Chapter 62 Who is behind it?
River
The scent of the forest fills my lungs as we navigate the winding path, the sun breaking through the canopy above like a spotlight on our journey. Aloria’s laughter echoes in the distance, her spirit infectious. I can’t help but smile, feeling the warmth of her presence beside me.
I am happy to see her enjoying herself and not let everything that has happened get her down… and I am happy that I Was able to help her with her hunger… I had not expected it to have that effect on me, but I am not complaining and it won’t be the last time I am willing to help her.
Kellan walks ahead, shoulders squared, his eyes scanning the horizon. Despite the lightness of our morning, an undercurrent of tension lingers in the air. I can sense it, and I know Kellan feels it too. The recent attempt to snatch Aloria’s brother weighs heavily on our minds. It is one more brick in a wall of dangers.
“So, what do you think?” I ask, my voice low enough for just Kellan and Aloria’s father to hear. “Was it a coincidence that the vampires struck when they did? Were they just hungry and saw a kid easy to snatch or is there something more sinister at play? Did someone hire them to do it… and was it simple meant to lure Aloria into the alley to try and kill her?”
Kellan’s jaw tightens, his gaze fixed on the trail ahead. “I don’t believe in coincidences, River. The timing feels deliberate. They knew we’d be vulnerable, distracted.” His voice carries the weight of experience, the kind that comes from years of being a great beta and help leading a pack through danger. “I heard some whispers about the king using vampires as assassins… this might be her uncle's work.”
Aloria’s father, his once regal posture still commanding despite the shadows of worry that linger in his eyes, nods in agreement. “I’ve faced vampires before. They’re cunning, strategic. If they’re targeting our family, it’s not just a random act of aggression. There’s intent behind it, I agree, this smells of my brother.”
My heart races at the thought. The vampires have always been a threat, but targeting Aloria and her family? It’s a declaration of war, and I can’t let that stand. “So, what do we do?” I ask, my tone firm. “We need to inform the pack. Prepare them for what’s coming. If they’re bold enough to strike once, they’ll try again.”
“Agreed,” Kellan replies, his eyes narrowing. “We can’t let our guard down. We need to strengthen our defenses, ensure that everyone is on high alert, and reach out to our allies. Aloria’s safety is paramount, she is our Luna.”
I glance over at Aloria, her laughter still ringing through the trees, a stark contrast to the weight of our conversation. She’s a beacon of light, my mate, my heart, and I’m fiercely protective of her. “And what about Aloria?” I ask, my voice softer now, as if the very mention of her name could shatter the fragile peace. “We can’t keep her in the dark. She needs to know what’s at stake.”
The former king’s eyes flash with concern. “She’s been through enough already. We can’t burden her with this yet. Let’s get back to the pack first. We’ll assess the situation and come up with a plan. But I trust you, River. Keep her safe.”
I nod, determination surging within me. “I will… the whole pack would give their life to protect her. She deserves to feel secure, to know that we’ll protect her at all costs.”
As we continue down the path, I can’t shake the feeling of impending danger. The trees around us whisper secrets, their rustling leaves echoing my thoughts. I glance back once more at Aloria, her spirit unbroken, her laughter a melody that fills the air.
She catches my eye then, and the world around me fades into a blur. There’s a fire in her gaze, a promise of resilience, and it fuels my resolve. Whatever darkness lies ahead, we’ll face it together. No one will take her from me. I’ll fight tooth and claw to keep her safe.
The path opens up to a wider trail, and I quicken my pace, eager to catch up to her. “Hey!” I call out, a teasing lilt in my voice. “You think you can outrun me forever?”
Aloria spins around, her smile radiant, unfazed by the weight of our conversation. “I’m just getting started!” she replies, her competitive spirit shining through.
“Just remember,” I say, closing the distance between us, “if you get too far ahead, I might have to cheat to catch you.”
With that, I break into a sprint, the thrill of the chase igniting something primal within me. Aloria’s laughter dances on the wind as she takes off, her body moving with fluid grace. I push myself harder, the forest blurring around us, the world narrowing to just us two.
I enjoy having this moment with her, feeling almost young again, not that I am old, but sometimes I feel like I am.., but even in this moment of joy, the shadows linger at the edges of my mind. I can’t forget the vampires. I won’t let their threat steal this happiness from us. I’ll protect Aloria, the pack, and our future.
As we dash through the trees, I vow silently to myself: We will reclaim her parents' thrones and Kingdom and free the people from the oppression of her uncle… It will be a person pleasure to me to take him down after what he did to Aloria.
Suddenly the tranquil forest is pierced by the screams of Aloria’s brothers who has been running a bit ahead playing, and my blood instantly run cold.