Usher fell silent as Rowena’s question managed to spark a glimmer of hope in his mind. Frankly, there was nothing he hoped for more than a second chance, a chance to make things right, a chance to avoid all the unfortunate incidents.
But Usher’s logic scoffed at the suggestion. It sounded irrational. There were no second chances in this world, especially not for someone as guilty as he was. Yet there was a part of Usher that hoped for the opposite. If there was a second chance, could he change everything that had happened?
Usher took a deep breath and shifted his focus. He narrowed his eyes on Rowena. “Who are you?”
“I am Rowena, a witch who once cured you of the effects of Mireya’s magic. I am also well acquainted with Jemma and Kendrick.”
Immediately, Usher’s expression changed. “Do you… do you know my parents?”
“Very well,” Rowena replied with a slight grin. Her chest felt tight, so she took a deep breath to calm herself. “We’ve been friends for many years. We are good friends.”
The revelation shook Usher to the core. He groaned softly. “Do you know what I have done to your good friend?” he asked, struggling to speak. He almost couldn’t breathe. “I caused the death of my mother. I caused your good friend’s death.”
Rowena remained silent. She didn’t react to Usher’s words when she saw the immense remorse in his eyes. Instead, she took a long breath and looked at Vione, who never let go of Usher’s hand. Vione continued to hold Usher’s hand even though she said nothing. At that moment, no words of comfort could ease the guilt Usher felt.
A moment passed and then Rowena nodded with a bitter smile. “I know. I know what you did to Jemma. You didn’t trust her even though you knew she was your birth mother, who would undoubtedly risk her life and the world for you.”
Usher closed his eyes, tears streaming down his cheeks. His remorse deepened with each passing moment. All the sad memories continued to swirl in his mind.
“I also know that you didn’t trust Ayla, even though she swore to give her heart and soul to the Frostholm Pack. You didn’t trust Garth, Cora, Berg and Storm either.”
Usher shook his head, but he couldn’t deny the truth of Rowena’s words. Everything she said was true.
“Worst of all, you didn’t trust Vione. You even betrayed her.”
The painful memory flashed through his mind. He remembered Vione groaning in pain when he decided to end their partnership. Vione had been hurt and he had continued to hurt her.
“You have hurt too many people, Alpha,” Rowena continued, her voice shaking. She needed time to calm down. “So, you have no choice but to take responsibility for all of it. That’s all that’s left of your dignity-to take responsibility for this mess. You have to fix everything.”
Rowena’s words pierced Usher’s heart. All the sadness within him wrestled, causing unbearable pain. “How? Tell me, Rowena. How can I make all this right?” he asked, his breath ragged. Then he remembered Rowena’s earlier words. “The chance you mentioned before, is that what you meant? Can I get a second chance?”
“Yes, Alpha,” Rowena replied with a nod. “I can help you get a second chance, but you can’t do it alone.” She glanced at Vione briefly before turning her gaze back to Usher. “Vione has to help you.”
Usher’s feeling suddenly turned uneasy. Rowena’s tone and words caused his anticipatory signals to ignite immediately. He shook his head, intending to reject them, regardless of the fact that he didn’t know Rowena’s intentions yet. But the uneasiness couldn’t be dispelled once it had taken hold. Vione spoke before he could.
“Tell me, Rowena. What shall I do? I will certainly help Usher,” Vione said.
Usher shook his head and held Vione’s hand. “No, Vione. I don’t want to get you any further into this mess. I don’t want to involve you in my responsibility.”
“I don’t care, Usher. Whether you like it or not, I don’t care,” Vione said firmly. She pushed Usher’s hand aside and reached for Rowena’s. “Tell me, Rowena. What should I do?”
Rowena squeezed Vione’s fingers and looked at her without blinking. “You don’t have to do anything, Vione. You just have to be willing to bind your soul to Usher.”
Usher’s fear was justified. His body went cold. He had never known a witch in his life, but he knew one thing for sure: there were many crazy things a witch could do.
Usher stood up and tried to get out of bed. He reached for Vione. “Fo-forget it, Vione. You-”
“Do it,” Vione insisted.
Usher froze. He didn’t even have the strength to shake his head anymore.
“Are you sure?” Rowena asked, holding her breath. She seemed to be struggling as she continued to speak. “The soul binding spell is the only thread that can connect the past to the present. Usher can change the entire past, but not without risk. If something happens to him, you won’t be safe either. He will die in the past and you will die in the present.”
Vione nodded. “I am sure. I-”
“Vione!” Usher cried emotionally. He forced himself to step to the ground and then grabbed Vione’s hand. “I won’t do it. No. I won’t sacrifice your life.”
A bright smile appeared on Vione’s face. Then she cupped Usher’s cheek. “You will not sacrifice my life, Usher. I believe in you.”
Vione’s confidence shattered Usher. He became even more desperate and powerless. “No, Vione. Please, don’t.”
“You’ll never hurt me, Usher. You’ve never hurt me. So calm down,” Vione said with a widening smile. She nodded once. “I believe in you.”
Now there was nothing more Usher could say. He collapsed to the floor, tears of helplessness streaming down his face. He blamed himself. Not content with making Vione suffer, he had once again jeopardized her safety.
“So, tell me, Rowena. When can you bind us with that spell?”
Rowena blinked. For a moment, her focus faltered as she saw the determination in Vione and Usher. “Next month. I need to heal myself and Alpha as well. So, while we wait, I want you to do something.”
“What is it?”
Rowena looked alternately at Vione and Usher. “You have to be a mate again.”
*