After the close shave and everything else that happened with it, I was too scared to actually leave the new safe house. Eventually with the help of Thomas, I got a burner and dialled Attus's number. He answered almost immediately like he was expecting the call.
"Hey," I said tentatively, wondering how things had gotten so weird and so strained between us.
"Clara? Is that really you C? Are you okay?" He called out immediately, and I bursted into tears. Hearing the concern and worry in his voice even when he was not my husband and had no business really caring about me that much was definitely too emotionally overwhelming for me. I could not stop the tears as I lowered myself onto the bed in the room and just kept crying with my face in my hand.
"Oh, Clara… What have they done to you, my darling?" He sounded so nearby, bad that made me even sadder. I felt like if I reached out my hand
"I watched him do wicked things to the people he claimed to love. He showed every sign of being exactly the kind of man that I was supposed to run as far away from as my legs could carry me. But every time he looked at me with lust or something akin to love, I felt myself melt. My stupid heart would fall at the sign of anything that looks like brutality because I guess my life experiences have taught me that men are best served cold and brutal." I chuckled lightly to myself, wallowing in self pity."So, when he came back acting all nice, I accepted him with wide open arms and a flutter in my belly. I am always begging and desperate for love even when I am in the midst of love in its purest form. Attus was the wrong one, but he loved, and he still loves me right. And what exactly can a girl do when the wrong one loves her right?" I looked over at Thomas, feeling a bit ill.He scoffed and looked away from me. "Talk to
As I walked away from Thomas, I felt a sense of clarity and purpose. I knew what I needed to do, and it was time to take action. I went back to my room and started packing my bags. I was going to leave the palace and go back to Attus.As I packed, I felt a pang of sadness and guilt. I had to leave the Alpha King, who had been nothing but kind to me. But I knew that I could not stay here any longer. I needed to be with the one who truly loved me.As I was finishing up my packing, there was a knock on my door. I opened it to find the Alpha King standing there. "Clara, may I come in?" he asked.I hesitated for a moment before stepping aside to let him in. He walked into the room and took a seat on the couch. "I wanted to talk to you about something," he said, looking at me with concern.I sat down across from him, feeling a knot in my stomach. I knew what he was going to say,
"What do you intend to do about Xavier though." Attus asked, and I looked at him with a faraway and hurt look on my face."I don't know, Attus. I really have no idea where to start from. It's not even like he has called or reached out to apologize or anything. So I guess it's done." I said, acting braver than I actually felt."It is okay to be hurt, C! He really hurt you, and it is okay for you to feel all that pain. It is through the wound that the light enters into us." Attus said, being as wise as he always was."Thank you. But I'm good. For now at least. But I want to return to Jake. He will definitely take me back if I return and become his wife. He is too vain to not like the narrative that his love drew me back into his arms. Since Xavier wants to be an ass." I said with fire in my eyes and my heart ice cold."Are you sure that's what you wan
Attus nodded and followed me to the fridge, keeping a watchful eye on me. "I understand, C. Dreams can be confusing and unsettling, but it's important to remember that they are just dreams. They don't have any power over mer decisions in the waking world.""That's true, but it still bothers me," I said, taking a swig of water. "I don't want to be thinking about Xavier when I'm about to marry Jake. It's not fair to anyone."Attus nodded in agreement. "I know, my love. But perhaps it's worth exploring these feelings with a therapist. They can help me work through any unresolved emotions or conflicts I may have surrounding my past relationship with Xavier."me sighed and nodded, knowing that Attus was right. "Yeah, you're probably right. I'll make an appointment in the morning."Attus gave me a reassuring smile and pulled me into a hug. "It's going to be okay, C. I'm here for
I went down to my parents house one evening, tired of everything, and desperately in need of some explanations as to why they had tried to bury me in the forest. Becky opens the door when I ring the doorbell, and looks very surprised when she sees me."Hello, Stranger," I say in a sad tone, having flashbacks of everything that we have gone through on the last few years."Clara?" She calls out my name in disbelief. "Why are you here? What are you doing here?""Oh… Wow!" I chuckle deeply and bitterly. "What a way to say hi after years of silence." I felt broken by her composure.Becky's expression softens as she realizes the impact of her words. "I'm sorry, Clara. It's just that we weren't expecting you.""I know," I say, my voice cracking. "I just need to talk to Mom and Dad. Can I come in?"Becky nods
"Mattha, we need to talk!" I said seriously over the phone. "Are you free right now?" I asked, feeling very uncomfortable. "Yes. We can talk now." Martha replied coldly, and I was taken aback by her reaction. "Is everything alright between us, Martha? You sound kind of cold." "Oh, I do? I sound kind of cold? I did not know about that. I mean, since our husbands are no longer off-limits to each other, how would I know exactly?" She retorted, confusing me further. "Are you trying to say something to me? Because if you are, I'll advice that you say it straight up, because I really don't understand anything." I said. "How would she understand anything? How? When she is too good for all of us!" I heard a voice in Martha's background say, and I squinted in anger. I was officially offended. "What exactly is going on, Martha?" I asked, sounding enraged. "Why did you even call her? I thought that you are above everybody elseā¦" "Sophia?" I asked, and she laughed loudly over the phone.
