https://youtu.be/OsOuVb5ql9o

Not edited. I'm not 100% in love with this chapter but it kind of had to happen for the story to move forward. :)

Adelina awoke as thunder rolled outside. She sat straight up in the bed gasping for air. Wiping her forhead clean of the cold sweat that had formed, Adelina lifted herself up out of bed and moved towards the window.

The same nightmare had been haunting her dreams since that night she escaped from the compound. The night she had been rescued by the werewolves which had been exactly a week ago. She sat herself down on the window sill and watched as lightning lit up the sky, followed by a roll of thunder. She sat there for hours staring out into the forest watching as the trees swung back and forth with the wind and the rain glided off the leaves.

"You look like you barely slept." Aaron said as Adelina lurched into the living room. "Nightmares still?"

"Yeah... Where is Madelina?" Adelina asked, changing the subject.

"I'm sure she is out getting some fresh eggs for breakfast this morning."

Aaron had been cheerful since being reunited with his wife, Madelina. She had been there when they had rescued and Adelina was sure they would never let each other go. The love they had was something quite deep and special.

"Are you actually going to get out of the house today?" Aaron questioned. "You've stayed locked up in this house since the incident. Don't you think it is time to get some fresh air? The village we have here has a lovely lake and waterfall. I think you could use some sun too."

"I might." Adelina grumbled. "I'm still a bit weak from blood loss, you know."

"Ah well I think maybe some sun might energize you some. Adelina, you are welcome here for as long as you want, but I don't think keeping yourself locked up inside is healthy. I know what happened back at the compound was awful and I know your family is still there, but you must try to find some kind of peace. Your heart may never heal completely but you can find a bit of happiness somewhere."

"It's just hard." Adelina sniffled. "I watched my sister die in front of my eyes and I couldn't stop it. And I left my parents and sisters behind. I left and ran without them. Do you know how awful this makes me feel?" Adelina had been sulking, but with good reason. She didn't know how to live without them. She wasn't sure how she would ever smile again.

"I know Adelina. I understand."Aaron said walking over to her. "But we are trying to find a way right now back into the compound to rescue your family. We will figure this out okay?"

Adelina nodded.

"I'm home and I brought eggs." Madelina's voice rang out in the small room as a smile lit up Aarons face.

Madelina entered the room just in time for Aaron to sweep her into a tight hug.

"Hey, don't make me drop these eggs." Madelina exclaimed.

"Hold on to them tighter because I am going to do this every time I see you." He said kissing her on the nose. The two sat there in each others arms a moment before Madelina broke apart and began going to work on the food.

"Do you want some help Madelina?" Adelina questioned.

"Sure! Help me crack and scramble these eggs up. Aaron likes them with a bit of spice so I'll separate his out so we can make them ridiculous hot." Madelina laughed as they began to crack the eggs. "He is always eating the spiciest food not sure how he can even stand it."

"I like things spicy, what can I say?" Aaron chuckled as Madelina tossed a egg shell in his direction.

"Adelina is here!" She exclaimed. "Can't you be on your best behavior."

"This is my best behavior darling." He said dodging another eggshell.

"You two are ridiculous." Adelina giggled before catching herself.

"AH see I knew you would laugh again." Aaron stated. "You just have to stop letting the guilt eat you up.

After a tasty meal, Aaron had work to do so he left for the office. Madelina left shortly after leaving Adelina alone. The quietness seeped in and Adelina's mind began to twist and turn. Tessa's screams sounded out as Adelina's heart began to race. Throwing on a light jacket and some shoes, Adelina decided to try and keep herself occupied with a short walk. She pranced out the door and into the woods. Her feet carried her in different directions, swiftly moving through the dense forest. Rushing water could be heard nearby and she remembered Aaron say there was a waterfall close. Adelina quickly followed the sound towards the water. The leaves crunched under her feet and soon she came to a clearing. In the clearing stood a tall waterfall.

