False Confidence

On the Road (Run)

Azriel Huang

I glanced around, and for some odd reason, I couldn't hear.

Even though the temple was crumbling downward and wolves shifted here and there, fleeing the dusty mess, I could only focus on the distinct sound of the ocean. Just like I had done a short time ago, I lined up my feet against the cliff, feeling the soft ocean breeze swathe my numbed face.

I'm pretty sure I was bleeding, I could feel the blood drip from my forehead down to the dust smattered on my cheek. I knew there would be screaming when this persistent ringing in my ears would cease. I was hoping it wouldn't, solely because it would overrun the blissful roar of the sea.

I had to find my mom and Sasha.

I'd do it in a bit, i just wanted to listen to the waves a little while longer.

My momentary peace was interrupted as soon as it came, a sense of deja vu overcoming me when arms tugged me back by my waist. My body was flung over a broad shoulder and jostled as the male carrying me ran. I nestled my head into his back, the scent sickeningly familiar. I chose to favor the warmth it brought me instead of the sick roiling it caused as well.

The running went on for a while before I was gently but quickly situated into the leather seat of a car. I groaned, my eyelids fluttering shut once more.

"Shit—shit, Az! Keep your fucking eyes open-" a deep voice hissed, followed by the slamming sound of a heavy vehicle door. The road was bumpy and the driver drove fast and recklessly, taking hard turns.

"There's an elixir from the Church under the seat!" A man's voice exclaimed hurriedly, sounding far away and close all at once.

I attempted to shake myself awake and focus my fast-healing on the gash in my head, batting his hands away while widening my eyes. Wren's fierce gaze was wide with worry, his knuckles white and brows furrowed. He looked like a mess, Wren's gelled back hair messy and a coat of dust covered some of his face as well as his clothes.

"Wren." I huffed, sitting up straighter.

"Shut the fuck up and drink this." He grumbled, pressing the glass vile against my lips. I didn't give an answer, only taking down the bitter liquid in one go. It took a couple minutes but the throbbing in my head ceased, though a light headache remained.

I blinked a couple times before biting back laughter. This was ridiculous, utterly fucking ridiculous. I had no evidence my mother and Sasha were alive apart from a gut feeling and I was in a car with man who wanted to hurt me and a stranger in the driver's seat.

I'm absolutely fucked.

"How many escaped?" I croaked, wiping blood from my now wound less head with the sleeve of my shirt.

"It seemed like a lot, almost all of the Ten escaped except for Southire's Alpha." Wren reported grimly, his eyes glancing away from my own as he sat forward.

I took that as him not wanting to speak anymore but I had more questions. He'd have to deal with it.

"Did you see Sasha and my mother escape? Where are we going?" I asked shakily, my vocal chords straining.

"I saw them lurking around the back of the hill, they're probably looking for you." Wren gave a sidelong glance before continuing, crossing his strong arms over his broad chest. "Air travel is too risky so we have to get to your pack house by car."

"Why'd you save me, and why'd you bring me with you if you're returning me to my mother?" I asked incredulously, feeling a chill rise beneath my skin. I was expecting the worst.