True Alpha’s Chosen Mate - Chapter 192

Althea reeked with the pungent stench of smoke, blood, and death. The survivors of the attack sought refuge while many casualties of last night loitered. It was almost unrecognizable. It was hard to believe that this was the same place that was generous with people’s positive energy.

But I didn’t dwell on it.

Instead, I remained silent while riding a horse in front of Hugo. After his invitation, we left the private residence that was left untouched last night. Reks followed our trail by foot, but I was certain he could catch up.

‘I wonder where we are going,’ I thought, eye’s head as we galloped through the empty street of the ruined Clayburn. ‘I don’t know what to feel anymore.’

It was suffocating in a way. Was being together truly helpful? Did it help the two of us? I couldn’t help but question us. Was it because a part of me was already used to the peaceful life I led for the past three years? Performing, traveling, and having to deal with simple problems?

My eyes softened with bitterness, clenching my teeth secretly. I knew for a fact these incomprehensible feelings in my heart wouldn’t be able to change my mind. I wouldn’t run away from Hugo because I was certain that would be the last straw. He would totally hate me then.

The real problem was me.

Until now, I couldn’t face my responsibilities and problems head-on. The lamb wasn’t born for simple and unnecessary problems. Or rather, I wasn’t ready for these types of problems. No, no. That wasn’t it.

‘It’s not that I wasn’t ready; I would step in if Hugo’s life was put in danger. The real reason was… I wanted to live in peace for a little more. But obviously, Hugo’s life wasn’t like that.’ I looked up at him, seeing him look ahead while maneuvering the reins. ‘He had given me the chance to live on the brighter side of the world, but… never mind.

“Hugh, will it be far?” I asked, and he glanced down at me.

“Not too far. Will be there before the nightfall.” He crooned, setting his eyes ahead. “Some of them are already there, don’t worry.”

My face wrinkled curiously. “Who?”

He didn’t answer anymore as the corner of his lips stretched into a grin. That heightened my curiosity. I only realized that the people he was talking about weren’t the members of the pack when we arrived after hours of riding a horse.

*

Clayburn wasn’t the last town on Althea. It was situated in the middle. Hence, it would only take hours to reach each border of this small country. Hugo and I traveled all the way to the eastern border.

If I remembered correctly, this was the route to Everfell. My ‘home country’ was near Hendrik Empire. In other words, if Azazel would return home, he would use this route. But instead of going brazenly through the border, Hugo and I headed to the thick woods near it.

I knew these woods since this was where Hugo and the pack fled from Everfell three years ago. To my surprise, when we reached a certain part of the woods and our steed halted, there were tents and warriors from Ronmin Empire.

It looked more like a base camp.

‘What was going on…?’ I wondered, snapping my eyes when Hugo reached his hand to me.

“Come, I’ll help you,” he offered, standing beside the horse.

“Oh…” I nodded in distraught, clasping his hand before hopping out of the horse.

As soon as my feet landed on the ground, I heard a familiar voice from a distance. I slowly raised my head, setting at the source of the voice.

Cora.

“Right on fucking time! I thought you…” Cora trailed off as her eyes landed on me, dilating right away. “Rinnie?!” she gasped, sprinting towards me.

For some reason, I thought she would pounce on me, so I instinctively jumped back. But then Cora clasped my hands with both her hands, wide-eyed.

“Is it really you? My baby sister dear?” she blinked countless times, bobbing her face to examine me. “Hugo, this is Rinnie, right?”

“No. She looks like my wife, so I took her with me.” I glanced at Hugo only to see his smug grin before facing Cora squarely.

“Cora…” I smiled awkwardly, witnessing her face grew blank. “It’s been a while.”

For a moment, it seemed Cora’s mind went blank when I spoke. But she recovered quickly and the side of her lips stretched from ear to ear.

“It’s really you!” she exclaimed in relief, pulling me into her embrace and hugging me tightly. “Oh, my god! Thank god you’re alright! You don’t know how worried we were! Do you have any idea how angry I was with Alice and Daniel because they let you go just like that?! If I was there, I would’ve locked you up!”

I held my breath momentarily before my eyes softened, patting her back gently. “I’m sorry, Cora,” I whispered, smiling subtly.

“Why would you say sorry to me?” she inquired, holding my shoulder as she broke our embrace. She faced me squarely, studying my face up close.

“None of that were your fault, alright? It’s this dote’s fault for being too weak.” She smiled wearily, pointing her thumb at Hugo. “Goodness. I’m really glad to see you, Rinnie.”

“Me too. I am very glad to see you, too.”

Cora and I looked at each other with a smile plastered on our faces. She was still very pretty, although her hair was shorter now.

“Enough with the idle talk.” We shifted our attention to Hugo as he clapped. “Let’s head inside first. We…”

“Your Grace!” Hugo trailed off when an angry voice of a woman reached our ears. My eyes instantly searched the source of the voice, only to see a beautiful woman stomping her way in Hugo’s direction.

This time, I instantly froze. I’ve seen her once, but even if it was just once, her face etched deep in my mind.

Ida.