Echoes of pain: Sura

Echoes of pain: Home

8:00 AM
LAKE CREST, ALASIA

  I woke to the gentle movement of my baby, a soothing sensation that filled me with joy. I didn't know my baby's gender, and that was by choice. I had grown accustomed to Kelpie's soft singing in my mind, ensuring my day started with a clear and calm mind.

As I smiled, memories of the previous night flooded my thoughts. I turned slightly, looking over my shoulder at Alex, sprawled out in a blue sleeping bag beside me.

Anya and Kat were cuddled into my side, their presence a comforting warmth. This felt perfect.

The room was Alex's, as I had been afraid to sleep in my own. His space was cozy, with soft blankets and a calming scent of peppermint that eased my nerves. The morning light filtered through the window, casting a warm glow over us.

As I pondered my response to Kelpie's question, I realized no one knew about my spirit guide. "I feel great, a little nervous, but that's to be expected," I replied, rubbing my belly.

Suddenly, the thought of sharing Kelpie with my friends came to mind. She had been my rock; why not tell them about her? "You know, Kelp, I was thinking I should tell them about you and how you've been a rock for me since everything with Vesserion," I whispered, expressing deep gratitude while asking her permission.

Just then, Kat called out, breaking me from my thoughts with Kelpie. "Sura?" I smiled widely, humming a response. "How's the baby?" she asked, stroking my belly. I placed my hands over hers and smiled. "A fighter. Constantly kicking, active, and thriving." I laughed.

"He's just like his mother then," Alex said, his deep morning voice startling me slightly. I turned to look over my shoulder and smiled. "I suppose so."

My heart felt full, and I wanted them with me wherever I went. I looked to Anya, who was drooling excessively and scrunched up my nose before tickling her nose in an attempt to wake her. "Sura," she groaned, her voice husky with sleep.

Flashbacks of our reunion flooded my mind. After Alex took me from the office, I had been nervous about facing Anya and Kat. But as they saw me, their eyes widened, filled with tears, and they sobbed heavily when they saw my pregnant belly.

They knew I hadn't asked for this. Yet, in the end, they cradled my belly and held me tightly, their love and support unwavering.

We talked long into the night, sharing stories and laughter. I told them about my journey, Greenfield, and the kind truck driver, John, who had basically adopted me, along with his son Lukas. He was as handsome as he was kind.

I told them of my job as a barmaid and how exhilarating it was, the men were less creepy than I believed they'd be. The money was fast and easy after learning the art of mixing drinks.

Life was almost phenomenal, but my chest held a great big hole, and I cried myself to sleep many nights.

I missed my friends, and my only family, and felt lost without their support or presence.

We talked until daybreak, and then one by one, we drifted off into sleep. A mere three hours later, I was awake, tired but happy, listening to their soft breathing as they slept.

"You can't sleep now. Vesserion and his beta require your presence at 10," Kelpie voiced, causing me to groan. "What's wrong?" Alex asked his magnificent hearing even in sleep always on point.

I laughed, "I have to meet with Alpha Vesserion and Beta Ares at 10."

Alex scoffed and rose from his bag. "Come, get ready, and I'll wake the girls. We're going with you." He left no room for argument.

I nodded, then eased myself off the bed with his help. The sudden movement caused the girls to jolt and grab at my hand.

I felt extreme guilt, knowing my disappearance was the cause of their frightened actions. "I'm going to shower, guys. I have to meet the alpha and beta at 10," I said. Kat reacted before I finished, "Why do you need to see him?"

"Kat, I left for a year; my link is broken to him. I'm a rogue.  It's a miracle the warriors didn't kill me on sight," I explained.

Anya scoffed, "So he gets to question you like it wasn't him you ran from?" She asked incredulously.

I sighed, not wanting to speak of what was done to me. Alex intervened, "Anya, Kat, let's just get ready so we can support her."

Kelpie whispered sweetly, "Shh, it's okay. They mean no harm. They're overwhelmed; there's too much to process right now."

I walked into Alex's breathtaking bathroom, with walls adorned with wooden accents and earthy tones, reminiscent of a forest clearing.

As I gazed at the large, wooden tub, surrounded by lush greenery and soft, warm lighting, I felt a sense of serenity wash over me. "Oh my god, I never want to leave!" I squealed, my eyes wide with delight.

"The strange things I get excited over," I thought sighing.

Kelpie's gentle voice whispered in my mind, "It is quite impressive, even more so than Greenfield's."

I laughed, feeling a sense of playfulness. "Well, unlike Alex, I'm poor," I said, the words barely above a whisper.

Kelpie's soft giggle filled my mind, a comforting sound that seemed to match the rhythm of my heartbeat. I gazed out the large, high window, showcasing the vibrant forest greenery.

The sight took my breath away, and I felt a deep sense of belonging. "This feels like home," I whispered, my heart swelling with emotion.

I marveled at the tranquil space before showering and lathering myself in Alex's wash. As I washed off, I thought about the meeting ahead and how I'd survive.

Not only was there a bounty on my head, but a supposedly dead siren was maiming people while wearing my face.

Or was it me who was wearing her face?

My little one's movement drew me back, and I smiled, "Hello, sweet child... I can't wait to meet you."

When I turned off the shower, Alex stood with his back to me. "Um, Alex?" I called. "Sorry, Sura. I didn't mean to invade your privacy. I just wanted to make sure you could get out; my tub is slightly higher than normal ones." 

He explained, still facing away. I accepted his help, and he handed me a large, lavender, fluffy towel. I wrapped it securely around me before calling out to him again. He turned, smiled, and grabbed my hand, helping me down from the large tub.

For my meeting, I chose a flowing, earth-toned dress that complimented my golden brown skin and white locs, which rippled down my back like a river of moonlight.

The dress hugged my baby bump, and my delicate, mermaid tail necklace adorned my neck. My feet were clad in comfortable, soft sneakers, ready for whatever lay ahead.

"Please moon goddess, don't me regret coming here". I softly whisper, staring into the mirror cupping my baby bump.

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Helloooooooooo happy Saturday you wonderful people🫶.

Don't forget to vote🫶comment🫶share🫶

1.Do yall think she'll ever forgive Vesserion?

2.Do you think she SHOULD forgive him?

3.Do you think she should tell any one of kelpie?