The Ivory Queen
Chapter 36

*** Aurora’s POV ***

I wake up in a cold sweat, tears running down my face. Glancing at the clock, I realize it’s only 3:50 am. Knowing I won’t be able to sleep after that nightmare, I hop in the shower and clean myself off. As I change, I catch a glimpse of my back in the mirror and am disgusted by my appearance. I run my fingers along the jagged scars as far as I can reach, once again trembling at the memory of that night. There’s also a large bruise on my left cheek that Oliver gave me. I hold back tears as I smear some concealer on it, wincing with every stroke of the makeup sponge.

As I’m concealing my bruise, my eyes drift off to the drawer with my secret scalpel. It takes all my mental strength to resist the urge to pull it out and use it.

It won’t help, I remind myself. It’ll just cause more problems.

Once dressed, I slip on my medallion and sneak out of the room with Rio and head over to the fort. I sit on the tire swing, kicking my feet and letting the cold settle deep into my bones. My mind is completely numb and I feel nothing.

Are you ok? Reyna asks.

No, I say truthfully. I hate everything right now.

You are incapable of hatred, Reyna chuckles. You don’t know how to hate. Dad taught you otherwise.

He’s not my dad! I snarl. He’s just a man who lied to me. My entire family lied to me. I endured 5 years of torture for a stupid lie! I should just shift right now and pray the moon goddess has mercy and lets me die in peace!

No, we can’t shift without Celina.

Celina? I scoff. Is she all you care about? We don’t even know if Celina is still alive or even knows what we are! There’s no point in waiting for her! There’s no point in any of this!

Your father and mother died for you! Don’t you ever disrespect their sacrifice!

And who exactly did they die for? Huh? Look at me! I’m afraid all the time. Face it, Reyna. They died for nothing. Emiliano died for nothing. I AM NOTHING!

My anger overpowers me and I feel my eyes change. Suddenly the ground quakes and I watch in fear as a large crack forms in front of me, splitting the earth in two. Rio whines and jumps into my lap.

Did I just do that?

Yes, Reyna replies. It seems you’ve managed to once again access your earth element.

I get off the swing and walk slowly towards the small canyon I created. I need to close this before anyone else sees it.

Feel the earth, Aurora. Center yourself and breathe, Reyna encourages.

I crouch down on the ground and place my hands on the earth, feeling all its vibrating molecules beneath me.

Focus…

I stand back up and move my hands towards each other. I watch in amazement as the earth mimics my motions and the canyon seals up completely.

That was amazing! I squeal. I’m a f*****g earth bender!

Reyna chuckles.

What else can I do?

Why don’t you find out and see?

I remember the vines I grew to kill Andrew and wonder if I can grow something else. I walk over to a empty patch of dirt and think of sunflowers. I love sunflowers. I bend down to feel the earth and slowly straighten out, lifting my hand in a rising motion.

Suddenly a dozen sunflower stalks rise up from the ground. Rio c***s his little head to the side and stares at the flowers in confusion before he runs over to them and bites at a stalk. After teaching the sunflower a lesson, he happily trots back to me.

This is incredible!

I want to see what I’m fully capable of and decide to run deeper into the woods, finding a clearing and making sure no one is around before I begin my work.

First, I move the earth to expose flat stones and cut a stone path through the clearing. Next, I line the path with neatly trimmed hedges. In the south west corner of the clearing, I grow fruit trees. To the north, I leave a large patch of grass and create a bench from thick wooden vines. On the eastern side, I form flower beds with stone and fill them with poppies, peonies, daffodils, day lilies, hyacinths, and sun flowers. Stepping back, I twirl flowery vines around the trees that surround my garden. Going back to the path, I grow several flower arches over it.

I’m so consumed in making my Eden that I don’t realize I’m no longer alone. As I finish the last flower arch, I turn around to face a very confused Carter.

Oh f**k…

He looks absolutely dumbfounded. “Your eyes…How did you…” he glances around the entire garden, eyeing my work.

“Carter I can explain!” I blurt, knowing full well I can’t.