Adelina's eyes grew bigger at the beauty that surrounded her as she moved closer to the waterfall. The waterfall wasn't tall but long. The water cascaded down and a small isle stood in the center with a beautiful weeping willow in the center. Her breath hitched in her throat as she watched the bright blue water cascade over vines into a pool of water below. Adelina made her way to the edge and planted herself. She watched as some small black fish swam around in circles, occasionally coming up to attempt to catch a bug that had landed on the water. She let the water put her into a peaceful lull.

A twig snapping in the distance broke her peaceful daze as she moved to her feet. She twirled around as she saw a figure coming towards her, losing her balance she began to fall back towards the pool of water behind her. Two strong arms encircled her waist as she came face to face with a man she didn't recognize.

"I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to scare you." He said as his deep voice broke the silence.

"Yeah.. I am a bit easy to scare right now." Adelina laughed as she studied the man who stood in front of her. He had curly blonde hair that cut down to his chin. His eyes were crystal blue with tiny specks of gold. He smiled at her and she noticed dimples on the sides of his face. She couldn't help but return his smile as he let her go.

"I am sorry again."

"Oh it is fine. I was just letting the water lul me a bit and should have been paying attention."

"I understand. This spot is quite peaceful isn't it?" He said walking towards the edge. "I come here to think and in the summer it makes for a perfect swimming spot. The water stays cool and refreshing and this fish don't have teeth." He chuckled.

"Yeah it is beautiful. I've never seen anything quite like this before. We had a stream where I lived but nothing quite like this."

"But I bet you enjoyed that during the summers?" He inquired.

"Yes..we did." Adelina choked thinking about the summers Daniel and her family had spent at the stream and swimming holes in her village. "Some of the best memories I have." A tear slipped down her cheek. "I'm sorry. I don't mean to be like this."

"Oh no it's okay. I'm a really good listener." He smiled down at her again. "Oh.. I should probably introduce myself. I am Folke."

"My name is Adelina."

"Oh I know." He said as Adelina looked questiongly. " I was part of the rescue mission to help you and Aaron. Besides, this village is so small, nobody would move in without everyone knowing."

"Oh.." Adelina said trailing off.

"Would you like me to walk you back to Aarons place in a bit. No rush, but I'd hate for you to get lost."

Adelina smiled up at him. "Yeah that would be nice, but do you mind showing me into town first. I just wanted to get familiar with this place since I'll be staying here and I haven't left since...."

"Sure! Follow me and I can show you all the town. Should only take a minute or two with how small it is." Folke said letting a booming laugh out and Adelina couldn't help but return the gesture, rolling into laughter.

Folke began walking and promptly showed her into and around the village. Everyone was busy with work, but a few stopped and greeted her with a friendly shake. After trying to get a hold of where everything was Folke began to lead Adelina back towards Madeline and Aarons house.

"It is so quiet out here I understand why they built the house out and away from everyone." Folke commented.

"Yeah, but the village seems quiet too."

"It is but small villages can also be filled with gossip and sometimes a bit of pesturing too. Out here they can be away from it all and prying eyes." He stopped as the stepped up the front porch. "If you'd like I can show you around the forest sometime so you can find your way around."

"That would be nice. I'm afraid I could wander these woods for hours and never make my way back. They seem daunting."

"They can be."

Adelina grasped the handle to the door. "Thank you for showing me around the village. I appreciate your help."

"Any time Adelina." Folke said as he descended down the stairs. "I'll come by tomorrow and see if you're up for some more exploring." He smiled as he waved. Adelina went into the quiet house and sat herself down on the sofa. She smiled to herself realizing she had made herself a friend in the village.

She laid her body down on the sofa closing her eyes and finding herself in a peaceful dream

Please vote and comment if you enjoyed <3 it means a lot to me. Also I'm going to be participating in the summer block party so let me know if there is anything you'd like to see!!

<3 Until next week.