Chapter 194 Her Promise 2

Chapter 194: Chapter 194 Her Promise 2

Talia’s POV

Kaelen always seemed to know exactly what I needed.

"You are thinking about her," he said.

I nodded. "I cannot stop thinking about her."

The words came out in a rush, and I felt the tears prick at my eyes again.

I had held them back for so long, but now they were threatening to spill over again.

"She has been out there all this time, alone and afraid, and I did not even know." My voice cracked.

"You know now," he said. "And you are going to find her."

I leaned back into his embrace, and I felt the warmth of his body against mine.

For a moment, I let myself just breathe. I let myself feel safe in his arms, even though I knew the danger that was waiting for me.

A knock came at the door, and Kaelen pulled away and walked to open it.

I watched him move, and I felt a pang of guilt. He had been so patient with me, and so understanding, that I felt i did not deserve him.

A servant stood in the hallway, holding a tray of food.

"Alpha, Luna," she said, bowing. "I have brought your dinner."

Kaelen took the tray, locked the door, and carried it to the desk.

The smell of the food drifted toward me, and my stomach turned. I knew I should eat, but the thought of food made me feel sick.

He set it down and looked at me.

"Come eat," he said.

I shook my head. "I am not hungry."

I could not bring myself to even look at the tray. All I could think about was my mother, alone and afraid, and I did not have the right to eat while she was suffering.

He walked to me and took my hand. "Talia, you need to eat. You need to keep your strength up."

"I said I am not hungry," I repeated, and I pulled my hand away.

He stared at me for a moment, and I could see the concern in his eyes.

I could see the war in his eyes, the desire to take care of me, and the knowledge that he could not force me to do anything I did not want to do.

But he did not push.

"At least try," he said. "For me."

His voice was soft, and I could hear the plea in it. I knew that he was not asking for himself, he was asking because he was scared for me.

I looked at him, and I felt the guilt settle in my chest. I knew that he was only trying to take care of me.

I knew that he loved me, and I knew he wanted to protect me. But I could not protect myself by pretending everything was fine, even if he was only trying to help.

"Maybe later," I said. "I just want to shower and sleep."

I saw the disappointment flash across his face, but he did not argue. He just let me have my space, and I was grateful for that.

He nodded. "Okay."

I walked to the bathroom and turned on the water. I let it run until it was warm, and I stepped into the shower. The water washed away the day, but it did not wash away the weight in my chest.

I stood under the spray for a long time, letting the steam fill the room.

The water ran down my face, mixing with the tears that I could no longer hold back. I let them fall, and I let myself grieve for the years I had lost with her.

I thought about my mother, I thought about Malachai, and I thought about the Ashen Lands, and all the dangers that awaited me.

I knew it would not be easy, and I knew I might not come back, but I did not care. I would rather die trying than live with the guilt of not trying at all.

When I came out, wrapped in a towel, Kaelen was sitting on the edge of the bed, waiting for me. He had already changed into his nightclothes.

I dressed quickly and climbed into bed beside him.

The sheets were cool against my skin, but his body was warm, and I curled into him, seeking comfort in his presence.

He pulled me into his arms, and I rested my head on his chest.

"We are going to find her," he said. "Together."

I closed my eyes and listened to his heartbeat.

The rhythm was soothing, and I let it anchor me. I let it remind me that I was not alone, and that I would never have to face this by myself.

It was steady and strong, and it grounded me.

"Together," I whispered, repeating his words.

I felt his arms tighten around me, I felt safe, and I felt loved. And for the first time in days, I felt like I could not rest.

Even with my heart that felt heavy, I tried, and let myself drift off to sleep.