Chapter 26 She can’t just wait
Aloria
Days have blurred into an endless cycle of searching and hoping, each sunrise a reminder of River’s absence. I wake every morning with the same gnawing ache in my chest, the forest whispering my fears back to me, as if it knows the depths of my despair. I can’t shake the feeling that the longer we wait, the more I risk losing him… losing the very essence of who I am.
I stand at the edge of the makeshift camp we have set up so we did not have to go home. I am watching the others as they go about their routine, their faces drawn and weary. Kellan is talking to a few of the warriors, their heads bowed in contemplation, discussing strategy for the day. I can tell he’s trying to keep morale up, but every time he glances my way, I see the worry etched in his features. He’s fighting a battle of his own, one I can’t help him win.
“Aloria,” his voice pulls me from my thoughts, warm and steady, but it feels like a weight pressing down on me. “We should try again today. Another sweep of the area. Maybe we missed something.”
I shake my head, the determination sparking within me like a flame. “No, Kellan. I can’t keep waiting. I need to do something.” My heart races at the thought of what I must do, but the urgency of my decision propels me forward. “I’m going to the Lycan castle.”
His brows knit together in confusion, and for a moment, I think he might argue, but he knows me better than that. “You mean… to find your parents?”
“Yes,” I confirm, my voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions swirling within me. “If anyone can help us find River, it’s them. They have the resources, the connections… and they will listen to me. I have to try.”
The wind rustles through the trees, and I can feel the weight of his gaze on me, searching for something, perhaps a sign of hesitation. “Aloria, you know the castle is far. It’s dangerous to go alone. What if something happens?”
I feel a surge of defiance rising within me. “What’s more dangerous? Waiting here, hoping for a miracle or taking action? I can’t sit idly by while River is out there, whatever may be happening to him. I have to go.”
Kellan steps closer, his expression softening, yet I can see the flicker of concern in his eyes. “I understand your urgency, but we can’t abandon the pack, especially not now. We need everyone’s strength to keep searching.”
“I do not want you to abandon anyone,” I insist, my voice rising with passion. “I’ll go alone, you need everyone here. If there’s news of River, send a message to me and I will come imediately. You just need to keep looking.”
He hesitates, and I can tell he’s weighing his options, searching for a loophole to keep me from making this decision. “What if you can’t find the castle? What if you get lost or…”
“Stop!” I say, my voice breaking slightly. “I can’t keep living in this uncertainty. I need to believe that I can do something… anything. And if that means going to my parents alone, then so be it.”
Kellan’s gaze holds mine, and I can see the flicker of acceptance in his eyes, but it comes with a heavy heart. “Fine,” he relents, his voice low and steady. “But promise me you’ll be careful. And if anything happens—”
“I promise,” I say, my heart racing with a mix of fear and determination. “I’ll send word if I need you.”
As the sun begins to dip lower in the sky, casting an orange glow through the trees, I gather my things… a small pack filled with essentials, enough to keep me going for a few days. My heart pounds with urgency, each beat echoing my resolve. I take one last look at Kellan, his expression a mixture of worry and pride, and I know this is the right choice.
“Tell the others,” I say, my voice firm. “If there’s news of River, send word to me. I’ll make sure to return if there’s anything I can do.”
“Be safe, Aloria,” Kellan replies, stepping forward to pull me into a brief embrace. “You’re stronger than you think. You’ll be okay.”
With that, I pull away, turning towards the path that will lead me out of the thick forest and toward the Lycan castle. The trees seem to part reluctantly, but I push forward, my resolve hardening with each step. I won’t let the shadows of doubt overtake me.
The journey is long and fraught with uncertainty, but I focus on the path ahead, on the promise of finding my family and, in turn, finding out the truth about myself. The sun sets behind me, its warm glow fading into the cool embrace of twilight, but I refuse to let the darkness consume me.
As I walk, I let the memories of River fill my mind… his laughter, the warmth of his hand in mine, the way he made me feel invincible. I won’t let despair take hold. I will find him. I will bring him back.