Marcus POV
It's been five months since the incident. My father is getting better. We lost some members of our pack to the attack but time seemed to have healed us.
Alyssa has been by my side all these while and it has helped immensely. There were times when I thought I was going to lose my father and I almost lost it but she was there to support me. Encouraging me to be strong.
It has been a hard time for our pack and the whole region as every pack felt the heat of the attack. I do not know of a pack in this region that did not lose its members.
I heard the news of how dangerous the roads have become. Rumors went around about what instigated the fight. Some say it has something to do with the unfair judgment passed by the judge. Some say it was the doing of my father who is jealous of Lordson Al's power and influence, some even said I instigated the fight as a way of punishing my girlfriend's kidnappers.
A lot of topics kept flying around but my mind was preoccupied with my father's state of health that I hardly have time to worry about what people think. What matters is that my father and I are innocent.
Now that my father is getting better, I am at peace but something still bothers me. The distasteful treatment that is given to Alyssa by my pack members.
At first, I was so worried about my father's state that I didn't notice. Now that it has come to my knowledge I know I have to do something to change this.
Alyssa has finally accepted me back, I know what it took me to win back her trust and I must do all it takes to keep it. I had already given her my word.
My poor Alyssa. Even with the ill-treatment she gets from my pack members, she is still the loving girl I used to know.
As I watched her standing at the edge of the forest basking in the euphoria of the moment I couldn't help but wonder how she came to be hated by so many.
She is such a beautiful woman with a beautiful heart. Her bright eyes and smile are capable of melting the heart of anything alive. How then are people able to bring themselves to hate her?
She has been misunderstood and it's high time I make them realize her true worth. It's not going to be easy but I am ready to face the music.
My father is a hard nut to crack. It will be difficult to make him change his mind but he has to see reason to let me be with Alyssa.
Now that Lordson Al is no longer a friend, that might just increase my chances of making him accept Alyssa.
I went up to where she was standing to join her. She was so engulfed in her thoughts that she didn't notice my approach. I snapped my fingers before her face snapped back to reality.
"Sorry did I startle you?" I apologize realizing I scared her. "I'll be fine," she said as we tried a radiant smile that made me feel warm.
"You seemed to be lost in thought" She hesitated at first but then opened up.
"It's Ethan". My heart skipped a bit at the mention of that name but I know it was only human of her to think about him. I would too if I were in her shoes.
"I haven't heard from him ever since the incident. I heard he is alive and well but I need to see him." her mood changed as she opened up to me.
I could tell from the expression on her face that she misses him a lot. I wondered why Ethan had not come to see her.
Knowing how cordial their relationship is, I know Ethan must have come here in search of her by now if all was well. I know the roads are said to be dangerous but that was not enough to stop a man like Ethan from coming to search for Alyssa.
I have seen him fight twice and he is such a great fighter. The first time was at Alyssa's pack when two guys mocked her about her parents. The other time was during an annual wrestling festival which was hosted at Eunuch Pack. That was about four years ago. He had represented his pack and had fought well only he was not able to make it to the finals.
I was surprised to see him fight so well because I know him to be a shy guy. His lanky physique is also very deceiving.
Alyssa once told me he is a lover of mythological books. I have always seen folklore as a girls' thing and I always tag guys with knowledge of folklore as girlish. But with what he did in the ring he earned my respect.
"What will you do now?" I asked her not sure what to say.
"I have to go and see him," she said softly.
I nodded my head to show that I was in support of her opinion.
"I will go with you" She looked at me with appreciation evident on her face.
"Are you sure? Your father is yet to recover fully. He needs you right now." she said, trying to be considerate.
"The roads are dangerous. I cannot afford to let you risk your life. Whenever you are ready we will go to his pack." I said with a finality and with that, I hugged her.
I suggested we go on a stroll around the village clearing. As we walked hand in hand I felt fulfilled that I had finally gotten back with the love of my life.
As we walked around the clearing, she pinpointed different leaves stating their names, species, and their therapeutic features.
I was never a fan of biology but this woman had helped me realize not just the significance of it but the beauty that lies within the complexity of the plant world.
I plucked one of the leaves scenting it. I couldn't help but admire the nature of the leave. It's green in colour, the shape, the lateral line that extends throughout the leaf.
I was amazed at how Alyssa explained the function of each component of the leave and how they work together to make the leave function properly.
It made me realize how logically nature was created. Everything no matter how small and simple it seems has its vital part to play. Knowing Alyssa has helped me appreciate every little thing I come across.
We spent the whole day together expressing ourselves, sharing ideas and talking about the past, some making us laugh and some making us sober.
I wished every day could be like this. I wished life could be less complex allowing us to be with our loved ones more often.
As a child, I had planned on living my life like this. Amid my loved ones until I lost my mother then I realized life is way more complex than my naive mind had pictured it.