Chapter 2
1278 Words
Kahlan
I slowly blinked my eyes open, squinting against the bright sunlight that filtered into the room. My surroundings were unfamiliar, and confusion washed over me. Where was I? I tried to sit up but winced as a sharp pain shot through my head.
The last thing I remembered was… It hurt my head simply thinking about it. I looked around my surroundings.
The room was simple but cozy, with wooden furniture and floral curtains that swayed gently in the breeze. It was evident I was no longer in the clearing where last was.
How had I arrived here?
As I tried to make sense of my situation, the door to the room swung open, and a young female werewolf entered. She had striking amber eyes and an air of confidence about her. Her name, I would later learn, was Shota.
"You're finally awake. I was starting to worry."
I blinked up at her. My mind was still reeling from the impact. "Where am I? Who are you?"
"You're in my house. I'm Shota," she introduced.
I tried to sit up again — this time more carefully. "Shota... What happened? How did I end up here?"
"Well… I was charging about on my way back yesterday and I didn't notice there was anyone there until I knocked you down,' she said apologetically.
"I'm so so sorry for that, especially in your condition. So I just felt I had to do something."
I frowned, my memory slowly returning. "I remember falling, but after that, everything's a blur."
"You were unconscious for a while. When you didn't wake up, I decided to bring you here. I hope you don't mind."
"I'm so sorry," she added.
I shook my head, gratitude welling up inside me. "No, I don't mind. Thank you for helping me."
"You're welcome. I couldn't just leave you there."
Do you remember what happened in the clearing? Why were you there?" She asked raising her eyebrows.
I hesitated, not sure how much to reveal. "I... I am just returning to the pack after a long time, and things didn't go well with the Alpha. I was lost in thought when you knocked me down."
Shota's expression softened with understanding.
"I see. Pack politics can be harsh. I'm sorry you had to go through that. I'm still new around here."
I nodded, a sense of camaraderie forming between us.
"Yeah, it's been a tough journey. Thank you for helping me — even though you didn't have to," I added with a half smile.
Shota smiled warmly. Her amber eyes reflected kindness.
"I couldn't just walk away when someone needed help. Besides it's best to look out for each other, right?"
I couldn't help but smile in return. "Thank you, Shota. I appreciate it."
"You must be hungry after all that," Shota said standing up.
"How about I make you some breakfast? We can talk more in the living area."
My stomach rumbled at the mention of food, and I nodded eagerly. "That would be wonderful."
I followed her into the living area still admiring her modest abode. Shota bustled about the room preparing breakfast. As I sat on the table I felt a glimmer — even flicker — of hope. Maybe, in this unexpected encounter, I had found a friend. Maybe this was also a chance to start afresh.
Shota placed a plate of steaming soup on the wooden table. She brought pieces of bread from the local oven and set it down too. I felt energized just perceiving aroma of the breakfast she had prepared. We both bowed our heads in a brief prayer to the Moon Goddess before digging in.
After eating for a while, my energy returned. Shota's earlier question came back to me and I felt it was a silent invitation to share my story. I had initially been reluctant to open up, but Shota's kindness and understanding made me feel like I could trust her.
"So, 'stranger', how did you end up in that clearing? You never really told me."
I shifted uncomfortably in my seat. I felt a twinge of embarrassment that I hadn't even given her my name earlier.
"I'm sorry for not introducing myself properly earlier. My name is Kahlan. As for the clearing, it's a long story."
"I know, you had given me the abbreviated version. Don't worry about the introductions, Kahlan." Shota reassured.
"We all have our reasons for keeping things to ourselves. But I'd really like to know what brought you there."
I sighed, realizing that Shota wouldn't let it go.
"Well, it all started when I was fated to Sheldon,"
"Sheldon? Like the Alpha, Sheldon," Shota quizzed. "You were fated to the alpha?"
Her amber eyes filled with genuine interest.
I hesitated, then decided to share all.
"Mm-hm, I chosen by the Moon Goddess to be Alpha Sheldon's mate. But Sheldon… he rejected me in front of the entire pack, So I left. I returned yesterday after about 5 months. I had hoped things might be different, but..."
My emotions were surfacing so I tried to hold it in before continuing.
"I was lost in those thoughts when you knocked me down."
Shota's expression shifted from curiosity to empathy.
"I'm so sorry you had to go through that, Kahlan. It must have been incredibly painful."
"But why did you runaway? I mean you could have gone home… to your family or stuff."
I only nodded painfully.
"My parents were killed when I was 7. Since then, I have been left alone, vulnerable, afraid. I struggle to fit in with the pack. Heck! I can't even shift into a wolf like the others"
My pain was building up again.
"When I was fated to Sheldon, I thought my problems were over. But in that same night, it that home was shattered yet again. After I left that night, I had a one-night stand with a stranger who I lodged with for the night and became pregnant."
Shota listened attentively, her thoughtful questions guiding the conversation.
"And after that?"
I continued, "The stranger, I don't know his name, I stayed with him for about 2 months. When he found out about my pregnancy, he kicked me out. I was forced to live in secrecy, constantly on the run, and when I got tired of hiding, I decided it was best to return."
Shota's eyes were filled with compassion.
"That sounds incredibly difficult, Kahlan. I can't even imagine what you've been through."
I gave a weary smile. "It hasn't been easy. It's made me stronger in many ways although I sometimes wonder why life is so cruel to me"
Shota put both hands on my shoulder, looked into my eyes, and said, "You're a survivor, Kahlan, and a strong one at that. Thank you for sharing your story with me."
After our heartfelt conversation, Shota surprised me by extending an offer of kindness.
"You're welcome to stay here for as long as you need, Kahlan. I live alone so I have so much room to accommodate you and the baby when he's eventually born."
"How'd you know he's a boy," I asked incredulously.
Shota stood up smiling.
"I dunno. I just feel it?"
Tears welled up in my eyes as I realized that I might just have found a friend and a safe haven in the unlikeliest of places. Shota's compassion just gave me a glimmer of hope in a world that had been very harsh and unforgiving to me.
"Thank you Shota. I don't know how I could ever repay you."
"It's alright," Shota smiled. "Finish up your Meal."
Was this the calm at the end of the storm?
- Writer