"My husband hits me." Ellen said suddenly while we were all out having dinner."I am sorry, but did I get that right? Did you say that your husband hits you?" I asked, already feeling anger take a hold of me."He hits me, Girls! He hits me hard." Ellen repeated, breaking into tears as Mila and Martha held her."How long has this been going on for, Ellen?" Sophia asked, sounding irredeemably angry. She and I were both teh protectors of our friendship group. We were the ones ready at any time to fight to the death for our other friends."From the first day. He said something funny and I laughed, and he hit me hard in the belly for daring to laugh to his face." Ellen narrated painfully. "I have had three miscarriages since we got married, and I am afraid that he will beat my womb out of my body someday soon. Please, help me, girls, help me!" Ellen shouted, as her te
The Alpha King started complaining about my incessant outings with the girls. He was feeling abandoned and left out. I laughed at his complaints and good-naturedly reassured him of my love and promised to do better. But he did not seem to take my word for it."If Xavier is not cheating on me already, he soon will." I said to the girls after yet another successful meeting and they looked over at me with pity in their eyes.The Alpha King's complaints continued to weigh heavily on my mind, and I found myself constantly thinking of ways to make it up to him. I cancelled plans with the girls and spent more time with him, hoping to quell his fears and reassure him of my love.But despite my efforts, he still seemed distant and withdrawn. One night, as we lay in bed together, I finally worked up the courage to confront him."Xavier, what's wrong? Why do you seem so u
I nodded, feeling grateful for her words. "I know, but I just don't know what to do. I feel so trapped."Becky leaned in, her voice soft and reassuring. "You're not trapped, sis. You always have options, even if they're not immediately clear. And remember, the only way to move forward is one step at a time."I took a deep breath, feeling a sense of clarity wash over me. "You're right. I need to take things one step at a time. And right now, that means figuring out how to make things better for myself."Becky smiled, her eyes filled with pride. "That's the spirit. We'll figure it out together. And if you need to stay here for a while, that's perfectly fine. You're always welcome here."I nodded, feeling a sense of relief. "Thank you, Becky. I don't know what I would do without you."We spent the rest of the day talking, laughing, and reminiscing about old times. And as the sun began to set, I felt a sense of hope, of optimism for the future. I knew that I still had a long road ahead of
As I continued on my way, I realized that this was one of the most fulfilling experiences I had had in a long time. Helping to bring people together and create a sense of unity was truly rewarding.But my work was not yet done. There were still external threats to the castle, and we needed to be prepared for anything that might come our way.One day, as I was walking through the castle, I heard the sound of horns in the distance. I immediately ran to the walls to see what was happening.In the distance, I could see a group of raiders approaching the castle, their banners waving in the wind. The guards on the walls were scrambling to prepare for the attack.I knew that we had to act quickly. I raced to the queen's chambers to inform her of the impending attack. She quickly assembled her advisors and knights, and we began to prepare for the defense of the castle.The knights were ready and eager for battle, and the peasants were doing their part as well. They had been trained in basic c
I'm thinking of leaving Xavier again."I said at the nail salon with Mila and Ellen, and they looked over at me with pity in their eyes." Don't look at me like I said I'll drink acid, girls!" I said, and they blinked."The Irene problem, huh?" Mila asked, and I nodded sadly."I don't want to resort to making her life miserable," I replied. "But I just can't take it anymore. She's always making snide remarks and trying to one-up me. And don't even get me started on the baby. It's like Xavier has completely forgotten about me and everything we had."Mila and Ellen exchanged a knowing glance. "Look, we get it," Ellen said. "But have you considered giving Xavier another chance? Maybe he just needs some time to come around and realize how much he's hurting you.""I've given him plenty of chances," I retorted. "But it's like he doesn't care. And as for Irene, I don't
Attus put a comforting arm around me. "I'm sorry you've been going through all of that," he said. "But you're not alone. I'm here for you, and so are your friends and family."I leaned into him, feeling grateful for his support. "I know," I said. "But sometimes it feels like that's not enough. I feel like I'm trapped here, with no escape."Attus was quiet for a moment, deep in thought. Then he spoke."I know we can't change everything that's going on in the castle," he said. "But we can try to make things better, in our own small way. We can spend more time together, and with our friends. We can support each other, and be there for each other."I looked up at him, feeling hopeful for the first time in a while. "You're right," I said. "We can do that. And maybe, in time, things will get better."Attus smiled at me, his brown eyes warm and reassuring. "I believe they will," he said. "We just have to take things one day at a time, and be there for each other along the way."I nodded, fee
