Chapter 93

Abigail

The iron bars separating us were thick, rusted, and bolted into the stone like the universe itself wanted to make sure no one got in—or out. Probably both.

But Theo?

Theo looked about as concerned as someone lounging in a hammock, sipping lemonade.

He was chained at the wrists, his ankles shackled, and his clothes were a mess—his shirt ripped at the shoulder, his jeans streaked with dirt. But instead of looking miserable, he sat back against the stone wall, grinning at me like I was the best thing to happen to him all day.

Which was insane, considering he was literally in my father’s basement prison. Or, holding cell.

Not justifying the fact he even had one.

“Abs,” he drawled, in his usual carefree tone. “Took you long enough.”

I folded my arms. “Oh, sorry. Was I supposed to schedule my illegal prison break-in earlier?”

He sighed dramatically. “I was starting to think you didn’t care.”

I narrowed my eyes, stepping closer. “That’s funny. You’re chained up in my house’s basement, and you’re cracking jokes?”

Theo smirked. “What else am I supposed to do? Cry?”

I raised a brow. “That’d be the normal reaction, considering what you did.”

“Well,” he said, shrugging as much as his shackles would allow, “if I wanted normal, I wouldn’t have come here.”

I stared at him, trying to get a read on what, exactly, his deal was. He was too relaxed for someone in this situation. Too comfortable.

And yet… his eyes.

Dark, sharp, alert—honest.

I shook my head, exhaling. “Alright, sass. Tell me the truth. Who are you?”

Theo tilted his head. “Really, Abs? You’re here to interrogate me? You already know my name.”

“Yeah, well, names don’t mean much if you’re a liar.”

“Ouch.” He pressed a hand to his chest like I’d just stabbed him. “That wounds me, Abigail.”

I scowled a bit. “Cut the act. I was the only one defending you! Don’t make me regret it.”

He grinned again, but this time, it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “I’m part of the pack.”

I let out a sharp, humorless laugh. “That’s interesting, considering no one here seems to know who you are. So, you lied.”

Theo shrugged. “That’s because I wasn’t born into it. But goal is to be. My father is a rogue.”

I sucked in a breath.

A rogue.

It explained a lot. The way he moved, the bare feet, how he held a fork, the way he didn’t have the same scent as the rest of us. Rogues didn’t have the stability of a family unit—they were wanderers, rulebreakers, outcasts.

Or, an organized pack, even if it’s forbidden.

My gaze flickered to his wrists, the silver chains digging into his skin.

Pack law was strict about rogues. They were rarely welcomed, and when they were, they were put under heavy watch. Which, I supposed, explained Theo’s current living arrangements.

Still, he didn’t look ashamed. Didn’t look bitter.

He just looked at me like he was waiting for me to say something.

“…And?” I prompted.

“And,” Theo said, shifting slightly, “I’ve spent my whole life wanting to belong somewhere.”

For a moment, neither of us spoke.

I didn’t know what I expected him to say, but it wasn’t that.

I sighed, crossing my arms again. “So what? You thought you could just sneak into our territory and become one of us? Is that why you befriended us? To trick me?”

“Not exactly.” His lips twitched. “You made that part easy for me.”

I stiffened. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Theo arched a brow. “Come on, Abigail. You and your brother didn’t exactly put up much of a fight when I led you to the shrine.”

My stomach twisted. “So you did trick us.”

Theo rolled his eyes. “I guided you.”

I scoffed. “That’s a fancy way of saying ‘set a trap.’”

His expression turned serious. “It wasn’t a trap.”

I glared. “Then what was it?”

Theo hesitated. Then, softly, he said, “An opportunity.”

Something about the way he said it sent a shiver down my spine.

I swallowed. “An opportunity for what?”

“To reach your highest power.”

I blinked. “My—what?”

Theo exhaled, shaking his head. “We already talked about this. I have hinted over and over the power you hold yet you don’t seem to get it. Still a child. You think this pack is everything, don’t you?” His voice wasn’t mocking. If anything, he almost sounded sad. “You think your parents have told you everything. That you already know what you are.”

I frowned. “I do know what I am.”

He studied me. “No you don’t.”

My breath caught in my throat.

Theo watched me carefully, like he was reading me.

“I—” I started, then stopped.

Because I didn’t know what to say.

Because part of me—the worst part—knew he wasn’t wrong.

I had always felt… off.

Like something in me didn’t quite fit.

Like the power inside me didn’t match what it was supposed to be. The air is tense, things were changing but I couldn’t tell why. No one would tell us anything.

I hated that Theo, of all people, could see it.

I clenched my jaw. “You don’t know me.”

Theo smirked. “Maybe not. But I know what you are. We’re friends right?”

I stared at him.

He didn’t elaborate.

And I hated that I wanted him to.

I swallowed hard, forcing my voice to stay even. “So what? You thought bringing me and Owen to that shrine would magically unlock some kind of secret power? News flash, I still can only have transform.”

Theo grinned. “It was worth a shot.”

I scowled. “You’re unbelievable.”

“Yeah, sorry, And you’re curious.”

I hated that, too.

“That hurt like hell you know! And all that for nothing but black dots!”I exhaled sharply, stepping back. “I need to go.”

Theo tilted his head. “Of course you do.”

I turned.

Then—

“You should know,” Theo said behind me, his voice just a little softer, “I wasn’t the only one who came here.”

I froze.

My stomach dropped.

Slowly, I looked over my shoulder. “…What?”

Theo leaned forward as much as his chains allowed, his dark eyes gleaming. “You think I’m dangerous, friend?” His grin widened. “You haven’t met my friends yet. And I’ll warn you, though I hope they don’t find me, they won’t like me kept in chains.”