THERE'S SILENCE IN THE COMBS household. In the aftermath of Lewis Combs finding out everything, Tiffany and Embry had left the two upon realising that everything would be fine — despite the devastating shock that had settled over the family. The opposite of Darcie's fears had happened: her father did not hate her (yet) nor did he completely break as Darcie had.

Yet, now, the two sit together with Darcie having soaked her father's shirt. For a while, Lewis had simply held her, comforting his daughter. "Listen to me, Darcie," says her father. "You are my daughter — nothing changes that, sweetheart. I'm not going anywhere and neither are you."

Darcie sniffles, struggling to catch her breath as her head tilts up, meeting her father's gaze. Those eyes are still lit with love for her but there's no missing the glossiness of tears. Lewis is struggling himself, but he still loves her enough to prioritise his child. "But what about the other Darcie?"

"You are Darcie," Lewis tells her. "I don't know how to feel about... her at the moment. Right now my main concern is you."

"And then?" Darcie questions.

"If I have a third daughter out there, living with her kidnappers, then I can't ignore that, Darcie," Lewis says honestly. "I have to do what I can to help her."

Darcie smiles, knowing that this is what she had expected from her father. Lewis cares enough to want to fix things for everyone. There's no way Darcie could walk away either and she could never expect her father to. But none of this should have happened.

"Do you blame me?"

Lewis frowns. "How can this be your fault? Darcie, you're a victim in this too. You were a baby. I don't hate you either so don't even think about questioning that," then he reaches forward, wiping the tears from his daughters face, not seeming that bothered about her ears that he can now see. "I don't regret what's happened either as bad as that sounds. How can I when it brought me you? And I know your mother would think the same too. You're our daughter, Darcie. This doesn't change our love for you. Nothing could."

With everything, Darcie hadn't stopped to think about what her mother would think. But, her mother had been kind and loving to everyone, so Darcie's certain that she would have still loved Darcie no matter what.

But Darcie's head hurts with everything; it's all too overwhelming as Darcie can't even think about where to even start or how to process everything that's happened. Of course, the most devastating part is the truth being that she's not biologically her parent's child, but there's still the supernatural situation. Darcie's a faerie and her best friends turn into wolves. The truth is that Darcie's so lost.

"What do I do now?" Darcie asks.

Lewis falls silent, appearing just as lost as Darcie. It's a lot that the two have to accept and Lewis hasn't even had a moment to even think about Rochelle. Though, Rochelle's a conversation that seems too heavy right now; one that Darcie has to find a way to understand that her sister could potentially see her as an enemy and only love is keeping Darcie safe. Then there's the reality that Rochelle has been hurt because of Sam (something Darcie can't quite let go of yet — accidental or not) and the way she's treated Darcie.

"For now," says Lewis. "Focus on you, sweetheart. We'll figure this all out together."

Darcie's only reply is resting her head against her father's shoulder, finding a slither of peace in the words.

❁

The next day, Darcie does not have the heart to face school again. Instead, she spends the day in bed with Bruno as her father continuously checks in on her, having taken a few days off from work for the sake of his family.

Though, eventually, Lewis leaves to see Rochelle, needing answers from his eldest. Darcie's very aware that a confrontation is likely taking place — perhaps even two. The first: the truth of Rochelle's scars and to her relationship with Sam, as well as how Rochelle can even act as she has been. And then, the second: obviously Darcie with Lewis most likely making it known that no one is to touch her, whether that's the tribe or the Fae. Darcie had even overheard Lewis talking to Embry, demanding a meeting with the elders as he's refusing to let them treat Darcie like this.

But what can they do?

Not even Rochelle had the power to stop the inevitable. At some point, hatred is going to win and the community will banish Darcie.

Maybe that's why she's ignoring messages and calls. Or, maybe, because the shocks starting to settle and Darcie's realising that she's still hurt. Not only has Rochelle hurt Darcie in more ways than she even wants to remember, but so has Embry and Jacob. Though, how can she be upset with Jacob when he had a good reason to leave her stranded to have a panic attack?

Embry, though... staying at his had been a mistake. Darcie had been so vulnerable and afraid, but now her heart hurts even more because of it. Now she can't even bring herself to face him nor acknowledge the necklace around her neck.

"I haven't changed to you, have I, Bruno?" Darcie mutters, stroking her dogs back as his tail wags beneath the covers.

