Chapter 8: My Tiny Secret

Alana's POV

The walk back to the castle felt longer than usual, my mind tangled with a thousand thoughts. The sky had shifted into a deeper shade of blue, the first signs of full moon creeping in. Beside me, Eva walked with her usual confident stride, acting as if we hadn't just been discussing a plan that could very well get us killed.

I, on the other hand, felt like I was carrying the weight of the entire pack on my shoulders.

Pack needed a safe place. My mother knew about him. Eva was offering a solution, but it meant sneaking around even more than I already had been. The risks were mounting, and if my father ever found out, he wouldn't just punish me, he'd have pack executed.

The thought sent a shiver down my spine.

"You're awfully quiet," Eva mused, glancing at me out of the corner of her eye.

I sighed. "Just thinking."

She smirked. "Dangerous pastime."

"Eva." I shot her a tired look. "This is serious."

"I know it's serious. That's why I'm trying to keep you from looking like a kicked puppy."

I groaned. "I just… I don't know if this is going to work."

"Do you have a better plan?"

I fell silent. No, I didn't.

"Exactly," Eva said smugly. "We find an abandoned place, I work my magic, and pack would disappears off the map."

I nodded, my mind shifting to my friends. Elsa and Amaya had no idea what was going on, and I planned to keep it that way. I hated lying to them, but this wasn't just some petty secret. If either of them ever let something slip even by accident, pack would be in danger.

If they asked, I'd just say he vanished. It wasn't exactly a lie.

The castle came into view, its tall towers stretching into the darkening sky. As we crossed the bridge leading to the main entrance, the guards gave us quick nods but didn't stop us. By now, they were used to me sneaking out.

Eva elbowed me as we stepped through the large doors. "Relax, Princess. You look like you're about to be sentenced to death."

I let out a deep breath. "I just need to act normal."

Eva snorted. "You? Normal? That's funny."

I ignored her as we made our way through the grand halls. The castle was as lively as ever, servants moving about, warriors discussing patrol schedules, nobles exchanging gossip in hushed whispers. It was all so routine, and yet, I felt so out of place.

My thoughts were still in the woods. With him.

"I'll start scouting for a good location tomorrow," Eva whispered as we reached the staircase leading to my chambers. "Try not to stress yourself into an early grave."

I gave her a weak smile before heading up to my room.

The moment I stepped inside, I sagged against the door.

My room was as familiar as ever, soft candlelight flickering against the walls, the large four-poster bed draped in deep green silk, the balcony doors slightly open to let the evening breeze in. It should have been comforting. But all I could think about was pack.

I flopped onto my bed, staring at the ceiling.

This was insane.

Hiding a rogue, no, a stranger just because I felt like he wasn't dangerous? Because something in me trusted him? It went against everything I'd been taught.

And yet…

I turned on my side, hugging a pillow to my chest.

I couldn't let anything happen to him.

I didn't know who he was before we found him, and maybe he didn't either, but that didn't mean he deserved to be cast aside like some animal. I wasn't sure why I felt so strongly about this, but I did.

A knock at my door snapped me from my thoughts.

I quickly sat up. "Come in."

The door opened, and my father stepped inside.

I swallowed.

"Alana," he said softly, closing the door behind him. "Are you alright?"

I nodded too quickly. "Of course. Why wouldn't I be?"

His knowing eyes studied me as he walked closer. "You've been lost in thought since you returned, because you are clearly not making any trouble which is troubling me the more. Is something troubling you."

I forced a smile. "I'm fine, father."

His lips pressed together. "I hope you know you can talk to me about anything."

Guilt twisted in my stomach. Maybe he knew. And here he was, giving me the chance to be honest.

But I couldn't.

I managed another smile. "I promise, I'm fine."

He didn't look convinced, but he didn't push further. "Alright," he finally said. "Rest well, my love."

Hr kissed my forehead before leaving the room.

As soon as the door shut, I let out a shaky breath.

This was going to get complicated.

I couldn't stop thinking about pack, I just hope I'm doing the right thing and if he truly deserves it.

I don't even know anything about him, what if mom was right, what if he's a spy or a bad guy that escaped.

Dear moon goddess please help your sweet daughter, am just saving a soul here, I really don't want anyone to get hurt 🤕 I just hope he's not a bad person.

Maybe I should go and talk to mom, what do I really want to talk about. I don't even know what to say.

Wait… wait no no no, did she tell dad, is that why he came here, of course not. It can't be possible!! Or can it.

But why didn't mom come to say goodnight to me, this is really strange. Oh moon goddess can you just make me fall asleep so I can forget all this whole trouble, it's becoming too much😭😭😭😭

Dear moon goddess, just save your daughter and her little secret, don't allow This Luna of a mother to spill it out like a hot tea that just burned her mouth.

That's all I am asking 😭😭😭 please am really crying and begging.

Wow did I just pray, been Long I did that, so much for my tiny secret.