Allen was waiting outside until the others were packed and armed.
Toby came out first, he opened his mouth but Allen snapped, "You don't have to say anything."
"I do actually."
Allen fought the urge to roll his eyes but turned toward him. Toby had change a lot since Allen saw him last, he was taller, more muscular, and his hair had grown.
"What?"
Toby folds his arms. "Why'd you decide to help us?"
This again. "Because it seemed like the right thing to do."
"Did it?"
Allen turned away, biting his lip. "Seeing Elias on the ground trembling with fear reminded me of the trauma my sister endured when my parents sold her to Alpha."
"They did what?" Toby exclaimed.
"Yeah. She gave birth to Yuri." Allen squeezed his eyes shut. "She wasn't the same when she got home. She was quiet, distant, but it was the scars that made her break."
Toby cocked his head, listening.
"I woke up one morning to take a bath and found her there, under the water." Allen's chin trembled. "I screamed and then my parents pulled her out. She...she was gone, Toby."
Allen blinked. "For years I was so mad at Alpha, Yuri, myself. I could've done something. Anything...but i-"
"It's not your fault." Elias whispered.
Allen turned and saw everyone standing behind Toby. Elias stepped out and gave a small smile. "It's not your fault."
"Stop saying that!" Allen exploded. "You don't know anything about Hazel!"
Elias took a step toward him. "Then tell me about her."
"Hazel." Allen swallowed. "She..she was a force of nature. Hazel was pretty, bold, and very loud; especially when I screwed up and pissed her off." Allen chuckled. "But when our-my parents sold her. She was only thirteen. And they sent her away to be abused, tortured. I couldn't do anything to stop it."
Allen felt Elias's warm hand squeeze his and he sniffled.
"Hazel sounds like a strong girl. And you were luck yo have her as an older sibling." Elias said. "But I am sorry you had to go through that."
Toby squeezed his shoulder. "We're heading to the Pit. You don't have to come."
"Why wouldn't he?" Levi spat. "He should go so he can kick Alpha and Yuri's ass."
Elias groaned and released Allen's hand. "Levi."
"What! I would-"
"Jordan interrupted. "No one asked what you would do, hon."
Jay burst out laughing.
Allen shook his head and bit back a smile. "You guys are nuts."
"Oh! That's a great idea, Allen!" Levi exclaimed. "I have a new name!"
Toby smacked his forehead and Jordan blinked, confused. "Name?"
"For our group! The Nutty Dreamwalkers!"
Everyone groaned.
....
Because Cleo was not a part of the council or a man, she was forbidden from going into the meeting room.
August and Foster had to go back to work so Cleo was alone pacing outside the doors. When the doors open, Cleo spotted her father and she called out to him.
"Father, what's going to happen?" Cleo glanced at Ranger as he left the room. "Are we going to help Phoenix?"
Her father ran a hand over his chin. "Yes. We are and I've agreed to help."
"What? But-"
"No, Cleo. You and Liam will stay here and protect out people in case those warriors attack us." her father said, voice firm. "There is going to be no debate or argument. Go."
Cleo bit back the snarky remark on her tongue and instead nodded her head.
"I knew you'd understand dear." her father then shouted over his shoulder. "Layla!"
Layla was the only female knight in the faction and was well respected. Cleo knew little about her, just bits and pieces overheard by the other knights. Layla started training when she was thirteen and became a knight at sixteen,
The youngest in over a decade two years later.
Maybe this is why her father was frustrated with her. But Cleo would rather be surrounded by her books than learning how to clean and sharpen a sword.
When Layla had made her way over, Cleo flashed a small smile before looking down at the ground.
"Layla, this is my daughter, Cleopatra." Her father said clearing his throat. "I'm going to leave for Phoenix. Would you mind watching over my children and home while I'm away?"
Cleo looked over at her father and scowled. Did he not think her capable of doing that herself?
Before Cleo could say anything, Layla spoke up. "It's no problem, sir."
"Excellent." Celo's father planted a kiss on Cleo's cheek. "Be good."
Cleo watched as he walked away. She glanced over at Layla and noticed her watching her.
"Have I seen you before?" Layla asked, cocking her head. "You look familiar."
Cleo swallowed. She may have seen her watching her practice all last week, but instead of admitting to that, she smiled. "I'm sure you have me confused with someone else." Cleo turned and beckoned her to follow. "Come, I'll show you to our humble abode."