Chapter 113 113

Chapter 113 113
Silas

The wild winds of the rogue forest lure me in. I hear the call and can't ignore it. With each step, sharp jolts of pain run through my paws, up my legs, and deep inside my head—yet I keep running. The deeper I go, the less it hurts. Who wouldn't listen? Who wouldn't seize the chance to escape the pain?

'Silas... stop running!' A faint yet familiar voice calls after me. Fearing more vengeful wolves, I speed up even as the pain blinds me. Even though it's fading, it's still excruciating. 'Silas!' The voice calls again, but I don't look back. However, it's only getting louder, fast approaching. Feeling cornered, I spin around and snarl.

She stands before me, panting faintly. 'Silas...' she lowers her head and wags her tail gently. As she slowly approaches, I growl, baring my teeth. If I have to, I will use them! However, she stops right in front of me and tilts her head to the side. 'It's okay... you're safe with me. Let me help you... just like before.'

Her scent hits me, and I know who she is. I finally catch a glimpse of her spotted flank and let out a small whimper. 'Eden...?' Why is she here? If she were any other wolf, I'd know this was nothing more than a dream. Instead, I know this is reality—and it terrifies me.

We ran away, too afraid to face certain rejection. I don’t know if we’d survive this torture if Eden and Leah turn us away. I take a step back and wince. 'Silas, calm down.' Her voice is like sweet honey, but her tone is commanding and firm. 'You're hurt. Let me help you.'

I stand still as Eden circles me, sniffing my wounds. Her tail lowers as she assesses them. Then, she puts down a small bundle, and I grimace at the harsh smell of herbs and medicine. Since she is a dream-walking healer, I wonder if she can bend these dreams to her will, ensuring she always has what she needs.

'This will take some time to heal you, Silas. However, don't worry.' Eden looks me in the eye. No one else has ever been as bold—except for Dahlia and Sunny. Her gaze always seems to dare me to disobey her. 'Because I found you, that means Leah and our Beta are close. They'll save Tristian from whatever you've gotten yourself into.'

I lower my head as Eden makes me lie down so she can tend to my wounds. 'W-why... are you searching for us?' I ask wearily, flinching as she starts cleaning my injuries. I fear the worst, and I bet she knows what I'm thinking. 'I'm losing my mind more and more out here. Please don't do the same to yourself for a mutt like me.'

Eden stays focused on her work but still answers me. 'You're our mate. For better or for worse, that is who you are, Silas. You need to let us come to our own decision. You didn’t even give us a chance to react before you ran off! For shame, honestly!'

As Eden gets huffy, I can't help but find her adorable. She has a sweet charm that makes my head spin and my heart pound. She's unlike any she-wolf I've ever met. Her charm and beauty are undeniable... that is until she suddenly slaps some chewed-up herbs onto my wounds. I yelp and try to pull away, a defensive growl escaping me as the pain reawakens everything I tried so hard to escape. 'Ow! I'm the patient, you know!' I protest with a low snarl.

'You do feel normal pain! That's a good sign.' Eden says rather innocently and continues working. 'Of course, it serves you right for what you've done to us.'

I wince, but this time not from the stinging pain. I lower my ears and look away, ashamed. I never gave them closure. If they rejected me, they could have looked forward to finding new mates, a new life. Instead, I selfishly ran away, leaving them both dazed and confused. 'I'm sorry.' As pathetic as it is, that’s all I can offer her right now.

Eden huffs again, but her touch is gentler this time, making it easier for me to relax. 'I know you are. Unlike our human counterparts, our feelings aren’t as complex. Unless our mates are completely irredeemable piles of trash, we are just happy to be with the one the Moon Goddess chose for us. Even if I'm her second choice, you should be happy.'

I flinch at her words, knowing that my actions—and Tristian’s—qualify us as 'piles of trash' for sure. 'You're right. I am happy to have been given a second chance at love. I just don’t deserve someone as amazing as you... and I’m sure you're just as disappointed as you are happy, given what we’ve done.'

Eden sniffs and applies more herbs to my wounds. 'Disappointed in your actions and choices? Yes. Both past and present. But I can’t say I’m disappointed in the Moon Goddess’s choice for me.' I perk up my ears in surprise. 'All things considered, I'm flattered to have a former Alpha as my mate. But is that so shocking? I'm merely a pack healer, after all. Being a dream walker is my only standout ability. I could never be a Luna.'

I grind my teeth together and snarl. 'Don’t talk bad about yourself! You're an amazing wolf, Eden! Strong, powerful, beautiful... you're the complete package! Anyone would be lucky to have you as a mate, and if anyone tells you otherwise, then they're either blind or stupid! I mean, I...' I trail off, realizing I’m rambling. 'I-I mean... who wouldn’t want you, Eden?' My ears burn as I look away.

Eden had paused when I started my rant. She continues once I stutter. '... Our parents and former pack for one... and a certain first friend who doesn’t even recall us being together? Royal Pack loves us... and I'm happy... you do as well.' The shyness in her tone only makes me hotter and makes her even cuter. '... I will stay here with you until you're healed, just like before. Leah will help Tristian once they get to her.' Her tone shifts back to professional once more.

I tense and look up quickly. 'A rogue I know has us captured. Her name is Penelope... and we wronged her big time.'

Eden’s eyes flash with surprise and recognition, puzzling me immediately. Why does it seem like she knows exactly who I’m talking about?

'I'll let Leah know so that our Beta is prepared.' Eden sighs and looks down at me. 'You two were such great friends. She was meant to be your old pack’s Beta as well. I wish you had never let anything get between you.'

She then eyes me and goes back to work. 'So dense...'

I dig my claws into the ground but don't push it further. What am I missing? What did Tristian do before I fully woke up in his mind? The question gnaws at me, but I bite my tongue. Once this is over... I have nothing but time to listen and observe.