Garth’s struggling stopped instantly. He froze and his heart seemed to stop beating at that moment. For of the many complicated things that filled his mind, this was the one that confused him the most. How could he know? How could he know that I was going to meet Ayla and ask Rowena for the antidote? How could he know all that?
Garth blinked with uncertainty. He swallowed the lump that seemed to be blocking his throat, then asked in a very low voice due to shock, “W-what did you say?”
“I know your plan with Jemma,” Usher whispered with emphasis. “I know your good intentions to get the antidote, but this is not the time to do it.”
Garth’s body shivered. Usher’s answer made him even more confused because he and Jemma had planned this only a short time ago. “How did you know?”
Usher growled, unconsciously tightening his grip on Garth’s wrist. “That’s not important, Garth. What’s important now is that you do as I say. Postpone your plan to cure Usher.”
The pain made Garth flinch. But it wasn’t enough to keep him from rebelling again when The Past Usher’s name was mentioned. “Watch your words! You don’t know who you’re talking about!”
“I do. I know the person I’m talking about better than anyone. Among other things, he cares deeply for you, Garth.”
Garth held his breath. “What do you mean?”
“To Usher, the Alpha of the Frostholm Pack, you are the Beta he considers like a brother. He knows that you will do anything for him. You are loyal and willing to sacrifice for him. But you must know something. The thing he fears most is losing you. He can’t lose his fifth claw.”
When he had finished speaking, Usher released his grip on Garth’s hands. He stepped back without letting his guard down. If there was one person in the world who knew Garth’s agility best, it was him.
But Garth showed no signs of attacking Usher again, not the slightest. Instead, he collapsed on the street a moment later, apparently trying to cope with the shock that had shaken his body and soul.
Usher exhaled deeply. Then he walked away, speaking in his heart. Forgive me, Garth, but it’s better for Usher to be in a coma for a while than for me to see you die because of Mireya’s accusation.
But that didn’t mean Usher would ignore the safety of The Past Usher. He knew that as an Alpha, the survival of the pack depended on his life. So, he decided to meet Rowena again. Later, after obtaining the antidote, he would personally deliver it to The Past Usher.
Usher was confident that his plan would succeed. But fate had other plans. His efforts seemed to be in vain when he saw Garth enter The Past Usher’s room with a bottle of antidote.
“Garth,” Usher whispered, his voice shaking. He shook his head repeatedly, his lips pale. Cold sweat broke out on his forehead, then soaked his face. “Please don’t.”
There was nothing Usher could do. He could only freeze as he watched The Past Usher awaken from his coma. Scott checked The Past Usher’s condition and made sure he was okay. Garth looked happy, but it didn’t last long. Mireya interrupted the scene and kicked Garth out of The Past Usher’s room.
Usher’s gaze was no longer focused on the surveillance footage. Instead, his eyes went blank. Everything seemed to be spinning around, making his stomach churn.
Usher gripped the table with clenched fists. He kept shaking his head. No, please. What am I going to do?
Usher’s worry had turned to fear. Worse, all that fear was swirling and creating a terror that made him unable to breathe.
Usher closed his eyes. Desperation set in and made him moan helplessly. All the flashbacks from the past spun in his mind. Garth committing suicide, Jemma dying and the pack falling apart.
“No. I won’t let that happen again,” Usher said, trying to gather his resolve that had been scattered by despair. He racked his brain, trying to think of another plan to prevent this from happening again. But he couldn’t find one. “What?” He punched the table. “What am I supposed to do?!”
Every path seemed blocked. Every possibility seemed to give him no chance. His mind was completely blank, unable to find a single way to save Garth and Jemma without causing chaos.
Usher didn’t want to risk revealing his identity to Garth. He was afraid that Garth would meet the same fate as Addy.
Besides, there was no guarantee that Garth and Jemma would be safe. The risk was too great compared to the chance of success.
Usher didn’t want to take such a big risk. So, he kept thinking. He paced back and forth, constantly searching for a way out. “Think carefully, Usher. You have to find a way to save Garth and Mom. You have to find a way to make sure the trial doesn’t turn into a mess. You have to find a way to…”
Usher’s words stopped abruptly as his feet also stopped moving. He stood still for a moment, thinking, then dramatically closed his eyes.
The heat seemed to burn Usher’s eyes. His eyeballs turned red and tears streamed down his cheeks. This time he really couldn’t hold on. Finally, he collapsed to the floor.
Usher was helpless as Vione’s hopeful face appeared in his mind, along with her pleading voice.
“I will always wait for you. No matter in the present or in the past, I’ll always wait for you. So come back to me.”
Usher’s head bowed. His expression showed immense remorse and guilt. Then his voice revealed the inner turmoil he felt.
“Forgive me, Vione. For the umpteenth time, I can’t keep my promise to you.”
Usher struggled to his feet. His body shook with the onslaught of emotions that made his logic and his heart go to war. But he steeled himself as he resumed watching the surveillance footage.
Usher waited. He waited for the right moment for everyone to leave The Past Usher’s room. He waited until only The Past Usher was there. Then he moved.
Usher walked down the secret passage without hesitation. His resolve was firm. His resolve was strong. He would not back down when he realized one thing. Only Usher could stop all of this. Only he could prevent Garth and Jemma from dying. Only he could protect Vione with his own life.
Usher held his breath as he emerged from the secret door. He turned and looked at the bed where The Past Usher rested.
*