It had been six months now, since Vasco had arrived on the Backwater’s borders, more dead than alive. Now, the only remnants of his state were a faint shadow of ribs against his fur, and a serious lag of stamina, though he continued to work on that every day. And yet, Vasco appeared much more troubled than he had back then, a permanent frown creasing his brow and dark bags under his pale eyes.

For a brief moment, all had been well. They’d been together again, a family, even a growing family, and with hopes of a future where the ghostly man did not have to hide his feelings from the ones he loved. But just as quickly, it was gone. Xulia, Sita, Andrey, all gone, disappeared just as silently as they had from the Estuary.

These were the dark thoughts Vasco were wrestling with on his midday jog, trailing along the winding creek, when Viorel’s call reached his ears. Despite his gloomy state of mind, the pale man couldn’t help from smiling softly as he halted and turned to face his young leader, the last heartstring binding him to this new land. However it was short lived, his frown returning as he studied the tense expression on the lad’s face. “Vi,” He greeted softly, concern and affection both lacing his voice; “Is everything alright?”

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Thoughts ”Speech”

The silence stretched uncomfortably as Viorel cam to a halt, seeming to check Vasco all over as if searching for something. Vasco felt himself shrink under that discerning gaze, tail instinctively curling downwards as he worried what was to come. He couldn’t think of anything he might have done to upset the younger wolf – he was finally starting to pull his own weight around here and helping wherever he could – yet it was clear that something was off, and the longer it took Viorel to speak, the more horrific ideas ran through Vasco’s head; Is it the kids? Did something happen to them? Or maybe Sita or Xulia…

The otherwise so even-tempered man was about ready to demand that Viorel just spit it out already, when he did just that, the words knocking all thought from Vasco’s head in an instant. Now it was his turn to stare, mouth slightly open in shock, and nothing but white noise ringing between his ears. Many times, he’d imagined telling his children the truth, finally getting to be their father in name as much as in action. But in none of those dreams had they come to him, and certainly never sent by Modesto!

Pale tongue slipped out to lick dry lips, grey eyes blinking rapidly, yet never straying from the other wolf’s face; His son’s face. At last, Vasco cleared his throat, though his voice still sounded hoarse as he started: “Modesto…” He cut himself off, coughing again before continuing more clearly: “Your aunt is always sticking her nose in business that has nothing to do with her. She has no idea what she’s talking about!” There was unusual heat in the words, and conviction too, spoken directly to Viorel’s face. Vasco had never liked the judgy old hag, and he knew her only goal was to stir up trouble, as always. There was absolutely no way Modesto could know anything; It was Sita’s secret! She would never have told… But Sita was gone.

With a sigh, Vasco finally let his gaze loose from Viorel’s, turning his muzzle down a little; “Your mother is the only one who knows for sure.”

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Thoughts ”Speech”

The tension was so thick, he could feel it weigh on his shoulders, bronzed ears flattened back against his skull. He’d never wanted this, never thought it would come to a confrontation in this way, and certainly, he’d always imagined Sita would be there when they finally told; When she told…! It had always been her secret, her decision. He’d backed her up, because he felt she was in her right, as their mother, and because he loved her. Abut now she was gone, for all he knew out chasing her new beau, leaving her children behind. He’d never thought she could do such a thing.

The fire in Viorel’s voice brough grey eyes back up to see his defiant face, the glow in those golden eyes – the ones everyone had always compared to Platon’s. Vasco wanted to whine but suppressed it, fighting to keep from cowering before the younger wolf, his alpha, his son. Could he really keep living this lie? Letting Sita’s whims control him even when she was long gone? If he could bring himself to seize this chance, he might finally have what he always wanted, to be their father in name as well as actions. Sita isn’t here anymore, she can’t keep controlling me!

Clearing his throat, Vasco pushed himself to straighten up, meeting Viorel’s gaze. “It’s true,” he said levelly, breathing deeply through his nose to try and calm his racing heart; “Sita always insisted Platon was your father, but it could just as well be me.

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Thoughts ”Speech”

He wasn’t sure what he had expected; A joyous embrace, maybe tears. But they were far beyond that point, and Viorel certainly didn’t seem ready to happily accept the truth. Still, his anger hurt! Vasco flinched at the harshness of the words, instinctively lowering his head, though he managed to keep his tail from slipping between his legs. He would not cower in front of his own son – Viorel was in his right to be angry, but Vasco would answer him honestly and openly. He wasn’t proud of having kept this secret, but he’d done what he thought was best.

Grey eyes trailed the dark boy as he paced, every turn making the smaller wolf twitch slightly. Vasco wanted to speak, but he didn’t want to make the situation worse, and waited to see what Viorel’s next move would be. Perked ears jerked with every word out of the boy’s mouth, a soft frown gradually deepening between silver brows. Finally Vasco couldn’t hold back anymore, speaking softly at first as he answered: “It wasn’t my choice to make.” Though low, his voice was firm, strengthening as he looked to meet his son’s eyes; “I was there, I figured that was the most important part! I looked after you, taught you, cared for you. I was your father in everything but name!” He paused to take a deep breath, sighing before her continued: “Sita wanted to preserve Platon’s memory, this seemed like the best option.”

It pained him to say it. He’d thought that getting rid of the pompous bastard would solve everything, leave the floor open for him and Sita to make it official. But instead, she had insisted on keeping it secret, even after a month, when she was clearly showing, she’d insisted on waiting on her mate’s return, claiming the pups were his. Vasco had felt sick to his stomach, but what could he do? He’d loved her, he still did, despite everything, so he went along, always expecting that one day she’d be ready to admit the truth; But I was wrong…! Viorel’s final words echoed as much, making the older wolf cringe visibly. Shoulders droopy, he gave and at last, letting his eyes drop to his paws. “We were wrong, I was wrong,” he admitted dejectedly, glancing back up at his son; “I’m sorry Viorel. She made her choice, and I made mine. It’s here, if you’ll still have me.”

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Thoughts ”Speech”

Vasco watched with ears folded tentatively back, as the rush of emotions crossed his son’s face. The pale man was ready for another lash out, another flogging that he so openly deserved. But instead, when Viorel finally spoke, he seemed dejected, his words making it clear how he felt about both his parents’ failings.

The father could only nod, a grimace of both hurt and concession crossing his features. There was no denying it, that Sita had definitively proved her disloyalty, not just in love but to her own family; Our children! He would need more time himself, to mourn the loss of his love, but as he told his son, he’d made his own choice and it was the opposite of hers. Now, he needed to make up for the mistakes he’d made, while blinded by her spell.

Viorel’s admittance made his heart ache all the more, making it painfully clear that his decision had not considered the best for the children, but only for Sita. He wanted to reach out, to bridge that gap now, and offer the boy the fatherly approval he so longed for. But the obvious hurt in the young man’s eyes held him back. It was far too soon, he realized, these were wounds that would take time to heal. But he was given the second chance, ears perking up lightly at the demand. “Of course,” He replied softly, giving his head a determined nod. He would love nothing more.

As he watched his son walk away, there was a stubborn set to his mouth, grey eyes like steel. He would not disappoint him again, so he swore.

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Thoughts ”Speech”