The Fox's Heart

Chapter 14 - Elora's POV

***Warning: Mention's of Violence***

Elora parked her car outside Talia’s house, the familiar driveway now feeling strangely foreign. She took a deep breath, bracing herself for the conversation ahead. Talia had been one of her closest friends, and despite the distance that had grown between them since Elora’s decision to leave the pack, she hoped they could still find common ground. As she stepped out of the car, the warm sun beat down on her, but a chill ran through her at the thought of facing Talia’s anger.

The door swung open before she could knock, revealing Talia with arms crossed and an expression that was half concern, half fury. “You actually came,” she said, her tone laced with disbelief.

“Of course I did,” Elora replied, forcing a smile. “I wouldn’t miss the chance to see you.”

Talia stepped aside, gesturing for her to enter. The interior of the house was just as Elora remembered: cozy and filled with the scent of freshly baked cookies. But today, that comforting aroma is overshadowed by the tension in the air.

“Look, Elora,” Talia began, her voice rising as she led Elora into the living room. “I don’t understand why you’d just run away like this. You didn’t even give us a chance to help you! We could have figured things out together.”

“I know,” Elora said, her heart aching at the hurt in her friend’s eyes. “But you didn’t hear what Caleb said. He said that the Triplets vowed to make my life miserable until the day I die.”

Talia huffed, running a hand through over her braids. “You’re telling me that they said that? That’s insane. I mean, I knew the Triplets could be assholes, but this... this is next level.”

Elora nodded, a lump forming in her throat. “I don’t think they even care that they’re ruining my life. I was just a target for them to vent their anger. It’s hard to wrap my head around how they could be so cruel... ”

Talia stood still for a moment, her face softening as she absorbed Elora’s words, then pulled her into a comforting hug.

Elora whispered, her voice trembling. “And what’s worse is, they made sure to make it clear that I’d always be a reminder of how I ruined that night for them.”

“Which night?” Talia asked, her brow furrowing.

Elora took a deep breath, then looked Talia in the eyes. “It was the night I turned into a werefox.”

Talia’s face shifted from confusion to shock, her eyes widening. “Wait. You—?”

Elora nodded. “Yeah, that was the night. It was the first time I shifted. I didn’t know what was happening, my parents didn’t know what was happening and neither did Alpha Gavin. She paused, swallowing hard. "Ryder told me he has heard them blame me for ruining their celebration because their father had promised to be there, and I was the reason he broke his promise.”

Talia let out a long breath. “I had no idea. That’s awful, Elora.” Then Talia looked confused and asked. “When did Ryder tell you this?”

Elora blushed and stared at Talia’s bedroom floor, “Last night in my room.” Elora admitted shyly.

“I can’t believe this,” Talia murmured. “He was in your room last night?”

“Yeah,” Elora replied, her heart fluttering at the mention of his name. “He’s... well, he’s been different. He’s not like anyone else I met before.”

Talia punched her arm playfully. “Are you going to kiss him, see if he is your mate?” Since finding out about Elora’s secret while away at college, Talia had also done some studying up on werewolf lore. She had fixitaed on how werefoxes only found mates through a kiss. Talia had said it was equal parts romantic and frustrating at the same time and Elora could not agree more.

Elora giggled and then replied, “I already have, but he is not. But it doesn’t matter. I read werefoxes rarely find their mates and sometimes werewolves don’t either, so who knows, I will just have to wait and see where this goes. Maybe we can be chosen mates. He promised to come visit me in the city.”

“Elora!” Talia shouted, excited for her friend. “Wow,” Talia said, a slow grin spreading across her face. “I mean, I didn’t see that coming, but I’m happy for you, Elora. He seems like a decent guy.”

“I think so, too,” Elora admitted, the warmth of the memory of Ryder’s kiss still lingering.

Talia’s gaze softened. “Well, at least someone’s treating you the way you deserve to be treated.”

“I know,” Elora whispered, her mind racing with all the possibilities. “For now... I’m going to try to focus on something good. Even if it’s just for a little while.”

Talia nodded, her lips forming a tight smile. “I’m proud of you, Elora. And no matter what happens, you’re not alone. I’m here for you.”

“By the way,” Talia said. “We figured out who sent the invites to have a party at the Lake House. Somehow, Courtney, Layla, and Teresa got wind of where the triplets were so they took it upon themselves to organize a party without the triplet's permission.”

