Chapter 24
For the
first time in a long time, I felt like I could finally breathe.
I wasn’t sure how far or how long we were running. We stopped a few times to feed which only strengthen Alice that much more. I could only imagine how hungry she was after being in hibernation for so long. With the amount of trauma, she’s faced over the last 3 years, I was surprised she was able to break free from me.
Not that I was complaining. I was so relieved to have her with me again.
We finally slowed and I could feel her getting tired. We sat on the edge of the forest, on a small hill that overlooked the palace. Sometimes I forget what a beautiful sight the palace is; Alice always seems to remind me to stay in the present moment and to take in my surroundings. She keeps me grounded and feeling more alive than ever.
“I still feel weak,” she said softly; her voice a bit hoarse as it rang through my head.
“You’ve been through a lot,” I told her, keeping my tone just as soft. “It’s okay to still need rest.”
“We’ve returned home?” She asked as we continued staring at the palace.
“Yes,” I told her. “I couldn’t do it anymore. I left him. I had to.”
“It hurts…” she whispered. “It shouldn’t hurt. But it does.”
“He hurt us,” I told her in agreement.
“It’s more than that,” she said. “It feels like a piece of me is still missing. I should be happy that we are no longer being hurt by him. But I feel empty.”
I knew what she meant, and it broke my heart to hear her sounding so broken. I should have never let this happen to her. I was the only one to blame for this; for allowing Joseph to do this to us for so long. I shouldn’t have put my wolf in danger.
“I won’t let him hurt us again,” I told her. “I promise.”
I went with Peter to the Montroy pack’s research center. A few researchers that Peter was there to meet with were already seated at a long table. They had folders and papers sprawled out across the table and they were huddled together as they assessed each piece of information.
They all jumped as Peter entered. They stood instantly and bowed in our direction. I felt a bit awkward, but I made my way to the table and sat amongst
them.
“So, what’s the plan, your majesty?” One of the researchers asked. “Why did you want to meet with us?”
“Because Montroy is the most developed when it comes to medication. You have one of the top hospitals in the kingdom,” Peter told them.
“Yes, but we don’t have a cure for this virus. We would tell you if we did,” another researcher said, worry in his tone.
Peter nodded, understanding what he was saying.
“Yes, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have the ingredients and resources we need to develop a cure,” Peter told them.
They all looked at one another before turning back to Peter.
“It could take months before we find the right combination of ingredients though,” a researcher said with a frown.
“We don’t have months,” Peter told them. “Which is why I brought some extra help,” Peter said, gesturing for me. “Anna is one of the smartest I know and will help with this development. I have no doubts that she will lead us to success.”
They all stared at me curiously; I could feel my face reddening, but I kept my straightened posture and nodded my head to them, so they knew Peter was speaking the truth.
I wanted to remain as confident as I could.
“We need to work quickly and efficiently,” I agreed. “Peter will be working closely with the King’s pack hospital, while I work closely with the Montroy’s pack hospital. We don’t have much time to waste. I need to see what you’ve developed so far and what we can use for testing.”
