Fall

"You met Emily yesterday," Clara reminded me, snapping me out of my spiraling thoughts. 

I furrowed my brows in confusion. "Emily?" 

"The woman who brought you food last night." Clara smiled warmly. "It's her son's birthday. She asked the Alpha for permission to invite you." 

My heart softened instantly, and tears almost welled in my eyes. Emily was so sweet, wasn't she? I knew I felt a vibe with her. I nodded, trying to hide my sudden emotional wave. 

I guess not everyone here was so bad. Maybe a little fun wouldn't hurt after all. 

The party was already in full swing when we arrived, the house brimming with people. The hall was filled with music, laughter, and the scent of delicious food. Fairy lights hung from the ceiling, casting a warm glow over the room. and a few guests were already halfway to being drunk, swaying and singing off-key. I navigated the crowd, trying to keep to the edges following closely behind clara when someone called out my name. 

"Celia!" 

I turned and spotted Emily waving with a warm smile, her presence radiating comfort. She made her way toward me through the throng. 

"I'm so glad you decided to join us!" she said, wrapping me in a sudden hug. 

I was momentarily startled by her affectionate gesture but quickly relaxed and hugged her back. There was something undeniably motherly and kind about Emily. 

"Thank you for inviting me to the party," I said, pulling back and handing her the flowers Clara had picked out for me. "I didn't want to come empty-handed." 

Her eyes softened as she took the bouquet. "These are beautiful. Thank you, Celia." 

She turned and called out, "John!" 

A big man with a thick mustache appeared by her side, his eyes filled with warmth as he gazed at Emily as though she was the moon itself. 

"This is Celia—the girl I was telling you about," Emily introduced with a proud smile. 

"It's nice to meet you, sir," I said politely, offering a small nod. 

John waved off my formality with a chuckle. "No need for that. Just call me John." His expression softened as he added, "And make sure you enjoy the party. Take a seat if you need to. I heard you had an accident—don't push yourself, alright?" 

"Okay," I agreed, grateful for his kindness. 

As they moved on to greet other guests, I looked around. The party's energy was infectious, and for the first time in a while, I felt something close to peace. Maybe tonight wouldn't be so bad after all. 

A mischievous smile tugged at my lips, though I quickly forced it down. My heart raced with anticipation as the thought solidified in my mind: this was the perfect opportunity. 

The house was packed with people, noise filling every corner. With everyone busy drinking, laughing, and dancing, no one would notice one girl slipping out quietly. 

Maybe—just maybe—I could finally escape. 

The sheer number of guests was my cover, and the chaos was my ally. I'd blend into the crowd, make my way out of the house and find a way out of here. I am sure i can find a window or two here. My injuries were healing, and while I wasn't in peak condition, I was determined. 

Tonight, I was getting out of here. 

Following Clara around as she greeted person after person felt like an eternity. I plastered on polite smiles, nodded at conversations I barely listened to, and counted the seconds until I could make my move. Finally, I leaned toward her. "Where's the bathroom?" I asked, masking my impatience. 

She pointed at a door, already turning back to greet a cheerful older man. Thankfully, she was too busy to notice the mischievous gleam in my eyes or question my sudden departure. 

Perfect. 

I slipped away, blending into the crowd, dodging through clusters of people laughing and sipping drinks. Most were too drunk to notice me, and those who did simply offered clumsy greetings. I smiled back as naturally as I could, all the while making my way toward the stairs. 

The lower floor was packed. I couldn't risk trying the back door without drawing attention. My only option was upstairs. 

I climbed the steps quickly, my heart racing. Every creak of the wooden staircase made me flinch, but no one followed. Most guests were too preoccupied with the music and chatter. 

At the top, I checked room after room, only to find couples or small groups occupying each one. My frustration mounted until I reached the last door—it was blissfully empty. 

Inside, a large window gleamed in the fading moonlight, its glass cool under my fingertips. Freedom was just a jump away. 

But there was a problem. 

It was a full story down. 

If I were in perfect health, this would've been easy. But my body still ached, my bones protesting every move. I chewed my lip, debating whether I should risk it. 

I had no other choice. 

Taking a deep breath, I climbed onto the windowsill, my pulse thudding loudly in my ears. Balancing precariously, I tried to figure out the safest way to land when... 

My foot slipped. 

I gasped, scrambling for balance, but gravity had other plans. My arms screamed in protest as I clung to the window frame, dangling above the ground. 

Panic clawed at my chest. My grip weakened with each passing second. 

I had no choice. 

I let go. 

The wind rushed past me, my heart plummeting faster than my body. I clenched my eyes shut, bracing for the impact that would shatter my fragile bones. 

But instead of the hard, unforgiving ground. 

Something firm yet soft cushioned my fall. Confused, I cracked one eye open and immediately regretted it. 

A familiar pair of intense black eyes glared down at me, burning with fury. 

Kalix. 

Of course. 

I cursed my luck. Out of all the people who could've caught me, it had to be him. His jaw was tight, his muscles rigid as he held me effortlessly in his arms. 

Desperation kicked in. I did the only thing I could think of—I closed my eyes dramatically and went completely limp, pretending to be unconscious. 

Maybe if I played this right, I could still salvage the situation. 

I just hoped he bought it.