Chapter 31: We are in this together
Thoughts flew through my head. Do I get to go to another country different from mine? Will I cope there? What if he finds me there?
Alex sensed my reluctance and came closer to me.
"Lola, it's a far destination; it's a surprise the king came there; trust me, Robin won't even think of coming to the pack.
Lola's heart pounded in her chest as she left the palace, standing in the forests,the cool breeze rustling through the leaves. The pain of rejection still throbbed in her chest, a sharp ache that seemed to echo with every beat. She couldn't bear to stay here, in this place that held nothing but shattered dreams.
Her mate, the one she had hoped would be her forever, had turned his back on her. The words he spoke still echoed in her ears, a cruel reminder of the truth she couldn't escape. She felt like a lone wolf, lost in a world that no longer made sense.
As tears welled up in my eyes, my gaze fell on Kira. I knew what I had to do. I told Kira I wanted to go meet Sarah, and I left her home.
With a determined step, I set off into the forest, leaving behind the pack that had once been my family. I didn't know where I was going, only that I couldn't stay here. My paws moved swiftly over the forest floor, carrying me further and further from the place she had once called home.
As the hours passed, my thoughts raced. She needed to find a new pack and a new beginning. Somewhere, I could heal and start anew. The scent of unfamiliar territory filled my nostrils—a mixture of earth and pine, a promise of a fresh start.
But amidst my own pain, I couldn't shake the worry for Sarah. She had been missing for days, and the fear gnawed at my heart. Sarah had been my friend, the one who had always been there to lend a listening ear. Now she was gone, leaving behind a void that seemed impossible to fill. I can't bear losing her again. I turned, as I was determined to look for her first.
My pace slowed as I reached the edge of a clearing, the moon casting its silvery glow over the grass. I stopped, taking in the stillness of the night. It was here that I allowed myself a moment to grieve, to let the tears fall freely.
Suddenly, a rustle in the bushes caught her attention. My ears became attentive, and hope went through me. Could it be Sarah? I went toward the source of the sound, my heart pounding with hope.
But as the leaves parted, it was not Sarah who emerged, but a rabbit, its eyes wide with fear. My disappointment was palpable, the weight of my loneliness settling in once again. I let out a soft sigh and turned away, knowing I couldn't stay here.
"It isn't fair to leave without informing Kira; let's go with Alex's idea". I heard as Ayraa spoke gently.
But I was confused. Kira listens to the king; what if she is ordered to take me to him?
"You are being delusional, and you know that Kira would never do that; she cares for you, and Kira, I know, will do whatever it takes to keep you safe".
Pondering her words, I knew she was right; Kira isn't like that, and she won't hurt me. I sighed as I realized I needed to go back to Kira. It seems I have gotten used to her, and it will be bad to leave like this.
My heart felt heavy as I retraced my steps, the forest seeming to close in around me. I was doubtful, and with every passing moment, the weight of my decision to leave ringed in my ear. I don't think I can bear the thought of a life without Kira, especially with my baby now. I can't handle this pregnancy alone.
As the familiar scent of Kira's grew stronger, I quickened her pace. I needed Kira now more than ever. The moon hung low in the sky, casting long shadows across the forest floor. When I finally arrived at the entrance, I paused, preparing myself for what lay ahead.
Pushing aside the curtain, I stepped into our home, my eyes finding Kira's in an instant. Kira's amber eyes widened in surprise, then softened with concern as she took in my tear-streaked face.
"Child", Kira whispered, rising from her spot and rushing to my side. "What happened?"
My voice trembled as I tried to find the words. "I couldn't do it, Kira. I tried to leave, but I couldn't go through with it. Something keeps pulling you to me."
Tears flowed freely down my cheeks, each one a reminder of the depth of her pain. I sank to the ground, Kira beside me, offering a comforting pat.
Kira's voice was gentle, a soothing balm to my heart. "Lola, it's okay. You don't have to face this alone. We'll find a way through this together."
I looked into Kira's eyes. "I just... I don't know what to do, Kira. I feel lost and scared. Everything feels so uncertain."
Kira's resting on me. "I understand, Lola. It's natural to feel this way, especially after what you've been through. But remember, we're a team. We'll figure this out, one step at a time."
With Kira by my side, I felt a glimmer of hope ignite within me. I was glad I came back; I wasn't alone in this, and with Kira, I could face whatever challenges lay ahead.
"First," Kira began, "you won't go to the palace; if he leaves and doesn't suspect your presence, we will know what to do then".
"Secondly, if he does... (she looks at me sadly), we might have to consider the Alex option".
I nodded in gratitude. "Thank you, Kira. I don't know what I'd do without you."
Kira's gaze was stern. "You won't have to find out, Lola. We're in this together, remember?"
I nodded my head as I hugged Kira, feeling the protectiveness of a mother and knowing that with her, I could overcome this challenge.