Chapter 12

Sebastian's POV 

I rode through the forest, the wind whipping through my hair like the whispers of long-forgotten memories, and for a moment, I felt the sweet taste of freedom—a freedom I hadn’t known in far too long. The towering trees, their leaves dancing in the soft breeze, created a natural cathedral that filled my senses with the rustling of nature and the gentle serenade of bird songs. I inhaled deeply, letting the cool, crisp air fill my lungs, as if each breath could wash away the burdens of courtly life.

I needed this escape from the castle’s oppressive confines—a chance to clear my mind and untangle the web of responsibilities that weighed on me. The upcoming elders’ meeting, the simmering tension between Loretta and Alicia, and, most persistently, the thought of Elenor, haunted my every step. 

Always Eleanor. 

Despite our recent encounter, I couldn’t shake the feeling that she was the one—my true mate. How could such a profound connection exist between us and I hadn't noticed for the two years we were married? And yet, there it was, presently pulsing in my heart like a secret drumbeat I couldn’t ignore.

As I ventured deeper into the forest, a sudden, familiar scent teased my senses—a fragrance that stirred something deep within me. It was her. The unmistakable scent of Eleanor floated on the breeze, delicate yet insistent, drawing me off my chosen path. My heart skipped a beat as I veered in the direction of that elusive aroma. This was my territory, the sanctuary where I found solace, yet here she was, intruding upon my domain with her beta, Ryker, and a handful of guards.

I slowed my pace and found a concealed vantage point behind a thick stand of ferns. Hidden in the dappled shadows, I watched her intently. Eleanor moved with a quiet determination, her eyes scanning the forest floor as if deciphering some ancient, personal code. I couldn’t help but wonder: What was she searching for among these dense trees? Did it have something to do with our past—a past that was filled with both regret and unspoken longing? Or perhaps she sought to unravel secrets only she could comprehend?

A shiver ran down my spine as memories of the tragic day when Eleanor had died flooded back. I recalled the very forest where that fateful event unfolded - the grounds on which we both stood now. And yet, there she was, resurrected not only in memory but in flesh and purpose, determined to uncover something hidden in these ancient woods.

Mesmerized, I continued to observe her, my heart oscillating between admiration and an insatiable curiosity. There was something undeniably alpha in the way she moved, a raw strength that resonated with my own untamed spirit. Every measured step she took, every cautious glance cast at the undergrowth, spoke of a deeper quest. One I couldn't understand.

I couldn’t simply stand by and let this mystery go unexplored. The questions burned within me: What was it that she sought here? Was it redemption for our shared past, or a key to unlocking a future that might have been? My mind churned with conflicting emotions—a fierce desire to reach out to her mingled with the cold logic of remaining unseen.

Determined, I resolved that I would follow her, learn her purpose, and if fate allowed, help her uncover the secrets of that tragic day. With a final, lingering glance at her resolute figure, I spurred my horse forward, the soft thud of hooves on the forest floor echoing my resolve. In that moment, amidst the ancient trees and the quiet murmur of the wilderness, I embraced the certainty that my destiny was inextricably linked to hers—and that our paths were meant to converge once more.

And it could not be stopped.

Eleanor's POV 

I pushed through the thick undergrowth, every sense straining in the quiet wild of the forest. This morning, I’d woken with only one thought in my head—to find the spot where I was nearly killed. The memory of that night was a blur, hazy and fragmented, but I remembered enough: being dragged through these woods and left at the entrance of a dark, hidden cave. Now, I was determined to find it.

I walked slowly, deliberately, letting my nose guide me as much as my feet. I inhaled deeply, searching for a familiar scent—the damp earth, the musty odor of ancient stone, or even the hint of the cold water from a hidden stream where my lifeless body had cried to the Moon goddess. Yet every breath revealed only the ever-changing aromas of the forest, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was simply wandering in endless circles.

Beside me, Ryker kept pace, his eyes darting from shadow to shadow. His low voice broke the silence. “Are you sure this is a good idea, Eleanor?” he asked, genuine concern coloring his tone.

I nodded firmly, though my heart pounded with uncertainty. “I have to try, Ryker. I need to know what happened to me that night.” Even as I spoke, a determined fire lit within me. I couldn’t let the mystery of my near-death remain unsolved; I had to confront it, no matter the cost.

Hours slipped by as we made our way deeper into the forest. The terrain grew rugged; roots and fallen branches snaked across the path, and each step became a test of my resolve. I stumbled more than once, forcing myself to push aside thick, tangled branches, and every time my heart pounded louder in my chest. Still, I pressed on, fueled by the memory of the terror I’d felt, and the hope that understanding my past might free me from its hold.

In my mind, the night played over and over—the helpless drag through the forest, the overwhelming darkness, and above all, the sound of running water in the distance. That sound had stayed with me, a beacon in the darkness, whispering that if I could just find it, I might be led to the cave. Yet, as the forest stretched endlessly before us, that sound remained elusive—a faint murmur hidden beneath the rustle of leaves and the call of distant birds.

I felt a creeping doubt that perhaps I was chasing a ghost, a wild goose with no substance. Sensing my faltering spirit, Ryker’s hand gently rested on my shoulder. “We’ll find it, Eleanor,” he said softly. “We just have to keep looking and trust our instincts.”

Drawing strength from his quiet assurance, I took a deep breath and squared my shoulders. The trees began to close in, their shadows deepening as the afternoon light waned. I nearly lost my footing on a concealed root, but Ryker’s quick grasp prevented a fall. “Careful,” he murmured, his tone warm with concern.

I nodded, determination surging within me once more. I wasn’t about to give up now—not when I was so close to uncovering the truth. I promised myself that I would follow the hint of water, track it to the cave, and finally piece together the fragments of that fateful night. With every step, my resolve grew stronger, and despite the uncertainty, I pressed forward into the heart of the forest, ready to fa

ce whatever secrets lay hidden in the darkness