Chapter 75 News of the witch
Aloria
The warmth of the parlour wraps around me like a comforting blanket as I sit there alone, Daphne having left, I am still processing her harrowing tale. The flickering firelight casts dancing shadows on the walls, a stark contrast to the heaviness in my heart. Just as I’m lost in thought, the door swings open, and River steps inside, his presence instantly filling the room with an aura of strength and warmth.
“Darling,” he greets, his voice low and steady, eyes locking onto mine. “You did so well today, Thank you.”
I look up, meeting his gaze, and feel a flutter of pride mixed with the weight of the day’s events. “It was Daphne who was the real hero. Without her, I honestly don’t know what I would have done. She stepped in without a second thought.”
His brow arches, and a smile breaks across his face, a mixture of admiration and disbelief. “I’m proud of her too. It takes a lot of courage to face such a dangerous situation head-on.”
I nod, feeling the warmth of his pride wrap around me. “It’s just… her past makes everything more complicated. Every time I see her from now on, I remember everything that Was taken from her.”
River leans against the mantle, his expression turning somber. “I can’t imagine what it must be like for her. To confront those memories and still find the strength to fight back. I wish I could have done more for her back then.”
“River,” I say softly, stepping closer, “you did everything you could. You saved her when it mattered most. You stood up against those pack members, risking your position as a future Alpha. That’s something not everyone could do.”
He rubs the back of his neck, the weight of his past regrets evident on his face. “Still, I feel the guilt. I should have sensed the danger before it escalated. I should have been there to protect her mother too. I failed both of them.”
“Listen to me,” I say, my voice firm yet gentle. “It wasn’t your fault. You were just a boy then, trying to navigate a world filled with darkness. You couldn’t have known what was going to happen. What matters is that you were there for Daphne when she needed you most. That’s what she remembers, and that’s what will help her heal.”
His eyes soften as he meets my gaze, the resolve in him hardening. “I will protect her now. No one in the pack will bother her, I promise. She deserves to feel safe when she comes here, especially after everything she’s been through.”
A sense of relief washes over me, knowing that River will do everything in his power to shield her from harm. “Thank you, River. Just knowing you’re looking out for her makes all the difference. Daphne needs a place where she feels she belongs, a space to finally fully heal.”
He crosses his arms, his expression thoughtful. “But what about that Black witch? It doesn’t make sense. Why would she target our pack? Do you think she’s been hired by your uncle too?”
I feel a chill run down my spine at the mention of my uncle. “It has to be. Why else would she come after us? There’s no other reason for a witch to interfere with our lives. She’s likely trying to sow discord, to weaken us from the inside.”
River’s jaw tightens, his frustration palpable. “We need to find her before she can do any more damage. I’ve sent some of the pack members to other territories to gather information about her. I hope they return soon. We need to come up with a plan.”
“I agree,” I say, feeling the urgency in the air. “We can’t let her threaten the safety we’ve built. If she’s out there, we need to be ready for whatever she throws at us next.”
River looks at me, his eyes fierce with determination. “I won’t let her hurt anyone else, Aloria. I’ll make sure Daphne feels secure. She will always have a place in this pack, and I’ll do everything necessary to protect her.”
I step closer to him, my heart swelling with gratitude for his fierce loyalty. “Thank you, River. that means the world to me, and I know it means a lot to Daphne too. She needs to know she’s not alone in this.”
He nods, and we stand in silence for a moment, the crackling fire filling the space between us. “And what about you?” he asks, breaking the stillness. “How are you holding up after everything?”
I take a deep breath, the weight of the day settling on my shoulders. “It’s been overwhelming. Seeing those kids in danger, knowing how close we came to losing them… it’s terrifying. But I also feel a sense of purpose. I want to protect them, to make sure they grow up in a safe environment.”
“Then we’ll do it together,” River says, stepping closer, his presence a steady anchor in the storm of uncertainty. “We’ll keep them safe. You have a strength in you that I admire, Aloria. You’ve grown so much since you first came here.”
I smile, feeling a warmth blossom in my chest. “I couldn’t have done it without your support. You’ve always been there for me, even when things got tough. And now, with everything happening, I know we can rely on each other.”
He looks at me, the intensity in his gaze making my heart race. “I mean it, Aloria. Together, we can face anything. I’ll always have your back, and I hope you know that. You’re my heart and my soul.”
The sincerity in his words sends a rush of emotion through me. “You’re my heart too, River. And I’ll always stand by your side, no matter what challenges we face.”
As we stand there, the warmth of the fire crackling softly, I feel a sense of unity between us that transcends words. We’re in this together, bound by our shared experiences, our hopes, and our dreams for the future and of course Our mate bond.
The door opens again, and a gust of wind sweeps into the room, causing the flames to flicker. A few pack members enter, their expressions serious as they gather around us. I can feel the tension in the air, a reminder that the threat of the witch looms over us.
“River,” one of the warriors says, his voice grave. “We’ve heard whispers of the Black witch. There are rumors that she’s been seen near the eastern woods.”
River straightens, his expression hardening. “We need to investigate. Aloria, stay here with Kellan and the kids. I don’t want you in harm’s way.”
“Don’t underestimate me,” I reply, my voice firm. “I want to help. We all need to face this together. I won’t sit idly by while you go into danger.”
He meets my gaze, the weight of his responsibility evident. “I know you’re strong, Aloria, but I can’t lose you. Not now.”