78

Seventy Eight
*Freya*
“Do you truly love him?” Daniel asked me quietly, interrupting my thoughts. “The Alpha? Or are you just with him as an escape from your parents and that life?”
I paused, considering it. My feelings for Rafe had snuck up on me, catching me by surprise. But there was no denying the depth of them now.
“I do love him,” I said with conviction. “I know it seems sudden, and at first, I couldn’t stand Rafe. He was so strict and severe. But as I got to know him, I saw his true heart. His selflessness, his strength, his devotion to his people.”
I thought of all the times Rafe had been there for me, even rescuing me from danger. The way my heart raced when he was near.
“Somehow, when I wasn’t looking, that initial dislike turned to respect. Affection. And then a love so intense it almost frightens me sometimes.” I shook my head in wonder. “Rafe challenges me, supports me, protects me. With him, I feel I can face anything.”
“He’d better treat you right,” Daniel said fiercely. “You deserve the world, Freya. Don’t ever settle for less.”
“I won’t,” I promised. I squeezed his hand gratefully. “Thank you, Daniel. For always being here for me. I couldn’t ask for a truer friend.”
He smiled wanly. “I’d do anything for you. I hope you know that.”
“I do.” Rising gingerly from the bed, I took a steadying breath, trying to ignore the pain still wracking my body. “And right now, I need to get back to Rafe. He needs to know I’m alright.”
Daniel’s face fell, his eyes welling with sorrow. “I understand,” he said quietly, his voice thick with heartbreak. “I knew, deep down, that I’d lost you the moment you left for the palace. But I couldn’t give up hope.” He looked at me intently, his gaze unwavering. “I need you to know, Freya, that I will always care for you. No matter what happens, no matter where life takes us, you will forever have a piece of my heart.”
His words hit me like a physical blow, the weight of his emotions palpable in the air between us. I opened my mouth to respond, but no words came. What could I possibly say in the face of such a confession?
Daniel took a step closer, his eyes never leaving mine. The space between us seemed to crackle with tension, with all the things left unsaid over the years. My heart raced as he slowly leaned in, his intentions clear. For a moment, I was frozen, torn between the pull of the past and the promise of my future.
Just as his lips were about to brush mine, I jerked back, pushing past him with a gasp. “I can’t,” I whispered, tears stinging my eyes. “I’m sorry, Daniel, but I love Rafe. I choose him.”
I tried to stand, desperate to put some distance between us, but a searing pain shot through my back and forehead, stealing my breath. I clutched at my head, remembering the injuries I’d sustained in the attack. The world spun dizzyingly around me, and I fought to keep my balance.
As I staggered back, my legs giving way beneath me, Daniel’s strong arms wrapped around my waist, steadying me. “Freya, you need to rest,” he urged, his voice laced with concern. “You’re still weak from your injuries.”
I shook my head, gritting my teeth against the pain. “No, I can’t rest. I need to find Rafe. I have to know he’s okay.” The desperation in my voice surprised even me, but the thought of Rafe out there, possibly hurt or worse, was unbearable.
Daniel’s jaw tightened, a flicker of hurt crossing his features before he schooled his expression into one of understanding. “Freya, please. You’re in no condition to go anywhere right now.”
But I was already pulling away from his grasp, my mind set. “I’m sorry, Daniel, but I have to do this. I won’t be able to rest until I know Rafe is safe.” I took a deep breath, steeling myself against the pain, and pushed myself to my feet.
Each step was agony, my body screaming in protest as I made my way to the door. Black spots danced at the edges of my vision, but I blinked them away, determined to keep going. I had to get to the town square, had to find some clue as to where Rafe might be.
I stumbled out into the cool evening air, the breeze whipping through my hair as I oriented myself. The streets were eerily quiet, the aftermath of the attack still lingering in the air. I took a step forward, then another, forcing myself to keep moving even as my legs threatened to give out beneath me.
“Freya, wait!” Daniel’s voice called out behind me, his footsteps heavy on the pavement. I didn’t slow down, but he caught up to me easily, his hand coming to rest on my shoulder. “At least let me help you. You’ll never make it on your own in this state.”
I hesitated, pride warring with practicality. As much as I hated to admit it, he was right. The town square was too far, and I was too weak. Reluctantly, I nodded, allowing him to scoop me up into his arms.
As he carried me through the darkened streets, I couldn’t help but think of Rafe, my heart aching with worry and longing. I prayed that wherever he was, he was safe, and that somehow, we would find our way back to each other. No matter what it took, I wouldn’t rest until I was in his arms once more.
The streets twisted and turned, shadows looming at every corner as Daniel carried me through the night. Each step sent a jolt of pain through my battered body, but I gritted my teeth, determined to push through. Time seemed to stretch on endlessly, and with each passing moment, my anxiety grew. What if we didn’t make it to the palace in time? What if something had happened to Rafe?
“Freya,” Daniel’s voice cut through my spiraling thoughts. “We’re not going to reach the town square before dawn. You need to rest.”
I shook my head vehemently, even as exhaustion tugged at my limbs. “No, I can’t. I have to get to Rafe. I have to know he’s okay.”
Daniel’s grip tightened around me, his voice gentle but firm. “You won’t be any good to him if you collapse on the way. Let me take you back to my place, just for a few hours. Then I promise, I’ll help you get to the palace.”
I wanted to argue, but deep down, I knew he was right. Reluctantly, I nodded, letting my head fall against his chest as he turned back towards his home.
But just as we rounded the corner, two figures emerged from the shadows ahead. My heart leapt into my throat, and I gripped Daniel’s shirt in fear. “We need to go, now,” I whispered urgently.
Daniel tensed, his steps slowing as he eyed the approaching men warily. They were too far away to make out their faces in the darkness, and for a moment, I feared the worst. But as they drew closer, stepping into the dim light of a flickering streetlamp, my breath caught in my throat.
“Rafe,” I breathed, hardly daring to believe my eyes. “Connor.”
They stood before us, battered and bruised but alive, their eyes wide with shock and relief. For a long moment, we all stared at each other in stunned silence, the weight of everything that had happened hanging heavy in the air.
Then, with a choked sob, I reached out for Rafe, tears streaming down my face as he rushed forward to take me into his arms. He held me close, his touch gentle as he mindful of my injuries, and I clung to him like a lifeline. In that moment, everything else faded away – the pain, the fear, the uncertainty. All that mattered was that we were together again, and for the first time since the attack, I felt like I could finally breathe.
****