Chapter 30 29

Chapter 30 29
Chapter TwentyNine

Soleil
I ran fast as soon as I got out of the cabin, away from Quillon.
Not because he ordered me to. What he said was right, though. I've been following his commands and requests, and even tending to whatever I think he needed.
But pity?
Hell no, I don't pity him.
If it's about what he went through, I am proud of what he did, of how he survived and how dedicated he was to save his parents.
The reason I acted that way towards him was because of my fucking guilt.
I fucking feel guilty.
Damn it.
I'm aware I'm not my father; I didn't do whatever he did nor an accomplice in his evil deeds.
But I feel the weight of his sins as if my own. And I can't stop it.
There's no helping it, alright? I couldn't stop myself from trying to make it up for Quillon because I feel guilty that I share the same blood with the man who took everything from him that led him to what his life is now.
But hearing him say the words he said earlier woke me up from the stupid phase my head chose to.
I shouldn't try to undo what Father did nor make up for it.
Quillon doesn't need that kind of companion. Yes, I might help with him charging his energy or whatever to help him control his wolf, but if he looked, then maybe someone else could take my place and help him.
The mere thought of it clenches on my chest, and I don't know why.
Maybe I want it to be me now because I found out what Father did to him. And if that could be my purpose in his life, then I'd like it to be me that helps him.
I want it to be me.
The night was young, and I know I shouldn't lurk around the pack, but the sun is out, and Quillon only let me out at this time. Though he was always with me, and now I'm doing it alone.
My run turned to walking as I looked around. I'm too far from the forest and the cabin, but the town was still far from where I've been.
I'll just take a breath and go back; maybe that will cool down Quillon's head too.
"Ugh." A groan caught my attention, and I stopped on my tracks.
It was coming from behind the trees on my right. I heard it again and frowned.
The sound was like someone was in pain, and I couldn't stop my feet from walking towards it with concern.
"Is anyone there?" I asked, touching the trunk of a tree and looking around.
"Who's...there..." A man's voice coming from the next tree was weak and didn't sound like a question anymore.
He must be hurt, in pain, or something, so I hurried towards him.
I found him sitting on the ground, his back leaning on the tree, and that's the only support he has to sit upright.
"Hey, are you okay?"
The man had long black hair that stopped on his collarbone. He was wearing a dark red robe, his bare chest peeking under it.
His hand was pressing hard on his head, and I narrowed my eyes to see if he was bleeding.
Thankfully, there was not a drop. There was no blood scent in the air either.
"I'm...fine." He groaned after saying the words. His eyes were still closed, hands still putting pressure on the side of his head.
"What's up with you? Severe headache?" I asked, cautious but concerned.
"Something...like that." He said, letting out a shaky exhale. "Who are you?"
"Oh, I'm just..." Is it safe to talk to this man? "Just a guest. What about you? Why are you here? Is there anything I can do to help?"
He finally opened his eyes, and I was in awe to see a pair of silver-like eyes. Wow. His gray eyes were too bright, and even from the dark, his eyes seemed to have a light of their own.
I think this is the first time I've seen such beautiful eyes.
"No."
"Do you...need company? I can stay, uh, until your headache goes away?"
He closed his eyes again and didn't say a word.
Well, since I believe silence means yes, then I sat on the other side of the tree where I could still see the path I took.
We sat in silence, and the man didn't seem to mind my presence. I know he's a stranger, but his being inside this pack means he's from here. He's in pain, and I don't mind not being alone, or else I won't stop myself from going back to the cabin.
Patience wasn't one of my good traits.
After what feels like half an hour, the man has stilled his breathing, and I think his headache was subsiding.
"You're always having headaches?"
He groaned but said, "Yeah. Got worse just recently."
"Hmm. Stressed?"
He snort. "Something like that."
"I know some herb that might help. Though I'm not sure where it could be found here."
"Herbs won't help me with this." He sighed.
I wanted to urge him to try it, but the defeated tone he had made me think that maybe he already tried every herb for his headache.
"Well, that sucks."
"Don't I know it." He chuckled a bit. "Since when did we have guests?"
I pursed my lips, unsure how to answer that.
"For a while." Is what I came up with.
"What's your name? I'd like to check if you're not an intruder."
"First of all, rude. And second, from how tight the security of this pack is? I'd doubt it if anyone would get through."
"Name."
I sighed. "Soleil. And I'm not an intruder, don't you worry. What are you, one of the guards?"
He snort. "No."
"Well, you sound like you are. What about you? What's your name?"
It took a second before he spoke.
"You don't know me." He stated, not asking. And I confirmed he really is from the Shadow pack to have that confidence.
"A guest, remember?"
"Name is Draco."
"Well, nice to meet you, Draco," I said, standing, patting my butt to remove some dirt as I faced him. "But I think you're okay now, and I need to go back to the cabin. See you around!"
I waved as I walked away from him.
My mind wired back to Quillon, and I decided to just confess I pitied him--since I can't say I was under heavy guilt.
"Wait! You’re staying at the cabin?"
I turned and frowned because he sounded shocked.
I'm guessing there's a lot of cabins around here, so he won't find me if he tried, right?
"Yeah?"
He didn't say anything after, so I waved again and walked away when he nodded once.