Chapter 243: The Long Overdue Talk

Vivian’s POV

Zahliver looked unsettled by Joshula’s barely touched plate, but he kept his thoughts to himself, quietly finishing what was left. I, on the other hand, had cleared my plate completely. It was clear these two needed to talk really talk and I wasn’t about to let it drag on any longer. So, I made sure to get them out of the kitchen while I cleaned up. First time I’d ever orchestrated something like this.

His eyes went wide with panic the moment he realized what I was doing. He shook his head as if to say, No, please don’t, but I just shook mine right back. He’d thank me later. Some conversations weren’t meant to be dodged or delayed forever.

I heard their footsteps drift slowly toward the living room, then the faint sound of them settling down. I half-expected Zahliver to break the silence first, but no neither of them said a word. Not a hint of conversation, not even the slightest small talk. I didn’t even strain to listen. For a good five minutes, that quiet held while I washed and dried the dishes.

Seriously? my wolf grumbled. They might as well get up and help instead of sitting there like statues.

I sighed, turned off the water, and dried my hands before heading out to the living room.

There they were. Zahliver sprawled on the couch, and Joshula planted firmly in the only chair facing him. Both staring off in opposite directions like the wallpaper had suddenly become the most fascinating thing in the world.

I stomped my foot and groaned aloud. Marching over, I planted my hands on my hips. Honestly, I couldn’t believe these two would rather sit in dead silence than say a single word to each other.

I can, my wolf muttered, clearing her throat.

I really do not feel like playing Dr. Phil right now, I whispered back.

Well, if not you, then who? my beast demanded.

I took a deep breath and squared my shoulders. "Look, I know you both hate talking about this. And if neither of you can express what you’re feeling, then tough. I’m not going to live in a house full of awkward tension every time I say something that might make this worse I know it will happen. You’re brothers, not enemies. It’s going to take time, sure, but you can’t get through this if you refuse to acknowledge it and work it out. So come on, boys. Speak up."

Zahliver blinked, eyes briefly meeting mine before flicking away. His posture straightened; his gaze grew fierce, but beneath that, I could feel the hesitation the fear of what was coming.

Joshula’s green eyes met mine with gratitude. He nodded, then slowly turned his attention back to Zahliver, his gaze sharp and measured.

I was about to step back and give them space when Joshula raised a hand, shaking his head. "No. Stay. You’re part of this as much as he is now," he said, fixing me with a serious look.

I stayed put.

Zahliver swallowed hard and said quietly, "I’m sorry for killing you."

Joshula didn’t hesitate. He nodded, placing his hands together in front of him. "I know you are."

Zahliver ran a hand through his hair, pushing it back, then took a steadying breath before continuing.

"I would have never done it if I’d had the choice. My human memory is hazy on how things got so bad, but I remember during and after. I’m truly sorry for what I did to you when all you ever did was take care of me. It should have been the other way around."

His voice cracked with emotion, the weight of his regret hanging heavy in the air.

Joshula’s face was unreadable, his green eyes distant as he listened to Zahliver’s confession. I couldn’t tell what storm was brewing behind those calm eyes.

"I hated myself more than you could ever imagine once I realized what I’d done," Zahliver’s voice cracked with pain. "I broke free from the compulsion too late. I can’t fully grasp what you felt, what you’re feeling now. I understand if you don’t forgive me. But I want you to know I planned revenge. I carried it out. Had I known what Fate was doing to you..." His voice trailed off as he looked at Joshula, silently asking for a response.

I waited alongside him, watching Joshula’s pensive face. The tension between them was electric fear, worry, hope all tangled together in a knot that pulled at my heart. I stepped behind Zahliver and rested my hand on his shoulder. He reached up and squeezed my hand softly in return. Maybe a silent thank you. I silently wished they could heal this, that Zahliver wouldn’t have to live with the pain of his brother’s existence being a reminder of what tore them apart.

Minutes passed like hours as Joshula sat motionless, eyes locked on Zahliver. Slowly, he tilted his head to the side and finally, his gaze flicked to me. For just a heartbeat, his empty green eyes searched mine and then, something shifted.

Zahliver stood, tense and ready, waiting for Joshula’s words. His back was rigid, muscles taut like a coiled spring. Then, a slow, genuine grin spread across Joshula’s face. He pushed his chair back and stepped forward toward us.

"Of course I forgive you, brother. None of this is your fault." His voice was calm but firm. "I can’t hold you responsible for what happened so long ago, under those extraordinary circumstances. Your mate," he glanced at me with a sparkle in his eyes, "is right. We’re brothers, not enemies. Harboring ill will or plotting against you would do no good. I forgive you, Zahliver."

I smiled, touched by the flood of relief and disbelief washing over Zahliver. Though I couldn’t see his full expression, I could feel the lightness in his stance the release of a burden. They embraced, and I glanced at Joshula, happy to see the first real warmth between them. He returned my smile quietly.

After breaking apart, they returned to their seats, and I settled beside Zahliver.

"So... if you don’t mind me asking," I began, curling my feet beneath me, "how are you... you know... here?"

Joshula raised a brow at my awkward wording, but I just shrugged. Zahliver pulled me closer, then turned his gaze back to his brother.

"It’s true. Fate wasn’t exactly clear on how..." His voice lost some of its earlier joy, turning grave at the mention of Fate.

"It’s strange. I remember very little. The last clear memory I have is feeling my body flooded with power I didn’t understand. Then the healing began, but I was unconscious while my body slowly put itself back together. It was always dark where I was, but Fate came to me from time to time, speaking telling me things."

Joshula leaned forward, curiosity sharpening his voice. "What kind of things?"