Chapter 35: Untold Secrets

Accepting the fact that I might have to leave this pack, I stood and went into my room. Having faced the humiliation today, I cried. I cried for my life; I cried for how I have been putting up with different things in the name of survival; and I cried for the future of my unborn baby, who had to live with my decision. I thought I had found a life here, but fate seems to tell me to move again.

You know that feeling when you know you have to go soon but you just aren't ready and it's all coming so soon? I signed as I rested my head and went to bed.

The sun shone through the window, and I realized I had slept in. I stretched out of bed and freshened up. Looking into my puffed eyes, I felt pathetic. Kira warned me not to get into this royal mess, but as a result of being dragged into it, here's what I got. I smiled sadly as I washed my hands and went out.

I saw Kira and Alex talking as I entered the main room. Kira looked up to me and smiled as I greeted Alex. I knew it was about our journey, but I acted numb to their conversation. Kira called my attention as she spoke to me.

"So Alex is going to help; it's a long journey, but all we have to do is go to a neighboring pack where we get a ride to take us to his place.". I looked forward to taking everything in. "We leave tonight".

I stared with my eyes open as I replied,

"Why, night, why can't we go like a normal person leaving the pack".

Kira laughed mockingly. "You seem to forget who I am to the king; you think he will release me to leave? Besides, you have not been cleared of your accusations; if they catch you leaving, you will be taken back, and nothing can be done about it".

I nodded my head, seeing the truth in what she said. Alex came closer as he spoke to me.

"Trust me, Lola. I will do nothing to hurt you; the journey is a safe one. All you have to do is just move at night, and I will handle the rest. That's the only way we can work this out. We are all the king's assets, and if we leave during the day, the repercussions will be high".

I agreed, seeing the point in what he said. I ate at the table with them, and although it was silent, everyone was thinking about their decisions. After breakfast, I went into my room to pack for the journey. I wanted to tell Sarah about my travels, but again, I'm not meant to trust anyone, and I have to keep it to myself till I leave, so I just crossed that out. She will have to deal with my absence. Looking at the place that kept me shelter when I had no where to go—the place I called home, the place I got attached to—I knew I had come a long way, and leaving is only a part of my journey.

I tried packing, but I couldn't do anything, so I just sat down, staring at the ceiling. Kira came in, laid beside me, and we both stared at the ceiling.

"It's hard, right? Kira said, and I burst into tears. I had been holding it in all this time, and this one statement made me release my emotions. Kira allowed me to cry before she interrupted me.

"Life doesn't go our way sometimes; we get lost in the waves at times.

"But why me? I just want to run back home and lag in the comfort of my family; I don't think I can go through this anymore."

"You know fate has a way of bringing you closer to your goals. You might think you are wrapped up in all these troubles, but I see a strong woman willing to fight everything and protect her baby".

"I wasn't actually born in this pack".

I stood in surprise as I paid attention to her. I thought Kira was born into this pack as well.

"My mother was a rejected mate who had to overcome all struggles, humiliation, and challenges to take care of me. She sought refuge in this pack and was given a life to live here. My mother worked and died in that struggle, and I vowed not to be like her, so I had to do everything to earn the king's favor, and that was how I became the king's subject. At least I get respected, and the money is good". Kira said as she laughed with pain in her eyes.

"It wasn't easy, but I knew I had to survive, Lola". I was so focused on respect and money until I met him; he made me know it's not all about money, Lola. I really wanted to run away from my mother's struggles that I went blindly doing everything, whether good or bad."

"He changed my life for good; although I couldn't release myself from the shackles of the king, I guess his death made me go into it again".

"So when I see you, Lola, I get reminded of my mother. Although you try so hard to work and get out of struggles, you have started thinking of what to do after your work at the palace. You are creating a future for your baby. Lola, you are great. I see a strong woman in you".

She held my hands as she looked at me "We will face this hurdle together and overcome it. I am with you, and I will guide you in this journey, Lola".

"I may not be your mother, but I promise you, I will be like a mother figure to you. We can do this together".

I hugged Kira as she spoke those words. I never knew there were reasons for Kira's behavior, and having misjudged her, I felt guilty about that. Here is someone who cares about me, promising her life for me, and I'm thinking of giving up. I promised myself nothing was ever going to take me away from Kira. I'm going to do all in my power to be there for her, as she was for me.

Kira helped me pack as we selected a few clothes that would be useful to me. We couldn't pack all my belongings as it was a night trip and we needed to travel light. I was soon ready, and Kira went to pack some of her things as well.

It was late at night, and Kira knocked on my door.

"It's time, she whispered. I packed my loads, and we left our home. We stood and gave one last look at our home as I remembered my time and money in this home, the good and the bad, the fun moments and all, and I knew I was leaving for good.

Kira held my hands, and we left as we headed for our journey to meet Alex. I didn't realize I had shed a year until it dropped on my feet.