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.

too much

the tears to flow once more, feeling overwhelmed from the

crying when I fell

I had another dream.

time, I saw the back of a man. At first I thought it looked so much like Eros. In excitement, I rushed to touch him on the shoulder, and he turned back just in time. I was beyond shocked to see a face I didn't expect to see. I gasped in surprise and

"Pison?" I asked.

face, his eyes glowing a bright red, just

I gasped.

This was not natural.

in a slow and calculated voice.

frowned. "What is it?

looked

the details of my body. "I wonder what it is about you that drove Eros crazy." He moved closer, a

creep fear into me. My fists balled at

Eros." I said through

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

when I rip

"You can try. I will be

felt a great urge to puke at his

me that." I

you whatever I choose." Pison eyes

matter of time before your men break. And when they do,

woke up. I took a deep breath

Another dream.

was this one? A vision