Chapter 157: Not What She Seems Part 1

Chapter 157: Not What She Seems Part 1
Krimson’s P.O.V

As the night deepens and the moon ascends, casting its pale glow over the landscape, my worry for Lilac grew like an insistent shadow. The quiet hours stretch on, and with each passing minute, my concern intensifies.

I've paced back and forth countless times, glancing out of the window to catch any sign of her return. Yet, there's only the serene moonlight dancing on the trees, and Lilac was nowhere in sight.

It was hard not to feel a pang of guilt gnawing at me. I know she was upset, angry even, when she left earlier. We had a disagreement—a clash of opinions that escalated more than I anticipated. I never meant for her to storm off, but emotions were running high, and words can cut deeper than intended. Still, amidst the heat of our argument, she made it clear that despite her anger, she wouldn't jeopardize her safety. She promised to be back by nightfall.

Lilac was independent and resilient, no doubt. But as the night wears on, my mind conjures the worst scenarios. What if something unforeseen happened? What if she encountered trouble on her way back? With those shadows looming in the horizon…I couldn’t help but worry about her safety.

I'd called her phone countless times, each attempt met with an unwelcome voicemail tone. The rational part of me reassures that she's probably engrossed elsewhere, maybe seeking solace with a friend, or simply lost track of time while enjoying the night like teenagers did. But the irrational part, fueled by worry and guilt, amplifies every worst-case scenario.

As the clock ticked past two in the morning, my concern began to claw at the edges of my thoughts like a persistent itch. Lilac should have been back by now; her absence at this hour was unlike her. We had an unspoken understanding, a silent agreement to keep each other updated on our whereabouts, especially with the threat to her life. But tonight, silence lingered, and worry coiled itself tighter around my chest with each passing minute.

What if something had happened to her? What if she was hurt or lost? My heart pounded against my ribs, a rhythm of apprehension that refused to be ignored.

I couldn't sit still any longer, couldn't let the fear of the unknown paralyze me. I had to find her. So, I grabbed my jacket and stormed out into the night, the cold air hitting me like a wall. The deserted streets seemed to echo my worry, amplifying the silence that enveloped the neighborhood.

My first instinct led me to her old dorm, a place that held remnants of her past. But as I approached the door, a shiver ran down my spine—it wasn't just the chill of the night. I paused, focusing on my senses, trying to catch even the faintest trace of her scent in the air. Nothing. Not a hint of Lilac's unique fragrance.

Doubt crept in. Had I made a mistake in assuming she'd be there? A surge of anxiety mixed with frustration pushed me to retrace my steps. I couldn't afford to make a wrong move now. Every passing second felt like an eternity, each step carrying the weight of uncertainty.

Then it struck me—Del's house. I knew Lilac had broken up with that boy and he had told her that he didn’t want to see her again. It was a long shot, but it was the only lead I had. I quickened my pace, determination mingling with desperation as I navigated the silent streets, my senses on high alert.

Arriving at Del's house, I hesitated before knocking, pacing about as I tried to piece all of this together to know if I was actually doing the right thing. What if Lilac wasn't here either? What if my search was in vain? The hollow feeling of helplessness gnawed at me, but I couldn't give up.

The moments that followed felt like an eternity, the suspense almost suffocating. Then, relief washed over me as the door creaked open, revealing Del's puzzled expression.

"Alpha Krimson, what are you doing here at this hour?" His words were like a cold shower, sharp and biting, slicing through the air and hitting me with unexpected force. I bit down on my lip, fighting the impulse to lash out, to give in to the jealousy gnawing at me. Why was I here? I knew the answer too well. Lilac. Always Lilac.

"I'm looking for Lilac. Have you seen her? Is she here?" My voice came out harsher than I intended, tinged with the jealousy and insecurity that churned within. I didn’t want to ask, didn’t want to care, but I couldn’t help it.

My chest tightened at the thought of her being with someone else before, someone other than me. It felt like a betrayal, an irrational anger bubbling up within me. I could feel the urge to lash out, to demand answers, building up like a storm.

Del’s dazed expression shifted to something more guarded, a flicker of irritation clouding his features. “And why should I tell you where she is? She isn't your responsibility!” He stated firmly, a hint of defiance in his tone.

"It’s my job to look after her now. She’s my mate," I told him just as firmly, making sure that he knew exactly what position I held in Lilac’s life.