Chapter 7

• I was more than overjoyed by her support; she offered to help me despite everything I went through. "Thank you so much, Mira, I can't forget your help in a hurry."
• "You are free to forget everything in a hurry as you did before. After all, you are the Alpha." She said bitterly.
• We started heading towards the direction of the forest immediately. Wasting time or any further delay could mean one thing: the addition of more trouble. As we continued on our journey, everywhere felt strange, there was an usual quietness as if trying to pass a message to us.
• Mira continued leading the way, and as she navigated through the tiny paths in the forest so easily, I couldn't help but wonder how many times she and Liora had come there. She wasn't finding it difficult to locate some parts, and I was left with the conclusion that the forest was their second home.
• We searched for Liora for almost the whole day. Hours passed, and there was no trace of her shadow. I called her name in the forest but got only echoes. At least, a sign that she was still alive would have been a relief; nothing of such nature happened.
• As evening approached, we arranged to start going back home. What if we started late? What if she’s already dead and could have been avoided if we had come much earlier?
• Never. I can’t entertain such negative thoughts in my mind. I will never do such this.
• We hoped against all odds to find a lead, any clue at all, to help us at least track her to her location, but there was none.
• Very early on the third day, we wasted no time in returning to the exact spot where we stopped the previous day. All signs of tiredness were written on Mira's face, but she continued the journey, willing to do anything to find her friend.
• "She’s gone forever," Mira concludes quietly, almost breaking down. "She’s not coming back anytime soon."
• I told myself never to believe it. I resolved within myself to keep a positive mindset. Even though I knew deep down that she might be right, I still refused to give in. Everything was pointing out something. If Liora were somewhere, still alive, we would have managed to find some sign leading us to her by now, but none of such happened.
• "She might have been captured somewhere," I reasoned. "Who knows, it might be a rival pack. Or some rogues."
• "Or worse of them all," Mira added the inevitable. "She could have been killed by a wild animal, and now dead, Jaxon."
• The thought came sending daggers straight to my heart. The idea that I am the one behind her disappearance, pushing her into the arms of our enemies, to devour her at their will, got me hating myself. Her only offense was wanting to be heard, to be loved, to have a place to call her home among her people.
• "This is all my making," I said to myself, barely audible, "I pushed her so hard that she ran away. I was shortsighted that I only paid attention to my duties as the Alpha, not seeing what I was losing."
• Mira stared at me with an unreable expression. "You’re really right," she replied, her words worsening the situation. "Everything that is happening to Liora now is your fault. And fixing it is already too late now."
• I swallow hard and notice a huge lump in my throat. "I have to double my moves, adding more for effective results," I say, my voice barely more than a whisper. "I have to at least make an effort towards finding her."
• Mira shakes her head, standing up slowly. "If, eventually, it happens that she's out there, just know that she’ll be fighting, holding,g, and trying to survive. That’s exactly the type of person Liora is. But as for you… all I can say is, just prepare yourself for anything."
• I kept quiet without responding; I maintained my positive energy.
• "I suggest we continue our search" I suggested, even though my voice was already failing me. "Even if you are going back, I won’t move an inch until I find her."
• Mira sighs in frustration, "I just hope you will be able to fulfill that, Jaxon. At least, for your sake, so that guilt will not kill you."
• At some point, we decided to head back to return the next day if necessary; it was becoming dark, and staying out there was dangerous. The pack was already in silence by the time we returned from the forest.
• So I’ve lost her forever; the reality hit me so hard: never to see her again.
• >>>>>>>>>>>
• Liora’s POV
• Right there in Night Howlers, I was busy training nonstop. The crisp from the early morning air stung deeply on my lungs as I increased my pace breathing uncontrollably. I was already preparing myself for today's training, another day and another chance to hone my skills even more. Every muscle and all the veins in my body stood out, requesting attention. They all ached badly, even bruised from the intense labor that I subjected myself to. I welcomed every pain, every bit of it with positive energy.
• I have been staying comfortably in Night Howlers for some weeks now. On that particular night, they had seen me helpless that night, wandering, and almost lost near their territory. I was exhausted from the long journey, from running nonstop, and on the verge of collapsing. Alpha Rhys, was the first person the guards took me to on finding me wandering at the border. He happens to be a stern leader, but in close dealings, I discovered his big heart for others also.
• They were cautious about admitting me to the pack at first, as I might be a spy to gain inside knowledge of everything happening in their pack. When I was questioned, I did my best to answer sincerely, at least a few of the questions, to avoid causing eyebrows to rise.
• He eventually accepted me when my own pack rejected me. Maybe he saw something in me, something that even I did not see. He didn't just stop offering a place to stay; he was permitted to train alongside his warriors, something that is never obtainable in the Silver Moon Pack, my pack. I account myself blessed and lucky to have found myself in Night Howlers, as they were known widely for their strength and account, of all, their skill in battle. This is an advantage to me, as I will have the chance to disgrace those who humiliated me.
• "Alright, alright, everyone, it is time; gather immediately!" the head of the trainers, Garrick instructed.
• I had joined the warriors in their usual circle, but each of them turned in shock at my boldness to join the warrior and train. Some watched out of curiosity, longing to know what it was, while others just respected my rare courage.
• Over time, they came to terms with my potential, recognizing my uniqueness and dedication. The speed and my approach to training amazed many, and the rate I was improving every day. And today, a bright new day, I was more than ready and eager to see myself doing that which I have grown used to, that which has become part of me.
• "We’re going to start with some easy exercises; the first one will be spa... ring drills," Garrick stammered while announcing, carefully observing the group; he continued after getting their attention. "Liora, yes, you’re up first for today."
• I quietly stepped forward, all eyes on me and my heart threatening to explode. I was excited about the opportunity and also nervous that I might disappoint him. Right beside me stood a well-trained and seasoned fighter, one produced from many years of hard work and the best in the whole pack. He goes by the name Torin. In description, he carried a hulking mass, a considerable chunk of muscle, and a skilled wolf. Just from my few days in the pack, I had seen him handle opponents that were thrice my size, taking them down without effort with sly and his body unshaken.
• "Are you ready?" Torin asked with a grin. He purposed in his heart not to take me seriously, and that singular act was his first mistake and downfall.
• I simply nodded, positioning myself in a defensive stance, and maintaining eye contact. I didn't make the mistake of resting, even for a day. I had put my all into practicing day and night, ensuring I honed special skills like my reflexes and accurately calculating my speed. I wasn’t going to settle for being the same rejected Omega, ever. I have grown stronger now. Yes, I am.
• "Begin now!" Garrick shouted with a loud voice.
• Torin lunged very fast, faster than I had imagined, but I was prepared for him. I made sure to dodge his first strike. He grazed his fist on my cheek, but I countered that by sweeping off my leg and directing it to his knees. He was shocked at my moves as he stumbled backward.
• "That's not bad at all," he admitted, but his expression soon became grave.
• For seconds, we circled each other. We tested for weaknesses of the opponent; I maintained my focus on the fight, not minding if anyone was around. Torin charged at me again; this very time, I was almost sent crashing on the ground. But from my practice, I moved quickly and ducked under his right arm, striking him in his ribs with my elbow.
• He cried out in severe pain and fell by his side. I wasted no time in giving him more strikes, ensuring not to give him any space to recover. I punched, kicked, and hit him with calculated strikes. I had finally unleashed the skills I had been hoarding since I arrived at Night Howlers.
• And to end it all, I swiftly gave him a blow on his chest that got him crashing to the ground. The whole crowd watched in awe, dead silence observed at the training ground, each with their whirlwind of thoughts. I stood there, trying to catch my breath and staring down at my defeated opponent.