The runaways

Atasha’s Point of View

Tears falling down my cheeks as I lowered my head, despair engulfed my heart as I realized that I was left alone here in this land because of the unwanted circumstances that surfaced last night. I couldn’t help but questioned the Moon Goddess’s plan for me. Was she even after my betterment or her main goal was for me to face the other way around? Because whenever I felt like she was blessing me because of the little happiness she made me feel, another torture of sadness would come upon me, making me feel that she was only giving me false hopes, or was she trying to test me? . . . or could it be that she really wanted to punish me because I was cursed?

If so, why though? Couldn’t she spare me a little amount of mercy? I only wanted to survive and so even though I had numerous reasons to give up, I’d still try to fight. But how could I move forward when the Moon Goddess herself seemed to keep punishing me?

Was she doing this because I killed my pack mates? That thought bothered me so much, giving me such creeps that kept haunting me.

I didn’t know what the future had in store for me, and I myself, was increasingly concerned about what would happen next. My mind kept telling me to locate Elijah, but I didn’t know where to start. My thoughts were only ripped out when I felt that someone who was wearing a crimson cloak stood in front of me.

“Can you help me?”

I immediately wiped my tears away. "Of course. How may I help you?" I inquired.

It was a man whose cloak almost hid his face that I couldn’t tell who he was. He slowly removed the hood on his head and I gasped when I realized that it was none other than Elijah, who then put the hood on as he looked at our surroundings as if he was on the hide.

"Then I realized I was correct. It is, indeed, you who is sitting here. I'm just checking to make sure that's the case, which is why I asked you a question to hear your voice . . .”

My mouth had gone dry, and my heart was thumping with delight that I had finally seen him. My tears couldn’t stop falling as I stared up at him. I didn’t hold back and stood up to embrace him tightly.

If the Moon Goddess was trying to play with my emotions once again, then I’d say that I was up for it, so long as Elijah’s beside me . . . I felt that I could face everything, no matter what the situation was.

“I’ve been searching everywhere to find you,” he stated as I felt him hugging me back.

I was the first one who withdrew from that embrace, surprised to see that I had been very emotional upon seeing him. “I'm sorry, Elijah, I got a little carried away but thank you for looking for me. I thought I was left alone in this place . . .”

My lips quivered, tears falling down my cheeks as we looked at each other. My heart skipped a beat when he wrapped his arms around my shoulders . . . once again, cradling my head beneath his chin. "Silly, even our circumstances were made to drive us apart. I’ll do whatever it takes to be with you.”

My breathing hitched. I felt a warm sensation on my cheeks upon hearing those genuine words. It made its way into my heart and infused me with a renewed spark of purpose. I hope I could be in this situation with Elijah for a longer length of time.

I didn’t know how it even started but I felt safer in his company, and I can be more open with him. I had the impression that we were merely doing this to attain our objectives, but still, despite our set up, I was even more relieved that it was him. His presence, for some reason, gave me such comfort and peace of mind.

His thumb touched the bruise on the side of my lips, and I could see through his eyes that he was blaming himself for what I had gone through from Clarence’s wrath.

"I didn’t know what exactly Clarence did, but please accept my apologies if I am unable to effectively protect you,” he said and took a deep breath. “But rest assured that it won’t happen again. No one, not even Clarence, would be able to harm you. I promise to become better and take care of you, Atasha.” He cleared his throat and looked down to avoid my gaze. “Just like how you’re trying to become better to be my future Luna.”

A small smile was painted on my lips. Was it possible to hope that, for the time being, the Moon Goddess would refrain from separating me from him?

"But, can you tell me what exactly happened last night? The old woman who I talked to earlier told me that a she-wolf announced that she’d become your Luna. Was it Clarence?"

"I will explain everything later. You must tell me what she did last night too, but for the time being it is critical that we get out of this place," he replied. He held my hand, and then his eyes roamed around discreetly. “Escape with me. We will then start anew and be out of sight from everyone in the meantime. I will train you so we can prove our worth to lead my pack.”

Our eyes met. I had to admit that I was confused, happy, and curious as to what he meant about starting anew, but as soon as I felt his finger tucking the strands of my hair behind my ear while looking at me with his hopeful eyes, I didn’t think twice and nodded at him.

