Sophia’s POV
As the judgment was finalized, I couldn't conjure the strength to plead on my innocence. Back in the slammer, I was beaten to stupor, left motionless due to the excruciating pain I felt, I was unable to cry or do anything.
The pain cut deep, penetrating into my soul. The craziest thing is that I'm not bothered by the fact that my own mate wants me dead.
What bothers me is the unnerving appetite which settled within me, virtually welcoming the thought of him helping me by ending my miserable life.
After the final judgement was given, I was dragged back into the slammer, this time there were no more totures.
The next day was my cousin, Reyna’s birthday. The alpha Boris, had arranged a surprise celebration for her, inviting every member of the pack to be present to celebrate with her. I wasn't excluded from the invitation also.
“Mother, perhaps I'm better off dead than alive and useless" I stated, losing all hope.
"Sophia, Don't you ever say that! You have been nothing but a blessing to I and your father. We may not be your biological parents but we love you so dearly. You must live long and live happy and I know we'll be reunited someday, just wait for my signal" my mother spoke.
I woke up from my slumber that day to realize that it was all a dream. The guards came in, tossed some slave attire at my face, urging me to put it on. my wounds were not even treated, I was pushed out of the slammer this time without any handcuffs or chains to hold me bound.
As I walked to the courtyard where the birthday party took place, The words of encouragement and love from my mother in my dream made me realize that there might be hope for me after all.
Now I'm ready to leave, today, tonight. I'm only worried about my parents and what will happen when they get caught.
Mother and father were not my biological parents. My biological mother died in the process of birthing me, my father, a drug addict rejected me and dumped me by the river side with little Reyna.
Mother and father saw us at the river bank, took us in and catered for us. We found the truth about our family when we turned 18 but it was already too late as our parents had already passed away.
At sunset, the howling of wolves pierced the air, signalling the cliff of the ceremony.
Someone tapped me, "Sophia escape now! Run, run as fast as you can! Go through the Northern region where encounters with other wolves are less likely. Your mother and I already scattered your clothes across the forest. It will baffle anyone who is trying to trace your path through your scent." My father assured me, his voice nearly above a whisper.
"Here, take this along with you" my mother handed me a small bag which I hung on my shoulder.
I shook their hands softly, observing the whole domain, before swiftly dashing off, running at my utmost speed.
Lucky for me, the forest which led to the northern path was just twenty minutes walk from the packhouse, I walked slowly as if observing the environment and when the coast was clear, I ran and ran. I ran until I felt like my heart would break out of my chest.
The fear of getting caught and the unknown consequences kept on pushing me forward as I ran. I ran until I couldn't hear birthday chants or any sound from the pack.
I found a calm spot, Halting to catch my breath, I realized the painful truth, I was not as strong as other werewolves.
The hot wax which they poured on my arm as torment in the slammer was yet to heal.
I gave myself a few minutes break, before embarking on the journey again, i ran randomly but I was still careful not to deviate from the northern region.
It got extremely dark outside, and I could barely sight anything, but then, I just had to continue my journey.
I knew that somehow, sooner or later Boris and his men would find out about my departure. I got tired and began slowing down my pace.
Walking gradually this time, I stumbled, falling into something which looked more like a hole. Due to weakness and starvation, I couldn't move any further so I paused inside the hole.
I found myself enveloped with emotions, tears streaming down my face as I roamed my eyes around, in search for food.
This was the first time I was leaving home, leaving my pack. My journey uncertain and unknown but one thing is sure and that thing is that I won't stop running till I get to a safe place.
Realizing the need for strength to hunt for food, I groaned, rising up from the hole, my sharp eye sight caught an apple tree not far from where I stood and with all of my last energy, I hastily ran towards the tree to pluck some of its fruits.
I gathered some apples which were on the ground and wrapped it with my head scarf. Creating a firm knot, I made it look like a hunter bag made of scarf.
Nature was about to take it’s course, I eased myself and gave in to sleep’s ultimate call as I couldn't fight it. My sleep was cut short by a crazy nightmare I had of Boris chasing me with a knife in his hand. I woke up, facing the rising sun which sent a message to me to keep moving.
Throughout the day, I kept on walking, taking periodic breaks in between. Through out, I'd been living on apples. How I cope I really can't explain it. And then, on the fourth day, I ran out of apples, I decided to hunt for food. Good meat to live.
