Chapter 2: Changes

I woke up to find my dog licking my face. Her name is Petunia. I named her when she was a newborn puppy. She is soo cute! She was the only puppy I kept out of her litter. The rest of the puppies were sold. She always wakes me with a lick to the cheek.

I go inside to find my parents whispering about something.

I could not make out what father was saying but I could hear my mother whispering to father, 'she can't.....she's too vulnerable.....they will take her....last surviving heir....'

I called out to them to find them pale in the face.

"What are you talking about? Mother? Father? I can handle it," I said.

My mother replied, " Your name day is in a few days. You will be 16. Once the king and queen find out about this, they will send their people here. Every girl who reaches their name day will be chosen by one of the four princes."

Father said, "Aiko, you are one of the few Omegas that can carry an Alpha's child. Many have tried and many have lost their precious loved ones. Your ancestors had a penny on their heads for the rarity of a daughter born with this power. You cannot stay here. There will be alphas out looking for you. It has happened for generations. I will stay here and you and your mother will leave for your Aunts. You will have to pass through the dark woods. When you reach the Twins trail, never stray from it. I will provide you with food, clothes, inhibitors, and a map of the neighboring towns. There will be a guide waiting for you when you reach the end. Stay with her. She will protect you. I love you, my dear Aiko."

"Wait, Father! I can't leave you! I'm not leaving! What about you?!" I screamed at Father.

Mother replied holding back tears, "I know it is hard....Your father will stay here and keep the townspeople at bay. We have to go. Here, take my mother's necklace. If we are ever separated, I will always be with you. It has a protection spell on it. When you are in trouble just call my name and I will appear. Keep it with you. It will guide you. Now.....let's go!!"

Father took me and mother out of the town to the beginning of the dark woods. He left the supplies and a lantern. I had no idea that was the last time we were going to see him...alive.

Me and mother kept on the Twins trail, following the map. We had reached the end of the trail, when we did not see the guide. We saw mercenaries! I was found!

Mother yelled, "RUN!"

I ran as fast as my legs could carry me but it wasn't enough. They were catching up. Mother decided, "Run as fast as you can. Keep your identity hidden, and never look back. GO!"

I ran but mother was not with me! She was defending against mercenaries. She was strong in battle, but she was no match for mercenaries, trained assassins. She had killed two of them but the third had come from behind her and shoved a spear into her. Shock just paralyzed me. She fell to the ground and with two blows of a sword, she was gone....

"NOOOOOO!! MOTHER!!" I screamed.

The mercenary turned him attention to me. I ran. He was not far behind. He grabbed my hair and forced me to look at him. His face was unreadable. Terror filled me. He threw me on the ground and started ripping my clothes. I cried out for someone but no one replied. I began to feel helpless. He was trying to **** me! He got my underwear off and pulled his pants off. He was naked. I cried for help and thought I may as well just grab the knife and die when a sword went through the man. I saw a shadowy figure emerge from the shadows. It was the guide! I'm saved! She grabbed her cloak and wrapped it around me. She led me to a nearby house where I would be safe and warm. I ate my fill on stew and bread, still in shock from the events that had happened earlier. She gave me a bed, food, clothes, and offered me protection. Her soul was caring, but filled with deep regret and guilt. I could see it but she did not talk to me. I knew this was just the beginning.