The Alpha's Kindness

As I travel through the dense woods with Alpha Rhy's by my side, I can't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. We had set out early in the morning, embarking on a mission to reach the human world and reunite with my family. The thought of seeing their faces again fills my heart with warmth.

Glancing over at Alpha Rhy's, I notice his focused gaze, his attention seemingly fixed on the surrounding woods. His keen instincts are honed, always on high alert for any sign of danger. I know he is watching out for the Krae, elusive creatures that could appear out of nowhere. But I reassure myself that as long as we stay on track and remain vigilant, there is nothing to fear.

The sunlight filters through the thick foliage, casting dappled patterns on the forest floor. The air is alive with the scent of pine and earth, while the gentle rustling of leaves provides a soothing symphony. Nature envelops us, embracing our journey with a tranquil energy that soothes my weary soul.

We trudge along the narrow path, occasionally encountering obstacles that require careful navigation. Fallen branches and tangled roots try to impede our progress, but we push forward with determination. Every step brings us closer to our destination, closer to the human world.

I steal another glance at Alpha Rhy's, admiring his unwavering strength and loyalty. He has been my companion on countless adventures, a trusted guardian who has never faltered in his duty to protect me. I smile, grateful for his presence in my life.

As we venture deeper into the woods, I can't help but feel a sense of connection to the ancient spirits that reside here. The trees whisper secrets of generations past, and the wind carries their stories to my eager ears. It's as if the entire forest is aware of our purpose, supporting us on our quest to reach the human world.

Suddenly, a rustle in the underbrush breaks the peaceful serenity. Alpha Rhy's tenses, his instincts urging him to investigate. We halt, holding our breath, waiting for any sign of danger. But the moment passes, and the tranquility returns, unbroken.

We resume our journey, our footsteps blending with the symphony of nature. The sun begins its descent, casting long shadows that stretch across the forest floor. We press on, knowing that time is of the essence, and the day is slipping away.

As twilight blankets the woods, a gentle breeze whispers through the treetops. In the fading light, I can almost see the flicker of excitement in Alpha Rhy's eyes. He knows we are drawing near, that our reunion with my family is within reach. As we venture further into the woods, a sudden chill in the air sends shivers down my spine. The temperature drops noticeably, and I can see my breath escape in tiny puffs. It's as if we have crossed an invisible threshold into a different realm.

Alpha Rhy's senses the change too, and he stops in his tracks. His voice carries a hint of awe as he says, "We are here." I follow his gaze, my eyes drawn to the trees ahead. There, on the other side, I see delicate flakes of snow falling gently from the sky. The sight takes my breath away, and for a moment, I'm overcome with a wave of emotion.

But I gather myself quickly, swallowing the lump in my throat. I cannot afford to break down just yet. I must save my tears for the moment I finally lay eyes on my sister again. With a deep breath, I step ahead of Alpha Rhy's, making my way into the snowy woods.

Every step I take in this winter wonderland awakens a flood of memories within me. I recall the times my sister and I would explore these very woods together, our laughter echoing through the trees. We were not merely hunters; we were sisters bound by a shared love for nature and adventure.

The crunch of snow beneath my boots, the soft whispers of the wind, and the pristine white landscape all serve as poignant reminders of our past. It's as if the forest itself remembers our joyous escapades, holding them in its embrace. I can almost feel my sister's presence beside me, her laughter dancing in the air. I continue forward, the snowflakes kiss my cheeks, leaving a delicate icy trail. The cold seeps into my bones, but it feels invigorating, refreshing. It reminds me that I am alive, that I have come so far on this journey.

With each step, my anticipation grows, and the emotions I have been holding at bay threaten to spill over. But I remain steadfast, pushing forward, driven by the sheer determination to reunite with my sister.

Finally, I catch a glimpse of a familiar clearing up ahead. My heart skips a beat, and my pace quickens. I know this place; it's where my sister and I used to make a campfire and share stories under the starry night sky.

