The Beta’s Regret

After a few hours of running through the forest, my father finally slowed to a stop at one point. This forest was surrounded by tall trees and fruits that could easily keep us going for weeks.

There was a large clearing that the people immediately gathered on. Children hopped off their parents backs as they shifted into human form.

I looked around and noticed that the clearing led to a large cave. I heaved a breath of relief and moved forward, inspecting the surroundings for an impending danger.

My gaze fell on Lord Shevek who stood in the middle of it all. He turned to me "How long do you think it will take before Pison gets to know of this place?"

"I don't know. But what matters is that we are safe and we have enough time to get ready." I said

He nodded.

Things were looking worse than I thought. The people had begun to settle, setting up tents.

I could see the hunger and uncertainty in their eyes, the desperation to survive. I felt heavy guilt hit me again.

This was all my fault. If I hadn't sent the men as spies, we would still be hidden from Pison and his rogues.

I was walking close to the cave entrance when Beauty walked up to me, Lily still asleep in her arms.

"Adonis has everything prepared." She said softly.

I nodded and followed her to where Adonis had set up my tent.

Beauty left me alone to attend to other matters, and immediately I broke down. The weight of the responsibility held me down as I choked out my tears.

I never expected all that was happening. I was still processing the grief of losing Eros, now coupled with leading a group of people, and now, I shouldered the burden of leading my men into danger.

all too much for me to

flow once more, feeling

still crying when I

I had another dream.

so much like Eros. In excitement, I rushed to touch him on the shoulder, and he turned back just in time.

"Pison?" I asked.

didn't respond immediately, instead he wore a menacing smile on his face, his eyes glowing

I gasped.

This was not natural.

in a slow and calculated voice. "You must miss

frowned. "What is it? Why are you

laughed. He looked at me

wonder what it is about you that drove Eros crazy." He moved closer, a

chin higher refusing to let his words creep fear into me. My fists balled at my side as I thought about the fact that the monster before me killed my

I said through clenched

a soft tut with his tongue. "Maybe...you look

I rip out your heart the same

can try. I

felt a great urge to puke at his

me that."

you whatever I choose." Pison eyes glowed

matter of time before your men break. And when

I took a deep

Another dream.

this one? A