Chapter Twenty-Two
Orion watched Nix soar through the air above them, flying ahead before circling back. It was breathtaking to watch him, not to mention nerve-wracking. He had checked twice that his mate had enough energy to sustain flight and Nix had assured him both times that there was nothing to be worried about. Orion couldn't help recalling their first meeting and Nix's fall to earth. If it were to happen again, especially when they ascended the mountain, Nix could end up a lot worse off than just a dislocated shoulder.
He forced his attention back to their journey, taking heart in the presence of his brothers by his side. Alone, they were strong. Together, there was no power that could best them. Except one.
It was almost a relief to reach the base of the mountain. Nix came to land next to them as they took a few minutes to scout the area. He led them to the climbing point, where Orion could smell the scent of coyote and other scents similar to Nix's. There were tracks too, but none of them recent. It was clearly a well-worn trail but March had probably been keeping his people close for the past few days, knowing reprisals were coming.
They waited until the sun had almost set to begin their ascent. More dangerous in one way, but safer in another. Nix rose upwards again, staying just above them as they climbed. Even as bears, the ascent was tough, the ground steep, with little purchase in the rock. More than once one of them slipped backwards, paws scrabbling across the unforgiving ground. They pressed onward. They'd need to be in place before dawn.
They reached their destination while it was still full dark, the light of the moon bathing them in a soft glow. Nix landed next to Orion, shifting from bird to wolf as they'd agreed for the second leg of their climb. Nix would lead them to the village. From his reckoning, it was at least another hour of travel before they'd reach it. Dawn would be a little way off then, they'd still have the advantage of the dark.
He stayed on Nix's heels, all too aware of how vulnerable his mate was and feeling a pressing need to ensure he was safe. For his part, Nix was cautious, not rushing ahead, looking back to check they were keeping up.
Orion knew they'd reached the village from the sounds they could hear ahead of them. They switched positions so Nix walked in the middle of them, protected by the three brothers.
The sounds from the village quieted as they closed in. There were lanterns glowing and a fire lit in the center. People and coyotes were gathered around the edges, all eyes turned to watch them. In the center of the village stood a man, his skin bathed in the orange glow of the fire. Orion knew without needing to ask that this was March. By his feet, two people knelt, the patterns of the fire dancing across their still forms. When Nix caught sight of them, he whined and darted forward, stopped only by Orion's paw pushing him backward. That answered his second question. The people at March's feet were Phoenix's mother and sister.
Orion stopped, Nix right behind him, pressed against his back leg. He could feel Nix's body shaking.
Thane moved around so he was ahead and to Orion's left. Cal stayed behind, moving to his right. Once they were in position, Orion shifted. Nix followed suit and soon they stood side by side, shielded by his brothers.
"Nix, my child. You have returned," March said. "Though you bring enemies right to our door."
Orion thought Nix wasn't going to respond, and was surprised not only by Nix's words but the strength behind them.
"They aren't my enemies. They aren't the Metatherian's enemies."
"They're murderers," March replied with a laugh of astonishment. "They killed your father. And your brother. I saw them with my own eyes, as did many here."
Frightened heads nodded.
"I used to believe that," Nix said, taking a step forward. "I hated the bears, Orion especially for what he'd done. Until I learned it was all a lie. The coyotes haven't been fighting Orion and trying to keep the Packs of the territory safe. They've been raiding them, for years; killing innocents, stealing food. Out there, the reign of terror isn't the bears. It's the coyotes. And it got me thinking. It is really any different here? Who are we truly afraid of? Who are we living under daily threat from? It's not the bears, that's for sure. Orion has a whole territory to oversee. If March is to be believed, we've still only seen Orion twice in over two decades. The coyotes are here every day. How many have suffered at their hands? From beatings or being thrown in the box for some minor offense. How many times have the coyotes taken food from the mouths of your children? We live in constant terror, yes. But not because of the bears."
There were murmurs among the people but no dissenting voices. March looked around at them before speaking again, his tone grave.
"It is as I feared. Nix had been corrupted by the influence of this bear. I had hoped to save him once I learned who he was destined to mate, which was why I devised the plan to send Nix bravely into the world to lead this bear to his death for his crimes against us. But I underestimated the corrupting ability of the Evenfalls."
He pinned Nix with his gaze.
"It's not too late, Nix. You can be saved. We will welcome you back with open arms."
"We're not here for that, March. We're here to negotiate the terms of your surrender," Orion interrupted.
March ignored him.
"Come back to us, Nix. Let us heal you. For the sake of your mother and sister." He waved a hand at the pair who knelt next to him.
"Let them go!" Nix cried.
"I cannot, Nix. You betrayed us, walked our enemies right up to our door. If you will not return to us for cleansing, I will have to punish them in your stead."
March's left hand grabbed Nix's sister by the hair, tugging her face up, wide eyes staring at the dark sky, exposing the long line of her neck. He lifted his right hand, the knife glinting in the light of the fire.
"No!" Nix tried to step forward and Orion caught him, wrapping an arm around his chest and holding him tight.
"Shh, Nix. It's all going to be okay."
"Give us Nix, and his family will live," March said, turning his attention to Orion. "I hate to have to do this," he added, looking around at his people. "But they're leaving me with no choice."
"Let them go, March. They're innocent in all this."
"Innocents die all the time for the good of the many. If you won't return Nix to us, what choice do I have?"
"And, afterward, what will they remember? You killing your own people or the false memory of a bear that you've forced onto their minds. Nix had those memories too, we were able to show him the truth."