Alpha Alden ✔️

Chapter Thirty Five

Word Count: 1546

~Kezziah

I'm not sure why I'm so nervous to see Alden.

Maybe I'm nervous for his reaction. I can't imagine he will be very happy to see me. And all my privileges with a good room and being able to walk around will be taken from me. However, Fate is right. I need to go back and face this issue. With this ring on my finger, I'm almost certain to be hidden from Time. That is, if Fate is telling the truth.

He took me from the strange realm between the mortal and immortal land to the top of a very large building. We teetered on the edge, the lights of the Wisdom Pack city so bright it's disorienting. Fate holds my arm while I regain my balance.

"Welcome back," Fate says smoothly, scuffing his feet along the ground. "Alden's beneath us. Use the stairs to get down."

Fate didn't stick around for much of a goodbye. In less than a few seconds, he disappeared, leaving me stunned and unsure of what to do. I took a few moments, staring out into the glinting lights of the distance while I consider my next move. Fate could have at least taken me in.

I should be grateful, though.

Swallowing the lump in my throat from the unnerving height beneath my feet, I turn away and head to the stairs. I'm so worried about Alden's reaction it takes me a few attempts to convince myself to just walk straight down there and face him. All I have to lose is him locking me away forever...Or maybe even refusing to help me ever again.

Okay, maybe this wasn't the best idea. But with one foot in front of the other, I walk proudly down the steps formulating my plan in my head.

I'm just going to go in there, knock on the door and face him. It's late, so I can't be sure he will even be awake, but it's worth a try. I would rather face him than Sermon and that's saying something. At least I can hear it from him if he is going to refuse to help me.

Finally I reach it to an elevator. I know exactly what floor I'm looking for. I have to wonder, as I step in and press the button, whether Alden cared much about me leaving. He didn't chase after me, nor did he send guards out. Maybe he just didn't care at all. Maybe he is glad I'm gone so he doesn't have to bother me anymore.

Suddenly the elevator pulls to a stop on its ascent. I believe this is a floor I've never been on before. We must be picking someone up, which only bothers me slightly. I need to get to the next floor.

Turns out, it's Alden waiting there at the foot of the elevator.

We both startle at the sight of each other. I take a few steps back into the elevator until my back is pressed up against the wall, as if I'm afraid he's going to jump in and attack me. There is a moment where we just stare before the doors begin to close and Alden shoves his hand out to stop it.

"Am I hallucinating, or are you truly standing with me right now?" Alden asks, his tone slightly delirious.

I'm unsure if he is being serious or not. "I'm here."

Alden looks as though he has seen better days. Shadows beneath his eyes are haunting, presenting how little sleep he has had to anyone who gets close of him. His skin is drained of colour and looks sickly. It seems as if I've only been gone for a short amount of time. What happened to him?

We stand next to each other as the elevator glides up to the top story. I'm too scared to move, to even breathe for a moment. I'm waiting for him to make the first move. To determine how this conversation is going to go.

"Are you okay?" Alden asks gently, sounding genuinely concerned.

I loosen a breath, feeling the relief after holding it for a few moments. "I'm okay. Are you okay? You don't look so good."