lay ahead. We were stronger together, and nothing could tear us apart.

As the afternoon sun bathed us in its golden light, I couldn't help but feel a sense of hope for the future. We had overcome our differences, our fears, and our past mistakes. We were ready to face whatever awaited us, united as a family.

And so we continued our meal, savoring each bite and cherishing the newfound bond that had been forged in the face of adversity. The room was filled with laughter, love, and the promise of a brighter tomorrow.