Along the line, I encountered a pack. reluctant to seek help, but then bounded by fear. I needed to join a pack at least to evade detection. I pivoted the pack and went on with my journey. My hunt for meat was a successful one, I had just enough meat to carry me for at least two more days.
Days passed, the condition of my injuries were worsening, especially the bleeding from my back, it worsened, the wound tearing up. I walked and walked until I couldn't walk anymore. I stumbled and fell, rolling over a hill.
"Help, anyone, someone, please help" I murmured, hitting my already injured back on the rocky earth.
I struggled to open my eyes, my vision became extremly blurry, is this how I am going to end? Did I go through all that to escape death in the hands of Boris only to perish here in the woods? My heart pounded as my body ached severly and I slowly drifted into a blackout.
My eyes twitched as a result of the sun rays, Waking up in an unfamiliar room, I found a young lady standing over me. Perplexity gripped me suddenly,Where am i? Who are you? I questioned, placing my hand on her wrist.
A strange voice interrupted, "I am a she wolf just like you. Good thing you are already awake.” Clearness dawned as the young lady's face came into focus with my eye. I hastily removed my hand from her wrist, startled by the unexpected scenario..
The girl had pretty gray eyes just like mine, never ever have I seen anyone with my kind of eyes. She had long brown hair and she was extremely beautiful.
"You sustained a lot of injuries and you've been laying unconscious for days now. you need more rest" she replied, with a warm smile.
"Alright now, so first things first, I go by the name Yata." she added with a smile before making her way out. Conscious on the fact that I wasn't in Bluemoon pack, her exotic appearance provided a little bit of comfort. Summoning my last reserved strength, I sat up, surveying the room carefully.
It wasn't that large but it was meticulously arranged and tidy, adorned with different art works which were neatly displayed on the walls, a setting looking like that of an Art museum. She returned with a tray of food, delicately placing it before me. I glanced at the tray, amazed by its content.
"Here, make sure you eat. you need enough nutrients to heal up and energy also" she said, her words labeled with a polite tone.
Originally, I felt a little bit reluctant but my hunger persisted, and I began devouring the offered delicacy in front of me. "Hey, you better take it easy. So you will not choke on that" she cautioned me, but I ignored and continued munching my meal.
"Thank you very much for this," I expressed my gratitude with a warm smile. She stood near me, her eyes beaming with a smile. “Ooh, dear, It's nothing. Make sure you eat to your satisfaction." she let out with a warm smile.
"Ma’am, Thank you very much for taking care of me. I can't say thank you enough." I insisted. She nodded, maintaining her silence. "So, I have some questions to ask, where am I? And who brought me down here?" I inquired.
“What do you remember?” She questioned, her gaze fixed on mine. “I was weak and I fell into a hole and umm, that's all I know.”
“How did you meet me?” I questioned one more time. “Okay, not bad. So, What is your name?" she questioned, once again avoiding my question. Already weak and stressed, I chose to comply without any further questioning.
"I am Sophia Woods.”
"Sophia, hmm. I found you laying half-dead and bleeding severely in the forest and I brought you here myself" she disclosed. Surprised by her huge stature, it wasn't quite fascinating, how she managed to carry me.I assumed.
"You were very far, deep into the forest and there were much. Looks like there were also some old ones." she confirmed, as if reading my thoughts.
"I'm Yata," she introduced herself. “And, You're in bloodmoon pack." she added. Fear filled me. Bloodmoon pack was known for Their Lycan, Aiden’s notorious reputation had spread widely. Killing his uncle and taking the role of Lycan at a young age.
Aiden isn't friendly at all and is known for his ruthlessness, no Alpha dared to challenge him in any way at all. The prospect of facing Aiden seemed more dreadful than the idea of being enforced by Boris. I could help but curse myself within for ending up in bloodmoon pack.
Adrenaline surged in me as my eyes widened, staring at Yata. I'd gotten my self into a bigger mess. I was sure that I was definitely going to be used as a feast offering to the Lycan of bloodmoon pack.
“I can’t stay here. I have to leave.” My chest puffed as it moved upward and downward, expressing my discomfort.”No please. I can't let you leave like this, you need to rest and heal up first.” Yata said before inserting an injection into my arm.