Love in the Chaos

Chapter 23

Rune’s heart was heavy as he left the family estate. The weight of his family’s rejection was almost crushing, every step feeling like a mile. He tried to focus on Aaron, to remember the warmth he felt in his embrace. Aaron would understand, he told himself. Aaron would make it better. But his thoughts were interrupted as he saw a figure step out from the shadows ahead of him.

It was Kael, with a smirk on his face, flanked by a few of his friends. They spread out around Rune, blocking his path. Rune's pulse quickened, dread pooling in his stomach.

“Well, look who it is,” Kael sneered. “The wolf who abandoned his family, who gave up his mate for… a vampire. How pathetic.”

Rune held his ground, his voice steady though he could feel his hands trembling. “I don’t have time for you, Kael. Get out of my way.”

Kael laughed, a mocking sound that made Rune’s skin crawl. “Oh, I don’t think so. You humiliated us last time, and now you’re turning your back on your kind for that bloodsucker? You’re an embarrassment to all wolves, Rune.”

One of Kael’s friends snickered. “Looks like the traitor needs a reminder of where he belongs.”

Before Rune could respond, Kael lunged at him, his fist colliding with Rune’s jaw. Rune staggered back, his head spinning as another punch struck his ribs. He tried to push them away, but they quickly overpowered him, forcing him to the ground. They kicked and punched him relentlessly, each blow more brutal than the last.

“Still want to be with a vampire now?” Kael sneered, slamming his foot into Rune’s side. “You think that bloodsucker will save you?”

Rune’s vision blurred as pain consumed him. His whole body screamed in agony, every movement sending fresh waves of pain through him. He tried to crawl away, but they surrounded him, kicking and taunting him.

“Maybe we should just finish you off,” one of them said, a twisted grin on his face. “Put an end to this shame.”

Rune’s heartbeat thundered in his chest, his strength slipping with each blow. He thought of Aaron, of the future he had dreamed of, and fear gripped his heart. Would he die here, abandoned and alone?

But just as Kael raised his fist to deliver another blow, a voice shouted from behind them. “Enough!”

Rune’s uncle appeared, his eyes blazing with fury. Kael and his friends froze, their confidence evaporating in an instant.

“Get away from him,” his uncle snarled, stepping forward. The group exchanged nervous glances before darting away into the shadows, unwilling to face his wrath.

Rune’s uncle rushed to his side, kneeling down and gently lifting him. “Rune… what have they done to you?” he whispered, his face pale with worry.

Rune’s body was limp, bruises covering his skin, blood trickling from cuts on his face and arms. He managed a weak, pained smile. “I… I didn’t expect to see you here, Uncle…”

“Don’t talk, Rune. You’re hurt. I’m taking you to the hospital,” his uncle said firmly, his voice thick with worry. He lifted Rune into his arms, carrying him as quickly as he could toward his car, and rushed him to the hospital.

Rune drifted in and out of consciousness, his mind clouded with pain and sorrow. Every breath hurt, but through it all, he held onto one thought—Aaron. As the world faded around him, he whispered a single word, barely audible but filled with every ounce of strength he had left.

“Aaron…”