However, Marisol felt a lick of satisfaction, albeit a little displeased. For so long, she had been treated like vermin and even worse than an omega. Now that the pack members finally recognized her strength, things were finally going to change. What kind of change? She was sure she'd just gotten a glimpse of it. She just didn't know if she was ready for that change.
It seemed, however, that Lily wasn't done with her revelations just yet. With that mischievous glint still in her eyes, she leaned in closer to Marisol, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "But that's not all," she chirped, Marisol's ears perking up to catch every single one of her words, "There's another rumor circulating in the pack."
Marisol waited with bated breath, her curiosity piqued, and she almost screamed in frustration when Lily did not continue, her lips pulling up to a smirk. "What rumor?" she urged, leaning in closer to her, and Lily looked to almost be bursting with excitement as she announced cheerfully.
"The rumor says that you and Cedric are fated mates!" She looked to see Marisol's eyes widening to the size of saucers before she added with a giggle, "You said a couple of convincing things that afternoon."
Marisol's heart was thudding violently against her chest, her mind racing as she processed the words and the implications of such a rumor.
Before she could voice her thoughts, Lily added, "Of course, not everyone believes the rumor. Many are more interested in the prophecy and what it might mean for the pack's future. It seemed someone leaked that information to divert their attention. So not only are they scared of you, they now see you as some sort of Savior too."
"Oh wow," she muttered, suddenly breathless.
Lily hummed in understanding, "Yeah.... Although, I'm not happy that the prophecy got leaked. I preferred it when we kept it a secret because, now that the whole pack knows about it and your role in it, I'm certain that trouble is nearby. If the whole pack knows, then it's only a matter of time before Guinevere is aware, too, and trust me, she'll react soon..."
Lost in her thoughts, Marisol barely registered the rest of Lily's words, her voice fading into the background as she grappled with the implications of the rumor. It was clear that her life was about to become even more complicated, and she had no idea how to navigate the uncertain path that lay ahead.
Marisol blinked back to reality when they were just a few steps away from Caleb's office. She picked up her pace, silently urging Lily to follow suit, hoping to avoid any confrontation. She breathed a sigh of relief as they approached the end of the corridor. But her hopes of evasion erupted into smoke when Caleb's head suddenly popped out of the doorway, "Hey, uhm Marisol?" He called, causing Marisol to abruptly pull to a halt, Lily stopping just before she could bump into her.
Marisol noticed that instead of the usual haughtiness she was used to, his expression was composed yet expectant.
"Hi," she responded. The sound was so awkward it almost had her gritting her teeth.
"Can you come into my office for a bit?"
Marisol exchanged a worried glance with Lily but ultimately nodded, silently reassuring her friend before stepping into the room.
To her surprise, she found Cedric already seated inside, accompanied by Sophia, whose complexion seemed visibly pale and strained. The sight of Cedric instantly worked to calm Marisol's nerves, the familiar scent of his presence washing over her like a comforting embrace. Marisol felt safe.
She entered the room, a little surprised at the fact that she consciously tried to catch his eyes, trying to get him to acknowledge her presence somehow. However, he seemed to be avoiding just that, refusing to look her way or even acknowledge the addition of a new presence, his jaw locked. That hurt more than Marisol would like to admit.
She wondered if he was still upset. Or maybe he was trying to prove to her that he meant everything he said. She bristled at the thought of it but swallowed down her questions, making her way to find a seat at the round table instead.
"What's the meaning of this, Caleb?" Cedric suddenly said, his voice sharp, and there's a hint of annoyance in there.
Startled by the sound, Marisol almost missed her chair.
"Why'd you invite her? I don't remember sending for her."
Marisol's eyes widened in realization. Was he really talking about her? In that manner.
"I- I thought it would be beneficial to have her input." Caleb, clearly flustered by Cedric's abruptness, stuttered out an explanation, stumbling over his words, his gaze nervously darting between Cedric and Marisol.
"We don't need her here," Cedric stated bluntly, his eyes narrowing in irritation.
Marisol felt a surge of indignation at Cedric's dismissal, her confusion and offense growing with each passing moment. She wondered what Cedric was playing at and why he was treating her with such disdain in front of Caleb and Sophia after the stunt he pulled in front of the entire pack just a few days ago. Was it a ploy to end the rumors?
The room fell into an eerie silence. Marisol could feel Caleb's discomfort and Sophia's fear rising with each second until Cedric spoke up once again.
"Well, since she's already here." He started, leaning into his chair and folding his arms. His expression morphed into a smirk this time, confusing Marisol with the sudden change as he added, "Don't you think now would be the perfect time to do what I asked of you?"