AT THE SAME TIME
XAVIER'S POINT OF VIEW:
I led Wanessa down the hidden staircase and out into the cool, damp dark forest road I found a long time ago. Soon we reached a road and I knew that we were not so far away. Her hand trembled in mine as we stepped into the vast, echoing space. Before I could even settle my thoughts, I heard voices from deeper within the cave. I frowned as I recognized the familiar tones of my brothers. Michael and Terrence emerged from behind a cluster of rocks, their expressions stormy with anger and jealousy.
"Xavier, what in the world are you doing here?" Michael barked, stepping forward with his arms crossed.
His eyes burned with a mix of concern and irritation.
"You can't just take her off on your own. We care about her too, you know."Terrence growled.
I tightened my grip on Wanessa's hand, trying to keep my own frustration in check.
"I'm taking her somewhere safe." I replied, my voice steadier than I felt. "Somewhere she won't be pushed around by people who don't understand her."
I glanced at Wanessa, whose eyes were downcast, conflicted, but I sensed relief in the softness of her expression.
"Safe? And who decided you're the only one who can decide what's best for her?" Michael asked.
"Exactly." Terrence added, his tone harsh. "You think you alone can protect her, but she's not just yours. She is OURS. We all care about her."
"You have no idea what she's been through." I shot back. "Wanessa isn't some trophy to be fought over, she's a person, and I won't let anyone take her away from the only place that's ever given her any peace."I said angrily.
"I… I just want to be free." Wanessa whispered, her voice barely audible.
I knelt beside her, lowering my tone. She was scared, and angry and everyone tried to corner her.
"I promise you, Wanessa, I'm not going anywhere. But we can't all be at odds about this. If we're going to keep you safe, we need to work together."I said.
Michael glared at me, his face dark with resentment.
"Working together? Don't make it sound so simple, Xavier. You always act like you're the only one who matters to her."I Michael said angrily.
I gritted my teeth.
"Maybe I do, because I love her. I won't let anyone, not even you, tear her away."I said.
"We all want to help protect her."Terrence said.
Before I could respond, a deep, measured voice echoed from the far end of the cave. Elder Magnus had stepped into our circle, his presence commanding immediate silence.
"Enough."He said firmly. "Wanessa is precious to all of you, whether you admit it or not. If you allow your rivalries to tear this family apart, then none of you will ever be able to help her."
"Let us remember that Wanessa's safety is essential. You must set aside petty differences if you wish to keep her from wandering into harm's way."Elder said annoyed.
I exhaled slowly.
"Fine." I muttered. "We all need to work together. But understand this, I'm not going to let her go without a fight."I said.
My brothers exchanged a look, one that held both resentment and reluctant acceptance. As we gathered around Wanessa, who remained quiet but visibly relieved by our presence, I felt a fragile truce forming in the gloom of the cave.
"Stay here with us tonight." I said, more to Wanessa than to them. "I'll send word to the castle so that no one worries about your absence. We'll figure this out, together."
Wanessa managed a small, shy smile, and for the first time in what felt like an eternity, I believed we had taken a step in the right direction. In that dark cave, surrounded by the uneasy loyalty of my brothers and the stern wisdom of Elder Magnus, I vowed that no matter the cost, I would never let her slip away again.
IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT
WANESSA'S POINT OF VIEW:
I woke to the sound of soft snores echoing in the cave, the flickering light of a dying lantern painting long shadows on the stone walls. I lay still for a long moment, my heart pounding as I realized everyone was asleep—Xavier, Michael, Terrence, and even Elder Magnus were nowhere near stirring. In that silent darkness, the weight of it all pressed on me, the suffocating expectations, the constant fighting, the relentless pressure. I slipped out of my makeshift bed quietly, every step measured to avoid waking anyone.
"I can't do this here… I need to be alone."I whispered.
As I crept through the cave's entrance, I could almost hear Wanny's low, angry growl in the recesses of my mind.
"Wanessa, wait-" She seemed to hiss at me, but I didn't stop. I had made up my mind.
At dawn, the chill of the new day greeted me. I paused at the cave's edge, watching the first light break over the horizon. I knew I couldn't keep living like this torn between two worlds, trapped in expectations I never chose. My feet carried me down the winding forest path to a quiet, secluded spot far away from this place.
"I must go, even if it means leaving everything behind."I said to her.
In the distance, a faint voice, Wanny's snarled at me. She was really angry.
"You'll regret this!"She growled.
But I only tightened my resolve. I stepped into the unknown, leaving behind the cave and the life that had suffocated me, determined to forge a new path even if Wanny's anger would follow me into the shadows. She was stuck with me since she was my wolf, but I needed my freedom and I was going to have it, even if I hurt some people while reaching for it. I was Wanessa, an omega but at the same time I was a woman from another world and even right now there are two of us I wasn't going to give up my freedom and put myself into the world where I want nothing to do with anyone. I am going to start a brand new life and nobody was going to stop me.