Fated hearts

Chapter3-The Escape

Ava

By now, everyone will be searching for me.

I can almost hear the chaos echoing from Moonshaven — my mother’s frantic cries, my father’s disbelief, Alpha Orion’s rage.

But I don’t care.

I can’t be that old wolf’s Luna. The very thought of it makes my skin crawl.

I glance at Lucas. Our eyes meet, and in that silent exchange, my fear fades. He reaches for my hand, pulling me close, and I know — wherever he goes, I’ll follow. Even to the end of the world.

We travel through the night, hearts pounding, until the lights of Coventry appear in the distance.

When we finally reach Richard’s house — Lucas’s friend — I’m too exhausted to speak. Richard opens the door, surprise flashing across his face before it softens into a welcoming smile.

Lucas had met him years ago during his stay in Coventry, when he’d tried to build a better life for himself and his family — a life that didn’t brand them as “inferior.” That attempt had failed, but his friendship with Richard endured.

Richard is kind. He welcomes us without hesitation, offering us food and a room. His fiancée, Lizzy, is more cautious — at first, her eyes linger on me, suspicious and guarded. But soon she realizes I pose no threat to her or her relationship, and she warms up to me.

Days pass.

Every morning, Lucas leaves with Richard. They both head out — Richard to his workplace, Lucas to search for jobs, taking whatever menial tasks he can find.

I stay home. I try to help, to keep busy, but the stillness drives me mad.

“I feel so bored staying indoors all day,” I tell Lizzy one afternoon when she stops by to keep me company. “I wish Lucas would let me go out and work with him. I could help earn something too.”

“Lucas just doesn’t want you to suffer,” she says with a gentle smile.

“But if both of us work,” I argue, “we could save faster — rent our own place, stop inconveniencing you and Richard.”

She laughs softly. “Are we complaining?”

Her laughter fades into the background as my mind drifts home — to Moonville.

I can’t stop wondering what’s happening there. I know Alpha Orion won’t rest. He’ll make life unbearable for my parents, and it’s my fault. The guilt twists inside me like a blade. I’m determined to find a way to clear their debts, somehow. But where do I start?

Today, Richard is home. It’s his work-free day, and I’m glad to have company. Lucas has already gone out to meet someone about a job offer.

I’m cleaning the sitting room when I feel someone’s hands grab me from behind. I freeze, startled, and turn sharply. It’s Richard — smiling, standing too close, his breath warm against my neck.

“Richard… what are you doing?” I ask, uneasy.

“You know,” he says, voice low and smooth, “you’re so beautiful. Lucas is a lucky man.”

“Lizzy is beautiful too,” I reply quickly, confused.

“Let’s leave Lizzy out of this,” he murmurs.

My stomach tightens. “What do you want?”

He grins. “You.”

He’s still holding my wrist, tighter now. I try to pull away, but his grip only grows firmer.

“I’ve wanted you from the first day you arrived,” he whispers.

“Richard, don’t do this,” I plead. “Lucas is your friend.”

“He doesn’t have to know.”

I stare at him in disgust. “You’re betraying him. You’re betraying Lizzy.”

He only laughs — a low, ugly sound. “Why do you think I agreed to let you stay here?”

Before I can move, he tugs at my shirt, unbuttoning it, his eyes burning with lust. I slap his hands away, but it only seems to excite him more. He yanks down my skirt and pushes me toward the sofa.

“Don’t do this!” I shout, struggling. “Please, stop!”

He ignores me, his strength overwhelming mine. He tears at my underwear, trying to pin me down —

Then, the door bursts open.

Lucas.

He stands frozen for a second — just one — and then rage explodes across his face.

Before I can speak, he lunges at Richard, striking him with the full force of his fury. The sound of fists meeting flesh fills the room.

“Lucas, stop!” I scream, but he’s lost in a storm of rage. He’s about to rip Richard apart when my voice finally breaks through — “NO!”

He stops, panting, trembling with fury. Richard lies motionless on the floor, blood trickling from his mouth, still breathing but barely.

Lucas turns to me, his jaw clenched. “Get our things. We’re leaving.”

“Let me call Lizzy to help him,” I whisper shakily.

“NO!” Richard croaks weakly from the floor, raising one trembling hand.

Minutes later, we’re gone.

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Lucas

I hadn’t told Richard everything — not about Moonshaven, not about Alpha Orion. I only said we needed a place to stay until we could afford our own. He didn’t hesitate to help.

Every day, I take odd jobs — carrying loads, sweeping stalls, running errands — anything to earn a few coins. Ava keeps asking to join me, but I can’t let her. I won’t expose her to that kind of hardship.

Today, Richard mentioned it was his day off. I was glad; Ava wouldn’t be so lonely.

Halfway to the market, I remember a man I met yesterday — someone who had offered me a proper job if I could meet him today. I reach into my pocket for the slip of paper with his address… and realize I’m wearing different trousers.

Damn. I must’ve left it in the ones at home.

I turn back.

When I reach the house, I hear voices — muffled, urgent. Ava’s voice. Pleading. My blood runs cold.

I kick the door open — and everything inside me snaps.

Without a thought, I launch myself at Richard. I beat him until I can’t feel my own hands. I would have killed him if Ava’s cry hadn’t reached me in time.

“Get our things,” I tell her, my voice shaking with barely controlled rage. “We’re leaving.”