The Alpha Can’t Sense His Mate

ITHRA

I knew I shouldn’t have gone. I knew it wasn’t the right call. But I did it anyway.

After our little fight yesterday, we decided to stick around for the night and go our separate ways at the crack of dawn.

However, I got another vision, urging me to find my book and begin the journey to the heart of the forest. I didn’t want to get into another fight with Zadok concerning my decision.

While I trudged farther away from him, I contemplated telling him of my vision and getting him to work with me, but I remembered what a controlling arse he was and decided against it. I believed I was ready for this. I spent the last few months of my life getting strong for this journey. There was nothing I couldn’t face.

I hoped.

Shaking off the fear that plagued me, I headed deeper into the forest. Dark shadows cast on my path as I walked forward, moving eastward.

Just last night, Sarai visited me, telling me to find the ancient witch’s book I lost during my transition here. According to her, I lost it on my way and must recover it before I begin my journey towards getting my powers and the ghost orchid.

Before I deserted Zadok, I heard the dark forest mountains beckon to me – and I nearly abandoned my quest to find the ancient witch’s book.

As I treaded the deadly path of the dark forest, I sought the blue covers of the ancient witch’s book to no avail. I retraced my steps back, but it seemed I was going in circles.

By the third time, It dawned on me that I was lost. I had no sense of direction, and with the tall trees that reached the heavens, I couldn’t tell the east from the west.

An eerie wind passed, and I felt the presence of something. My body hairs stood, and I felt a coldness within me. I felt the eyes watching me, and that very closely.

“Who are you?” I said slowly, reaching for the knife laced to my thighs.

“Ithra… Long time no see.” The voice whispered, leaving a cold trail on my body.

Fear engulfed me, one that felt very familiar. Too familiar.

“You finally made it. Who would have thought you would come here? and for the same people that dealt with you.” His words trapped me, weaving through my mind and capturing it to his will. “You shouldn’t be here.”

The voice said, and I felt pain in my heart, head and everywhere else. It was the Sirion! A knowledgeable demon from the dark forest that captures one’s soul and enslaves it to his will.

One of the many things I knew about this beast was that it wasn’t real. His powers hinged on hallucinations. The moment he took control of your mind, he could destroy you from the inside out.

Another little detail about this particular beast was that it wasn’t a stranger to me.

How could I forget the day I was thrown out of my clan?

“Leave me alone.” I moaned, trying to keep my sanity.

“You are not just here to save your clan,” It chuckled, “Who would have thought there was a selfish bone in you that wants to experience power too..” It cooed, “It’s pitiful that you would not achieve anything. Not on my watch.”

I felt pain hit my heart, and a loud screech left my lips. It’s not real. It’s not real. It’s not real. I muttered to myself, and I didn’t believe it.

Suddenly, I became powerless and weak. Who deluded me to think I could do this on my own?

“So weak…” The Sirion cackled, “Killing you will be doing you a favour. It will save you from the horrors ahead of your fruitless journey.”

I fell to my knees, paralysed and wriggling in pain. I needed help. I couldn’t fight. How could I fight when all he said was the truth? I was weak, powerless and delusional. It was a joke coming here. It was a mistake walking off by myself.

“I’ll put you out of your misery, witch. I’ll send you off to the worlds beyond. Maybe you will find your fulfilment on the other side.”

I feel my body lean into the pain, like I deserved it, like I was destined for the world beyond.

“Stay awake!” I hear a masculine voice shout at me.

Zadok?

“Don’t listen to it! Hang in there!” He commanded. I felt my body come alive.

He found me. He came back for me.

“No, you don’t!” I hear the spooky voice of the Sirion.

Immediately, I felt a chard of ice prick my heart with surgical precision. “Die!”

“Ithra! It’s not real! Open your eyes! Don’t give in to it. Stay awake!”

Zadok spoke with desperation. Like I meant the world to him. I couldn’t leave him. I couldn’t disappoint his trust in me.

“You were rejected and tortured! I am doing you a favour! You must enter the world beyond!” I heard the Sirion, but he wasn’t as loud as before.

I don’t feel his hold anymore. I want to open my eyes. “Yes! That’s it! Focus on my voice! You are doing well, mi amore! Open your eyes! It’s not real!”

It’s not real. I said and felt my body grow hot.

It’s not real. I heard the screech of the Sirion, leaving in its signature way.

IT’S NOT REAL!

I yelled, and my eyes opened. The first thing I saw were dark shadows. A form also loomed over me. I lay on the floor, breathing heavily as my sight cleared up.

“It’s okay. You are alright. It’s gone now.” Zadok said, searching my face.

At that moment, I knew there was no way I was leaving without him.