Months flew past like seconds and one night, Irene's loud screams woke the entire castle. She was in labour. Withy how dramatic she was, hse made life a living hell even for the Alpha King who'd had two children with me and never had to suffer so much with me. "I am dying!" She screamed, scratching, punching and kicking everyone and everything in her way. The midwife and nurses quickly arrived at Irene's chambers, trying their best to calm her down and carry her to the delivery room. It was a difficult task, as Irene continued to thrash around, screaming and cursing everyone in sight.Finally, they managed to get her to the delivery room, where she was immediately immersed in a large basin of warm water. Irene had insisted on a water birth, as she claimed it was the most natural and pain-free way to give birth. But as the contractions intensified, she began to regret her decision.The midwife and nurses did their best to support her through the labor, but it soon became clear that th
Irene sneered down at the little girl. "I don't care what you meant. Just stay out of my way from now on, or you'll regret it."Luna ran off, sobbing uncontrollably, and Orion soon found her and asked her what had happened. When Luna told him, he became upset and ran off to find me. When he found me, he told me what had happened and I immediately went to find Irene."Irene, we need to talk," I said firmly, my eyes blazing with anger."What do you want?" Irene snapped, her hand resting protectively on her pregnant belly."I want to know why you slapped my daughter," I replied, trying to keep my voice calm."She got in my way, and I warned her to stay out of it," Irene replied, her voice dripping with disdain."That's not an excuse to hit a child," I said, my voice rising. "You could have hurt her. She's just a little girl.""She should know better than to get in my way," Irene said coldly. "I don't have time for her childish games.""She's just a child!" I exclaimed, my anger getting t
"I'm sorry," I said again, my voice breaking. "I never meant to hurt you. I love you both so much."Luna and Orion clung to me tightly, their tears soaking my hospital gown. I could feel the warmth of their bodies, the beating of their hearts, and I knew that I never wanted to lose them again.As we sat there, huddled together in my hospital bed, I realized just how much I had to be grateful for. Despite my struggles, I still had the love and support of my children, my family, and my friends. And as I looked at Luna and Orion's tear-streaked faces, I knew that I had to do everything in my power to make things right."I promise to do better," I said, my voice thick with emotion. "I promise to fight my addiction and be the best mother I can be."Luna looked up at me, her eyes wide with hope. "You mean it, Mommy?""I do," I replied firmly. "I'm going to get better for you and your brother. I want to be here for all the good moments, to watch you grow up and become the amazing people I kn
I lay in the hospital bed, feeling alone and ashamed, and I knew that I had to face my husband and own up to my mistakes. I couldn't continue to hide from him, couldn't continue to avoid the consequences of my actions.As he walked into the room, I could see the anger in his eyes, the disappointment etched on his face. He stood beside my bed, his arms crossed over his chest, and I knew that I was in for a stern lecture.He spoke to me in a voice that was both stern and compassionate, reminding me of my responsibilities as his wife and as the Queen of our kingdom. He told me that my actions had consequences, not just for myself but for our entire kingdom, and that I needed to take responsibility for my mistakes.I listened to his words, feeling the weight of his disappointment bearing down on me. I knew that I had let him down, that I had failed in my duties as his wife and as a leader in our kingdom.But even as he spoke, I could see the love and concern in his eyes, and I knew that h
As I awaken in the hospital room, I am greeted by the sight of white walls and fluorescent lights. The room was small, with a single bed in the center, and medical equipment scattered throughout the space. I felt groggy, my head aching, and my stomach churning. The events leading up to my hospitalization were hazy, but a dull ache in my chest reminded me of the intense emotions that I was experiencing.As I looked around the room, my eyes caught a glimpse of the ashtray sitting on the bedside table. I reached out and picked up the ashtray, examining the contents. It was filled with cigarette butts, and the stench of smoke filled the air. I realized that I must have smoked an entire pack of cigarettes, one after the other, in an attempt to drown out my thoughts and emotions.I remembered taking swigs from a bottle of vodka, the warmth of the liquid filling my stomach as the alcohol took effect. I felt numb and detached from my surroundings, lost in a sea of self-pity and despair.Tears