Chapter 29: Targeting the Alphas

When Erich fell back into a restless sleep, I decided to check on Leena. She was on her feet when I came back to her room. She seemed to have been pacing right before my arrival.

“Is it true? Are we free to leave?”

“Yes,” I confirmed and expected to see her worry brighten into happiness but it didn’t. “What’s wrong? I thought you would be happy to hear this.”

“I am but, I realize that I have nowhere to go. No one to…” She looked at me. “No one to go with.”

“What about your friends in the barracks?” I asked.

“They aren’t really friends like that. Even if the village wasn’t destroyed, we’re all survivors and depend on separate employment. So, most likely we will be together for a short while and then split apart like before. I’d go back to Wythe but how would I explain just disappearing?”

I took a deep breath. “I know this place is a bit scary, but you don’t have to leave. And I’d very much like it if you would stay. Your friends in the barracks would be welcomed as well.”