Chapter 7 Chapter 7
Sabrina’s Perspective
I stood in the bar, watching Kael's back disappear through the door.
He knew everything.
My past, my identity, my daughter. Everything.
I had no secrets from him.
It made me feel naked, vulnerable, and angry.
But I had no choice.
"Pack your things," Mira said coldly. "We'll pick you up at 0300."
With that, she and Garrick also left.
I was alone in the bar.
It was starting again. Running again, going to another strange place.
I went home, moving quietly. I could hear the TV from Mrs. Campbell's apartment. Abigail was sleeping, clutching her little bear.
I stood in the doorway watching her.
She was only three.
She deserved a stable home, friends, toys, a happy childhood.
But she only had me. A mother who was constantly on the run.
But I had no choice. I had to start packing.
Clothes, not many. Abigail's toys, just a few.
One suitcase held our entire life.
It was just like this three years ago, when I left the Stillwater Pack. One suitcase, and a broken heart.
Now I was leaving again.
I didn't have a good impression of Kael. He was cold, ruthless.
But I also understood.
This was a cold world. Everyone lived for themselves.
As a single mother, I had learned that long ago.
I left a farewell note for Mrs. Campbell, placing it at her door.
I didn't explain. Explanations would only put her in danger.
At 3:00 AM, a black SUV pulled up in front of the apartment building.
Garrick was driving, the scar on his face looking more menacing in the dim light. Mira sat in the passenger seat, expressionless.
Kael sat in the back, his eyes closed.
I got in, holding a sleeping Abigail.
I sat next to Kael, but kept as much distance as possible.
Abigail stirred in my arms but didn't wake.
The car started, driving away from the city.
I took one last look at the rundown apartment building.
That was the "home" I had fought to maintain for three years.
Now, it was also in the past.
The car drove west. The sky was still dark, the roads quiet.
I asked carefully, "Exile's Rest... what kind of place is it?"
Mira turned her head, speaking indifferently. "A gathering place for rogues. No hierarchy, no Alphas oppressing us. As long as you work, you have food and shelter."
"Sounds good," I said.
"There are many rules," Mira continued. "Those who don't follow the rules don't live long."
I shut my mouth.
Kael hadn't spoken the entire time. He leaned against the seat, eyes closed, his breathing steady.
Abigail woke up once. Seeing the strange surroundings, she looked worried. My nose stung.
"Mama, where are we?"
"In a car, baby," I held her tight. "We're going to a new place."
"Why?"
"Because... because we're starting a new life."
She looked at Kael, her eyes filled with curiosity and fear.
"Are these people your friends?"
"Um, yes, baby," I lied.
Kael opened his eyes, turning toward us.
Even though he couldn't see, Abigail still shrank into my arms in fear.
"Don't be afraid," Kael's voice was low. "I don't hurt children."
Then he closed his eyes again.
Abigail was still scared. I soothed her in a low voice, and she quickly fell back asleep.
---
The car drove all night, until dawn.
I watched the scenery outside the window change from city to suburbs, then to wilderness.
The woods grew denser, the roads narrower.
"Almost there," Garrick said.
The car turned onto a dirt road, bumping violently.
And then I saw it.
Exile's Rest.
This was not the dilapidated rogue camp I had imagined.
This was a real settlement.
Log cabins were arranged neatly. Simple, but orderly. In the center was a large longhouse, which looked like a meeting hall. Beside it was a training ground, where several people were sparring.
The perimeter was a high wooden palisade, with figures patrolling the top.
"How many people are here?" I asked.
"Around two hundred," Mira said. "Men, women, and children."
The car stopped in front of the meeting hall.
Kael got out and walked straight into the hall, ignoring me.
"Follow me," Mira said.
I followed her, holding Abigail.
Mira gave me a tour of the territory.
"This is the meeting hall," she pointed to the large longhouse. "Kael handles business here."
"That's the training ground," she pointed to the open space next to it. "Every adult must train three times a week."
"Living quarters are on the outskirts," she led me outward. "Assigned by family. Singles live in the barracks."
"The rules here are simple," Mira stopped and looked at me. "First, obey Kael's orders. Absolute obedience."
"Second, no private fights. If you have a conflict, Kael adjudicates."
"Third, everyone must work. Hunting, patrol, construction, caring for the old and weak. No dead weight."
"Fourth, traitors die."
Her eyes were cold.
"Understand?"
"Understood."
"You'll be assigned a job," Mira continued. "Maybe the kitchens, maybe the infirmary, depending on what you can do."
"What about my daughter?"
"We have a school." Mira pointed to a slightly larger cabin. "All the children study there. Someone teaches them to read, teaches them survival skills."
"A school?" I was surprised.
"Rogues need to educate their children, too," Mira said coldly. "Kael built this place so we could live like human beings."
She led me to a small cabin.
"This is yours."
The cabin was small, but clean.
"Thank you," I said.
Mira nodded and turned to leave.
I put Abigail on the bed. She looked around the new environment curiously.
"Mama, is this our new home?"
"Yes, baby."
"I like it here," she smiled.
I kissed her forehead.
At least she was happy.
I went out to get water to wash up.
A young mother with two children was standing there. She saw me and smiled kindly.
"You're new?"
"Yes."
"I'm Sarah," she said. "Welcome to Exile's Rest."
"Thanks. I'm Sabrina."
"How old is your daughter?"
"Three."
"My son is three, too!" Sarah said, pleased. "They can play together."
I smiled back.
Several strong men were repairing the fence. They stopped their work and looked at me.
Scrutinizing gazes.
I lowered my head, carried the bucket back to the cabin.
An old woman sat in a doorway, mending clothes.
She looked up at me, her gaze wary and suspicious.
Then she looked back down and continued her work.
I entered the cabin and closed the door.
Leaning against the door, I took a deep breath.
This was my new life.
A strange place, strange people, strange rules.
And that cold, blind man now controlled my and my daughter's fate.
---
I leaned against the door, listening to the sounds outside.
Footsteps, voices, the laughter of children.
This place was more of a community than I expected.
Abigail sat on the bed, hugging her bear, looking out the window.
"Mama, I'm hungry."
"I'll go find something to eat."
I opened the door. It was dark outside. Torches were lit between the cabins, casting orange light on the ground.
"Sabrina?"
Sarah was standing in her doorway, holding a bowl.
"I thought you might not have eaten," she handed it to me. "It's stew. Nothing fancy, but it's filling."
"Thank you." I took the bowl, smelling meat and potatoes.
"Come find me tomorrow morning," Sarah said. "I'll take you to the kitchen. They always need an extra pair of hands."
"Okay."
I went back to the cabin and split the stew with Abigail.
It tasted good. Better than the leftovers I ate at Denny's, at least.
Abigail yawned after she finished.
"Mama, I want to sleep."
"Okay, baby."
I helped her wash her face and change into her pajamas. She lay down on the bed and fell asleep quickly.
I stood up and walked to the window.
The moon was bright, shining down on the camp. I could see the silhouettes of patrollers moving on the fence.
Suddenly, the door was pushed open.
It was Kael. "Out," he said coldly. "I have questions for you."
---