EPISODE 11%
I stared at the space between us, between me and Valor, searching for the so–called red string his father kept insisting on. But there was nothing. No glowing thread. No magical sign. Not even a faint shimmer of something invisible. I even squinted, thinking maybe I was missing something, but still nothing.
My gaze wandered to Valor, half–expecting him to humor the idea, but instead, he rolled his eyes. The gesture was slow, tired, like he had dealt with this kind of nonsense too many times before. His shoulders drooped, and with a heavy sigh, he muttered, “Red string of fate. Seriously?“%
His tone was laced with frustration, not directed at me, but clearly at his father. Valor’s father, standing just a few feet behind him, scowled at his son. The older man looked both proud and exasperated, clutching onto old beliefs with the kind of stubbornness only age could sharpen.
“There is a red string,” the elder said firmly. “You’re just too blind to see it.“%
Valor groaned softly and stepped aside, gesturing for me to follow.
“Come on,” he said, not even bothering to argue further. “Let’s go to the Shaman. Maybe she can knock some sense into him.“>
I hesitated for a moment, then offered a polite nod to Valor’s father before trailing behind him. As we walked through the village, I noticed the eyes. Some curious. Some wary. Most didn’t linger for long, and I figured it was because I was new. Just another unfamiliar face trying to find her place in a pack that wasn’t her own.
“Sorry about that,” Valor said suddenly, breaking the silence. “My father… he’s just… well, he’s always been a hopeless romantic.“} I looked at him, surprised. “Romantic?“}}
He gave a sheepish smile and shrugged. “Yeah. Married young. Had more kids than most men in their prime. He thinks it’s my turn now, keeps going on about heirs and bloodlines and fated mates. It’s exhausting.“}
I raised an eyebrow. “You don’t have a mate?“}
“Nope.” He said it casually, like it didn’t bother him. “Never found anyone who really interested me.“}
“But you’re… I mean, you’re not bad looking,” I said, trying not to sound awkward. “And you’re not exactly young, either.“}
He chuckled at that, a deep, amused sound that made the corner of my lips twitch. “Wow. Brutal honesty. I like that.”
“I didn’t mean it like that,” I mumbled, but he just laughed again.”
“I know what you meant. And you’re right. I should have someone by now. But I chose the pack. Becoming Alpha wasn’t just a title, it was a responsibility. I didn’t have time to mess around with feelings or relationships.“}
We were already at the edge of the village by the time the conversation ended. He pointed toward a large shack, almost hidden behind tall trees. The scent hit me first was the smell of herbs. Strong, earthy, a little sharp in my nose. Outside, bundles of dried leaves hung from strings, and several young people sat on stools, separating roots and plants into neat piles.
They paused when they saw us, nodding respectfully at Valor before going back to their tasks.>
“That’s Wise Mona,” he said quietly, opening the wooden door.”
Inside, the smell of herbs only grew stronger. The place was dimly lit, the walls lined with shelves stuffed full of jars, dried plants, and strange objects I couldn’t identify. An old woman stood near a table, her long white hair tied loosely down her back. Her eyes were closed, her fingers carefully packing herbs into small pouches.
“Wise Mona, Valor said, his voice respectful but warm.}
She turned, her eyes opening slowly. I expected her to be startled, but she wasn’t. She looked at us like she had already known we’d arrive.§
“Valor,” she said, nodding. “Still strong. Still stubborn, I imagine.”}}
“Guilty,” he replied with a grin.
I bowed slightly. “It’s an honor to meet you, Wise Mona.“}
Her gaze shifted to me, sharp and knowing. She didn’t speak at first, just studied me like she was reading a book. Then her brows furrowed.
“There’s something off, she murmured. “Your energy, it’s disrupted. Were you in an accident?”
I hesitated, then nodded. ‘I think so. I… I don’t remember much. Something happened. I was hurt. When I woke up, my memory was gone.”
Valor stepped in, his voice gentler. “I found her in the forest. She was unconscious, bleeding. I brought her to the nearby pack and well they did recognize her, but she doesn’t remember being part of that pack.”
“Amnesia, Mona said softly. “A difficult wound. Not just of the body, but of the soul.”
I looked at her, hopeful. “Is there any way to get my memories back?”
Mana tilted her head. “Are you sure you want them back?”
The question made me freeze.k
Was I sure?!
I thought about it for a moment. I had nothing now. No memories. No past. Just fragments, feelings in my gut that I couldn’t explain. And sometimes, when I closed my eyes, I saw flashes of something dark. Something painful. Nothing clear, but terrifying enough to make me wonder if forgetting was a blessing
But I still nodded, “Yes. I need to know who I was. Even if it hurts.”
704PM & d
Mona’s expression didn’t change, but there was a flicker of approval in her eyes.
“Very well. I can help. But it will take time. Your mind will resist, and your heart must be strong enough to face what’s hidden.”
Valor nodded beside me. “She’ll stay here, in your care. I didn’t want to bring her into the heart of the pack until she was ready. It wouldn’t be safe. Not for her “#
Mona agreed. “That’s wise. I can begin treatment immediately. There are rituals and herbs that can help open the mind’s door.“}
I exhaled, a strange mix of relief and dread swirling inside me. Just as I turned to leave, Mona’s voice stopped me.
“There’s something else,” she said.
I turned back, confused. “What is it?“%
She stared at me again, this time deeper, like she was trying to peel away all my layers.”
“You’re wounded,” she said, “but your will is quite strong. You’re probably a strong asset in your pack to be able to carry in full term despite the incident.“A
I didn’t know how to respond to that, confusion clearly written in my face.
Then she added, very quietly, “You’re pregnant.”
The words hit me like a slap.
Pregnant?
LAD