Bruno barks, seeming happy.

"Can you tell?" Darcie whispers.

But Bruno acts as if nothing has changed.

But everything has changed. Darcie doesn't even want to think about it any longer. She's not even sure how to process everything, but so far she believes avoiding school and every reflective surface is the way to start. The only person she's reached out to is Quil and Callum since she doesn't want to treat them like she's been treated.

Hearing a knock on the door though is something that Darcie hadn't processed for the day. Frowning at Bruno, Darcie ends up sighing before climbing out of bed. Bruno comes with her, curious as to who their guest is.

Once Darcie reaches the front door, she's surprised to see Quil standing on the other side. To start with his face is hard as if expecting Darcie to simply be ditching him, but then his face relaxes, spotting her pyjamas and her red, puffy eyes.

Darcie too is surprised to see him, hoping that her texts had been enough to reassure him. Seeing him means that she can't keep him safe from the truth. Seeing him means another person who won't see her the same again.

"Darcie, what's—"

"Please don't ask," Darcie begs.

Quil's desperate expression makes it harder. "Is it Jacob? Have you seen him?"

"Yes," Darcie answers. "He's with Sam."

Darcie's eyes drop to Quil's hands, spotting them shake before he clenches them into a tight fist. Seeing it, Darcie's eyebrows furrow as she wonders... but Quil could simply just be angry — he has every right to be after all.

"You're not... leaving me too are you?" Quil asks.

"What?" Darcie's eyes soften, stepping closer to him as her hold on Bruno loosens. Sighing, Darcie quickly puts Bruno back into the house before putting the front door on the latch as she closes it. "Quil, I wouldn't do that to you."

"I didn't think Jacob or Embry would either," says Quil as his eyes become wide, almost frantic like as Darcie becomes concerned. "I never thought Embry would hurt you as he has. Everything's changing, Darcie. I don't like it."

"Quil, are you okay?" Darcie asks, though she already knows the answer. The question, however, is intending something more that Quil is oblivious to.

"No," says Quil. "I'm not. I've had enough."

Darcie's probably worrying him more as she hurries forward with the back of her hand reaching up to press against his forehead. Before her skin even touches his skin, Darcie can already feel the heat of his skin. Knowing what it means breaks her heart as she stares at her best friend with sad eyes.

"Not you too," Darcie whispers.

"What do you mean?" Quil questions, confused.

But Darcie doesn't have to answer. Not as her eyes land on Embry, who emerges from the woods as if he's been there the whole time. Then Darcie remembers that Embry and Jacob were taking it in shifts on watching her house, protecting her from the faerie and their own pack.

Following her gaze, Quil's eyes fall on Embry as he lets out a harsh laugh. "Look who it is," says Quil. "Did your master send you, Embry?"

"Quil, you need to calm down," Embry advises, raising his hands in peace as if he suspects something is changing inside his friend too. "I understand why you're angry — you have every right to be — but please step away from Darcie. I know you'd hate yourself if you ended up hurting her."

Embry looks terrified as Darcie's confused, but her eyes fall on Quil, who does the opposite from what Embry's told him to do. Instead, he moves closer to Darcie, blocking her from Embry as if he's doing her a favour. Those warm fingers hold onto her wrist as Darcie can feel his skin prickle.

"You've hurt Darcie enough," says Quil.

"Q, you need to listen to him," Darcie tells him. "Please. Embry can help you."

"Help me?" Quil scoffs. "Why do I need help? I'm not the one on steroids here."

"I'm not on drugs, Quil," Embry explains, calmly. "I can show you the truth, okay? Darcie knows now too so just come with me."

Quil's shoulders tense at that. "Darcie knows?"

His voice sounds so betrayed as Darcie understands: they've left him alone with being the last to find out. All three of them had disappeared on Quil, making him paranoid and fear being alone just like Darcie feels, and they have driven him to shift.

"I wasn't supposed to find out," Darcie reassures him.

"But you still know," Quil realises. "And you decided to keep it from me."

Darcie's about to comfort Quil herself, forgetting about what's happening. But, then, poor Quil is being pushed away from Darcie by Embry as he skids across the grass of her front garden. Darcie's eyes shoot wide as Quil's body disappears, exploding into a brown wolf.

The wolf stumbles on his feet, panicking with human-like eyes that Darcie recognises as her best friend. Quil looks terrified, confused as to what's going on.

