Free Web NovelChapter 193: Chapter 193) A dream.
"Please, sister. We want to go with you to the border". Caden said to me, and as I glanced at his hand which held onto mine, he let go of me. "Please". He added, with desperate eyes.
I was taken aback and was a bit conflicted when I stared at Chase and saw that he was also like that. I never expected any of this to happen.
I had sparred with them every single day so that they would be strong enough to defend my Shadows’ pack when I was away. I never trained them just so they could go with me to the border to battle those bastards and put them in their place.
I sighed. "You can’t go with me to the border". I said to them and was not ready to change my mind about it.
"But, sister-".
"That’s enough, Chase!". I declared. My voice was so loud that it made everyone pause.
Seeing that I had lost my temper, I turned away from Caden and Chase and slightly shook my head as I tried my best to calm down.
I suddenly said to them, "None of you are allowed to follow me to the border. You are going to remain in the Shadows’ pack".
"And, both of you will keep our pack and our people safe".
After saying that to them, I turned around and sighed, upon seeing their gloomy faces. I went ahead and placed my hands on their shoulders.
"I need both of you to be here, okay?". I said, while I thought to myself, ’I can’t ensure your safety if you go with me to the border. And, if I don’t make it back alive, I need someone to take over the pack on my behalf’.
They smiled and nodded at me.
I knew it was a forced smile, but I was not bothered by it. As long as they were not going with me to the border, then everything else was fine by me.
"My warriors, go and greet your beloved ones, and spend a little time with them. After that, come to the Alpha’s mansion at once by noon".
I continued to say to them, "After the ancient ritual, we are going to leave for the border by evening!".
"We obey your command, Alpha Anastasia!".
I snapped my finger and teleported back to the Alpha’s Mansion with Caden and Chase, after my warriors replied to me.
We were in the living room, where I saw Luciana. She seemed to be busy having a conversation with Lady Valerie when we arrived.
"Oh, Alpha Anastasia". Luciana said to me, as she rose from the sofa she was sitting on with a smile on her face.
"Greetings, Alpha Anastasia". Lady Valerie also greeted me, with her head slightly bowed before me.
I slightly nodded at both of them in response, before I fixed my gaze on Luciana.
My mom’s twin sister.
After my declaration on that day, she frequently visited my Shadows’ pack, and has not stopped thanking me enough for granting her the opportunity to return home.
Though, that was not the reason I had teleported to the mansion.
My face remained straight as I went straight to the point and announced, "I am leaving for the border today".
The atmosphere instantly changed after I said that. I had expected it.
But, they ought to know that this moment was eventually meant to come.
"I see". Luciana said, before she walked closer to me and only stopped after she stood in front of me.
She smiled at me, before her hand hesitantly reached out and touched my cheek, as she caressed it.
I saw her eyes get a bit red and teary as she said to me, "Your mother and your father... wherever they are... must be proud of the brave alpha and fine young warrior that you have become, Anastasia. I understand that you must leave. But, please be careful out there".
"I will". I assured her, and as she let go of my cheek, I excused myself from the living room and went out of the mansion.
I made my way to the place where the ancient tree was.
According to the rules of the previous Alphas, except for the purpose of crowning a new Alpha or for any other important event, no one was allowed to get close to the ancient tree.
But, here I am. Standing before the ancient tree. As an Alpha.
I sighed in defeat, as I stood closer to the ancient tree and placed my hand on its body, before I softly muttered, "I am here, mother. Please, show yourself to me".
After I finished saying that, I shut my eyes as I felt the surrounding atmosphere changing. Then, I perceived it. The familiar aura.
"My daughter". Her sweet voice called, making me open my eyes, turn around, and then, see her. freewёbnoνel.com
The moon goddess. Athena. My real birth mother.
She was dressed in a golden dress, which shone brightly and resonated with the morning sun.
I have not seen her ever since she came to me the last time. I knew I was the one who told her to remain on the moon because of that bastard black shadow, but I have been missing her lately and wanted to see her.
And I knew that the time was right today, because I dreamed about her last night.
It was a brief dream though. I saw myself sitting peacefully next to the ancient tree, as its shade protected me from the sun.
And, my mother, Athena, was there with me.
I had rested my head on her shoulder, as she patted my head and kept on muttering to my ears that everything was going to be alright.
Anyway, a smile appeared on my lips. "Mom". I said to her, and as her arms opened up for me, I went to stay in her embrace and shut my eyes.
I did not know why, but my heart suddenly felt heavy. I suddenly felt overwhelmed, and the strong wall and feelings I had built around my heart began to fall apart.
I thought I was strong. I thought I had a strong heart. I thought handling everything was not a big deal to me.
But, her embrace made me feel so little.
For once in a long time, I missed a mother’s embrace.
