REGRET— the shadow wolves

Chapter 3

Mika

I didn’t stick around for the rest of the conversation. Instead, I weaved through the excited crowd of pack members who were celebrating the mating ceremony. I couldn't fault them for their joy and ignorance. They had no knowledge of the true story behind it all - the betrayal and how their leaders had shattered the bond between two fated souls, a sacred rule in our world.

Their leaders had destroyed everything without their knowledge. It was clear that this would be hidden and never discussed again. I could predict what would happen next - my father, the alpha, would impose his command on me to prevent me from revealing the truth. I was shocked that he hadn't done it already, and I saw no way out except leaving. But escaping unnoticed required me to brave the shadowy forest, a frightening place situated to our north.

The dense, unyielding forest was shrouded in an eternal darkness that never seemed to give way to daylight. But it wasn't the lack of sun that chilled everyone to the bone; it was the rumored creatures lurking within those trees. Werewolves, more beast than man, consumed by their wild instincts. They were said to roam the forest, searching for unsuspecting victims to claim and trap within its depths forever. But I had no choice. Staying near my ex-lover and sister in silence forever or risking everything and leaving? The only problem was, escaping by foot was nearly impossible with scouts stationed along the pack borders, listening and ready to report back to our Alpha. Would my father step down now that Brandon had been mated to my powerful sister? And what consequences would I face if I dared to leave?

I hurried up the stairs, ignoring their pleas and my father's demands. I already knew what decision I would make. I didn't want to wait any longer; I was determined to leave within minutes. My heart ached at the thought of leaving without telling Dante first, but I couldn't risk opening our Mind link to the others. I prayed that he would understand and support me in this, and maybe even leave with me when he could. The leaders of this pack lacked morals, and it was only a matter of time before it led to their downfall. Their excuses about strengthening the pack against neighboring threats sounded hollow to me. There had to be some other motive driving them; perhaps a promise made to someone important? But who?

I rushed up the stairs to the third floor where the most high ranked members resided, including myself. My heightened senses were on alert for any potential dangers, but I didn't pick up on anything as I passed my room and headed towards the balcony, concealed by a thick curtain. It was my only escape route that wouldn't be immediately noticed, as it faced north towards the looming threat of the shadow forest. According to legend, the reason we were able to coexist with the creatures in the forest was because they were bound to it, sustained by its branches in a symbiotic relationship. If they were to leave the forest, they would wither away. While there may be some truth to this, I pushed those thoughts aside and focused on my plan: run along the edge of the forest until I reached the safety of the mountains. Then, I would regroup and come up with a new strategy. It would take me about 7 or 8 days to make it through the shadow forest without venturing too deep into its dangerous depths.

I couldn't help but glance one last time at the curtain behind me. My pack, or what used to be my pack, was just a little further in. The events of the day had been devastating and soul-crushing. There was no going back from this; it was truly the end of the life I once knew. Tears streamed down my face as I finally allowed myself to release all my emotions. But I held onto hope that one day, I would be happy again. I would survive this trauma and find joy in life once more.

As I filled my heart with determination, I made the decision to jump off the balcony. Yet, instead of landing on my human feet, I shifted mid-air for the very first time. My wolf paws gracefully landed on the ground below, and I was in awe. In just a few short hours after being separated from my true fated mate, I had already gone through a significant change.

The emotions inside me were bittersweet, but also filled with gratitude. With my beautiful wolf by my side, I felt like I could conquer any hardship that came my way. As I let her presence scan through my thoughts and feelings, I didn't sense any sorrow or regret; only excitement and anticipation for what our future held.