“Please do,” he says still very dazed by what he just witnessed.

“H-How much did you see?” I ask, hoping I can somehow come up with a very good lie based on his answer.

“Enough to know you are an Ivory twin,” he answers. “How is that even possible? Your parents aren’t Royals. Emiliano was clearly a silver wolf,” he continues his banter. “But your mom was not a Gold wolf.”

I stay frozen in place, unsure of what to say. He clearly knows his werewolf history.

“Unless she’s not your real mom-“

“Shut up!” I say rushing towards him and placing my hand over his mouth. “Someone might hear you,” I hiss.

He nods back and I release his mouth.

“How do you know about ‘those wolves’” I snap. Up until I read the black book, I had never heard of Ivory Twins myself.

“My grandfather was an elder before passing and a historian. He used to tell me about the legends of the silver and gold wolves. And of course the ‘other’ wolves,” he replies nonchalantly. “So start talking. Who are you?”

I hesitate.

Can I tell him?

You should have been more careful! She snaps. Now he knows exactly who we are!

Annoyed by her response and seeing no point in lying, I block her out and decide to confess.

“Karina is not my real mom,” I say, finally glad I can talk to someone about this. “And the man I thought was my father is actually my uncle, my real father’s brother.”

“Wait what?! Now I’m lost. You’re telling me your uncle raised you? That still doesn’t explain how you’re a royal?” He asks completely confused.

“Lower you voice,” I snap.

I glance around the perimeter of the garden, making sure the place is secure. He does the same and we both conclude that no one’s around.

“Carter, how did you find me?”

“Oh that. I was on a run and heard a lot of noises coming from this side so I came over to check if it was rogues or something,” he replies as if it’s the most obvious thing. “But that’s besides the point. Explain your family.”

I sigh, mentally preparing myself to pour out the truth I’ve being dying to tell. When I’m finished, I’m a crying mess. Carter pulls me into his arms and comforts me.

“f**k Aurora, how long have you kept this to yourself?”

“I just found out about my parents yesterday when Mia gave me the letter, but my earth element came in the day I was – um, attacked by Andrew. I-it’s how I managed to kill him,” I respond.

“Does Oliver know?”

I shake my head. “My wolf says it’s too dangerous for anyone to know.”

“It is,” he replies. “You’ll have a target on your back if the wrong people find out, especially since you and you’re sister haven’t shifted. You have yet to reach your full power potential.”

I feel a shiver down my spine.

“Don’t worry, Aurora. Your secret’s safe with me. I won’t tell anyone, not even Oliver,” he says quietly. “There’s not a lot of available information out there about Ivory twins since all their records are enchanted, but I’ll help you as best I can.”

After a moment, we both settle down on the bench I created.

“Do you have any idea where and how you can find your sister?” He asks.

I shake my head. “I know very little about her. I just know her name is Celina and she controls the Water and Air elements. I’m sure we have a bond, but I have no idea how to activate it.”

“Well what about that black book you were telling me about. I’m sure there’s something about it in there,” he says standing up. “Come on, let’s go see.”

He tries to take me by the hand, but I quickly pull away. I’m not ready to go back in the house with Oliver after what happened last night

“Maybe later,” I say trying to act calm.

He eyes me with suspicion and I try my best to not give myself away. I fail.

“Are you ok?” He asks, his face softening.

“Yea, I just had a nightmare last night,” I say, forcing a smile. “I just want to stay outside and get some fresh air,” I lie.

“Do you mind if I ask what the dream was about?”

“It was more of a memory, really. My mom used to come home drunk sometimes and do things to me that I’d rather not talk about,” I reply, my voicing growing weak.

Carter’s muscles tense at the mention of my mother and I can tell he’s getting angry. I try to calm him down.

“Carter, it’s ok. I survived and I’m fine now. There’s no need to get all worked up about it.”

He takes several deep breaths and visibly relaxes. “I’m sorry,” he manages to say. “I can’t even begin to imagine the hell you lived through.”

“You have nothing to be sorry about. It wasn’t your fault.”

