Aurelia the Pink

Chapter 8: Road Trip?

- Aurelia (Ling) POV -

After hearing the truth from my mum yesterday, my heart was palpitating. There were so many new information to process. In one day, I transited from being a wolf-less she-wolf to a royal dragon. A girl in a loving family into an orphan with a tragic past. I vow that one thing will not change: my tenacity. I will survive. I will get to the bottom of everything. Is my biological mother still alive and well? Why do I not have any magical powers? Where is my inner dragon? I pushed these questions to the back of my mind as I packed my belongings and got some rest for the next day. The theme of this road trip is ‘swift and easy’. I only packed light basic necessities and left out my flamboyant outfits. If there were hunters out to get me, I want to be as unnoticeable as possible.

At the break of dawn, my mum invited herself into my home. I rushed into her open arms knowing that I was not going to see her for a long time. She took this opportunity to nag at me incessantly. Instead of feeling annoyed, my heart was warm. When she let go of me, I found myself still clinging onto her. I gripped onto her tighter as she tried to wriggle out of my embrace. Then, she cleared her throat. I looked up to see Jian and Kang standing sheepishly at my doorstep. My eyes widened in shock as I took a step back instinctively. I no longer felt strongly for Kang, neither yearning nor anger. The two years apart had dulled the pain in my heart. It did not matter if he had been the one divulging my secret anymore.

Kang took a few steps into my home before knocking on my door, asking for my permission to enter. “You already let yourself in, might as well make yourself some tea while at it,” I replied sarcastically to him while flaying my arms about in an exaggerated manner. He heaved a sigh of relief before making a comeback, “I thought you were about to slap me.” I snorted at that comment. We still appreciated each other’s dark humour.

Kang walked towards me with Jian in his arms. I smiled at Jian and greeted her. She hugged me and pecked me on my cheek. I flashed a wide grin and asked if I was an aunt yet. They glanced at one another frantically before staring back at me. I know that look anywhere. They have not yet mated in two full years! That was… rare. Werewolves are known to be possessive and passionate… at lovemaking, especially Alphas. Yet these two are unmated and unmarked?! I cannot believe it. I thought they would have it going like bunnies.

“W-w-we were waiting for y-your b-b-blessings,” Kang stuttered with his cheeks blushing scarlet red. I flinched at his words. My sister and my friend were so thoughtful towards me while I was harbouring anger and selfish thoughts at them for at least a year. I thought they never cared. Instantly, I used both hands to grab one of their hands respectively and pressed them together. “By the power vested in me as your friend and sister, I pronounce you husband and wife,” I imitated an officiant I once saw in a wedding. They both giggled at my actions. I missed these interactions. I am glad we are no longer awkward with one another.

Suddenly, Kang’s expression was grave. I noticed that he looked like he aged more than ten years. The stress of managing the pack and the sudden hostility with our neighbouring towns must have taken a toll on him. “I heard from mum that you are travelling to the North Moon Pack to study nursing. Must you go?” Jian asked on behalf of Kang. I nodded. “I understand. There is no use changing your stubborn mind. Please be careful,” Kang pleaded. I feel bad for lying to them. But, I think it is better than having them concerned over me. They have enough on their plate.

We quickly caught up with one another. I wanted to show them Mr Nutty-pants but I found him missing since last night. He must have climbed out of my windows and ran away. Perhaps it is for the best that he is not following me to the North. I hope that he chose his next destination wisely and do not end up in the werewolf territory again. While we were deep into our two years’ worth of conversations, my mum interrupted us as my ride has just arrived. However, Jian got up to stop me before I leave. “Ling, can we have a sister-to-sister talk? Just the two of us,” she flashed her puppy eyes towards me and mum. My mum gave in, but requested Jian to make it quick as she wanted me to travel mostly in daylight before night comes. With that, Kang and my mum left the house to load my bags onto the carriage and to give us some privacy.

“Ling, I have something to confess,” she looked at me nervously while biting her lower lip. After I coaxed her to continue, she uttered the worst words I could possibly hear at this time: “The spreading news of being wolf-less with the pink eyes was done by me.” She cried softly, with each sob shaking her harder than before. I felt my cheeks heating up while tears rolled down my cheeks endlessly. My sister? Going out of her way to hurt me? I wished it was Kang instead. Knowing that this action came from my sister broke me harder than the deed itself. Jian apologised continuously between each sob. If she was truly apologetic, I rather she kept this information from me. Seeking for my forgiveness for her closure was selfish on her part when she knew that I had already moved on. With some bitterness manifested in my heart, I told her that I will not retract my blessings for their wedding, but, I will not forgive her for now. I wiped away my tears and snot before leaving my house to the carriage waiting outside. I cannot afford to be sad. I need to spend every ounce of energy into this adventure.

As I stepped out of my house, Kang and my mum did not comment on my red swollen eyes and leftover snot. They probably thought that we cried because we were exchanging our tearful farewells. For once, I was looking forward to leave this place of sad memories.

Approaching the carriage, I saw this young man about my age. He had short curly locks of red copper hair crowning his entire head. His eyes were emerald green and he had freckles dotted all over his rosy cheeks. One look is all we need to know that he was not from around here. “Good morning, milady. Herald at your service,” he curtsied and stretched one arm towards me with his palm facing up in a cheeky manner. I chuckled at the comical sight. He was a great distraction. I slapped his hand away playfully and hooked one arm around his other arm instead. I told him to skip the formalities and just call me Aurelia. With our arms linked to one another, I skipped towards the carriage with him following suit shortly. I liked him as a friend already. He was so spontaneous.

After saying my final goodbyes to Kang, my mum, and a pitiful looking Jian, we took off on my first ever adventure out of the pack lands. The next destination: Amberia Town. It was a peaceful town full of humans. The town was named Amberia after the amber glow of the sun everyday due to the proximity to the equator. I have not personally visited the town yet but my mother spoke of how it was bustling with people all the time. I looked out of the window curiously as I saw the colourful stalls lining up the cobbled streets. Some stalls selling street food while others selling small trinkets or day-to-day items such as carpets. The tantalising aroma of these exotic food wafted into my nostrils and set off my growling stomach. Although I had the strong desire to stop the carriage and eat one of each type of food possible, my mind convinced me to soldier on and stuff myself with my plain steamed buns and cured meat instead. As the carriage continued, the crowd began thinning out and the scenery switched from bright-coloured settlements to green forests.

Throughout the journey in the woods, I made small talk with Herald. We had many things in common. We both grew up without a father, we love animals, and we like desserts over savoury food. While we were still chatting, one of the horse became restless while the other horse started rearing, lifting its two front legs. Suddenly, the hinge connecting the horses with the carriage loosened. The horses escaped before we could even retain them. Herald chased them before coming back to me empty-handed. They were too quick.

We sat on what was left of the carriage, brooding over our next course of action. Finally, I stood up and told Herald to go back to Amberia Town without me. I did not want him to be in danger. I did not want to harm anyone. He argued, insisting that he should journey with me as he was paid to send me safely to the North Moon Packs. Besides, he stated that he knew the road more than I did. I was adamant on my decision. I proved to him that I was well-versed in navigation and fighting. Come on, I was brought up by werewolves. It is normal. He sighed and walked back towards the town as he knew that there was no way to change my mind. I made sure he was far out of my view before continuing my journey. Even though I was alone, I always felt as if I was being watched. I cautiously walked down the forest path, ready to pounce at anything or anyone I sense. Just then, I heard a branch snap.