Chapter 209
Elder Gita’s confidence while spewing unbelievable things really needed to be looked into.
How could she say she was certain we would win what we didn’t know yet? What we had absolutely no idea of.
I’m not saying I wouldn’t love to win, but she needed to be realistic. I sighed, leaning back in the chair I sat in.
Words failed me, I was speechless and I didn’t know why. I turned to Phoebe for help, to say something in response to Elder Gita’s confidence.
Phoebe was in tears, she held her chest tightly and closed her eyes. She was visibly shaking and her lower lips quivered.
How did I miss her change in reaction? I thought she had been quiet like she was in the mansion.
I stood up, instantly reaching her side. I knelt in front of her, quickly wiping her tears.
“When will this end? When will everything finally fall into place?” She whispered, her voice shaking.
“I’m tired, Elder Gita. I’m tired of fighting, of losing people, of feeling unsafe, of feeling like my world could end any minute.” She continued as she choked sobs in between her words.
Her shoulders trembled.
I reached for her, pulling her close. “Phoebe, everything will be fine. Soon.” I muttered more to myself than her. I didn’t even believe my own words, but I wanted to comfort her.
She buried her face into my chest, her gentle sobs turned into wailing. My heart clenched at the sight of her crying.
“I just want peace, Kaene. For us and for the pack. I don’t want to wake up every day wondering what will come next.” Her voice carried deep bitterness as she wailed.
I held her tightly, not daring to let her go. Not even once. “I know, darling, I know.” I murmured.
She had been strong for too long, carrying more weight than anyone should. She had bottled in all her thoughts or feelings. She could talk to me, but she decided to keep mute.
And now, her strength couldn’t take her on anymore. She was tired.
I looked at Elder Gita, silently pleading for her to say something. To say words of comfort that actually makes sense.
She stoo as if she sensed my prayers, walking over to us. She placed a hand on Phoebe’s shoulder gently. “Your pain is not in vain, Luna. This path is cruel, but it will lead to the peace you want p>
Phoebe sniffled, her cries lessening now, but she said nothing.
I held her tighter. “I’ll fight for us, for you. Whatever comes next, we’ll face it together. And we will have victory.” I said with fierce determination.
She exhaled shakily. “Promise p>
I tucked in hair behind her ears and looked into her eyes. “I swear it p>
Elder Gita watched us for a moment before returning back to her seat. “Go home and rest. I will let you know when the Moon Goddess gives an answer p>
I nodded, then helped Phoebe get to her feet.
As we stepped out of Elder Gita’s home, the air outside felt heavier than when we arrived. I felt pressing weight of an unknown coming.
The cold breeze did little to ease the tension in my heart, if anything it made me shiver.
Phoebe walked beside me, her posture was stiff. She had stopped crying, but sadness was still evident in her eyes.
I knew she was trying to hold on to the last piece of composure she had left, but Elder Gita’s news had broken her tonight. And it pained me to see her hurt like that.
I held her hand, intertwining our fingers and giving her a gentle squeeze. I hoped it would comfort her a little. She didn’t pull away, but she didn’t squeeze back.
Her silence made my heart ache.
We got to the mansion and as we approached the entrance, the sounds of laughter and talking echoed in my ears. I frowned slightly, realizing that the mansion wasn’t silent like I had expected.
Phoebe looked at me in confusion, “What’s going on?” Her voice was better now, calm but no where near the sweet, cherry voice I knew.
I shrugged, “I have no idea p>
When we entered, I realized that the voices were coming from the dining hall.
As we walked towards the dining hall, maids and guards bowed in greeting as we walked past, but I just replied with a curt nod that I’m not too sure that they saw as I pulled Phoebe along with me.
The warm aroma and sight of roasted meat, fresh bread alongside other delicious foods greeted us. The dining table was full, and my eyes found my mother. She turned to us immediately, relief washing over her face.
“You’re back.” She said, welcoming us with a smile.
Phoebe stiffened beside me, clearly caught off guard by the sight before us. I squeezed her hand gently and it was enough to make her relax.
Sir Alan, Sir Elijah, Lycan Davos, my mother and Phoebe’s family all sat together, a very rare occurrence. I tensed, my eyes widening in shock as I saw them.
I had thought about them earlier today when I was deciding telling them about Negan.
“We were waiting for both of you.” Phoebe’s mom said, her eyes scanning our faces as if she could see right through us.
“Both of you have been distant. I know the battle wore you out, but you need to stop worrying. They are gone now.” Phoebe’s mom continued and everyone at table in response.
If only it were that simple. If only they knew bigger threats were coming. The battle didn’t wear us out, it was the ritual, the guilt, the betrayal.
“That’s exactly why we decided to throw a big feast to surprise you.” My mom said, clapping her hands in excitement.
For a moment, I didn’t know how to respond. I had spent days drowning in my own thoughts, in Phoebe’s pain, in my own anger and guilt. It hadn’t occurred to me that they had noticed how much we had pulled away from everyone.
Yet, they had been so thoughtful to do this for us.
I glanced at Phoebe, wondering if she wanted to stay or walk away. But for the first time in days, she didn’t resist. Instead she looked up at me and smiled.
“Alright.” I nodded, smiling back at her. We both needed this.
We sat down at the table, and for the first time in what felt like forever, I let myself relax.
The conversations started light with Lycan Davos joking about how the warriors were dumbfounded when I told them about the unexpected battle on what should have been a wedding day.
Surprisingly, everyone laughed about it, not taking it to heart.
My mother shared a story from when I was younger, even though I didn’t remember and it drove everyone to laugh their hearts out. Even Sir Elijah, who seemed like a stone hearted man enjoyed the atmosphere.
Then, I felt Phoebe’s hand on mine beneath the table. She wasn’t holding it tightly, just resting hers against mine, as if she was finally relaxing.
I turned to look at her and she was laughing. A genuine laughter.
At that moment, I realized that we couldn’t let the unknown dictate how we’d live our lives. So, for now, just for tonight, I chose this peace.
I can worry about the unknown after.
Tomorrow, we would face whatever came next. But tonight, we would be with family.