We sit quietly on the benches and watch as the sun peaks through the trees. I hear my stomach start grumbling and I turn bright red as Carter laughs.

“Come on, let’s get you something to eat, your highness.”

I smack him over the side of the head. “Stop it, I’m not a royal!”

“Your lineage proves otherwise, your majesty,” he grins.

I’m on the verge of killing him but he quickly runs out of my reach. I call Rio and the three of us make our way back to the house. As we get closer, I feel dread settle in my stomach and my body tenses up.

“Hey, it was just a nightmare. You’re safe now,” Carter reassures, giving my arm a gentle squeeze.

We walk into the foyer and I unconsciously grab hold of his hand. He gives me a puzzled look, but I ignore him. Right now, I just need a friend.

The dining room is empty and I realize it’s only 7:30 am. The windows are open wide and light pierces through the glass, illuminating the room. I hear Carter gasp and turn to look at him. His shock quickly turns to anger and a low growl rumbles in his chest.

“Aurora, who did that to you?” He asks pointing to my left cheek.

Crap, I thought the concealer would hide it.

I instinctively touch my cheek and start mumbling pathetically. “I-It was an accident. I-I tripped and h-hit myself on the door knob. I d-did it to m-myself,” I stutter. “Clumsy me.” I shrug, forcing a smile to ease the tension.

Carter only grows angrier, not buying my story. Rio starts whining as the tension increases.

“You didn’t do this to yourself,” he snaps, holding my chin and gently wiping off the concealer to reveal my dark blue bruise. “Who are you protecting now?”

“No one!”

“I’m getting Oliver,” he growls as he pushes past me.

“No!” I cry out, grabbing his arm and pulling him back. “It’s ok, I promise!”

“What the hell is going on?” I hear Evan ask as he walks in. “It’s too early for there to be shouting!” He g****s as he shuffles into the dinning room. He yawns and stretches himself out before walking over.

“Someone hit Aurora and she won’t tell me who!” Carter informs him.

Evan instantly goes into gamma mode and rushes at me. He grabs my face and starts examining it, growing angrier by the second. He starts searching my arms for other possible marks and injuries.

“Who did this?” Evan snarls. “It was Laura, wasn’t it? I’ll f*****g kill that b***h!”

“No, it wasn’t her! She’s innocent!” I cry, hot tears spilling onto my cheeks. “Please, just let it go. It’s ok! I’m ok.”

“Aurora, this,” he says pointing at my face. “This is not ok. You don’t deserve this, understand? Now tell me who did it or I’ll mind link Oliver right now,” Evan threatens.

My body is trembling and I want nothing more than to disappear right now. “O-Oliver did it,” my voice is so quiet, I’m not even sure they hear me.

“What?” They both snarl in unison. “He did what?”

“H-he was drunk! He didn’t- It was an accident! H-he didn’t mean it!”

I don’t sound very convincing and to be honest, accident or not, Oliver scared the crap out of me last night.

“Is this why you didn’t want come back to the house? Aurora, how long have you been outside?”

“A few hours,” I admit. “It’s ok, though. I couldn’t sleep anyways. I-I had a nightmare.”

“Aurora, what the f**k? Have you slept at all?” Carter asks.

“N-not really,” I hiccup, quietly wiping my tears.

Evan sighs. “Okay, look. If Oliver thinks he can treat you like this, he’s got another thing coming. We’ll deal with him later. You, however, are eating and going straight to bed. You can stay at my mom’s house until we figure out what to do with Oliver. Okay? No more tears,” he coos, wiping my face and kissing my forehead. “You deserve to feel safe in your own home,” he says as he pulls me into his arms.

I keep trying to explain that it was an accident but they refuse to listen and I eventually give up. Carter and Evan walk me to his parent’s house where we have breakfast with Sam and Katherine. They crack jokes and tell me funny embarrassing stories about each of the boys growing up. I know they’re trying to lighten the mood and appreciate the gesture.

