MILLIE BROWN

After our brief conversation, he asked me to sit still, and for some reason, this time, I felt like I should listen to him. From the back room where I sat, I could hear patrons coming in and out of his shop.

He was so nice to them, using a friendly tone and warm words. But to me? He acted like I was a parasite he couldn't wait to get rid of. Then again, I was acting like a parasite, wasn't I?

I need to think clearly. The sun would be going down soon, and he'd probably come back with that same brooding expression. His eyebrows drawn together, lips pressed into a tight line, the kind of look that sent shivers down my spine and reminded me I was overstaying my welcome. He'd most likely say something along the lines of, "The sun is down. Now leave."

The thought made me laugh a little in my head. Yeah, that sounded just like him.

What do I do next?

Okay, let's start with what we do know. We came to this world through a portal, but is this world another dimension? Another planet? Or just a hidden part of our own world? I have no idea, which makes it difficult to think about going back—especially with the Isilaven stone gone.

If I can't go back, then what can I do? Find Leah? No, not until I was sure what was going on.

And then there's Shane. Why did he follow me? What did he want with me? There were too many uncertainties, too many things I didn't know. Would I ever find my way back to Allister? Would this all end up being a distant memory, a nightmare I could laugh about later?

Mom.

Mom was buried, and I couldn't even attend her funeral. Was she looking down at me right now?

The thought hit me hard, and a piercing pain shot through my head. I saw her in a vision, sitting beside me, watching a glowing orb. Her face was calm, peaceful, but something felt wrong.

Was this a past memory? I don't remember this happening.

"Remember, Millie, this is for your own good," she had said, just before someone came from behind and knocked my head with a bat.

everything went black. I could hear voices around me, but they were too far, too distant to make out.

"Millie! Millie!"

I felt someone shaking me, dragging me out of the vision. I blinked, disoriented, and saw Caelum crouched beside me. I looked around and realized I was still in the shop. The sun no longer shone through the windows.

"Did I...what just happened?" I asked, still groggy.

"You were screaming in your sleep," he said, eyes scanning my face. "Your magic felt unstable."

"I think I was dreaming..." I whispered, my voice barely audible.

"You need rest. Your life force is still weak from using the portal." He reached out and covered my eyes gently with his hand.

"What are you doing?" I tried to pull away, but his touch was firm yet oddly comforting.

"Just trust me," he said, his voice low and soothing. "Open up to me."

I hesitated but finally relaxed into his touch. My other senses heightened as my sight was blocked out.

He began to hum a soft melody, one that wrapped around me like a warm blanket. His voice was enchanting, almost ethereal, and I felt an overwhelming sense of peace wash over me. It was the kind of melody that made you forget the world was a scary place.

After a few moments, he stopped and slowly pulled his hand away. I blinked, adjusting to the light again, and we were caught in an awkward silence. He cleared his throat and walked away, clearly uncomfortable.

"You can't cheat nature," he said, his back to me now. "Your body still needs to rest, even if you feel better."

"I feel fine now," I protested. He glanced at me, then quickly looked away. He walked to the counter, and that's when I noticed the food laid out.

There were two bowls of soup on the counter, spaced far apart. I pointed to the one on the right. "Is this mine?"

He didn't answer, just grabbed a piece of bread and started eating quietly.

"Thank you," I said softly, taking the bowl and moving to the chair opposite him.

"What are you doing?" His voice was sharp, and his expression shifted, growing tense.

"Eating," I said with a smirk. He sighed, and I could see the exhaustion in the way his shoulders sagged and the tiredness in his eyes.

"So, Caelum—"

"I like to eat in silence," he cut me off, clearly not in the mood for conversation. I rolled my eyes, used to his antics.

"I just......."

"Stop, whatever it is you want to say, just don't. I have no interest in being pulled into whatever it is you have going on. I just want to live the rest of my life in peace and quiet," he says, and takes a quiet breath before he continues "I am not nice enough, nor do I care enough, to help you out. So this food is my last act of kindness to you. I hope we never see each other again." He finished, and I took in his words in silence.

"I was just going to say, thank you for your help. I heard the guards, and I know you took a risk. So, thank you," I said and continued my food in silence.

We ate in silence, and once we were done, I followed him out of the shop, and watched as he locked up.

The air was chilly, a light breeze making me shiver. The city, though, was absolutely breathtaking. I hadn't noticed it earlier in the chaos of running from the guards, but now it struck me how alive everything was.

The city looked like a scene from a futuristic dream. The streets were lined with vibrant lights, glowing in shades of blue, green, and purple. People filled the streets, children laughing as they ran by, their playful howls blending into the festive atmosphere. Wolves walked among the crowd, their eyes alert, their bodies graceful and strong.

Above, streetlights lit up the sky, casting a warm glow on the buzzing marketplace. Tall buildings rose into the air, their sleek designs reflecting the moonlight, while colorful signs advertised various shops and services. One sign caught my eye—Shane's face plastered across it, alongside Leah's. Their faces were everywhere, like a royal couple watching over their city.

Caelum noticed me shivering and sighed. He took off his cloak and draped it around my shoulders.

"I thought the food was your last act of kindness," I teased, trying to hide my gratitude.

"Where will you go?" he asked instead of responding.

