Chapter 6
769 Words
Leaving home didn’t feel like a new beginning for Aloha. It felt like surrender.
Her bedroom, once her safe place, was almost empty. Most of her belongings were gone, and a large travel trunk filled with gowns and jewelry stood by the door.
Lucien had insisted that his future Luna leave her old life behind.
Aloha ran her fingers across the empty bookshelf. She had left behind her childhood treasures, including the sketchbook she had treasured for years.
“They’re only childish things,” Lucien had said.
“There you are.”
Aloha turned to see Nanny Maeve standing in the doorway with a small bundle wrapped in cloth.
“Nana.”
The moment she saw her, Aloha’s composure broke. She hurried over and hugged the elderly woman tightly.
“I don’t want to leave,” she whispered. “The nightmare came back.”
Maeve’s expression became serious. She closed the bedroom door before speaking.
“Listen carefully. I can’t stop this marriage, and your father refuses to see the danger around Victor Nightfang and his son. But I won’t send you away defenseless.”
She handed Aloha the wrapped bundle.
Inside was an old dagger.
“This belonged to your grandfather,” Maeve said quietly.
Aloha frowned.
“The Mad King?”
Maeve shook her head.
“No. Your mother’s father, the Alpha of the Silvercrest Pack.”
Aloha stared at the weapon.
“How did you get it?”
“That’s a story for another day, my love.”
Maeve placed the dagger in Aloha’s hands.
“Hide it beneath your dress. Never let Lucien find it.”
She held Aloha’s chin.
“You are your mother’s daughter. If anyone tries to hurt you or imprison you, don’t be afraid to defend yourself.”
Aloha nodded.
“I understand.”
She strapped the dagger to her thigh beneath her dress. The hidden weapon gave her a small sense of confidence.
Maeve kissed her forehead.
“Now go before I start crying.”
After saying goodbye, Aloha walked outside.
Three armored SUVs surrounded a luxury Range Rover Lucien had sent for her.
Her family waited on the front steps.
Alpha Draven hugged her briefly.
“I’m proud of you. This marriage will strengthen our alliance.”
“I’ll make you proud,” Aloha replied.
Silently, she added, If I survive.
She turned to her siblings.
Vivienne folded her arms with a smug smile.
“Try not to embarrass yourself.”
Adrian stepped forward before anyone else could speak.
He pulled Aloha into a hug.
“I’m going to miss you,” he said quietly.
Aloha smiled sadly and hugged him back.
“I’ll miss you too.”
When they pulled apart, Adrian rested a hand on her shoulder.
“I know you don’t want this marriage, but Father made the right decision. This alliance is important for the family and the pack. I just hope Lucien treats you well.”
His words stung because she knew he believed them.
Before she could reply, Adrian gave her one last smile and stepped back.
Only Selena seemed different.
She stood quietly behind the others, looking pale and nervous. When their eyes met, Aloha sensed Selena wanted to say something, but she remained silent.
Before Aloha could ask, the bodyguard opened the rear door.
“It’s time, Miss Aloha.”
She climbed into the vehicle.
The door closed behind her, and the convoy pulled away.
Through the window, she watched her home disappear.
Her father raised a hand in farewell.
Adrian stood beside him, watching until the vehicles were out of sight.
Vivienne didn’t wave.
From an upstairs window, Nanny Maeve pressed a hand against the glass, tears running down her face as she watched Aloha leave.
As the convoy crossed the border of Blackthorn territory, Aloha felt as though she was leaving her old life behind.
The road soon entered a dense forest.
Dark clouds covered the sky, and the trees closed in around them.
Aloha rested a hand on the dagger hidden beneath her dress.
A loud thud struck the window.
She looked up and saw a black crow fall onto the road behind them. Just before it disappeared, she noticed its strange white eyes.
“Bad omen,” the driver muttered.
“It was only a bird,” Aloha replied.
“Maybe,” he said. “Or maybe it knows where we’re going.”
The convoy continued deeper into the forest.
Aloha tightened her grip on the dagger.
She couldn’t shake the feeling that something terrible was waiting ahead. The only question was whether she would survive it.
- Writer
