Chapter 63: Detached
Alpha Ashton's POV
Shadows stretched lazily across the forest floor. A gentle breeze slipped through the place, carrying the soft rustle of leaves and the distant murmur of unseen wildlife. The light seemed softer there—simmering through the layers of the cave that nestled by the far end of the back.
After dinner earlier, I had hurriedly left the pack house to the woods.
And it's been four whole hours since I'd arrived there yet I don't feel the need to go back to the pack house.
The truth. I wasn't running away from it. I only wanted to give Annabelle some space to herself.
I missed the atmosphere in the woods also. It's been months since I last visited and I felt welcomed by my pals—the trees.
It’s strange how simply glaring at the trees, watching them sway from side to side, unravels the truth.
As I sat on the ground in my favorite spot, sleep—a sound sleep one crept in slowly.
Then, I stood up and walked towards the cave—the most interesting path of the woods.
Inside the place was dark, the floor was uneven, scattered with stones and mud at the same time. The cave was as old as the pack itself. The cave itself had a history of comfort and relief.
Well, other werewolves feel it's too ancient and cryptic . But, the story was different for me.
I already made arrangements for some firewood to make the place warm and scare every other wide animal.
Quietly, I gathered the dried firewoods and made the fire.
In a short while, the flames rekindled, and the damp floor suddenly became warm.
As I watched the fire burn slowly, sleep took over me and I dozed off.
The next morning, I woke up to the cricking of insects and the rustling of lizards somewhere outside the cave.
Opening my eyes faintly, I discovered it was already morning—6: 30 AM.
Flexing my muscles, I yawned, pushing off the disturbing sleep off my eyes entirely.
Then as I sat, contemplating whether to leave that moment or wait further, Annabelle's thoughts flashed through my mind.
A little smile snickered my face as I suddenly grew over it.
One day, I'd make her visit the cave also so she could feel relief from her pain too.
Stretching myself again, I rose up from the ground and when I began to dust debris out of my body, saw a cave millipede nestled by my elbows and I pushed it off me and immediately began to leave the cave.
Mist hung in the trees, the condensed vapours dropping on my skin.
The chirping of the birds filled my ears, a gentle reminder that I was leaving a place of calm, and going to a place filled with troubles and pain.
I swallowed hard. That sudden realization of that truth hit me hard.
I didn't come with my horse to the woods. It took me two hours to walk down back to the pack house.
Upon arrival, I saw some of the warriors, marching and training in the large garden with Jared leading them.
Immediately Jared sighted me coming, he halted the squad.
“Halt!”
Jared's deep and commanding voice pierced my ears.
With abruptness, he abandoned the team and began to walk towards me, his features etched with worries.
“Alpha, “ he halted as he got closer. “ Where have you been? Luna is worried”.
My brows lifted. I wasn't surprised. The expression on Jared showed how worried Annabelle must have been.
“Go back to the squad. I'll see Luna shortly” I said and began to walk away.
“One more thing Alpha…” Jared ran back towards me. “Wills was here last night. He said Luna Phoebe has passed”
Hearing the sad news, a certain cold surged through me.
Slowly I spun, catching Jared's cold face. “Find Bata Albert. Let him make arrangements for her funeral immediately” I said and turned to walk away.
“Yes, my Lord,” I heard Jared say .
A certain warmness engulfed me as I walked inside the pack house. The maids bowed slightly, greeting me warmly as they went about their daily duties.
Some of the maids still glared at me with desire in their eyes. I wonder when the whole drama will end. Probably when I'm dead…it's it.
I didn't respond to their greetings but walked with deliberate steps, heading towards the royal chamber, carrying an air of authority.
My sigh deepened as I leaned by the door of the royal chamber, my hands clenched tightly to knock but sustained due to grief.
Seconds passed and I summoned the courage to knock on the door.
Immediately, I heard the door creaking and slightly flung open, revealing Annabelle's cold and tear-swollen face.
I remained by door, unable to walk into my once elegant chambers.
Our gazes lingered for long, silence tearing us apart.
Her lips moved—slowly.
She wanted to speak. To offload the pain, the agony and despair inside her.
But—no words came out from her lips.
I, too, didn't feel left behind. I wanted to pull her closer. To hug her but my hands suddenly became numbed, unable to move.
Then, I shut the door gently, and walked inside without speaking to her.
I heard her heavy sigh but I wasn't ready to talk about anything.
While I began to take off my shirt to have a bath, I heard Annabelle's soft voice.
She was courageous and managed to break through the silence.
“Alpha Ashton “ Her unclear voice struck as if she was learning my name.
“Speak,” I murmured, cold and detached, refusing to turn to her but continuing to undress.
She hesitated, my sudden cold and detached attitude scaring her.
Shouldn't I be sorry at least? I should pull her into my hands and make her feel better.
Yet, I didn't do all of that. It's not because I didn't love her. I feel pity for her and that left me with a ravishing guilt Inside, thereby causing me to react coldly.
“I’ll be leaving… for my pack” Her voice hitched but she still managed to be strong.
I was about to take off my underwear when Annabelle's words pierced my ears.
Once, I stopped thinking and turned to her, my voice firm.
“ Tell Jared to take you home. I'll visit you soon” I said with a detached tone and walked to the bathroom.
Then, I heard Annabelle's voice as she sobbed loudly. This left me in pain. A part of me was leaving and I couldn't do anything about it.