Chapter 8: Arrival at Calaren

In the past, I went to Solacia for a vacation, not to Calaren.

That town was known as the Hunting Capital because of Savanach Mountain, where we could hunt different wild animals.

At that time, I happened to know that was where Valerian resided with his pack, the Nocturnal Crest pack. We accidentally met there while I was hunting.

As for Calaren, the town was known for merchants. We could bargain there and purchase some valuable items that hadn't been available elsewhere.

That was also the town where Britanny had gone back then before she met that man who became her toy which I couldn't remember him. But I was certain that was the town where she had her mission after a month Valerian died.

I was planning to investigate there. I wanted to know if there was such a person from that pack which I could hardly remember now. It seemed like my memories of that person had started to slip from my mind. That was why I must do something to know whether that person existed.

I must know his name. I must remember him since he was the last person with me before I closed my eyes.

"Lady Dominixe." I turned my head when Eric entered the cake shop where I was at. "All your luggage is settled in the inn you checked in."

That made me smile. "Thank you, Eric."

He bowed his head. "We should go now, my lady. Please enjoy your vacation."

I halted him. "Do not forget what I instructed you and the others to do while I am away, Eric," I said meaningfully.

"Yes, my lady. We have already kept your orders in our minds."

"Good. Let's see each other after a month."

I watched him leave with the carriage they brought from the Cantavalle estate. I was relieved now that no one around me could hinder my movements.

"I will come to look for you soon, Valerian... We will rekindle the love I took for granted," I muttered before I took a sip of my tea.

Since it would be impossible for me to meet Valerian here in this town, I took this as a chance to eradicate the list of packs' names here. I couldn't remember now which pack where that person was.

But what I could remember was he was residing here in this town.

"What is your name again?" I groaned in frustration and slammed the parchment to the table.

It had been a few days, but I tried hard to remember that man... The one Britanny addressed as the rogue Alpha...

Hold on... Why was I even curious about him? Wasn't he just a simple stalker who wanted to cause trouble with me?

Why would I even want to see him, by the way? Shouldn't I suppose to focus on how to protect Valerian?

"Damn it, Dominixe... What is wrong with you today?" Frustrated, I changed into a simple dress and went for a walk this afternoon. But I found myself loitering near the pack, which I believed was where that rogue Alpha was residing.

It was the pack named Sunset Crown pack. That pack's name was quite familiar, but I couldn't grasp the thought where I heard it. Was this the pack Britanny attacked before?

I decided to observe only before I went to the town for enjoyment.

I was fascinated by all the items being sold here in this town. I even found myself purchasing a woven bracelet. I softened as I remembered that Valerian used to make me this as a sign that he adored me.

Which reminds me... there was someone in the past that also made me this. I remember Caroline told me that the woven bracelet came from that man as well...

This was really frustrating on my part since each day that I had been staying in this town, my memories about that person were gradually fading.

Shaking my head, I silently wished that I could see Valerian again. However... "It is impossible that he would be here since he is in the Sol..." I couldn't continue my words and held my breath when a few miles away, that person my heart had been aching for was here. "Valerian...?"

My heart was hammering inside my chest, seeing that he looked surprised that he had seen me. What surprised me was... this was not supposed to happen.

"You..." His voice was faint, but it was enough for me to feel the butterflies in my stomach.

I slowly stepped back, unable to process anything. I should apply what I learned from my lessons that we must remain vigilant and act quickly, but my mind went haywire at this moment.

Why was he here in the Calaren? He must suppose to be in the Solacia! We must not suppose to meet here...

I briskly turned around to leave, not knowing what to do. I was too shocked that I couldn't think properly.

However, why couldn't I smell his scent? Was he wearing incantation jewelry that could hide his scent, just like when we met in the Solacia back then?

"Hold on... Aren't you the troubling lady back in the Elmbow?"

My chest rose up and down when I slowly turned my head to confirm that husky baritone voice.

Oh, good Moon Goddess... I was facing Valerian Leveaux!

My mate was here, holding my arm!

"Do I even know you?" Way to go, Dominixe! That was a good grasp for this situation to feign ignorance.

Valerian creased his forehead. He looked offended at my words. "You are my mate. There is no doubt about that. We already met."

I tried to yank my arm back. "Mate? If you are, I couldn't even smell your scent. So halt from thinking that..." I paused when Valerian removed his garnet ring.

In an instant, my body shivered in delight while my wolf kept chanting 'mate' inside my head. That familiar scent of hyacinth flowers had reached my nostrils. It smelled heavenly and sweet.

"No way..." I muttered in disbelief.

This scene... This familiar scene...

There was no way that Valerian and I were doing the things that were supposed to happen in the Solacia! This place was not Solacia but Calaren!

What was happening?

"You are the lady who kept blabbering nonsensical words. Shame that you are my mate."

His words slapped me. "What did you say?" I clenched my hand, finding him annoying for my own good. "Then, it is a shame that I am fated to a man who is an asshole." That hurt me. I suddenly wanted to cry when Valerian said those words to me.

It was supposed to be that it must not affect me since it had already happened in the past, however, with what happened between us back then, I couldn't help but be affected by it. I had hurt him, and his words right now had pricked me in my heart.

If Valerian were still alive by that time, he would definitely utter the same words as now.

I felt my cheeks getting wet. My eyes widened when they were covered with the tears I shed. I gasped and touched them. "What..." I was horrified before I looked up at Valerian, who was utterly surprised.

"Why are you... crying?" Valerian reached out to my face. "Why are you crying?" There was eagerness in his tone.

I slapped his hand away from me before I turned around to leave. "Leave me alone!" I barked at him and ran as quickly as possible.

"Wait!"

I heard him say, but I did not pay heed and found myself going to the alleyway. I stayed there and muffled my cries, hurting that those words came from the person I loved.

Perhaps, this was my karma, for I had killed him in the past. Whatever the words he would say from now on, it would only remind us of when we confronted each other.

And it would be forever engraved in my mind how he died in my arms.

Yes... Being granted a second life must be a punishment. This was certainly mean punishment.

Was I ready for this? Was I prepared for the karma that was fated for me?