Forbidden Mate: Awakening

~LILY’S POV~

As I approached the grove, my heart sank at the sight that greeted me. The once serene and harmonious place now lay in shambles, scattered with remnants of a fierce battle. Broken branches, destroyed sheds, torn foliage, and the lingering scent of blood filled the air. The training field which I once knew as calming spot now painted a picture of the chaos that had unfolded. I saw a little girl hiding under a dismantled part of the car, shivering in fear and so I went to meet her:

“Hey, are you alright? Why are you here.” I asked softly.

Her huge blue orbits stared at me, “I’m scared…”

“Why aren’t you in the safehouse?”

“Mommy…mommy is gone…” and then she pointed at an horrific sight. Her mother was laying in her pool of blood which had already turned black in colour, and her head was detached from her body. I saw her a bite mark to her neck and her eyes were completely white. My face contorted in disgust and I held the girl closer to my chest so she couldn’t see it herself, as if she hadn’t seen it before I got there.

“I’ll get you safe…I’ll get you safe…” I said to comfort her and carried her in my arms as I walked further into my home which was looking so foreign to me now.

I walked hesitantly into the frontier, my heart pounding with nervousness. Some of the people around who were busy moving objects and bodies turned to me, their faces showing surprise and disbelief. I bumped into someone and realized it was that guard I had tried to seduce that night.

He looked abashed, as if he just saw a ghost, “Mistress, you’re alive?!”

I looked at him, confused, “Of course I’m alive. Take me to my parents.”

He gulped and nodded several times before escorting me in. Before I entered I saw a maid and called her, “Hey, get her cleaned up and give her food.”

When the maid took the girl in her arms, and they were walking away, it’s as if she told me, “Thank you,” as her blue eyes remained on me. That was odd. Little werewolves don’t have the power to do that.

The guard called back my attention, “Mistress?”

“Oh. Yes…”

I breathed in and then he opened the door.

Entering the room, I felt a mix of emotions. It had been so long since I saw my parents, and I wondered how they would react.

My parents who were standing at the front and discussing, immediately shifted their eyes to me. When my mom saw me, her face filled with shock. She took a step back and tears welled up in her eyes.

“Lily? Is it really you?” she asked, her voice shaking with a surprise and happiness.

I couldn’t stop my tears as I ran into her arms, hugging her tightly. “Yes, Mom, it’s me,” I said softly, relieved. “I missed you so much.”

Dad, overwhelmed with emotions, hurried over and joined our embrace. His voice broke as he spoke to me, “Oh Lily, we thought…I thought…. oh, my child. You’re finally back and you’re okay.”

“I am, Dad.” My mom pulled away, still crying, and I hugged my dad tightly. This was the first time he had ever hugged me like this in front of other people and he didn’t care.

“I won’t have been able to forgive myself if anything had happened to you.” He wailed.

“No, don’t say that, father…you’ve trained me to be strong even during adversity. That’s exactly what I was.” I drew back and he rubbed my cheeks softly.

“My dear daughter…” He said lovingly and wiped the last tear off his cheek.Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

“I told you our Lily is strong and she will come back. I told you.” My mom said to my dad and kissed my cheek and forehead.

My dad told the maids to make sure I had everything I needed. “What are you still standing there for? Go and prepare a bath for her. She’s finally back home,” he said, his voice laden with happiness.

Amidst the tears and emotions, I felt a deep sense of comfort and belonging. Being in their arms again, surrounded by their love, made me realize how much I had longed to see them again, safe, healthy and most importantly, alive. They held me close, whispering words of relief and love, but I could sense their sadness and guilt beneath it all.

Even though they didn’t say it, I could feel their regret for not showing the same concern for Adrian. They hadn’t cared to ask about him but I didn’t bother mentioning. It hurt, but I chose to keep my thoughts to myself, focusing on our reunion.

As the maids busied themselves with my needs, embalming my bruises, I was happy that I was truly home.

My mom’s heart broke when she saw the chain marks around my wrists, “Who did this to you?”

“My captor.” I said flatly and they looked at each other.

Through tears and tight embraces, I gathered myself and began sharing my terrifying journey. I described how the vampires attacked Adrian and I, the hardships I faced, the cruelty of the vampire coven, and the bizzare plans Leo had. Each word carried the weight of my experiences, and my parents and the pack listened closely, their facial expressions changing with every sentence I spoke.

“So, Audrey was right?” My dad said and I squeezed my face.

“What did she say?” I asked them.

“That you were attacked and kidnapped by vampires and she was there but wasn’t able to save you.”

As soon as I heard that, I mentally rolled my eyes. She was still up to her evil tricks.

“No, dad. She was lying to you. Well maybe she guessed right but it was only Adrian, the escorts and I that the vampires attacked that evening. She was deceiving you all.” I said with a loud voice.

“But why would she do that?” My mom asked.

“Because that’s who she is. She’s not to be trusted, father.”

My dad nodded in agreement, “She’s ran away now in escape from banishment so I can believe what you’re saying.”

Audrey? Banished? By who? I really had missed much.

But I had rather rest now and get myself first before I start thinking of what to do next.

“You should get yourself cleaned up, dear. I’ll talk to the elders about this vampire menace.” My father told me before exiting into his room.

My mom gave me a hug and escorted me to the room.

Everyone welcomed me back with open arms, eager to support me in any way they could. Though they hadn’t shown as much concern for Adrian, their love for me remained eminent.

I soaked in the milk and salt bath made for me and thought about Adrian. I wonder how he’d be fairing there. Who am I kidding? He’s still in a coma and that beast called Leo would still be unleashing his anger on him.

Poor Adrian. I covered my face as tears rolled down. I had abandoned him but I knew it was for the greater cause. I already promised to save him and that, I would do.

Suddenly, I heard Don’s voice as if he was walking past my room.

“Don?”