Another type of portal (1)

"We are going to be absent for some time. Will you be alright?" Talia spoke to Valerian.

"I will leave," Valerian responded with finality.

Talia didn't want him to go, but she couldn't ask him to stay when she was the one leaving first. It would be a selfish thing to do. Besides, Valerian was physically fine, and she knew that he wouldn't be in that garden forever.

"When are you leaving?" Talia asked.

"I was thinking of heading out tomorrow."

"To the Midnight Guardians pack?" Talia guessed.

"No."

"I see," Talia breathed. "How long will you be away?"

"I don't know."

Talia didn't like the uncertainty. "Can you give me an estimate? A month? A year?"

"Is there a rush?" Valerian asked.

"No, not really. It's just..." Talia decided to come out clean. "I thought you would take over the Midnight Guardians pack as the Alpha."

"As the Alpha?" Valerian repeated in surprise.