We didn’t waste much time and left the market. We were able to reach my home. I did wear a cloak from my wardrobe, which was given to me by Leo before. Elijah wanted us to hide our identity during our escape. I didn’t ask why but based on the expression on his face, something really bad had happened last night which forced him to hide himself from everyone. As for me, I needed to hide myself as I might bump into someone who belonged to the group who jumped on me last night or Clarence . . . My chest tightened as I recalled how she attacked me.

We went out of my home and walked on the side of the streets carefully, heads down to avoid eye contact with anyone. We walked our way to the secret passage going to the mountains. Elijah said there were no guards in that area and so we’d be able to escape without getting questioned by anyone.

“May I ask why are you willing to put your life on the line to become the next Alpha of the Crimson Moon pack?” I asked as we walked.

“I was inspired by you. You will do everything even if it takes risking your life for your family. You stood up for me against the Alpha with sheer confidence even though you can’t shift at all,” he stated.

His response was something I didn’t expect. My eyes went teary and a sting of pain instantly crossed my heart as I recalled that terrifying moment I had with the Alpha when they attacked our land.

All this time, I was only pretending to have the confidence and courage. That was the only way I could survive.

“And to fulfill the responsibility of becoming the new Alpha, I need you to stay by my side. You will be my constant reminder that I have to carry on no matter what happens, because we are aiming for a certain goal. It won’t be possible for me to function when you’re out of my sight.” He chuckled. “Do you realize how important and special you’ve become to me?”

“I’m merely a slave, like what they said. So I didn’t see myself as that important until you said so. Even my father told me that I was his cursed child, and so I lived with the thought that there was nothing special about me.”

“That isn’t true, Atasha. You are special in your own ways.”

I glanced at him and saw the smile on his lips.

“It’s strange to hear those encouraging words from you, El. Now, I badly want to know about what happened last night that made you talk that way.” I smirked.

“I will surely tell you but it wasn’t that terrifying for me not to handle,” he replied. “Anyway, I want to let you know that you’re nobody’s slave from now on, Atasha.”

I stopped walking and looked at him with furrowed brows. “What do you mean?”

He also stopped and turned around to face me. “You’re no longer a slave, Atasha . . . not mine or even Zach’s. From now on, I will stop calling you slave,” he said which made me stunned for a moment. “Let’s free ourselves from the master – and – slave set up and start anew, as partners in crime this time.”

A brisk breeze caressed over my skin, and it felt that the world gradually transformed into a wonderful view filled with flowers and trees. The blue sky was clear; butterflies were flying through the air, circling around; a melody from a piano could be heard in the scene and I felt that my body got lighter and lighter until I floated freely through the air, joining the butterflies as they fled without any worries. My cuts and bruises were no longer painful or uncomfortable. I felt such a strong sense of invincibility that I believe I could do and say whatever I want.

In an instance, my imagination made me look forward to the new life Elijah was referring to. It brought a great feeling to my chest, and my heart couldn’t be happier at the thought that I’d be able to spend that new life with him, being my partner in crime, like what he said.

"A new life seems great . . .” I looked up to stop my tears from falling. There were no other people surrounding us except for the two of us, which added to the warmth upon hearing his genuine statement.

When I finally caught a glimpse of Elijah's face, I then came back to my senses. I noticed that his eyes were a hint hazy with emotions.

"Elijah, are you tearing up?" I remarked, confused, but then chuckled a bit with made his brows furrowed.

"What made you think I’d cry over such genuine words? I will advise you to look at yourself, Atasha. You're the one who’s almost on the verge of tearing up right there. I wonder what your imagination has shown you for a moment. You seemed to get swayed by me. Well, you have to be. I’m becoming more of a sweet guy here. Don’t you think?” he remarked and then laughed.

“Oh, sweet guy, aren’t you a bit demanding?”

“Eager, I guess is the right word,” he clarified and smiled at me. “Eager to make you get swayed.”

I could feel my cheeks blushing right now. “Are you trying to impress me right now because I saw you with your naked ex-girlfriend last night?”

“I already forgot that argument, Atasha.” He shook his head.

My eyes narrowed. “Just want to let you know that it takes more than that to impress me.”

He grinned. “I haven’t played my cards right.”

“Try harder, Elijah.” I couldn’t help but grin right now.

I slightly punched his arm and then walked past him. I wish he would laugh more often with me.

I realized that my connection with him was spontaneous. I couldn’t even stop admiring his comforting words, gestures and most especially, his sincerity towards me.

“Hey, wait up!” he paced himself and walked behind me.

Elijah Montreal, let's start a whole new chapter in our lives. I'm willing to do the best I can do, this time, with you.