Ruby
“Did you hear that voice?” I asked, my eyes locked on Sarah. Anxiety surged through me, and my heart raced. The mere thought of someone possibly harming my son in revenge for Andrew’s death, even though it was my fault, filled me with an overwhelming sense of fear.
My senses heightened as I anxiously scanned the surroundings, searching for any signs of danger. I couldn’t help but feel that someone, somewhere hidden, might be plotting against us, which struck a chord of terror deep within me.
I knew coming here was a bad idea. It hadn’t been up to ten minutes since I set foot in this place, and already I could sense the looming threat of danger.
“Hear what? Are you okay, Ruby?” She smiled oddly, giving me a strange look, and I couldn’t blame her, as I was used to getting such looks.
“A- A voice,” I stammered, still looking around the crowd like a crazy woman, searching for the source of the voice. I almost collapsed when I felt a cold hand on my shoulder, snapping me out of my panic.
I couldn’t be the only one hearing things, right?
I turned to gaze at Sarah, who had a strange smile on her lips, and shifted attention to Alex as I noticed his hands trembling against mine.
He probably had a cold from staying out too long.
“Ruby, there’s nothing here. You’re probably just stressed from the journey. Let’s get you and Alex settled, and everything will be okay.” She reassured me with a gentle smile, and I nodded unsurely, attempting to shake off the lingering unease, and followed her to the place where we would be staying.
My main priority was how to get my son to a shelter.
Sarah led us away from the crowd and through the intricate corridors of the Diamond Pack territory until we reached a spacious, well-furnished room that was thankfully far off from others and almost close to the woods.
“Here we are. This is your residence for the duration of Alex’s stay at the academy,” Sarah announced, opening the door. The room was surprisingly cosy, adorned with warm colours and a comfortable ambiance. Alex’s eyes widened with curiosity as he entered, examining every corner.
“Thank you, Sarah. We appreciate your help,” I said with a genuine smile, grateful for her assistance.
“You are welcome, and if you need anything or have questions, don’t hesitate to ask. The pack can be overwhelming at first, but you’ll find your way around. This is the safest pack ever, and I know you will make it your home,” Sarah advised, giving me the same strange smile before excusing herself.
Did she just say I should make this my home?
I scoffed just as the door closed, and I turned to Alex, who was still absorbing the new environment, and I noticed his body wasn’t trembling anymore. The house must have warmed his body up.
“Well, Alex, this is it. Our new home,” I declared, trying to infuse positivity into my tone, but it was the opposite because I was so fucking scared yet I was trying to act strong for my son.
Feeling an inexplicable sense of unease, I rushed to close windows and bring down the cotton’s as an irrational fear gripped me. It was as if an unseen pair of eyes were scrutinising our every move.
“Mum, why are you closing everything?” Alex inquired, his innocent eyes reflecting confusion.
“Just to make sure everything is secure, sweetheart. We’re in a new place, and it’s better to be safe,” I replied, attempting to reassure him while combating the unsettling feeling that lingered in the air.
“Mum, I heard it too, and you aren’t crazy, mom. I heard the voice, and what it said made me feel cold.” He said this, his eyes widening with fear.
Alex’s body started trembling, and he rushed to hug me. I returned his hug, and I crouched down, trying to maintain a facade of composure.
“I don’t know, sweetheart. It’s probably just nerves from the journey that made us start hearing things. Let’s focus on settling in for now, okay?” I muttered, surprised at the fact that my son had also heard the strange voice.
I realised that my moment of anxiety had allowed Alex access to my head for the first time, granting him the power to read my thoughts. The vulnerability sent shivers down my spine as I contemplated the consequences of such an intimate link.
“Alex, we need to be careful while we are here and try to make your mind strong so that no one can get into your head. Remember, I am your nanny, and we have to maintain that illusion,” I whispered, my eyes scanning the room for any signs of danger. I was being paranoid.
He nodded solemnly, his innocence contrasting sharply with the weight of our shared secret, a secret that now bound us even closer in this unfamiliar place.
“Let’s unpack.”
“Okay, Mum,” he replied with an eager grin, his eyes shining with anticipation.
“Alex,” I warned, and his grin shifted to a shy one.
“Okay, Nanny.” His shoulders were slightly hunched, showing his attempt to comply.
“Good,” I said, nodding approvingly.
“You must remember to say that when we are alone or outside, so you won’t make any mistakes.” I gestured with my hands, emphasising the significance, while he nodded in understanding, eyes wide with the seriousness of the situation.
“I will nanny,”
A wave of protective love washed over me as I looked into my son’s eyes, and my need to keep him safe became more profound. The realisation that danger lurked around us tightened my grip on him. I couldn’t let anything happen to my precious boy, no matter the challenges we faced.