"Stay inside," Embry tells Darcie.

But she doesn't listen. How can she when her best friend looks as if his wold is caving in and Darcie knows how that feels. Darcie hurries to Quil, just about missing Embry's grip as she hurries to stand before the wolf.

"Quil?" Darcie questions, trying to soothe her friend. "Hey, Q, look at me, yeah?"

Luckily, the house is tucked away in the woods so the neighbours next to them can't see through the treelines, but it's still too open. Even Darcie knows they have to calm him down to get him somewhere safe.

Quil's eyes fall on her with a whining sound falling from his lips.

"I know," says Darcie. "But you're okay, Q. I'm here. Embry's here."

Slowly, Darcie stretches her hand out as Quil pauses, almost afraid. Those eyes are stuck on her as Darcie realises that she has her hair up — Quil has seen her ears. But, right now, Darcie's focus is on comforting her friend. As her hand falls on Quil's head, he freezes, calming down under her touch.

"You're gonna be okay," Darcie promises, voice coming across soothing. "Embry will help you."

Behind Darcie, Embry has phased himself as a second wolf approaches Quil with the two likely communicating in their minds. Quil nozzles his head further into Darcie's hand as she smiles, relieved to see how well he's suddenly taking it.

But, then her eyes fall on Embry, seeing his concern.

"I'll stay inside," Darcie reassures him. "I imagine Jacob's swapping with you now?"

Embry nods his large head.

"Take care of Quil," Darcie tells him.

Again, Embry nods.

Then, Darcie watches as Quil tries to follow after Embry. It's like watching Bambi walk as Quil struggles to adjust with Darcie's heart going to him, hoping that he doesn't struggle to understand this new life of his.

❁

For a whole week, Darcie ignores her friends. The only contact she has is through messages as she's reassured that both Jacob and Quil are settling into the pack. Quil keeps trying to get hold of Darcie, wanting to talk, but Darcie can't bring herself to face him.

All she knows is that Quil is doing everything he can to defend Darcie too. But Darcie's still afraid that when she sees him again, he'll see her ears and be reminded of the truth.

Darcie knows she's being hypocritical now with cutting her friends out, but it's easier than facing the new reality of her life. As well as avoiding them, Darcie's avoided school and work, reducing herself simply to her bedroom.

Rochelle had tried visiting, but Darcie had not wanted to see her. It was even a struggle to face her father, who spent as much time with Tiffany, trying to figure out what he was supposed to do about everything. The elders did not want to meet with her father nor did they want to see Darcie. At the moment, it was unknown to what would happen now that Darcie knew the truth. Still, though, Rochelle was apparently adamant to Sam that Darcie was not going anywhere and that she would stand with Jacob if she had to (whatever that meant).

Apparently, there are still secrets, and maybe that's why Darcie's struggling to forgive and forget. She does not know everything yet and that terrifies Darcie. But, at least things can't get much worse. Once you hit rock bottom, you can't get hurt anymore.

Though, on a Saturday, Darcie never imagined pulling her wellie boots on and picking up a thick coat before heading out on her bike. It's her first time leaving the house since everything, so she's a little surprised by the one place she ends up at.

The Black household stands within the woods just like Darcie's house does. Darcie's not here to see Jacob, though.

Billy opens the front door in shock to see her. "Darcie."

"Billy," Darcie replies, self-consciously hiding her ears as she moves her hair. "Can I come in to talk to you?"

Not saying anything, Billy wheels himself backwards as he lets Darcie into the house. Darcie hesitates for a moment, having expected to be turned away, but here she now is stepping into the house of a man who wants her gone.

"Is Jacob..."

"Sleeping," says Billy. "He's exhausted with all the patrols and protecting you."

Darcie's heart drops, feeling guilty. "Oh, I'm sorry."

Billy doesn't respond to that as he wheels himself towards the sitting area before gesturing for Darcie to take a seat. Tugging gently on the charm of her necklace, Darcie sits down on the sofa opposite where Billy sits. A silence hangs between them as Darcie struggles to even explain why she's here.

"I'm lost," says Darcie after a moment. "I don't know who I am. I can't even face my friends as I don't feel like their friend anymore. I don't feel like Rochelle's sister. I don't even know who I can trust. I'm so hurt, Billy."

