The next morning, I quietly opened my drawer and reached for the envelope where I kept my savings. It wasn't much, just money I had earned from running errands and selling old jewelry at the market. I counted every bill carefully.
It wasn't a huge amount, but it might be enough to get me far away. Somewhere no one would think to look for me. Somewhere I could finally breathe and have peace of mind.
I tucked the money into a small pouch. Then I grabbed some dry biscuits, my toothbrush, and stuffed everything into a worn-out bag. I didn't cry this time. I had no tears left. Crying was for the girl I used to be—the girl who still hoped things would change.
Suddenly, there was a knock. Not on my bedroom door. On the front door.
My heart skipped.
I heard footsteps in the hallway, followed by Cory's voice.
"There's some guy outside. Says he wants to talk to you."
I frowned. "Who is it?"
Cory peeked into my room and shrugged. "I don't know. What do I look like, your secretary?" He turned away and went back to the living room, the TV already blasting again.
I hesitated before walking to the door. Slowly, I opened it just a little, just enough to peek out.
A tall, slim guy stood there. His hands were in his pockets. His expression was serious, but he didn't seem dangerous.
"You're Aria?" he asked.
"Yes. Who are you?"
"Seth Colby."
The name sounded familiar. Then I remembered—he was the one who stood up for me once, when a Beta was bothering me at the market. We hadn't talked since, but I never forgot what he did.
"I heard about what happened at the royal pack house," he said quietly.
Of course he did. Everyone probably had by now.
I shifted uncomfortably. "And?"
"I figured you might need help."
I looked at him, confused. "Why would you help me?"
He shrugged. "You just don't look like someone who should be alone right now."
My eyes narrowed. "Help usually comes with a price."
He gave a small smile. "I'm not like most people."
That caught me off guard. He didn't sound fake. Just honest.
"You're planning to run, right?" he asked.
My chest tightened. "How do you know?"
"No one told me. I just know."
There was no pity in his voice, no judgment. Just calm.
"I don't need saving," I said.
He nodded. "I believe you. But even wolves are stronger in packs."
His words hit something deep inside me. Not because they were sweet, but because they made sense.
"Let me come with you," he said. "It won't be as hard if you're not alone."
I let out a bitter laugh. "I'm not scared."
"I never said you were."
He didn't push or beg. He just stood there, waiting.
I leaned against the doorframe and let out a slow breath.
"If you slow me down, I'll leave you behind."
He grinned. "Fair enough."