Shining Through Shadows

Reunion

Lydia

The next morning came quickly and everyone went to do their usual business. Except for me…

I’d received a message from Louisa that the Alpha didn’t need me serving his breakfast today and somehow, I’d found myself slightly disappointed by that.

So as I was sweeping the polished floors in the dining room, I couldn’t stop thinking about the strange memories of a past I couldn’t remember and how I ended up with a scar on my back, one similar to the one in my memories.

Someone cleared their throat behind me and I almost dropped the mop in shock as I hadn’t expected anyone to disturb me. The Alpha’s close friend, or whatever he was, was looking at me expectantly.

“Sir, do you need anything?” I asked him as I dried a sheen of sweat away from my forehead with the back of my hand.

“Do you recognize this man?” He asked before gesturing for someone to step forward from around the corner. I almost craned my neck to have a better view as the person stepped into view.

Familiar light blue eyes met mine and I dropped the mop in my hand as both my hands flew to my mouth in surprise.

“Cameron!” I squealed before throwing myself into his already opened arms. He held me tight and chuckled into my neck. It felt so good to see him, to be held by my only friend.

“Cameron, how is this possible?” I asked him once he had put me down again. “Have you been chosen?” I stared at him expectantly, my brows furrowed as I remembered how he had promised to take care of my mother.

“No, I came here wil—“ He began, but I interrupted him.

“What about my mother? You promised to take care of her…” I could barely contain the unpleasant feeling of worry as I feared the worst for my mother. Was he here to deliver sad news?

“Lydia…” He whispered before bringing his forehead down to mine, something he had always done. “Your mother is fine, I promise you, but she misses you terribly and she’s worried about you. That’s why I’m here.”

“As you can see, I’m well taken care of.” I spun around for him to see my uniform and held out the white apron with the lace details. Mother would’ve loved it.

“You look lovely, indeed.” He grinned as he took my hands in his, preventing me from spinning further around. “But you belong in Issdal. Not here, Lydia.”

“What are you saying?” I inquired, before glancing around the room to check if the Alpha’s friend was still here.

“I want you to come back home with me. It would mean a lot to your mother… And also to me.” He confessed quietly. His bright blue eyes were glistening with something I hadn’t noticed before, something I didn’t know what to think of.

“I cannot leave, Cameron.” I began and noticed the shift in his eyes immediately.

“It’s not safe to live here… He is dangerous. You’ve heard the rumors as many times as I have…” He countered, but his quick response only made me turn around to think properly.

“I know, Cameron, but I don’t believe them anymore.” I whispered as I stared into the hallway leading to the kitchen where I first met Zachary. “He takes good care of his servants. I have a bed, I get to eat, and I even get to study and exercise.”

“So you’re choosing these strangers over your own mother and me? I beg you, Lydia. I cannot imagine my life without you in it.”

“Don’t say it like that, Cameron.” I placed a hand on his soft cheek, watching how his eyes flickered back and forth between mine. “I care for you, but not in the way you want me to. I’m sorry.”

“God, Lydia,” he let out a deep breath as he pulled me into his embrace. “But I broke my arm for you…” He whispered jokingly into my hair and I couldn’t help but chuckle.

“And I can never thank you enough.” With a sigh, I let go of him and took a look at the man in front of me. My only friend. “Have they offered you to stay?”

“They have, but my home is in Issdal. At least until I get chosen.” He shrugged his shoulders. “But then I’ll know which way to go.” I couldn’t help but chuckle again. He always managed to make me smile somehow.

“When are you returning to Issdal?” I asked him curiously, hoping that he wasn’t going to leave already. I had a lot of questions and he probably had a lot to tell as well.

“In three days. Travis said a storm was coming and he offered to have someone escorting me back to the border of Issdal.” Cameron explained with a genuine smile on his face. He was eager to get back home, that much I could tell.

“Then we’ll have some time to talk, at least when I’m not on duty.” I placed a hand on his bicep and squeezed it slightly in a friendly manner.

“Actually, I’ve brought something for you.” He said as if he had suddenly remembered something. He dug into the pocket of his trousers and pulled out a blue cloth, with stitches on it. “Your mother wanted you to have this.”

He gave me the cloth and I unwrapped it carefully as my fingers revealed whatever was inside. My eyes widened when I saw the most beautiful necklace I had ever seen.