A Flower Among Wolves

A Promise and a Farewell

"So, how can I start a project on my own?" she asked, a spark of excitement lighting up her face."

"You want to start a project?" he replied, raising an eyebrow, amused by her sudden determination.

"Yes." Her voice was quiet but steady, her gaze unwavering. "I have a dream."

"A dream?" he asked, intrigued. "What kind of dream?"

"I’m not telling you!" her eyes dancing playfully.

He gave her a resigned smile, spreading his hands in defeat. "Fine, keep your secrets," he said with a look of gentle fondness.

After a moment, he grew serious. "I could help you, you know… if you come back to the city with me." He paused, thinking. "But, would your family be alright with that?"

She turned away, pretending to brush it off. "I don’t have a family," she said lightly, but her voice held a quiet edge of pain.

Alex’s expression softened, a mix of compassion and surprise in his gaze. He reached out, gently patting her head. "Then I’ll be your family from now on," he said with a warm smile.

“Come with me, and I’ll help you chase that dream of yours,” he promised, his voice sincere.

She nodded, her resolve clear. “Alright… but first, I need to say goodbye to someone.” Her expression turned thoughtful, and before he could respond, she had already turned and darted off, swift as a gust of wind.

Arriving at the cottage, she hesitated outside, her hand hovering near the door. After a long breath, she finally gathered her courage and knocked, but no one answered. Frustrated, she knocked again, more insistently this time. At last, an older woman opened the door, peering out at her.

"Can I help you, dear?" the woman asked kindly.

"I’m here to find Edward," she replied.

The woman shook her head with a faint smile. "Oh, I’m afraid he’s not here, darling. He left early this morning. Seemed to be in quite a hurry, like he was looking for something. He seemed… worried."

"Oh… I see. Thank you," she said, trying to hide her disappointment.

"Would you like to leave a message for him?" the woman offered.

She shook her head. "No, that’s alright. It’s… it’s not urgent."

As she walked back along the path, she felt a sense of unfinished business weighing on her heart. But then, in the distance, she spotted a familiar figure. Edward had returned and was walking toward her, his face breaking into relief the instant he saw her. Without hesitation, he ran to her, sweeping her into a fierce embrace.

"Where have you been? I’ve been so worried about you! Don’t leave me again, please," he murmured, holding her tightly, his voice thick with emotion. His arms around her were like a protective shield, a warmth that seemed to surround her completely.

For a moment, she felt an unfamiliar safety, a peace that made her want to stay, to let herself be protected. But then, she gently freed herself from his embrace, looking up at him with a resolute smile. "I came to tell you… I have to go. Thank you for saving my life, Edward. Someday, I’ll repay you. But now, I need to follow my dream."

He looked at her in stunned silence, the disbelief clear in his eyes. He couldn’t quite believe that she had decided to leave him overnight, as if the choice had come out of nowhere. Yet somehow, he’d always known. She wasn’t meant to stay, not with a spirit as restless and determined as hers. He had sensed, deep down, that she would eventually leave—he just hadn’t thought it would happen so soon.

With a sigh, he managed a faint smile, accepting what he couldn’t change. "Goodbye," he whispered, watching her turn and walk away, her silhouette fading into the morning light.