Billy sighs, unable to look at Darcie. "Jacob's told me, Darcie. I've faced my sons anger with how I've treated you and I know I deserve it," Billy tells her. "It breaks my heart that it's you who is the Changeling Child."

"I never meant for this," Darcie exclaims, desperate for him to know. "I didn't know."

"A child being stolen without our knowledge or us being able to protect our innocent is terrifying, Darcie," Billy explains. "We're hopeless in protecting those who need us until the first Spirit-Warrior phases, but then it's too late. Until then, we're left in a fear of uncertainty, unknowing to when the Fae will strike next."

"I understand," Darcie says, feeling heavy with guilt as if it's all her fault. "I wish there was a way I could change everything. I would bring back the real Darcie if I could."

"But you have changed everything," Billy argues calmly. "For the first time since Geronimo and Naila, a Faerie has crept close to our tribe again. From the moment Embry first phased, he's fought for you, Darcie. You have Rochelle, Quil, and even my son defending you. Jacob's even considering taking his rightful position as Alpha simply to protect you, Darcie."

"I thought Sam was the Alpha?"

"A substitute until Jacob phased," explains Billy. "The last generation to phase was my grandfather's generation with the Quileute chief being Ephraim Black. Our family line has always been the leaders of the community, so it's Jacob's birthright to lead the pack."

"But he doesn't want it," Darcie guesses. "Jacob's never liked being in charge of anything other than an engine."

Billy smiles. "That's true, but he's willing to take charge if it means he has a say in you getting to stay."

Darcie's eyes fall on the bedroom doorway, where her friend is sleeping. It's touching and alarming to know that Jacob's willing to change his life simply to protect Darcie.

"If he doesn't want it," says Darcie. "Then why can't you change what happens for Jacob's sake, if not mine? You're one of the elders, Billy. You know me. I won't hurt anyone."

"You are not the problem Darcie, but where you come from is."

Darcie's face shrivels, realising that there's nothing she can do. "Does that mean you will banish me from my own home?"

"That's what we should do," Billy sighs, placing his head in his hand as if the situation is giving him a headache. "That's what my Grandfather did with Caleb Uley. He forced Levi Uley to shun his own brother from the community."

"You wouldn't make Rochelle—"

"Rochelle is the reason things have changed," says Billy. "As you know, Sam and Rochelle came to the agreement that you could stay as long as you remained oblivious and Rochelle no longer lived within the same house as you. Things are also changing because the Fae are returning and that's never happened before."

"That's not my doing," Darcie's quick to argue.

"We know it's not," Billy agrees. "But we can't ignore it, Darcie. At the moment, you're only safe by law of the pack because of Embry."

"What does that mean?" Darcie questions.

"It means that you should talk to Embry," Billy advises. "You might feel like you're not the same person, Darcie, but for Embry, you haven't changed in the slightest."

"So Embry is keeping more from me?" Darcie realises.

"I wouldn't say he's keeping it from you," Billy corrects. "Just waiting for the right time to tell you without overwhelming you any more than you already are."

Darcie doesn't like the sound of that, but again, her mind thinks back to how things can't get any worse. "Okay, I'll ask Embry," Darcie decides. "But... I want to ask about the other Changeling Children. Did they ever find out about themselves?"

"Very rarely," Billy replies. "Either they were banished before the truth came out or they were driven away from the community because of the way the tribe treated them."

"Should I expect anything now that I know?" Darcie asks.

"Has something changed, Darcie?"

Darcie's silent, fearing that if she confesses her ability to heal, then Billy might decide then and there that she's no longer a part of her own home. But her reaction says anything as Billy's face softens, knowing that she can't lie either.

"Sam thought the iron chain would heal me after," Darcie explains. "But instead, it burnt me. I now know the truth and can heal, Billy. I don't want anything else about me to change."

"I'm not sure how much you will change," says Billy. "The Fae have always been secretive, Darcie. Before his death, Geronimo explained that the High Fae were the ones who held the power, but that power was never recorded."

"Is that shrinking and growing wings?" Darcie questions.

"Maybe," Billy confesses. "I doubt you can do that without any guidance from the Fae, Darcie. You've been raised amongst humans."

"I don't want to do that," Darcie exclaims. "I don't want anything to do with any of this, Billy. All I want is for things to go back to how they were before Sam disappeared."

"But if we went back to that time, then we would not know the truth."

