Rogue: a novella

3

I didn't mean to fall asleep as I waited for Thalia to return. What I really wanted was to follow her, but when I tried to stand, I was reminded that I still wasn't healed all that well.

So I waited, watching the door as if that would make them return quicker. But minutes turned to hours and sleep just snuck up on me.

A gasp leaves my lips and my eyes snap open. I don't remember dreaming, didn't have some peaceful wake up period where I slowly regained consciousness, knowing that I was just asleep.

It was like I was electrocuted and shocked back to life.

I let out a small groan as I stretch, my body stiff from the position I was in on the small couch. I give my ankle a small roll, testing the sensitivity, but smile when it feels normal.

Even my face doesn't feel as tender and my breathing doesn't hurt my ribs anymore. Sleeping helped, though I wished I had waited to make sure Thalia came back.

I sit up, noticing that the sun outside is setting just beyond the trees. the room is still and silent, illuminated only by a single candle near the sink.

"Tally said I should offer you water if you wake up," I nearly jump out of my skin at the small voice coming from the corner next to me. I didn't even notice someone else in the room with me, "Do you want some water?"

Even in the low light, I can make out her wide hazel eyes staring back at me. Finn sits with her back against the wall, hugging her knees to her chest. She was trying to make herself as small as possible and was sitting here quietly while I slept - for how long I don't know.

"Um, yes please," I won't lie and say I'm not dehydrated and I could use something to drink, "if you wouldn't mind,"

I watch as she hops to her feet quickly, racing into the kitchen to grab a cup and a small jug of water. If I had to guess, I would say she is no older than ten but I have no idea about her relation to Thalia.

Their eyes are different shapes and different colors. Even their hair, though brown, are different shades. I can't seem to find even a hint of a resemblance but genetics are funny that way.

I watch as she carefully holds the cup and pours the water and when a small amount spills, I can nearly see the fear enter her body. Her eyes flit to me and color drains for her face when she sees me watching.

"I'm sorry!" She squeaks, grabbing a rag from the counter and wiping it away, "I promise. I'm not messy, I swear!" She leaves the rag on the counter and brings me the water, holding it out for me.

"Thanks," I grab the cup from her hand hesitantly, not taking my eyes off her, "Where is Tally?" The nickname feels foreign on my tongue but in a weird way, it suits my mate.

Or maybe I am biased about her.

"The healer needed help delivering a pup," Finn sits down in her original spot, pulling her knees to her chest, "She didn't want to leave but I told her I would watch you,"

I nod, taking a drink of the water. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but this water is cool and surprisingly crisp. Honestly, it's better than the filtered water back at my pack-house.

I mean former pack-house. I guess I still have to get use to the idea that I am a rogue now. I belong to no pack and everything I had been working towards will amount to nothing now.

A wave of grief washes over me and I set the cup down. I know I have much to be grateful for, especially now that I've met my Thalia.

But I have also lost so much in such a short amount of time. I stand slowly, groaning as the muscles pull from the effort after being still for so long, but I need to stand. Need to walk. Need to do something to stop myself from the anger and pain that is rising inside me.