Chapter 32 Home and away
River
The warmth of the room fades as I rise, my spirit ignited by a flicker of determination. I thank Daphne, her kind eyes filled with encouragement, and with a surge of energy, I push off the bed. My body feels lighter now, the herbal tea and sustenance revitalizing my muscles and sharpening my senses. I can feel my wolf stirring within me, eager to break free.
“Thank you, Daphne,” I say, my voice steadier than before. “You are a true friend.”
With a swift nod, I step toward the door, adrenaline thrumming through my veins. I can’t waste another moment. Aloria is out there, and I need to find her. I cross the threshold into the cool forest air, the scent of pine and earth filling my lungs. The trees stand tall and proud, whispering secrets of the wild, and I can almost hear the call of my pack urging me to return.
I take a deep breath, letting the connection to my wolf take hold. In a heartbeat, I shift, the world transforming around me as my senses sharpen. The rush of power surges through my limbs, and I feel the strength of the wolf coursing within me. I sprint into the woods, the ground beneath my paws soft and yielding, the thrill of the chase igniting my spirit.
Every tree, every rustle becomes a part of me as I navigate the familiar terrain. My heart races, not just from the exertion but from the urgency of my mission. I can’t shake the images of Aloria’s worried face from my mind. I need to get back to her, to protect her from whatever danger lurks in the shadows.
As I dart through the underbrush, the wind carries whispers of my pack, and I can feel their presence drawing nearer. I push myself harder, my paws pounding against the earth, propelling me forward. The world blurs around me, and soon, I burst through the treeline and into the clearing where my pack has gathered.
To my surprise, I see Kellan standing at the forefront, barking orders to a group of warriors. Their faces are etched with worry, and my heart sinks at the sight of their tense expressions. I slow my pace, shifting back to human form, the adrenaline still surging through me as I approach.
“Kellan!” I call, my voice cutting through the murmur of voices. He turns, and his eyes widen in disbelief.
“River?” His voice is thick with emotion, a mixture of relief and urgency. He strides towards me, grasping my shoulders as if to verify I’m truly here. “We thought you were dead! We searched everywhere!”
“Dead?” The word hangs in the air, heavy with the weight of despair. “What are you talking about? I was just… I’ll explain later, where is Aloria?”
Kellan’s expression darkens, and he takes a step back, the gravity of his next words pressing down on me. “Aloria decided to travel to the Lycan castle to find her parents. She was worried sick about you, and when we couldn’t find you… she took matters into her own hands.”
A wave of panic crashes over me, tightening my chest. “The Lycan castle?”
“Yeah,” He nods. “I am so sorry… I tried to reason with her, but… I thought her safe there, with her parents… But…”
“But what?” I grab his shoulders this time, shaking him. “Speak for fucks sake.”
Kellan’s jaw clenches, anger flashing in his eyes. “Her parents… the old King and Queen… have been dethroned and disappeared. The current rulers are her uncle and aunt, known for their cruelty. I just found out, and I was about to gather a group to ensure she’s safe.”
The realization crashes over me like a tidal wave. Aloria, my brave, fierce Aloria, is walking straight into a den of wolves… literal and metaphorical… and I wasn’t there to protect her. My heart races, and thoughts whirl in my mind. “We have to go now, Kellan. We can’t let her face them alone!”
He nods, urgency igniting his features. “I’ve already rallied a group of the strongest warriors. We can’t waste any more time. They’ll be watching the borders; we need to be stealthy.”
Without a moment’s hesitation, I take charge, directing the warriors as we prepare for the journey. I can feel the weight of my responsibilities settle back onto my shoulders, but this time it doesn’t feel like a burden. It feels like purpose. Aloria needs me, and I will not fail her again.
As we set off, I can hear the rustle of the leaves, the whispers of the forest urging us forward. My heart pounds in time with the rhythm of our steps, the instinct of the wolf guiding me, driving me with a singular focus. We are a pack, and together, we will face whatever darkness awaits us at the Lycan castle.