"Sometimes not knowing the truth is the best thing."

However, the conversation becomes distracted as someone knocks at the front door. Darcie blinks, realising that her tears are returning. Billy heads towards the front door as Darcie turns to see Bella's body in the doorframe.

"Bella," greets Billy, not particularly happy.

"I need to see him."

"He's not in," Billy lies. "Darcie's here and we're having an important conversation."

Bella's eyes fall on Darcie, who probably looks a little distraught that most likely panics Bella more, thinking it's about Jacob. "Look, I'm sorry, I really need to see him."

"Bella, you can't just do that," Darcie argues, standing up.

"Have you seen him?" Bella asks her.

"Yes," Darcie answers. "But he's exhausted, Bella. You shouldn't just barge in."

Not listening, Bella heads towards Jacob's bedroom as she opens the door. Following her, Darcie's eyes fall on the sleeping form of her friend, ready to kick off if Bella disturbs his sleep. Though, she hears a noise as Darcie looks up to see the packs appearance: Embry and Quil stand with Jared, Paul, and Sam. The two look suited to the pack that makes Darcie's stomach churn.

Seeing them, Bella leaves with Darcie hurrying after her.

"Bella, wait," says Darcie, grabbing the girls arm. "What are you doing?"

"Sam somehow got to Jake, Darcie," Bella reminds her. "Just like he did with Embry. How are you so calm about it?"

Darcie laughs. "Trust me, I'm not."

But Bella's angry, becoming protective just like Darcie would as she storms towards the back with Darcie following. With Sam's presence, Darcie feels even smaller, realising just how truly terrified she is of him.

"What did you do?" Bella demands, quickening her pace as she attempts to shove Sam, who doesn't even budge. "What did you do? What did you do to him?"

"Easy," Sam orders Jared, who was quick to protest.

Darcie meets Embry's gaze for a second before looking away, unable to cope with it. She can't even bring herself to look at Quil, terrified that he'll see a monster inside her now.

"He didn't want this," Bella argues.

"What did we do?" Paul questions, angrily. "What did he do, hm? What did he tell you? Or what did she tell you?"

Paul's eyes land on Darcie, full of disbelief that she's here. Fear pounds in Darcie's heart, but she's fed up with being treated as if she's the problem.

"Paul," Sam cuts in, using his hand to push Embry away from Paul. "Enough. Calm down."

"Nothing," Bella answers. "He tells me nothing because he's scared of you."

Paul laughs at Bella with Darcie's anger fuelling. Not thinking, Darcie's hand swings up, striking Paul's face as he stumble backwards, holding his face in shock. He spits with the red liquid hitting the grass as Darcie stares down her fist, eyes wide in disbelief that she had even done that.

But Darcie doesn't even have time to comprehend what she's just done. Not when Embry's suddenly blocking her from Paul's view, preparing himself to fight if needed.

"Too late now," Jared comments.

"Bella, get back," Sam instructs. "Embry, get Darcie out of here."

"Quil," says Embry instead, refusing to back down.

Quil's there, holding onto Darcie's arm as he's pulling her backwards and away from Embry. As Darcie turns to leave, she can hear Paul panting behind her with the phase about to take place. As Sam tells Paul to calm down, the snarling starts.

"Bella! Darcie!" Jacob shouts from the balcony of his house.

Jacob jumps over the balcony, rushing towards them as Darcie's certain she can hear Embry phasing too. They were likely to fight now because of Darcie and if anything happened...

"Darcie, come on," Quil panics, pulling her in the direction of the house.

"Run!" Bella screams. "Jake, run!"

There's a third growl as Jacob phases. It causes Darcie to pause as she looks back, witnessing Bella on the floor, and both Embry and Jacob standing before Paul. The two were growling in warning with the sound causing Darcie's heart to expand.

It's Embry who attacks first with his teeth snapping before Jacob is joining. The three clash together with Paul outnumbered despite putting up a good fight. Then, they're disappearing into the woods in a tumble, leaving the rest staring after them.

❁

Faerie Darcie is coming!! Just you wait till Eclipse! I've broken Darcie so far down that I can't wait for her to regrow and come back stronger! They'll be a double update next week to wrap up part two of this story as all the love is keeping me motivated! I want to say it ends happy but there's still a lot to come!

I might be a little drunk if I reply to any comments tonight lol!