Chapter 103: Forest of no return

Chapter 103: Forest of no return
Hours after Julian's death, Gwendolyn remained where she stood. The back fog swirled around her, as if tethered to her soul. 

She felt empty. Her eyes were dried, devoid of tears. She didn't regret killing the one man who had been her best friend, who had grown with her all through the years. 

She had no regret, because when it came to choosing between her unborn child and a threat, she would protect her own. 

After a moment, she turned away from the spot and walked off without a backward glance. With Julian gone, she and her mother were the last surviving members of the earth realm pack. 

If her mother was even still alive. 

For hours, she walked deeper into the forest, unsure of where she was going. She didn't know how she would get back to Nightshade pack. She was in the middle of nowhere, and with the black fog following her, she was in danger. 

The Immortals could find her. She could die of thirst and starvation before she reached Kieran. 

She walked for hours until she grew tired and collapsed under a tree. She was hungry, thirsty and severely dehydrated. Her lips were pale and chapped, and the blazing sun seemed to drain off every last drop of moisture inside her. 

It was no use. There was no way she would get out of this forest on her own. 

She lowered her hands to her stomach and caressed it. There were no movements yet. It was still too early, but she could feel it. She could feel her baby. 

"Let it be known that I tried." She whispered to herself. "I never gave up. I did all I could."

Her eyes slowly closed as dizziness washed over her. Unconsciously, she called out to Kieran through the mind link. 

\[Kieran... if you can hear me, I need you...\]

His response didn't come. She slowly slipped to the ground, completely weak. Her breathing came out shallow and laboured. 

She remained there until night fell, and the sound of the forest surrounded her. Her vision blurred and she knew this was the end. 

Then, through her hazy vision, she saw something fly across the sky. 

She forced her eyes open and squinted through the blurriness. There was someone in the sky, and even from that distance, she knew it was a Wilding. The wings were unmistakable. 

\[Kieran...\] She whispered through the mind link, hoping it was him. But he didn't respond. The Wilding flew past, disappearing into the night sky. He didn't see her. 

She realized then that she couldn't remain there. She had to find a way to get out of the forest. If that Wilding was circling the sky, then it meant Kieran was close by. 

She struggled to her feet, pushing her aching limbs upwards and staggered down the dark forest. There was no moon to light the path. She tripped severally, her vision blurred, her entire body weak from hunger and thirst. 

At one point, she thought she heard rushing water. Another time, she thought she saw Kieran standing before her with his arms open. But it was all her imagination. Her mind was playing tricks on her. 

She didn't know how long she walked, or if she was walking in circles, but she felt something in the air and froze. 

She wasn't alone. There was someone close by, in the bushes. She could feel it.

She struggled through the brush, wincing as tree roots and sharp branches cut into her skin. Luckily, her wounds healed up instantly. 

She reached the edge of a large tree and stepped out, and she froze. Tears brimmed in her eyes when she looked forward and spotted Kieran. 

He was forging through the forest, his gaze intense as he searched for her. His wings were spread out behind him. 

"Kieran..." She whispered softly. 

He looked up sharply when he heard her voice. His eyes widened and he took off, running towards her. 

She stumbled forward and fell into his arms, shaking from relief. Immediately he held her, the black fog disappeared, seeping back into her body. 

"My love. Moon of my heart. I found you." Kieran whispered, holding her so tight to him, like he couldn't believe it was her. 

Deep down, Gwendolyn suspected this was another trick her mind was playing on her. She still didn't believe it. 

"Kieran, is it really you?" Her voice shook. 

"It's me, my love. I'm here. I've got you." He kissed her hair, her face, her cheeks, trembling from relief. Then he mind linked Ryder. 

\[I found her. Call off the search. We're returning to Nightshade now.\]

\[How is she?\] Ryder linked back, sounding completely worried. 

\[Not good. I'm taking her back to the pack.\] Kieran replied and closed the mind link. He lifted Gwendolyn and ascended into the air, flying back in the direction of the pack. 

Gwendolyn clung to him, feeling weak from relief. She faded in and out of consciousness several times, and each time she awakened, Kieran was still flying, which meant she had been hundreds of miles away from the pack. 

No wonder she didn't recognize that forest. 

Kieran looked down at her as he flew. She looked pale and weak. Her lips were dry, the skin peeling off. How long had she wandered under the sun? 

He swore by the goddess, if Julian was still alive, he would take great pleasure in bringing hell to him. 

It was close to midnight by the time he arrived at the pack. He lowered to the ground in front of his mansion and instantly mind linked Cae.

\[Cae, I found her. She's not good. Bring everything you have. I need you to heal her.\]

\[Right away, Alpha. I'm on my way.\]

He stepped into the mansion and slammed the door shut with his foot. He didn't take her to his bedroom where the roof was damaged from his rage. 

He took her to another bedroom on the ground floor and lowered her on the bed. She was burning up with a fever already. Her skin was pale and sweaty, and she kept tossing uncomfortably. 

"Don't worry, my love. You're safe now." Kieran whispered to her.

"It hurts." She whimpered. "It hurts everywhere."

"I know, baby. You'll be fine. Cae will heal you."

He held her hand and lifted it to his lips, pressing soft kisses on it. 

The door opened and Cae rushed in, holding a large bag filled with all her healing materials. 

"Goddess above." She gasped when she saw Gwendolyn. "Where did you find her?"

"The forest of no return." Kieran muttered. "I don't know how she managed to find a way out, but I think she was trapped there for hours, going in circles."

Cae took Gwendolyn's hand and held it, then placed a hand on her brow. "She has a bad fever."

"Is the baby...?" He trailed off, unable to complete the words. 

Cae understood and placed her hands on Gwendolyn's stomach. She was silent for a moment, and Kieran watched her with fear in his eyes. 

"Healthy." Cae said finally. "The baby is safe and healthy."

Kieran let out the breath he didn't know he was holding. He had never felt so relieved. 

"Do all you can to heal her, Cae. Please."

"I promise, Alpha. Gwen will be fine. She's strong. She will get through this."