25 - Emotions

The rented SUV tires dug through the gravel road leading out of the aerodrome. Three days had passed since we experienced the chaos of darkness. On a brief call with Caroline, we realized Alpha Xavier's condition did not permit him to travel, but we couldn't just get up and leave the castle either. Caution is the word of the day, not to say of the century. There were no guarantees the darklings weren't going to attack us next. Adrian had to strategize a defense plan before leaving Connor in charge while he was gone. Evelina remained unconscious, and Jonas feared they would lose her if they didn't reunite with their Alpha soon.

I clutch my hand to my chest, feeling the anxiety building up as my gaze recognizes the blue pine plateau from behind the front passenger's window. I'm happy to be back, but at the same time, it's clear why I wanted to leave in the first place. Calling it home feels incongruous. Yes, I was born and raised here, but I never belonged.

Carl's men emerge from th