03~ The Runaway

OLIVIA'S POV 

The moon hung low in the ink-black sky. My heart pounded in my chest as I raced through the dense underbrush, my breath ragged and hot in my throat. Tears blurred my vision, but I refused to slow down, the sting of Raven's rejection kept screaming in my head.

It had hit me hard like a physical blow, shattering my world in an instant. I couldn't bear to stay, not with the shame and humiliation burning hot on my cheeks. I was left with no choice but to run, and I know this was something I would never regret. I sneezed while wiping away my tears, I'd heard and watched enough. And I've made my decision.

I was never a weakling. Even if we had shared many memories over our four-year marriage, I never lacked the courage to leave him. Since he had betrayed me, I wouldn't want him either.

Branches whipped at my skin as I ran, but I barely felt the pain. My mind was consumed by the need to escape, to put as much distance between myself, Raven, Sophia and the pack as possible. I couldn't go back, not now, not ever.

As I ran, the forest seemed to blur around me, the trees blending together in a chaotic swirl of shadows and moonlight. But still, I pressed on, my legs burning with exertion, my lungs screaming for air. I had no idea where I was going, only that I had to keep moving, to keep running until I was free.

Minutes stretched into hours as I kept running, it seemed like my journey was coming to no end. The moon played a huge role for me, lighting my way so that I could see where I was going. I was very sure that no one had seen me leave except Alice, and I was worried for her sake. What if Raven asks her of me?

But then, on second thought, Raven wouldn't even dare. Since this is what he wanted, to have me out of his sight – his life, so why would he care? Finally, just when I thought I could run no longer, I stumbled into a clearing bathed in silver light. Panting heavily, I collapsed to my knees, my body trembling with exhaustion and despair.

But even as I lay there, with my chest heaving, a sense of freedom washed over me. I was alone now, truly alone, with no one to judge me or hold me back. The thought filled me with a fierce determination, driving me to my feet once more.

"I can live without him. We must have shared so many memories together, but leaving wasn't a bad idea after all. Now I feel safer and freed, less burdened by the pain. He can have her however he wants, as long as I am not there to watch them." I said, reassuring myself.

Now I was certain I was far from the Crescent Pack, my footsteps grew steady. I had no idea what lay ahead, only that I would have to face it head-on without looking back. Now, I was free to forge my own destiny, to become the person I'm meant to be.

I heaved loudly as I got closer to the small stream. My throat was dried and I needed water to quench my thirst. I could barely feel my legs, my strength was gone, so I had to take a break. I settled beside the stream, deepening my hand into the water, the cold feeling rushed through my body and I felt like stripping off my clothes to take a shower.

I couldn't get enough, so I ended up splashing it on my face, a heavy sigh escaped my lips. I sat for a while to catch my lost strength, then I'd probably continue my journey to who-knows-where. While I sat by the sand, I found myself lying on the wet sand but ended up dozing off.

A force woke me up. I had seen Raven in my dream, he had sent his warriors to come after me. Without hesitation, I stood on my feet, continuing my journey. Soon, I began to sense someone was following me. I could hear footsteps on the underbush that wasn't mine. They were coming from both sides.

I had no idea what to do, but I had to keep walking as fast as I could until I couldn't hold back the fear so I ended up running. A heavy wave washed over me, causing me to stop abruptly on my track. Whoever was following me was next to me, and if I had to take a careless movement, I'd probably end up dead. 

When I saw no one was with me, I turned to run only to meet a masculine figure standing before me. His eyes were dark red, his height was three inches taller than mine and to crown matters, he was appearing terrifying under the moonlight. 

"Please... Please, don't kill me." I pleaded with trembling feet. "Don't kill me. I... I..." I stuttered, unable to find my words.

"Who are you?" He asked huskily, his red eyes piercing into mine, sending cold shivers down my spine. I felt death right before me, the weight of his voice was twice as deep as that of Raven, and it sounded like he was going to kill me any second from now.

"Please. I beg you. I have no idea where I... I am going."

There was a sudden pause, like he was thinking of what action to take. My heart was beating heavily, and I was certain he must be hearing it. Then, he made two steps close to me, making a pause. I couldn't move. As much as I wanted to run, I found myself remaining in the exact spot, unmoved.

"I'm gonna ask you for the last time, who are you?" His voice was deeper than before, screaming death in my ears. 

Who am I? 

I couldn't explain who exactly I was with the electrifying sensation that kept rushing round my body due to fear. The words were gone, and they were replaced with fear. Seeing I wasn't going to talk, he grabbed my neck, squeezing it roughly like he was ready to kill me right at the spot.

"I see you've got the nerves to sneak into my pack however you want, huh?"

"I... I didn't mean to. I swear I..."

"You what?" The more he kept talking, the more terrified I became. I gave no response, his grip tightened around my neck, causing me to choke. "And what are you doing trespassing in my territory at such an hour of the night?”