This is the moment–I’m finally about to leave. My bag is packed with the few belongings I intend to take. This time, I leave Nolie a brief, straightforward note.
“I’m going away for a bit. Please look after yourself.
My love for you will never change.
-Aurelia”
I stick the note on the fridge. It’s a relief that she’s not home right now–I wouldn’t be able to bear the emotional weight of her discovering my departure.
I take my bag and stash it in a secluded spot near the border, confident no one will find it there. Somewhere the scent of my clothes won’t give me away.
After checking that the coast is clear, I bury the bag and sprint back home. Everything needs to go flawlessly. One small mistake could mean death in this pack.
At exactly 11:48 p.m., I must cross that border–no sooner, no later. Any deviation from that precise time would be disastrous. That’s the moment the guards switch shifts.
When I return to the house, my nerves are fraying.
I exhale sharply, trying to calm down. The last time I rushed things, I got caught. This time, everything must be calculated. I need this plan to succeed.
I start pacing the room, too jittery to think clearly.
A knock echoes at the door.
The door creaks open, and Joy steps inside. I almost curse under my breath. I forgot to lock the door- such a careless mistake. What if she’d caught me packing?
“Are you alright?” she asks, eyeing me suspiciously.
“Why wouldn’t I be?” I respond, my voice unnaturally high. I bite the inside of my lip.
“You just look really pale,” she says, walking further in. “Are you in pain again? Do you need-
“Joyce!” I snap, catching her off guard. Realizing my tone, I quickly pull myself together. “I’m okay, really. Just stressed with school stuff, nothing more.” She seems to buy it. After all, we go to the same school.
“I’m sorry,” she says, her expression turning somber. “I wish there was something I could do to make it stop. I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you today.” I nearly roll my eyes. Her presence wouldn’t have changed a thing. If anything, she’d just be dragged into my mess.
“It’s fine. What’s done is done. So, did you come for something?”
“I just wanted to check in on you–and let you know it’s dinner time.” I smile and shake my head. I can’t afford to eat right now. If I do, I might get sluggish and fall asleep.
I might end up staying out too late and miss my chance altogether.
Remaining here is really the only option I have.
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“I don’t think I can eat over there. Honestly, it’s just like being back at school with the pack.” That was the truth. The same group of kids who used to whisper behind my back and laugh at me in the school corridors are the ones doing it again at the pack meetings. It is just a change of scenery, not behavior.
“Oh, I didn’t know. Let me grab us something to eat–I’ll stay and keep you company,” she says with a warm smile, hurrying to the door.
“Wait–no!” I shout, panic rising in my voice.
That stops her in her tracks. She turns around, startled. I exhale deeply, letting my exhaustion show. “Joy, I appreciate your concern, I really do… but I’m just completely exhausted–mentally and physically. I need some time to myself, to clear my head,” I explain, adding just the right touch of emotion to sound convincing.
I silently pray that this reason is good enough to make her leave me alone–at least until I make it past the pack’s boundary.
She opens her mouth a few times before finally speaking. “I’m sorry,” she says softly, looking downcast. “It’s just… I haven’t really seen you lately, and I thought maybe…” She trails off, shaking her head. “Never mind. I’ll come back in the morning.” She forces a smile, but I can see the pain behind it.
Joy has never liked being shut out. She always wants to be involved, to lend a hand however she can. I know this stings her deeply.
“Thanks,” I say, brushing aside her feelings and closing the door behind her.
I don’t even wait for her footsteps to fade.
Turning to the clock, I let out a breath.
“Just a little longer,” I murmur.
This is it. Only minutes remain now. I begin moving slowly, careful not to attract attention. Taking a walk this late isn’t really unusual, so it shouldn’t raise suspicion.
I nod to a few people along the way, even though I can feel their judgment in their stares.
As the moment draws near, I pick up my pace. My breathing begins to grow heavier. I quickly unearth the hidden bag and carry on.
This is the moment–I can sense it. Freedom is so close I can almost touch it.
I’m finally about to break free–from the shame, the torment, and everything else. A fresh start is
waiting.
Just as I had hoped, the border is completely deserted. There’s nothing standing in my way now.
I try to move faster, though my breath is running thin. It’s like that invisible tether connecting me to the pack is just about to snap.
“Aurelia!” The sound tears through the night, sending chills over my skin. No–this can’t be happening. I was careful. There’s no way he could’ve known. “Get back here. Right now!!” His fury is so intense, I can feel it even from where I stand. I force myself to stay calm. He’s too far to reach me in time. I move with urgency, almost skipping, until…
The breath is knocked out of me all at once. My face rushes toward the dirt. It’s as if time itself slows
10.40
4.99%
down around me.
I roll over from the impact and recognize him instantly–it’s Callum. I’d know his wolf form anywhere. Right in front of me, he shifts back, completely unclothed. The sight makes me uncomfortable.
Most wolves don’t mind being naked, but it’s hard to ignore when someone’s private parts are right in front of your face.
I scramble to my feet, vision slightly hazy. I try to move away from him, but something sharp strikes me from behind, stabbing into my side. A burning sensation spreads through my neck, and before I can even register the pain, everything goes black.
Chapter 11
