Alpha Alec's Redemption by Kathy M

Chapter 313

Aspen slips right back into her game as if nothing ever happened. She's so absorbed, you'd never guess that just a few minutes ago she was asking me for rainbow doors and butterflies.

Sometimes I wonder, do we all secretly wish our lives were as simple as that of children? Stress-free, carefree, their entire world wrapped up in pixels, laughter, and small wonders. I envy that ease. I miss it too. The days when my biggest concern was how long I could play before my parents called me in to finish my homework.

A sigh escapes me. I shake the thoughts away before they can drag me under. That time is gone. What matters now is making sure Aspen and every other child in this pack get to enjoy their childhood like I did. That won't be possible with Xena and Kaden around.

"Nyx went MIA on me," I admit, more to distract myself than anything else.

Raven pauses, her gaze flicks to mine in the mirror. "What do you mean, MIA?"

The ache in my chest sharpens and my throat tightens. "She said she had to go away for a while. Some sort of hibernation or something, but she didn't explain much... She said I'd be fine without her, but I don't feel fine. It feels like she abandoned me, Raven." My voice wavers and fingers knot in my lap. "Like she left right when I needed her most."

It's only been a couple of hours and I already miss her so much. The emptiness inside me is a cold ache that settles into bone in a way I can't ignore. It feels as if someone has ripped a part of me away.

I want her back. I want her with me, but a part of me remembers that Nyx never asks for much. All she's ever asked is that I trust her... So, no matter how hollow I feel, I have to trust her and believe she left for a reason and that it'll all make sense when she comes back.

Raven sets the eyeliner down and rests her hands on my shoulders, grounding me. "Maybe she's cultivating."

"Cultivating?" I echo, blinking at her.

She nods, giving me a small encouraging smile. "Witches do it all the time. We leave our covens for months, sometimes years, to master our magic in solitude. It's in the solitude that they push their power until it blossoms into something greater, and then they come back stronger. Nyx might be doing the same."

"But that doesn't make sense," I say quickly. "We are one and the same, so if she needs to cultivate, shouldn't I be with her?"

Raven tilts her head, patient, like she's used to explaining things to people who panic first and think later. "Think of it this way, Sadie. Yes, you are one and the same, but you're also individuals. You share a soul, yes, but you have different strengths. There are things only she can do and things only you can do. And remember, she's older than you. Older in memory and in experience. That age gives her tools you don't have yet."

withdraws to grow, they don't always need company. Sometimes the process demands solitude. Nyx pulling away doesn't mean she doesn't trust you;

like a boulder. I want to argue, to beg her back, but the stubborn part of

my eyes, but her words ease something tight in me.

usually am." She smirks,

barely feels like me. My skin glows, my eyes look brighter, and my lips are painted in a soft shade that makes me

steps back, satisfied. "There.

gasps loudly from

bed and circles me dramatically, her little hands clasped together like she's announcing royalty. "Like one

floods my cheeks, and I can't help but

or

head, narrowing her eyes in mock suspicion. "Sooo... if you're a princess, can I

I do without my

way her tiny

me, everyone will forget about Mommy and

to s

and sad look on, even though I'm dying on

me to

widen, like she

a point, Aspen. No one will want to talk to her because

smile. "Well... maybe I'll stay here then. Just

whisper dramatically, kissing her forehead. "You're saving

But you have to bring me cake and ice

I can do." I kiss her forehead and stand,