Elora winced at the thought of the party. Caleb's face appeared in her mind, how excited he was as he choked her.

“But you’re abandoning us!” Talia’s voice cracked, going back to being mad at Elora again. “You’re leaving behind everything we built together, all the friendships. Do you think this will be better for you? Just running away?”

Elora felt her resolve waver for a moment, the weight of Talia’s words pressing down on her. “I wish it didn’t have to be this way,” she said softly. “But I can’t keep putting myself in harm’s way. I thought the triplets had changed, but they hadn’t. They hurt me once again, and I can’t risk that it will keep happening.”

Talia’s expression softened, and for a brief moment, Elora saw the girl who had been her confidante and partner in crime. “I hate that you feel this way,” Talia admitted, her voice quieting. “But if this is really what you want, then I can’t stop you. Just promise me you’ll be careful. You’re my best friend, and I don’t want anything to happen to you.”

Elora stepped forward, wrapping her arms around Talia in a tight hug. “I promise. I’ll be careful.” They stood there for a moment, the warmth of their friendship wrapping around them like a blanket, pushing back against the encroaching uncertainty. “I’ll miss you,” Elora whispered, her heart heavy.

“I’ll visit you, okay? You can’t get rid of me that easily.” Talia pulled back, a faint smile breaking through her earlier anger.

Elora smiled through her tears. “I’d like that.”

After leaving Talia’s house, Elora drove back home, her mind whirling from their conversation. Talia’s support meant the world to her, but the goodbye had solidified her decision to leave. She needed to carve out a space where she could grow without the shadows of her past constantly bearing down on her.

Back at home, Elora set about the task of packing her car. She had already packed her boxes the night before, but she had wanted one more day to say her proper goodbyes.

Hours passed, and her room gradually emptied. The once familiar space now looked barren, as if it too was preparing to say goodbye. She looked around, her eyes lingering on the walls that had witnessed so much joy and sorrow. By the time she was finished, the moon was high, casting silvery light through her window. Elora finally laid down, exhaustion settling over her, but sleep was elusive. She lay awake, gazing at the ceiling and trying to calm her racing thoughts.

When dawn finally broke, Elora was already up, making her way to the kitchen. She wanted to savor these last moments in her family home, the place that had given her both security and heartache. She brewed a pot of coffee, its rich aroma filling the kitchen, bringing a sense of comfort that steadied her nerves.

Rome was the first to appear, shuffling in for breakfast. He was already dressed for school and his tired face brightened when he saw her. “You’re really leaving today, huh?” he asked, trying to hide the sadness in his eyes.

Elora nodded, forcing a smile. “Yeah. I am. But I’ll come back to visit, I promise.” She pulled him into a hug, ruffling his hair affectionately. “Don’t cause too much trouble for Dad, okay?”

Rome laughed, his voice tinged with a hint of sadness. “I’ll try, but no promises.”

Their father entered the kitchen shortly after, dressed and ready for work. He watched them with a soft, bittersweet expression, his eyes lingering on Elora a bit longer than usual. “You sure you’re ready for this?” he asked, his voice calm but his concern evident.

Elora nodded, feeling a swell of emotion rise in her chest. “I am. Thank you for everything, Dad.” She hugged him tightly, feeling the familiar warmth of his embrace. She clung to it, trying to memorize the feeling.

As they parted, Carly’s voice drifted from down the hall. She emerged from the bathroom, looking a bit pale but determined to see Elora off. “I didn’t think I’d make it,” she said with a weak smile. “This stomach bug’s been rough, but I couldn’t let you leave without saying goodbye.”

Elora wrapped her arms around Carly, her stepmother’s embrace softer but just as warm. “Thank you, Carly. For everything.”

Carly squeezed her, then held her at arm’s length. “Take care of yourself out there, okay? And call us whenever you need anything.”

Elora nodded, struggling to hold back tears. “I will.”

With a final glance around the kitchen, at her family, Elora felt a profound mixture of sadness and hope. She picked up her keys, walked out to her car, and slid into the driver’s seat. Her family watched her from the doorway, and as she started the engine, she gave them one last wave, their faces growing smaller as she backed out of the driveway.

As she pulled away, the familiar houses and streets slipped behind her, the weight of her decision settling over her. She knew she couldn’t let her fears hold her back any longer. She was ready for whatever lay ahead, even if she didn’t know where the road would ultimately lead.