Chapter 11
Faith’s Pov
+25 Points
The lie was a heavy burden that made it hard to breathe. For 2 days, it was all
I told my father. I was so tired of pretending, but I couldn’t hurt him. He thought I was happy now, truly happy. He wanted to make up for my childhood. But he did do enough.
He loved me more than anyone ever had. His strong love made me both strong and weak, making me keep the lie going. So I kept making up stories about a life I didn’t have, a happiness I didn’t feel.
Still, I liked remembering the good parts of my childhood with him. Even with the bad times, my childhood was bright because of him.
We fished by the river, quiet except for the water and the fish pulling on the line. He taught me how to be patient, how to understand the water, and the fun of catching fish.
We also hunted. I couldn’t have a wolf like him, but I still felt wild and free. I’d ride on his back when he shifted, running through the old forest. The wind blew through my hair, and I smelled pine trees. It was the best feeling, like I truly belonged. I’ll never forget those times. They showed how much he
loved me.
But good things don’t last. I knew that for sure. I also knew that Astor’s warriors would likely look for me here first. I saw them right away.
On the first day, I saw a small movement in the woods that wasn’t an animal. On the second day, I saw a quick flash of metal. They were good at hiding, but I was better at watching. They had been watching my father’s cabin for two days. Their presence made me feel worried, even with my father.
I had to leave.
O
Chapter
+76 Post
“I’m glad your anger is gone, my little one.” My father said, in a warm voice as
he poured tea.
I had just told him I was “going back,” still lying. He believed me. He thought I was going back to my mate after a small fight. He didn’t know the life I was living, and I hoped he never would.
“I wasn’t going to stay forever.” I joked, trying to sound normal. My smile felt
fake.
He chuckled. “I know couples fight, but you don’t have to run away. I’ll forgive it this time, just because you visited your old dad. I missed you so much. Just don’t make it a habit, okay?”
I got up and hugged him. He held me tight. For a moment, I wanted to cry and let out all my sadness. But I was done crying. I was done being a victim. I had to be strong and face what I had to do.
I pulled back a little and looked at him. I asked the question we both avoided.
“Are you two back together?”
He looked at the fire, and his worried lines deepened. We hadn’t talked about her, the woman who hurt me. But I needed to know if he took her back. If he did, I’d still love him, but I’d feel differently about her and my own hopes.
He sighed. “No, of course not. But she’s my mate, little one. It’s hard to ignore that pull sometimes. It’s… instinct.”
I understood, but it still hurt a little. I was glad he was honest. He was my hero and always told the truth, even if it was hard.
“I’ll never forgive her for what she did,” I whispered. “But if you want her back, if you think she’d make you happy… then do what you want. You deserve all the happiness in the world, Dad.”
I knew they broke up because of me. He couldn’t forgive her for hurting me.
Chanter
+25 Pointo
He was a great, loving father, and my pain hurt him deeply. But I also felt the bad pain of being away from my own mat. It was like I couldn’t breathe sometimes. I knew it was even worse for my father. He had a wolf, so his feelings, his pain, were much stronger.
Saying goodbye felt like a part of me was torn away. I didn’t know if I’d ever see him again. It was goodbye to the only safe place I knew.
“I’ll call you, I promise,” I whispered, the lie tasting bittersweet.
He hugged me tighter, not knowing what I really meant.
As soon as I left the cabin, my lie changed into a plan to escape. I was very alert. I had watched Astor’s men for two days. I knew their paths, where they couldn’t see, and when they changed shifts. I could feel a small shake in the ground when they moved as wolves, and smell them slightly when they were human. They thought they were secret, but they didn’t know how desperate I was to be free.
My plan was simple but smart. I had to disappear without them knowing I
was truly gone.
Instead of the main path, which they surely watched, I turned into the thick forest behind the cabin. My father and I knew this forest well. It was full of old trees, bushes, and hidden valleys. It was my land. I knew it better than they did.
I moved quietly. I took off my jacket and left it on a low branch near a small animal trail. This tiny detail might make them think I was just taking a short walk or had gotten warm.
Near the deeper part of the woods, I found a spot I had marked. A group of thick, thorny bushes made a hidden tunnel down to a dry creek bed. It was small, hard to get through, and you couldn’t see it from above.
I squeezed through, the thorns catching my clothes.
3/4
I stopped once and looked back. I couldn’t see the cabin, just a dark outline against the fading light.
I probably will never see my father again soon, but at least I know he is safe
and happy
cphakath:28
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