chapter two~ sunset conversations

Aria's POV

I trudged through the forest towards my secret garden, trying to clear my mind of the thoughts that plagued me. I desperately needed the comfort the garden provided.

As I approached the familiar clearing, my mind couldn't help but drift to one individual who seemed to occupy every corner of my thoughts– the strange Jackson from the stairs. He seemed familiar but he looked nothing like anyone from this pack, he must be a guest maybe a friend of the alpha's son.

Just as I settled on the grass, trying to find some peace of mind, my mind drifted to Jackson once again. His warm smile, his gentle touch—it all reminded me of the little moment while ago. For some reason I can't get him out of my mind which is weird if you ask me.

A rustling nearby brought me back to reality, and Marcus appeared, with a knowing grin plastered on his face. "So, this is where you come to escape the world, huh?" he teased, plopping down beside me.

I rolled my eyes. "Is it that obvious?"

He chuckled. "Just a little. The pack has been looking for you." Marcus teased, we both know no one in the pack cares about my existence enough to look for me. unless when they needed me to cook, to do chores or when the time to do servants worthy stuffs.

"Well, they can keep looking," I retorted sarcastically. "I'm not in the mood for company."

"Ouch," Marcus feigned hurt, dramatically clutching his chest. "You wound me with your words, Aria."

I smirked, unable to resist the banter. "Oh, please. You're practically invincible."

He laughed, and for a moment, just like magic, the tension that was building inside me eased. With Marcus around, I could let my guard down, be myself, and without worrying about my responsibilities.

"You know you can talk to me, right?" Marcus said, in a soft yet caring tone. Which Reminded me of my mom in the process, she used to be my human diary and confidant, she always sense the slightest inconveniences.

"I know," I replied, my voice a bit serious . "It's just... sometimes, everything feels kind of overwhelming."

He nodded,with an understand gaze in his eyes. "I get it. You have a lot on your shoulders."

I sighed, looking up at the sky. "I miss my mom, Marcus. Every day, it feels like a part of me is missing." I regretted it the moment the the words flew out of my mouth, I don't like talking about my mom to Marcus much less anyone.

"I know," he said softly, placing a hand on my shoulder. "She was a wonderful person, and she would have been so proud of the person you've become."

I smiled sadly, feeling grateful for still having Marcus as my friend. "Thanks, Marcus. It means a lot to me."

We fell into a deep silence, it was comfortable and calming, we watched the sun as it began to set, it casted a warm glow over the garden. the sky turned shades of orange and pink, I couldn't help but feel a sense of peace wash over me.

"Sometimes, I wish I could talk to her," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

"I'm sure she's watching over you," Marcus said. "And she'd want you to find happiness, even in the middle of all this chaos."

I nodded, trying to hold back the tears that were threatening to spill. "I just wish she could see how much my appearance has morphed into hers. I want to make her proud but I don't know how to."

"You already have," Marcus said, with a smile.

Just as we were lost in the moment, . "Aria, there's something else I need to tell you. It's about your parents' killer, Simon."

My heart clenched as heard the name of that monster, and my eyes narrowed with suspicion. "What about him?"

Marcus hesitated a bit, as if unsure how to break the news to me. "My father, has decided to bring him back into the pack."

My body tensed with anger. "What? Why would he do that?"

"He believes Simon has changed and deserves a second chance," Marcus explained.

I scoffed, my anger rising higher than before. "Changed? He killed my parents for crying out loud! How can the alpha be so blind?"

"I don't know, Aria," Marcus said, I could sense the frustration in his voice. "But I don't trust Simon, and I don't trust my father's decision."

"I have to confront him," I said, standing up abruptly from the grass.

"Are you sure that's a good idea?" Marcus asked, the concern on his face was very obvious.

"I can't just stand by and let this happen," I said, my voice firm. "I need answers and I need them now."

Marcus nodded, understanding my sudden decision . "Okay, I'll go with you."

As we made our way back to the pack house, my mind became a tornado of thoughts and emotions. I couldn't understand why the alpha would bring Simon back, especially without consulting me or considering the pain it would cause.

When we arrived at the pack house, Marcus led me to his father's office. I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself before knocking on the door.

"Come in," a voice called from inside.

I pushed the door open and stepped inside, my gaze locking with Alpha Julius. His expression was unreadable as he glanced at Marcus and then turned his attention to me.

"What brings you here, Aria?" he asked, his tone calm.

"I heard you're bringing Simon back into the pack," I said, my voice steady despite the anger bubbling inside me.

"That's correct," he replied, not looking the least bit bothered by my presence or my feelings.

"Why?" I demanded. "How can you just forgive him for what he did?"

"He's shown remorse for his actions, and I believe in second chances," Alpha Julius explained.

"Remorse?" I scoffed. "He took my parents away from me. There's no amount of remorse that can bring them back."

He sighed, his expression softening slightly. "I understand your pain, Aria. But sometimes, forgiveness is the path to healing."

"Forgiveness? Healing?" I repeated, my voice tinged with bitterness. "I don't believe in forgiveness, especially not when it comes to someone like Simon."

"I know it's difficult," he said, his tone almost sympathetic. "But we must move forward as a pack, and sometimes that means making difficult decisions."

"You're willing to sacrifice justice for your own gain," I accused, unable to hold back my anger any longer.

Alpha Julius's eyes hardened, and a blink of annoyance crossed his face. "I am the alpha, and I make decisions for the good of the pack."

"The good of the pack?" I retorted, my voice rising with frustration. "What about the good of my family? Don't they deserve justice?"

"This is not up for debate, Aria," he said, his tone firm. "Simon will be welcomed back into the pack, and I expect you to respect that decision."

Respect? How could he ask me to respect the person who had taken everything from me? My wolf snarled within me, urging me to lash out, i would be stupid to lash out right now so I took a deep breath, trying to control my emotions.

"I can't respect that decision," I said, my voice trembling with anger and sadness. "My parent's life deserves justice, and I won't let you sweep it under the rug for your own benefit."

Marcus stepped forward, his voice calm but firm. "Aria has a point, father. We can't ignore the pain Simon caused."

Alpha Julius looked between us, his expression not shaken. "Enough, both of you. This matter is settled. Simon will be welcomed back, and I won't entertain any further arguments about it."

My anger simmered beneath the surface, but I knew arguing with the alpha any longer would be worthless. With a deep breath, I nodded at Marcus, signaling that it was time for us to leave the office.

As we stepped outside the office, Marcus turned to me to face me . "Aria, I don't like this one bit, but we can't do anything right now. The bonfire tonight is supposed to welcome Ethan, but I think it has something to do Simon's return. We should stay back at the pack house, and try to figure out what my father is planning."

His suggestion was wise, and part of me wanted to follow his advice, but my wolf and I don't have time to sit around in the pack house we need to go to that bonfire and see the alpha's betrayal with our eyes . "I appreciate your concern, Marcus, but I need to know what the alpha is up to. I won't let him manipulate the situation for his own gain."

Marcus sighed, clearly stuck between supporting me and keeping us both safe. "Alright, if you're going, then I'm going with you. We're in this together."

A grateful smile towed at the corners of my lips. "Thank you, Marcus. For you staying by my side, I don't know how to thank you "

we went to our rooms to get ready for the bonfire. I could sense the mix of excitement and unease in the pack house, most members were curious about Simon's return, while some were as skeptical as was.