My heart races as I catch sight of my sister, Nesa, outside tending to the horses. The bucket slips from her hands and clatters to the ground as she hears my voice, and in an instant, we are both running toward each other. Tears well up in my eyes, blurring my vision as I call out, "Nesa!"

She meets me halfway, her face a mix of disbelief and pure joy. We collide in a fierce hug, and I take a deep breath, savoring the familiar scent of her. It's been far too long since we last saw each other.

"Mel, what are you doing here?!" she manages to exclaim through the overwhelming emotions. Her voice trembles with a mixture of relief and excitement.

"I told you I'll find a way home," I replied, my voice filled with determination. I had made a promise to myself that I would overcome any obstacles to return to my family.

Nesa's eyes widen, a mix of surprise and curiosity dancing within them. Her gaze drifts past me, and her voice trails off as she sees the towering figure standing behind me. I turn to look and find the Alpha, his presence commanding and reassuring.

"Good day," the Alpha's deep voice rumbles, his tone friendly yet tinged with authority.

I tug gently on Nesa's arm, garnering her attention. "The Alpha brought me here," I explain, my voice filled with gratitude. "He guided and protected me throughout the journey."

Nesa's eyes widen further, her disbelief giving way to awe. She looks at the Alpha, her gaze filled with newfound respect. "Thank you," she says sincerely.

The Alpha doesn't say a word but asks, "Where is your father?"

"He's inside."

The Alpha helps himself inside and we follow him. Stepping into my little home, the familiar scent of home engulfs me. It's as if time stands still, and everything remains exactly as I left it. I take a moment to breathe in the comforting familiarity, my heart filled with a mix of nostalgia and longing.

"Melanie," I hear my father's voice call out, and I turn to find him standing in the middle of the sitting room. His expression is one of surprise as he takes in the presence of the Alpha Rhys beside me. I can see the questions forming in his eyes, but before he can utter a word, the Alpha speaks up.

"We came to visit," Alpha Rhys states calmly, taking a seat on the chair. His presence in my home feels both strange and comforting, a stark reminder of the extraordinary circumstances that have brought us together.

"Oh," is all my father manages to say, his voice betraying his surprise and perhaps even a tinge of discomfort. I feel a flicker of frustration within me at his lackluster response. After all this time, after all that has transpired, a simple greeting is all he can muster?

I let out a scoff, unable to contain my disappointment. Of course, my father's reaction does not surprise me. He was the one who sold me to the Alpha, and now, standing face to face after ages, he fails to acknowledge the significance of this reunion.

"You must be hungry," my sister interrupts, sensing the tension in the air. She pulls my hand gently, a reassuring touch that grounds me in the present. "I'll make you all something warm to eat and drink."

Her words bring a glimmer of solace, a reminder of the love and warmth that still exists within these walls. I give Nesa a grateful smile and reply, "I'll help."

Together, Nesa and I make our way to the kitchen, leaving behind the weight of unspoken words and unresolved emotions in the sitting room. As we stand side by side, preparing a meal that will nourish both body and soul, the familiar rhythm of our actions brings back memories of countless moments shared in this very space.

We bring out all the ingredients to cook, we start to catch up on things that happened when I was gone.

"What did you do to get him to bring you back home?" Nesa asks in the middle of chopping vegetables.

"I made him earn my trust."

"What? How?"

"Things happened when we were together. So I made him feel guilty about it."

"Is that why you have that mark on your neck?"

I pause, relaxing that I didn't cover my neck. "Yes."

Nesa put down the knife. "I'm so sorry, Mel."

"It's not your fault."

In the midst of the clinking of utensils and the aroma of food filling the air, my father pops into the kitchen. The tension from the living is brought back. Father doesn't seem to be upset or anything. In fact, he looked remorseful.

"I've missed you," he finally says.

I don't say a word to him.

Father takes a deep breath. "The Alpha and you are allowed to stay here as long as you please," he says then leaves.

My eyes tear up but I continue cooking. Right now all I want is to be surrounded by the warmth of my sister's presence.