The Trip

Lunabella's P.O.V.

I've decided! 

I'll go to that academy and find out anything I can about my father. 

"Don't forget to give us a call from time to time." Auntie Margaret said as she picked up my mother's luggage. 

I've been considering with whom I would leave my mom and realized that it's Auntie Margaret who cares for her the most. She's been so caring towards mom ever since; it's like her soul is so pure when it comes to mom. 

"Of course, thank you for doing the favor." 

"Don't mention it." 

We gave each other a hug before I left her house. 

When I finally made up my mind to go to the academy, I called her and told her everything. 

Although she refused to allow me at first, when I told her about some drama, she eventually gave in. 

She even gave me a few bucks to help me on my trip. 

I paid attention to what was ahead of me. 

I walked alone along the path leading out of my village, my mind filled with conflicting emotions. On the one hand, I was excited to be starting a new chapter of my life at Portia Academy. But on the other hand, I knew that I would miss my home and the people I had grown up with.

There's also a part of me that's scared of what I would encounter in the city. 

But, "I need to be strong!" I said, consoling myself, hoping to ease the nervousness I'm feeling. 

I need to keep in mind that always having this feeling won't help me, especially now that I'm alone. 

The distance from here to the city is a few hours' walk, and vehicles are so rare in this place that I wouldn't even know what they were if Josh didn't ride one. 

As I walked further away from the village, I couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness in my chest as I realized how much I would miss this quiet solitude.

But then I remembered why I was doing this. My mom and I had always been longing for Dad. I might as well do this before I die, so we can live peacefully without any regrets.

My heart started to beat faster as I walked through the forest to get to the city. Dad, guide me.

As I walked, lost in thought, I suddenly heard a rustling in the bushes ahead of me. I stopped in my tracks, my heart pounding in my chest.

"Hello?" I called out, trying to sound brave.

There was no answer, but the rustling continued. My mind raced with all sorts of possibilities, from wild animals to thieves.

How I wish it was just that stalker. 

"Ha…" Now that I think about him, he wouldn't do anything bad to my mom while I was away, right? 

I slap myself, as I forgot to tell Auntie Marga about that weird stalker. I just hope that he won't do any funny things while I'm away. I don't know what I can do to him if I find out that he did something. 

I'll give him the same thing that he gave my mom, even though he's an alpha. 

I took a deep breath, squared my shoulders, and continued walking. 

After walking for eternity, I saw a long, noisy vehicle ahead of me.

"What was that?" I am a stranger to that thing, but as soon as I saw people coming in and out of that thing, I walked faster in its direction.

"Hey!" I shouted to call the attention of the man who was collecting something from the people.

"What?" he said. 

"What is this thing?" I said, pointing to the long vehicle. 

He looks at me, confused. 

"A train, obviously?" 

"What does it do?" 

"It will transport you to the city." "Are you okay in your head?" 

I gasped. not minding the last sentence he spoke. 

"I will ride it!" "I am going to the city!" 

He looks at me from head to toe and asks for money. 

When I gave him the amount he asked for, he let me come in the thing he called "train."

As I sat on one of the seats, I gazed outside the window. 

I can't see our village from here.

Oh… I'm really doing it. I'm really going out of our village for the first time.

I felt a sense of determination fill me as I gazed at the forest. I would miss my village, but I knew that I had to find out what happened to my father.

With a deep breath, I close my eyes and pray for my safety.

**** 

"We're reaching our final destination; please check your luggage." A voice coming from a speaker woke me up.

I immediately look outside; we're not in the village anymore.

Later on, we were told to get off the train. 

As I stepped off the train, the noise of the city immediately hit me.

"This is it..." I'm finally in the city! 

I had never been to such a busy place before, and I could feel my heart pounding in my chest. 

I was here to find a way to travel to Portia Academy, but I didn't know where to start. 

"Hmm, where should I ask?" I can't even use my phone because Auntie Marga told me that the thing called "network" in our village won't work here. 

So, I don't have a choice but to ask someone personally.

As I walked down the street, I looked around in amazement. There were so many people, so many buildings, and so many things happening all at once. I felt like I was in a completely different world.

I looked around, taking in the sights and sounds with wide-eyed wonder. This was my first time in the city, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and awe!

I closed my eyes. I couldn't contain my excitement; I needed to calm down.

The streets were filled with people rushing back and forth, their footsteps echoing against the pavement. There were sellers on every corner of the street, selling all sorts of wares, from delicious-smelling food to trinkets and souvenirs. When I asked them, they called themselves "street vendors."

As I walked, I found myself getting caught up in the energy of the city. The noise and chaos that had initially seemed overwhelming now felt invigorating and alive.

I stopped at a street vendor to try some of the delicious-smelling food. 

"Woah…" There's a lot of food on a stick! 

And before I knew it, I was wandering the streets, enjoying all that the city had to offer.

But then, as I turned a corner, a pang of guilt and worry shot through me. Why had I come to the city in the first place? Oh, right, to attend Portia Academy and uncover the truth about my father.

For a moment, I felt a sense of shame for forgetting my purpose. But then I realized that it was okay to let myself enjoy the moment. I had come all this way, and it was only natural to take a moment to soak it all in.

So I continued walking; my spirits lifted, and my heart was light. As I gazed up at the towering buildings and listened to the bustling sounds of the city, I knew that this was just the beginning of a grand adventure. and I couldn't wait to see what else was in store for me.

Suddenly, someone bumped into me, and I let out a small yelp. "Sorry about that!" a voice said, and I looked up to see a friendly-looking woman smiling at me. "Ya new here?"

I nodded, feeling a little embarrassed. "Yeah, I'm trying to find my way to Portia Academy."

The woman's face lit up. "Oh, I know where that is!" "I can show you the way."

As she led me through the crowded streets, I couldn't help but feel a little scared. There were so many people and so many unfamiliar sights and sounds, and I didn't know what to expect. But the woman's kind words and friendly smile helped to calm my nerves.

Just how lucky was I to find someone like her? It looks like luck is on my side today. 

I walked behind the girl who had offered to show me the way to Portia Academy, feeling a sense of unease in the pit of my stomach. Something about her just didn't feel right, but I didn't want to jump to conclusions. After all, she was the only one who had offered to help me so far.

As we walked, I tried to shake off my unease and focus on the task at hand. I had to get to Portia Academy and find out what had happened to my father. That was all that mattered.

But then the girl suddenly turned to me with a wicked smile on her face. "You know, you shouldn't trust strangers easily," she said, her voice cold and menacing.

My mind raced as I tried to make sense of what was happening. 

Was she serious? Was this some kind of sick joke?

But then I realized that it didn't matter. I had to get away from her, no matter what.

As I tried to run, I felt a hand grab me from behind. I struggled with all my might, using every ounce of strength I had to break free.

Shit! Shit! Shit!

My eyes widened as I looked behind; there were too many of them! Where the heck did they come from?