When we finish, Katherine, is kind enough to let me stay in their guest room. She brings me tea, some pjs and a sleeping pill to help me rest easier. Rio curls up with me in bed as Evan and Carter promise to watch over me while I sleep. Before I know it, the pill takes effect and knocks me out into a dreamless sleep.

*** Oliver’s POV***

My head is pounding when I wake up. I glance around and notice I’m on the couch with a blanket draped over me and I’m also laying on my favorite pillow. I move to get up and realize I’m in my pjs.

f**k, I drank too much last night.

I try to remember what happened, but only remember my fight with Aurora over her shifting. I’m still angry she won’t tell me what’s going on with her wolf. I just want to help her! Is that so bad?

I steal a glance at the bed. She’s not there. After a quick walk around the room and into the closet, I quickly realize I’m alone. I look at the clock. 11:46 am.

Aurora must have gone to breakfast without me.

I jump in a cold shower to wake up my aching muscles and change into a pair of sweats and a T-shirt. I’m greeted by Rosalie as I stumble downstairs.

“Woah, you look like absolute s**t. I hope you pull yourself together for your date with Aurora,” she teases.

My heart sinks. Are we still doing the date?

Noticing my reaction, Rosalie asks what’s wrong.

“Aurora and I got into a fight last night and things didn’t end well.”

“What was the fight about?”

“She refuses to shift for the pack run,” I say, a little irritated.

“Why?”

“That’s the problem! She won’t tell me why! She just blatantly told me ‘I can’t tell you’. I swear there’s nothing I hate more than secrets and she’s keeping several,” I sigh. “I don’t like it one bit. I’ve been completely honest with her about everything but she’s always hiding her feelings and her thoughts away from me!”

“Hmm that is tricky,” Rosalie shrugs. “I’d be mad too if Carter kept things from me.” She pauses, taking a sip of her coffee. “But then again, Carter hasn’t spent the past five years having to keep his thoughts and feelings to himself in order to survive. Maybe you should cut her some slack.”

“But I’m not them! I don’t want to hurt her! I just want to help!” I say, getting frustrated.

“Oliver, I get that it’s frustrating for you to deal with her trauma, but just for a second, put yourself in her shoes and try to understand how difficult this must be for her. She’s got all this pent up pain and she has no idea how to process it!” She sighs. “Have you tried looking for a therapist?”

“I haven’t really thought about it.”

“Well it might be worth looking into and talking to her about it. I think she could really benefit from it.

“I guess,” I say glancing around the room. “Have you seen her by any chance? I woke up this morning and she was gone.”

“No, I haven’t,” she replies. “She’s probably with Evan, though, if she’s upset. You know those two are practically siblings at this point.”

I try to mind-link Evan but the connection is blocked. I can’t get through. I pull out my phone and text him. After I finish my meal, I check my messages and see no response. I feel dread settle in the pit of my stomach and my wolf starts to panic.

“Evan’s not answering,” I say, dialing his phone number. I’m sent right to voicemail.

I don’t like this one bit.

“Hey, calm down. Evan probably took her into the city and -and his phone probably died. Let me ask Carter and see if he knows anything.” Rosalie says, trying to calm me down.

She mind-links Carter. After a few minutes of trying, her face changes completely.

“He’s not answering,” she says, pulling out her phone.

She dials Carter’s number and gets no response. Now we’re both panicking.

“Did Carter tell you where he was going today?” I ask.

“Yea, he left early this morning for a run and said he would be at the training grounds all day.”

“Then let’s go look for him there,” I suggest.

We gather our things and drive out to the training grounds. When we arrive, we don’t see any signs of the three of them there. I ask Adrien, the lead training instructor, if he’s seen them, but no such luck. It appears Carter never even made it to training.

I’m in full blown panic mode and send several soldiers to the borders to search for them in case Aurora went to go speak with her sister. I call the guards to ask if Evan and Aurora have left the grounds but come up empty. They have to be on River Moon territory, so why aren’t they responding?

Rosalie and I call Evan and Carter several more times but receive no response. I check the fort and find it lonely as ever.

Aurora, where are you?