Chapter 2 (The Escape)

Athena's POV

The pain cut deep, and I could hear my mother's anguished screams. But what scared me more wasn't just that my supposed mate wanted me dead. 

It was the unsettling desire within me, almost welcoming the thought of him ending my mystery.

I couldn't muster the strength to plead my innocence. Back in the dungeon, I was left motionless, unable to cry or do anything. 

Since the final sentence, no one has tortured me. I was just left there, drowning in my misery.

I wondered how my heart made it through the night, replaying my situation endlessly in my mind.

The next day marked Luna's funeral. As the pack celebrated, my mother reached out to me through the mind link.

"We'll get you out of there my Athena" she confidently said.

"Mother, perhaps I'm better off dead than alive" I told her, losing all hope.

"Don't ever say that! You have been nothing but a blessing to me and your father. You must live and I know we'll be reunited someday, just wait for my signal" she concluded.

My words of encouragement and love made me realize there might be hope for me after all.

Now I'm determined to leave, I'm only worried about my parents and what will happen when they get caught.

As the sunset, the howling of wolves pierced the air, signalling the peak of the ceremony.

The dungeon door swung open, and my mother rushed in, tears streaming down her face as she checked if I was okay.

My father appeared, looking fearful. "There's no time for this, ladies. She needs to leave now!" my father advised.

We rushed outside, and I gasped as I saw the guards lying motionless on the ground.

"Don't worry, dear, they're asleep, not dead," my father reassured me. His knowledge of herbs and medicines made this no surprise.

"Go through the southern region where encounters with others are less likely. We scattered your clothes across the forest. The scent will confuse anyone trying to trace your path" My father assured me.

"Here, take this" my mother handed me a small bag. 

"You can't carry anything heavy, so I've packed a modest amount of meat and water to support you. Go as far as your legs can carry you" she said, tears streaming down her face.

I embraced them tightly before swiftly dashing off, running at my utmost speed.

Lucky for me, the forest was just behind the dungeon, so I didn't hear anyone. I ran and ran, feeling like my heart would explode.

The fear of getting caught and the unknown consequences pushed me forward. I ran until I couldn't hear drums or any sound from the pack.

Stopping to catch my breath, I realized I was not as strong as other werewolves since I did not have a wolf, and I couldn't heal as fast either.

The hot iron they placed on my thighs as torment in the dungeon is yet to heal and continues to cause pain.

After a few minutes, I started running again, aimlessly but carefully not to leave the Southern region.

It got very dark, and I could hardly see anything, but I had to continue. I knew sooner or later they'd find out I was gone. I continued, slowing down my pace when I got tired.

I ran and stumbled, rolling over a hill. I heard something break. It's my rib. By that time, it was almost sunset.

Struggling to move due to weakness and hunger, I opted to pause and rest. 

Getting the meat my mother had provided, I found myself overcome with emotion, tears streaming down my face.

Having never ventured beyond the Cone pack or lived separated from my parents, I unleashed screams of pain and anguish.

Realizing the need for strength, I consumed the meat hastily, driven by days of starvation. I carefully kept what little remained.

As nature took its course, I gave in to sleep, only to be jolted awake by a nightmare. Damian menacingly wielding a blade, threatening to cut my head.

Despite my weakened state, I acknowledged the urgency of the rising sun and forced myself to move forward.

Throughout the day, I kept going, taking periodic breaks. By the third day, my supply of meat was used up.

Encountering a pack, fear gripped me, reluctant to seek help. 

Damian's determination threatened me. He would scrape nearby packs in relentless pursuit.

To evade detection, I circled the pack and pressed on with my journey. 

Days passed, my provisions were exhausted, and the worsening condition of my injuries, particularly the bleeding from my thigh, worsened.

Regardless I kept going until I couldn't anymore, I slumped on the ground. "Help, please help" I murmured.

My vision became blurry, is this the end for me? Did I manage to escape death in the hands of Damian only to die here? My heart and body were aching and I gradually drifted into unconsciousness. 

Awakening in an unfamiliar room, I found my mother standing over me. Confusion gripped me, is this heaven? Why is my mother here? I reached out, touching her face.

"Mother" I whispered weakly, tears streaming down my face.

A strange voice interrupted, "I'm not 'mother' but I'm glad you're awake". Clearness dawned as the young lady's face came into focus. I hastily withdrew my hand, startled by the unexpected revelation.

She had gray eyes like mine, I had never seen anyone with my kind of eyes. She has long red hair and she's very beautiful. Is she an angel? 

"Where am I?" I inquired.

"You've been seriously injured and unconscious for days. Right now, you need more rest" she replied, evading my question.

"First things first, my name is Tala" she added with a smile before making her way out.

Aware I wasn't in Cone pack, her unfamiliar face provided a small comfort. Summoning my remaining strength, I sat up, surveying the room. 

Despite its modest size, it was meticulously arranged and tidy, adorned with various axes neatly displayed on the walls, a setting looking like that of a warrior's abode. 

Perhaps, Tala's father held the mantle of a skilled warrior. She returned with a tray of food, delicately placing it before me.

"Eat, you need energy" she said, her words marked by a polite tone.

Initially hesitant, my hunger persisted, and I began devouring the offered delicacy.

"Hey, take it easy. You don't want to choke on that" she cautioned, but I brushed off her warning and continued munching.

"Thank you" I expressed my gratitude. She sat in a chair, smiling.

"It's nothing" she repeated with a warm smile.

"Thank you very much for taking care of me" I insisted. She nodded, maintaining her silence.

"So, where am I? And who brought me here?" I inquired.

"What is your name?" she asked, once again avoiding my question. In my vulnerable state, I chose to comply.

"I'm Athena George". 

"I found you half-dead in the forest and brought you here myself" she revealed.

Surprised by her petite stature, I wondered how she managed to carry me. Maybe it's not too far from here, I assumed.

"You were very far, deep into the forest" she confirmed, as if reading my thoughts.

"I'm Tala, the Gamma of the pack" she introduced herself. I was taken aback. She seemed too young and gentle to hold such a position.

"You're in Stormwind" she added.

Dread filled me. Their Lycan, Ralph's notorious reputation had spread widely. Killing his uncle and taking the role of Lycan at a young age. 

Known for his ruthlessness, no Alpha dared to challenge him. The prospect of facing Ralph seemed more dreadful than the idea of being executed by Damian.