A Vow in the Ashes
1017 Words
Aria's pov
Two days later, Caleb and the other pack members that had joined us led me back to our pack.
The Ravenstone pack was a shadow of its former glory. Everywhere was burnt down and everyone had to work together to rebuild each other's houses.
"Your mother will be buried tomorrow," Caleb told me.
I was not allowed to see her body not because it was against the pack rules but because I was already traumatized from witnessing my mother's death that the pack elders did not want to add to it.
On the day of the burial, I was inconsolable, I cried until I had no more strength in me, so I passed out.
The elders of the pack took pity on me and asked Caleb to take me to far off to start afresh.
~~~
Years passed, but I couldn’t forget the terrible night that changed my life.
When I grew up enough to take care of myself, I left the pack I stayed with Caleb and moved to a small, quiet town.
Caleb decided to remain in the pack after he found his mate and got married and I used the excuse of wanting to give him the space and privacy he needed to build his own family.
The people in this new town were kind, and the forest was calm, but none of it could heal the pain in my heart. No amount of warmth I received from the people could melt the coldness of revenge stuck in my heart.
Every night, I lay in my small cabin, staring at the ceiling.
I could still hear my mother’s gentle voice, followed by the cruel laugh of Darius.
The memory hurt, but it also gave me strength. I had promised myself that I would never be that weak again and I knew that I would not have peace until I had sunk my claws into the heart of Darius.
When no one was around, I trained so hard.
I always ran through the forest every morning until I got to the point where I could hardly breathe. To increase my speed and agility, I climbed tall trees and practiced fighting with sticks and rocks.
My body became strong, and my senses grew sharp. But I kept my distance from people.
I didn't want friends or anyone close to me, not because I was against having friends but because I just could not risk losing anyone again.
I continued my routine for years and it became a part of me. Every day as I trained, I imagined the day when I would deal the final hit to Darius's heart and end his wicked reign.
I thought I had my life all planned out but it seemed the moon goddess and fate had a surprise in store for me.
One warm afternoon, I moved deeper into the forest than usual. The sunlight shone through the trees, and the air smelled fresh. For the first time in a long while, I felt calm.
I wished I could stay in that moment forever but then, something changed.
The air felt strange, like a ripple passing through it. My skin tingled, and my fighting instincts kicked in. Someone was nearby.
I slowed down my breathing and I moved quietly through the trees.
My bare feet made no sound on the forest floor as I followed the strange feeling.
I soon reached a clearing and then I stopped.
There, in the center, stood a man. He was tall, with broad shoulders and dark hair that caught the sunlight.
His green eyes seemed to glow faintly, and I could feel his power. He was a wolf, a strong one.
The strange man turned to face me and our eyes met, and I froze. Something inside me shifted, like a thread pulling me toward him.
The man tilted his head and spoke in a calm, deep voice.
“So, it’s you,” he said. “I’ve been looking for you.”
My heart raced.
I didn’t know who he was, but I could feel my wolf purring. I stood tall, my fists clenched.
“Who are you?” I asked, making sure my voice was firm.
The man took a slow step forward, a small smile on his face.
“My name is Kian,” he said. “And you’re my mate.”
My stomach dropped. Mate? No! I was sure this was some kind of cruel joke.
I didn’t want a mate. I shook my head and took a step back.
“You’re wrong,” I said sharply.
Kian didn’t look surprised. His calm gaze stayed on me.
“I’m not wrong,” he said softly. “You can feel it. The bond between us.”
Of course, I could feel it but that did not mean that I was going to accept or even acknowledge it.
A mate was the last thing I needed right now because until I got my revenge, I would not give anyone a chance not even a supposed mate
“I don’t want it,” I snapped. “I don’t need a mate.”
The smile on his face faded, and his voice grew serious.
“Everyone needs someone, my dear mate,” he said. “Even you.”
His words made my chest tighten, but I didn’t let it show.
I turned quickly and walked away, my steps fast and firm.
"Wait! What is your name?" He shouted.
I didn't want to tell him but I guess the stupid mate bond had a mind of its own.
I turned back and looked at him.
"Aria! My name is Aria." I said and turned to walk away.
Kian didn’t follow me. His voice echoed behind me, steady and sure.
“This isn’t over, Aria. I’ll see you again.”
I didn’t look back. I quickly disappeared into the forest, trying to find a reason to why I went further into the forest, why wo
uld the moon goddess bring this my way at this moment.
Ahhhhhh, I screamed trying to clear out my head.
- Writer
