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Chapter 2: The Lycan Kingdom

Lya’s P.O.V

I roll on soft ground, and it takes my breath away. I can't immediately get up. But as I open my eyes, I realize it's night, and I'm in a forest here too. Have I... Have I failed?

At that moment, I hear an owl hooting and intense relief washes over me. The Forest of Oblivion harbors no animals. This must mean I've succeeded. I manage to sit up and drag myself to a tree against which I lean with a sigh. Alright. And now?

I hadn't thought my escape through beyond using the portal. I need to know where I am. And I need to get a roof over my head. And... My thoughts stop when I hear footsteps approaching.

"I'm telling you, you're wrong, darling."

"Are you suggesting I'm crazy?"

"No, but..."

"I know what I saw! I saw a light, and I want to know what it is!"

It sounds like a couple arguing. They saw a light? Is it the light from the vortex? Should I flee now? Can I even move?

Suddenly, two people come into my field of vision. A couple. They seem to be of a certain age, but I struggle to make out their features. They approach me cautiously.

"Don't come any closer..."

My voice is weak and filled with apprehension. They stop and exchange a glance.

"We mean you no harm, child. I'm Emma. And him, that's my husband, Jack. What's your name?"

"Lya."

I'm not sure if it's wise, but I feel like trusting them.

"You look injured, Lya," Emma says in an almost motherly voice.

"I'm just tired."

I want to reassure her. I don't know why.

"We can help you get home."

"My family... I no longer... have a family."

The couple exchange a look. I'm sure there's pity in their eyes. Jack squats in front of me and offers me a hand.

"Then come with us," he says firmly.

"He's right, we can't leave you here. It's still cold at this time of year. And damp. The sun will be rising soon. I'll be able to prepare you a good breakfast!"

"What do you think?"

I look at Jack, who just asked me the question, then at Emma. I grasp the man's hand as firmly as I can. There's no harm in accepting a little help. I won't stay with them for long anyway.

After helping me up, Jack puts my arm around his shoulders, and Emma stands on the other side to support me as well. Their warmth soothes me. Emma almost talks non-stop during the journey. Jack eventually scolds her, saying she must be annoying me with her unnecessary chatter. And it makes me laugh. My first laugh since the tragedy. It hurts as much as it soothes me.

Jack and Emma live in a pretty little house with a very well-kept garden at the back. Their home is cozy, and in the light of the lamps, I can see that they are indeed of a certain age, even though they bicker like teenagers. I sense that they are not human. I know humans, their scent is distinctive. But I don't recognize theirs, even though it reminds me of something.

"Can I ask you a question?" I ask hesitantly.

"Of course!" Emma exclaims with enthusiasm, her gray eyes shining.

"Where am I?"

They are surprised by my question. I would be too in their place. A woman found in a forest, who says she has no more family and doesn't know where she is. Maybe they regret helping me now?

"You are in the capital of the Lycan Kingdom, Zéberta."

I can't hide my surprise. The Lycan kingdom? My saviors are Lycans? So that's why their scent vaguely reminded me of something. I see Jack scratching the back of his neck under Emma's disapproving gaze.

"We have to ask her, darling," he defends himself.

"Give her time," she says irritably.

"Is there a problem?"

"Well... I'd like to know how you ended up alone in this forest in the middle of the night," he answers hesitantly.

Emma elbows her husband, and he pretends to feel a twinge of pain. I find them adorable. They remind me so much of my parents. My heart aches.

"My family... They were all killed, and I... I fled... And here I am..."

"Oh goddess," Emma exclaims with a horrified look. "My dear!"

She walks around the central counter of her kitchen to hug me, and after hesitating for a moment, I finally relax and return her embrace.

A little warmth and tenderness, that's what I've been missing for a week. Just when I thought I'd never be able to cry again, tears burn my eyes before flowing freely as I hug the woman a little tighter. Emma shoots her husband a furious look, and his shoulders slump.

"Lya, I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to..."

"It's okay. I had to say it, sooner or later," I reassure him.

Reluctantly, Emma moves away from me.

"Come on, I'll prepare us a hearty breakfast! We all need to regain our strength."

"You can stay with us," Jack says, exchanging a knowing look with his wife. "We live alone. It doesn't bother us. Unless you have somewhere else to go?"

I shake my head negatively with a sniff.

"Then it's settled," Emma concludes.

The Lycan woman resumes preparing the meal with renewed enthusiasm, and we eat while chatting quietly. I let myself be carried away by their good humor and simplicity. I want to stay because I know they can help me turn the page. To find the taste of life again. All I hope is to be able to give them back what they seem ready to give me.

The following week, I spent most of my time in bed. I'm still weakened by the poison. I have to be patient and wait for my body to completely rid itself of it. I quickly discover that Jack is not much of a talker, unlike Emma.

"How are you feeling today?" she asks me.

"I need to get out! Otherwise, I'll go crazy!"

"So what are we waiting for?" she exclaims with enthusiasm.

I'm so grateful to them for not asking me more questions since I've been living with them. And today, the weather is beautiful, and she takes me to a nearby park. It's full of life. Children run around us, laughing.

Emma tells me about her life as a governess at the castle. Jack, on the other hand, was a guard. I know, because they told me, that they are seriously ill, and medicine can no longer help them. That's why they were dismissed from the castle with the King's consent, to spend their remaining days quietly. One night, in the secrecy of my room, I tried to use my healing magic, but my spell failed. I know it's a sign that their fate is sealed and that nothing can be done about it anymore. And I have no choice but to accept it.

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