7. Escape

Aria's POV

The guilt was lingering at the back of my mind, making me regret the words I had said to Matthew earlier. I knew he was merely concerned, but he saw I had a cut and kept asking whether I was okay. That's plain stupid.

Even so, I should not have told him that.

I sighed and returned my clothes to my luggage while preparing my cash and phone. My resolve to escape is already set, and whether or not I succeed, I will pursue it. Staying here with Natasha is like being in hell with the devil. I'd rather flee with no assurance than be victimized by that witch.

The very thought of Nicholas defending her causes my blood to boil. And those judging gaze earlier, as if I had done something genuinely heinous to Natasha, are driving me to flare in a fury.

'Are you certain about this?' Kaia inquired, appearing. Her gaze was skeptical and judging. She must have a trust issue with me now, given our prior attempts, which frequently resulted in our return.

'Yes,' I replied. Her eyes flitted, but she didn't seem persuaded.

I haven't got the faintest idea if she agrees with this or wants to stay here. Between us, she would be the one to suffer more because rejecting the bond will impact her the most.

I, her human form, may love anybody I choose, even if that person isn't my fated mate, while she can't just select anyone she wants without suffering.

Am I being selfish?

'Will you be okay if we escape?'

Kaia's eyes are filled with hurt, yet she still nods. Her character changed dramatically after the battle. She's evolved from a stubborn wolf to being utterly reliant on someone else's decision and agrees without complaint.

I inhale freedom after sneaking through the border unnoticed. I left all my clothes in the room and only brought cash and a phone just in case the border officers saw me.

Though I have particular concerns, one of which is Kaia, I opted not to glance back and resumed my stroll through this weedy woodland.

Kaia may suffer now, but that is better than staying in Red Moon and suffering there indefinitely. Besides, the only thing that binds us to Nicholas is our mating link; otherwise, there is none. Clinging to that little rationale will not benefit us.

'Where are we going now?'

The route I'm on is adorned with lush grass and big trees. I didn't see the road or any signs indicating where I was. Fortunately, it was still midday, so the forest was well-lit and could point me in the right direction.

'Let me lead the way,' Kaia suggests, getting impatient before taking over all of my senses.

She's now in charge of where we're heading while keeping an eye out for any potential threats along the road, as this woodland is unfamiliar to us. There may be some wild creatures like lions or bears. It is better to be prepared than to die of complacency.

'I'm tired,' I complained while we were taking the course. My feet were already hurting from all the walking, since I didn't let Kaia take over, in fear that we would encounter a hunter.

'You want this. So, endure it!'

I rolled my eyes but chose to keep my fussing to myself.

It took us hours to find the pathway. The road was incredibly silent, with no cars traveling through, only gigantic trees on the side.

'Where are we now?'

I feel so stupid not knowing where we are right now. This unplanned flight is like throwing myself on fire and waiting for it to burn me to ashes. I did something without giving it any thought.

My feet hurt, and my stomach grumbled with hunger, not to mention this never-ending tunnel with a faint light of hope ahead. Half an hour has passed trailing this road, yet I haven't seen a car, let alone a human.

I should have asked Matthew about Red Moon's surroundings, particularly the danger zone and other information necessary for escape. Rushing things does not produce favorable results, as seen by what has happened now.

"Miss!"

I leap to my feet after feeling a stinging jab on my shoulder. I instantly spin around and take a defensive stance.

"Are you a ghost?"

It was a young girl.

She has violet eyes, long curly ginger hair, and prominent freckles on her face. The little girl has the appearance of a goddess or a fairy. Yet her statement, not her appearance, sparked my attention. Has she misidentified me as a ghost?

I examined myself and took note of what I was wearing. It was a long above-the-ankle white long-sleeved garment with my long hair loose, not to mention my ashen skin. Point taken. I may certainly look like a ghost now. But...

"I am not."

I am a shifter. But I didn't tell her that. Exposing my identity to someone unfamiliar is like putting myself in danger. I have dealt enough misfortune this year. I can't bear to add more.

Besides, humans have not fully accepted werewolves, and a few still hunt us. This little girl only popped out of nowhere, and I'm scared she's one of those who aimed to exterminate my kind.

"Are you a fairy?"

I shook my head.

"Then, what are you?"

This little girl is somewhat suspicious. She suddenly appeared, stung my shoulder with some prickly thing, and shoved me with bizarre questions.

Oddly, the more I looked into her eyes, the creepier she grew. Her gorgeous eyes were lifeless and empty. And the little basket she's clutching contains wilted flowers and a few unfamiliar items.

"I'm a human," I responded. It's a half-truth.

Her brow wrinkled quickly. "Your scent is not that of a human," she pointed out. "What exactly are you?"

My heart began to race, and a shiver ran down my spine. I looked around and saw no one. I am now certain that this little girl is not human. Is she a sorceress?

"I'm a human," I reiterated.

She shook her head. "Your blood is stronger than human blood, and I sense another being inside of you as well."

What exactly is this little girl?

"Are you a werewolf?"

I hesitated on my post, unsure whether to agree or refute it. However, her gaze conveys conviction in her words. It's as though she's confident in her supposition.

"Why do you want to know?"

I had to keep to my word regardless of the circumstances. Besides, I am not obligated to give her the truth. She asked, and I responded. It's no longer my concern, whether she believes it or not.

"I'm just curious," she replied. "It didn't work on you."

My face contorted in befuddlement. What does she mean?

The little girl turned away from me and trailed down the small track into the woods. But, before she went any farther, she smiled at me. "My name is Calixta Strudden. It's a pleasure to meet you, Ms. She-Wolves."

Calixta was set to resume her trek. "Wait," I said as I followed her. She seemed to be familiar with the area. And, while I'm not sure whether I'm safe with her, it's better than continuing to wander on this unfamiliar road.

"Why?"

It's humiliating to acknowledge that I'm lost. But I don't have a choice. "Can I come with you?"

Calixta glanced at me, puzzled. Her eyes are skeptical of my intentions. Perhaps she thinks I'm joking or playing a game with her. Now that the table had turned, she must have felt what I felt earlier.

"Why?" she inquired once again.

"I'm lost."

A few minutes passed before Calixta nodded. She seemed to be deliberating her response before voicing it out.

"May I ask your name?" she asked as we walked down the walkway.

My first impression of her was absolutely inaccurate. Calixta was a healer, not a witch. Gauging people's personalities isn't really my forte, and my werewolf instincts in this area suck.

"Aria Summersault."

"Summersault," Calixta's tone altered after I said my surname.

"Are you familiar with it?"

She nodded.

My parents were well-known throughout the werewolf's realm during their reign. They were formerly known as the invincible Alpha and Luna, having defeated every enemy and never lost. They have eliminated rogues and slain a thousand opponents. So Calixta may have heard about their tale as well.

Speaking of, I wonder how my parents are doing right now. Mysha, although having a phone, did not text or contact me. My parents didn't even ask where I was or whether I was okay. I miss them, and it seems like I am the only one who does.

Calixta and I continued walking till a few houses in the distance were already visible in sight. This must be where she lives. We go through a few vacant stalls until we get to a modest hut. And before we could even enter, a man approached us, his face filled with concern.

"Calixta, where have you been? Mother has been looking for you for a—" the guy paused from talking after noticing me.

For some reason, the scent of this man seems familiar. It's almost as though I've already sniffed it before. I just couldn't remember where.

But what surprised me was when he suddenly closed the space between us and strangled me.

"What are you doing here?"