I smiled weakly. "I'll figure something out. I always do." The truth was, I had no idea where to go. Fear gnawed at me, but I couldn't show it. Not to him. He deserved peace after everything he'd done for me.

Caelum looked like he wanted to say something more but stopped himself. For a moment, I felt a strange connection between us, like I could sense his worry.

"I'm stronger than I look," I said, forcing a smile. "Thanks for the cloak." I wrapped it around myself, turning to make my way down the alley.

I started down the street, wrapping the cloak even more tightly around me. The city's nightlife was fascinating, full of energy. There were vendors selling everything from glowing stones to intricate jewelry, wolves walking around, some with children in tow. Bars buzzed with laughter and chatter, while street performers played music that echoed down the alleyways. The night was vibrant, alive in every way possible.

As I walked, I couldn't shake the feeling that Caelum was following me. At first, I thought I was imagining it, and he was just on his way home. That is, till I turned around suddenly and spotted him—trying to blend into the crowd and failing miserably.

I chuckled under my breath. "Why is he so adorable?"

Something caught my eye at a nearby stall—a necklace with a strange symbol as the pendant. I couldn't explain it, but it felt familiar, like I'd seen it somewhere before. I picked it up, examining the intricate design.

"Zhuerka en' vil'anree," the shopkeeper said in a language I didn't understand.

"What?"

"Tourists" he spat before switching to English. "You have a good eye, miss. That's the crest of the Valkera family. They were one of the founding families of Lupinmere, but few recognize it these days."

"Oh." Why did a random crest feel so familiar to me? "How much is it?" I ask, then stop myself. I couldn't afford anything here. I didn't even know what currency they used. "Actually I'll come back" I say, dropping the necklace.

I glanced back at Caelum, but he was gone.

I close my eyes, trying to tune out the noise of the bustling city around me. "Caelum," I whispered, and I could feel it—the bond. He was close, watching over me, even if I couldn't see him.

With my eyes still closed, I walked, trying to follow the thread of his presence. I bumped into someone. "Oh, sorry" I say, looking up

The hoodie that had been pulled up, slowly fell down, and the face revealed was one that had haunted me all this time.

Shane.

His eyes widened in recognition, and panic surged through me. My legs moved on their own, sprinting away before I even processed what was happening. He followed, and as I ran through the streets, people began shouting.

"Shane! Alpha Shane in the square!"

He was being swarmed, but that didn't slow him down much. I darted through the crowd, trying to lose him when suddenly, a hand grabbed me from the shadows.

I wanted to scream, but then I heard his voice in my head.

"It's me. Stay calm."

"Caelum," I whispered, feeling the calmness of his presence surround me. He pressed me against the wall, and I closed my eyes, focusing on keeping calm.

I could feel the heat radiating from him. His voice was soft as he began to murmur something under his breath. It almost sounded like an incantation, and I could feel the air shift around us.

I peeked around him, and there was Shane, standing at the entrance of the alley. He looked wild, his eyes darting around, his nose twitching as if he was trying to sniff me out. My breath hitched.

"Caelum..." I whispered, but he cut me off with a thought in my head.

"He won't find us if you remain calm." His voice echoed in my mind, startling me, but I nodded silently.

Shane stood there, frustration pouring off him in waves. He clenched his fists, then suddenly punched the air in a fit of anger, growling low.

I swallowed hard, trying to stay calm, but every nerve in my body was on edge. His presence had always done that to me. The way his eyes could strip me bare with just one look, the way my heart raced when he was near. Even after everything, after all the pain, I still couldn't shake the effect he had on me.

Footsteps pounded against the cobblestones, and I watched as a group of men hurried up to him, bowing their heads.

"Sir, what's wrong?" one of them asked.

Shane didn't look at them, his eyes still scanning the alley. "Have there been any unregistered portals or sightings of strays in this part of the city?"

My stomach dropped at his words. Strays. That's what he called me now?

"Yes, sir," one of the guards said. My eyes widened as I recognized him—the wolf from earlier today. Although he was in his human form now, I could still feel his energy, that same predatory vibe from before.

Shane growled, his frustration clear. "I want every guard searching the city. I want this stray found and brought straight to me." His voice was cold, commanding, and the guards immediately dropped to one knee, their heads bowed in submission.

"Sir!" they chorused before scattering in different directions.

I pressed myself deeper into the wall, trying to disappear into the shadows as Shane finally turned and walked away.

For a moment, I was frozen. My heart was still hammering in my chest, and every inch of my skin felt like it was buzzing with electricity. The rush of seeing him, of almost being caught, it overwhelmed me.

And yet, despite everything, despite how much I hated him, I couldn't deny the pull he still had over me. That animalistic connection between us. The way my body reacted to his presence, even when my mind screamed at me to run far away.

I took a deep breath, trying to shake off the feeling.

"He's gone," Caelum whispered in my mind, pulling away slightly, giving me some space. His voice was calming, grounding me, and I took comfort in it.

But as I stood there, catching my breath, I couldn't help but wonder: What did Shane want with me? Why was he hunting me down like this? What was I to him now?

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Hey guys, how are you liking the story so far? Shane's POV is coming up next! We'll finally get to see into the mind of our mysterious Alpha Shane.