All We Can Do

All We Can Do
\[Pandora’s POV\]
I watch my father, waiting while he considers doing what it is that Lucian has said he needs to do. And honestly, if he wasn’t willing to do such a thing, then I knew a few good men that would.
I was more than aware that my father’s hesitance was due to the upset that had already been caused by the recent traitor findings, but this was about life and death, and we couldn’t play around with such things.
“Alright.” My father sighs, causing a wave of relief to slam into me. “I’ll look into it personally.”
“I’ll join you.” My mother says, touching my father’s arm. “It’s better if both of us do this as a team.”
“And what about them?” My father asks, shooting me and Lucian a look. “We can’t just leave them alone.”
“I’m here,” Healer Gibson announces, giving a smile. “I think I’m more than capable of looking after some children.”
At his words, I feel laughter bubble up in me, but I hold it back since I know that it will only set my father off more. However, my mother isn’t quite able to do the same, and when her own guffaws burst through the room, I feel so much warmth that I find myself wishing that this moment will never end.
“Go on, then,” Healer Gibson continues as my father pouts. “Go do what you must, and then set a plan in motion to save us all.”
“Right,” my father nods, his expression growing serious. “But if anything happens, make sure these two get to the panic room.”
“Of course.”
Once again, my father looks to me and Lucian, but he doesn’t say anything more. Instead, he turns, and after taking my mother’s hand, he heads out of the room while I silently watch them.
“They’re going to be fine.” Lucian murmurs, clearly sensing the distress that is beginning to bubble up in me. “They’ll handle things as they should.”
“I know,” I sigh, taking my seat beside him. “But that doesn’t mean that I don’t worry.”
How could I not when the past we came back to change wasn’t quite saved yet? Of course I would worry until I was certain that everyone was safe, and I could only hope that happened before the day I had to return to my time.
“Just relax.”
Lucian’s voice is gentle and makes me want to do what he is saying, and when I feel myself relaxing, a yawn escapes me.
“If you’re tired, you should lie down in that free bed over there.” Healer Gibson tells me. “It will probably be a bit before your parents return.”
For a moment, I don’t speak as I stare at Lucian, who, though he looks better, is clearly not in the best state.
“I don’t want to sleep in case something happens.” I say slowly. “I’ll be fine.”
“Are you expecting my death?” Lucian challenges, his boyish face lighting up. “I’m not that fragile.”
“Says the guy who almost died not too long ago.” I growl. “You aren’t invincible.”
“I’m aware.” He sighs, though he still looks defiant. “But I won’t let anyone get rid of me as long as you’re walking this earth.”
“Those are some bold words for someone so young.” Healer Gibson chuckles, and at his words, Lucian and I exchange a glance. “Anyway, princess, you should really try to sleep. I’ll make sure that nothing happens to the boy while you do.”
Opening my mouth, I prepare to argue but stop as Lucian shoots me a look, and I know that I’m not going to win with the two men.
“Alright,” I sigh, getting up and heading toward the bed. “But if his condition worsens, you must wake me.”
“Of course,” Healer Gibson smiles. “I’ll be sure to do that immediately.”
Nodding, I crawl into the bed and then get comfortable as another yawn escapes me, and when my head hits the pillow and I close my eyes, I feel myself drifting. However, I’m not left to blissfully sleep off my exhaustion. Instead, I feel myself beginning to be pulled toward what I’m certain is purgatory, and when the world forms into that very place, I brace myself for what is to come. But nothing prepares you for seeing that the work you’ve put in to try to stop the future from happening is for nothing.
“Why?” I hiss, taking in my packmates. “Why are they still here?”
“Because the determining battle hasn’t begun.”
The voice drifts from behind me, and when I turn, I find myself staring at my future self, not the me from my time, but the one from further on. She looks exhausted, and her hair is a matted mess, but that determination in her eyes is still there.
“But wouldn’t it have already happened?” I ask, trying to not let myself feel defeated. “I mean, I’ve been busting my ass to make sure it doesn’t happen.”
“The future can’t be changed until the moment in time that caused all of this is shifted. As of now, that battle has yet to happen, and because of that, the outcome is undetermined.”
“Then everything I’ve done isn’t working.”
I knew I was being pessimistic, but I was suddenly so tired. Tired of hurting. Tired of struggle. And tired of the emotional roller coaster that was my life. I just wanted to find peace with my family, my pack, and most importantly, Lucian.
“Do you know something that I don’t?” I ask, fixing my gaze on hers. “Do you know what the ultimate outcome will be?”
“I’m only able to see what you do.” She tells me. “But remember that time isn’t up yet.”
“No kidding,” I huff, turning my gaze to the tortured souls just beyond, and when I see Lucian, I feel my heart dropping.
“It’s not over.” My future self says, touching my shoulder and squeezing. “If you save the others, you’ll save him too, so you can’t let yourself give up. For now, what we are doing is all we can do, and the rest is up to fate.”
“But what if fate fails us?” I whisper, my throat knotting up from emotion. “What if that horrible incident still happens, and when I return to the future, I don’t even have Lucian?”
“Then we will just have to figure out another way.”
Another way. Another time. Another try. It was always another and never enough, and that was the most frustrating part of all.
“I refuse to let it happen.” I growl, my determination growing. “Even if I have to give my life to stop them from taking everyone, I won’t let it happen.”