The Unkowns

Mother

-Chapter 18-

After Alpha Daryn left I paced around my chamber, processing the horrific news whirled at me as if I were a target for shooting practice.

I then realized that since Sasha is his mate she is therefore living with him. Frustrated, I let out a scream and frantically thought of a way to reach her.

Who would tell me the whereabouts of my sister? Certainly not Hunter, seeing as I have already escaped enough times that he shall be suspicious of my every move. The queen is much too intimidating to ask such a question, and the king is rather frightening. Torfus is too intelligent and would see right through me, and Katia and Faun would not even tell me whether or not she existed in the first place.

Then it came to me, as if a bolt of lightning struck my head. My mother.

A plan was already forming in my mind as I raced toward the ancient oak door.

Once again, Mother was crossed-legged with a candle in hand, a shadow casted onto her face. She seemed to be deep in thought, her eyes closed and a serene smile on her lips.

"Mother?" I asked her quietly, not wishing to interrupt.

"I am disappointed, dear daughter. You have visited but once, and when you return it is to ask a favor," she said eerily without opening her eyes.

A gasp flew from my lips. She truly was a seer, for how else would she know my intentions?

"How ever did you know?" I asked in surprise.

"I am your mother, sweet Ara, and I see the pain and anguish on your face as a result of your sister. Let me assure you that she is in good hands; the wolf spirits have matched her with Alpha Daryn for special purposes," Mother said knowingly.

"You shall not tell me of her whereabouts?" I asked incredulously, anger lacing my tone.

Mother shook her head wisely.

"If Sasha wished to leave, she would find a way. She is not as weak and defenseless as your perceive," she said.

"'Tis my role to protect her, to keep her safe from others!" I cried, unable to accept that Sasha no longer needed me.

Perhaps 'twas I who needed her, yet the selfishness embedded in me could not let her go.

"Sasha visits our castle every few moons to train with me so that she may one day take my role as Seer. She has been working hard and doing well. Not once has she mentioned your name since she arrived," my mother said with an emotionless voice.

I had spent years training and preparing myself for Sasha's rescue, and yet she could not even take the time to ask if I was alright. I wanted to grit my teeth and allow anger to consume me, but I loved Sasha so much that 'twas impossible to hate her. Sadness swept in instead, and I began to weep, large dollops of tears slipping down my cheeks.

Mother gathered me into her arms and I drank in her musky scent, taking comfort in the closest reminder of Thorn that was available to me.

"'Twas us against the world. Whatever happened?" I wailed, that ever-present pain and sadness increasing.

"She found her mate," Mother explained, "and now you have found yours."

"I do not want my mate. I want Sasha," I said bitterly, pounding my fist against my mother's chest.

"You know 'tis not true. Search deep within yourself," Mother soothed, slowly caressing my wild locks.

I thought of Hunter and immediately was filled with happiness. A smile lit my face and Mother nodded, knowingly.

"Perhaps 'tis time to allow yourself true happiness," she spoke wisely.

I looked up into her all-knowing eyes, sending the pride that toned her voice.

"I see a grand life ahead of you, sweet Ara. You shall accomplish many a great deed."

Tears welled my eyes and I buried my face into her warm embrace, embarrassed at my emotional state. Never before had I wept so often, even after Sasha left.

Perhaps my mother was right. Perhaps 'tis time to let go of my past and allow myself a future. I had a husband that I loved, a loving mother, and dear friends already. What more could I possibly need?

"Please excuse me. I must see my mate," I said excitedly, scrambling up from her lap.