Chapter 15: Peace

Alinta was feeling overwhelmed, so Angela stepped in and shifted, sprinting with fierce energy as she sensed her person's raw emotions. "Als, you did so well, and I am proud of you, but you don’t need to appear strong in front of me. Let it out; you can't keep everything bottled up inside." Taking a deep, trembling breath, Alinta began to weep uncontrollably.

"That's it. Once we get home, I’ll comfort my sister," Angela comforted as she skillfully raced toward their cottage. She didn’t stop, her large, clawed paws digging into the earth with each fleeting stride. Her fluffy tails fluttered in the wind, making her look like an elegant firework shooting through the forest, ready to burst into flames at any moment.

Finally, Angela reached the cottage, but she hadn't transformed back just yet. Instead, she took the key gently in her mouth and unlocked the door. Once inside, she kicked the door closed with her hind leg and made her way to her mother's room. She carefully climbed onto the bed and lay down, closing her eyes as she searched with Alinta in their mind.

Alinta, curled up and crying, didn’t notice Angela approaching her. "Als, I’m here," Angela said tenderly. Alinta flung her arms around Angela's neck, burying her wet face in her soft fur and sobbed loudly. Even Angela shed a few tears; the completed severed bond had made them emotionally vulnerable, causing all the old feelings they had bottled up to resurface and hit them hard. Alinta clung to her wolf, while Angela released a long, mournful howl.

"I’m s…sorry, Ange. You probably think I’m pathetic. I feel so weak," Alinta muttered between sobs.

"The only flaw you have is that you’re too kind for your own good. Now listen to me!" Angela said firmly. "You are the strongest woman I know. You may not be as aggressive or quick to anger as I am, but you can endure any hardship that comes your way with grace and elegance. You've been through so much. In all the years we've been together, this is the first time I’ve seen you cry like this. There’s nothing wrong with crying; there’s a reason we can express that emotion."

"I am crying over something so absurd, I need to be happy that we are finally free from Eddison. Also, what was said about Bellinor? I’ve lost it all because I just don't know anymore. I know I am not making sense, I sound stupid."

Angela released a small laugh and reassured her person, "You're actually handling this a lot better than other werewolves. The rejection process is one of the most painful experiences a werewolf has to endure. Look at you—you were able to keep your composure and walk out of the room. Hell, you even had the strength to shove that arsehole away from you. So, of course your emotions are going to be messed up. Would you believe me if I said I feel exactly the same way?

"These tears are long overdue. I am here for you, my dearest Alinta," said Angela as she curled her two tails around her person and pulled her close, resting her head against Alinta's. The young woman cried her heart out for most of the night until she fell asleep. Eventually, Angela allowed her wolf form to transform into Alinta’s sleeping form on their mother's bed.

The following morning, Alinta was woken by her buzzing phone. Groggily, she sat up and rummaged through her handbag for it. As soon as she saw the messages, she fully awakened; her screen displayed a bunch of notifications about travel arrangements, paid accommodations, and ticket confirmations. Alinta scratched her head, puzzled because she hadn't even visited any website to book bus or plane tickets.

"Morning, Als! How are you feeling?" hummed Angela sweetly.

"Morning, Ange. Um, did you use my phone last night by any chance?" Alinta asked distracted.

"No, why would I do that if I was needed by my person to comfort her?"

"Look," Alinta said wearily.

Angela looked through Alinta’s eyes at what was displayed on the phone screen. "Holy shit! Who? But how?" Angela exclaimed, shocked. Before Alinta could respond, another message popped up on the screen—this one was from Helen.

Morning, sweets! If you get some spam on your phone, don’t stress; it’s all legit, accompanied by a wink emoji.

"No way! That woman is the best!" Angela gasped excitedly.

"No way indeed! I can't accept this," Alinta exclaimed, horrified, quickly dialling Helen's number.

"Hello," answered a smug voice.

"Don't you ‘hello’ me as though you’re clueless! Heli, I can't let you do this."

"Do what? Be the best friend anyone could ever have?" Helen snickered.

"I am going to pay you back; I have your banking details," Alinta threatened with a smirk.

"No! Wait, let me explain! It's an early birthday present!"

"What?"

"Yup, my birthday gift to you. Well, part of your gift."

"Part? No, you do too much for me already!"

"Sweets, it's actually the other way around. You’ve helped me, and I owe you my life," Helen smiled while looking at a large document in her hand.

"You being my friend is reward enough," Alinta reassured anxiously.

"How about this: accept everything I arranged for you, and that will be your only birthday gift from me. Also, when my big day comes, you can spoil me in return."

"Helen,..."

"Pleeeeeease, it will hurt my fragile heart if you throw this back in my face," she cried. Alinta could only visualize her puppy-dog eyes and desperate face.

"Okay, okay! Thank you, but I will get you back on your birthday," Alinta sighed in complete defeat.

"You need to chill, madam, and promise me you will have fun."

"I promise, and Ange says thank you while scolding me in the background," Alinta giggled.

Helen laughed out loud and then said, "Only a pleasure, Ange! Now you relax and enjoy your day while getting excited for your big trip in four days. Mwah! Chat later, sweets." With that, she hung up.

"Things will get better, Als. See this as the beginning," Angela said warmly.

"Thanks, Ange. I think you're right. Let's focus on these four days to plan everything perfectly."

The following days flew by in the blink of an eye. This was the first time Alinta and Angela were ever going to leave Umbre Valley, and they wanted to be well-prepared. Their moods lifted as their severed bond healed. An added comfort was that they hadn’t seen or heard from Bellinor at all. Believing he finally got the message made Alinta feel even freer and more content with life.

Now it was evening, and Alinta stood by the door with her luggage open, ticking off items on her list.

"Als, you’ve checked like four times; I'm sure nothing is going to disappear," Angela laughed.

"I know; I'm just too excited and nervous at the same time! Okay, this will be the last time, I promise."

"Sure it will," Angela teased, content to see Alinta this way.

"Okay, the large suitcase is complete—check. The duffle bag is also packed—all I need to do is check my handbag, and then I can switch off the lights."

"Great! We have a long trip ahead of us. Two days is no joke—first the taxi, then the bus station, and the airport?" Angela asked.

"Yup. After we land, we have another five-hour shuttle ride to the hotel. I’m so grateful Helen helped; she planned everything so perfectly that we can enjoy the trip without worrying about anything."

"Yes, even the intervals between each flight and bus trip are scheduled perfectly, allowing us to avoid rushing to catch the next one. That woman is a doll!"

Once Alinta was finally convinced that she had completed all her checks, she took a shower and went to bed. However, sleep did not come easily as the two continued chattering in excitement about the adventure that awaited them.