Rejected Little Secret by Lisj

Sitting on my bed, I lean back against the headboard and fix my gaze on the empty bag beside me, my mind devoid of any thoughts. It’s a simple canvas bag, with frayed edges and faded colors, but it carries the weight of my uncertainty, my fear, and my longing for something more. Beside it, my clothes are neatly folded, ready to be packed away, ready to be carried with me on whatever journey lies ahead.

As I replay the words of Puffin and Uncle Gavvyn in my mind, they swirl like a whirlwind, stirring up buried emotions

However, the thought of departing Thenholde and venturing into the unfamiliar decision to uproot myself from the only home I’ve ever known is far from easy, leaving behind the familiar comforts and faces that have become like me with an overwhelming sense of fear and doubt. Making the family weighs heavily on my heart.

There’s a nagging feeling in the pit of my stomach as I sit here, the empty bag serving as a visual representation of the void I can only fill by listening to my heart and seeking my own happiness. Letting out a sigh, I reluctantly reach out and pick up the bag, feeling its rough canvas surface under my fingertips. It’s a simple gesture, but it feels like a step towards something greater, towards a future that is uncertain yet filled with possibility.

As I fold my clothes, I take my time, ensuring each item is neatly placed inside the bag. As I pack away each item, memories flood my mind, reminding me of the moments I’ve experienced in Thomholde, and a bittersweet sadness washes over me, realizing that I may be parting with them forever.

Despite the overwhelming sadness, a glimmer of hope emerges, infusing a sense of anticipation and excitement for the unknown. I can’t ignore the longing in my heart, the persistent yearning to find my place in the world, to chase after the elusive happiness that has slipped through my fingers.

Without warning, the door to my room slowly creaks open.

I glance up to see Sammy standing in the doorway, her eyes meeting mine with an inscrutable expression. There is a brief, wordless exchange as our eyes connect, and the tension in the air grows palpable. The silence stretches out, a weighty presence filling the space between us, burdened with unsaid thoughts and unresolved strain.

While I concentrate on neatly folding my clothes and arranging them in my bag, I can’t escape the weight of Sammy’s gaze, drilling into me. I don’t know how to break the deafening silence that hangs between us, suffocating the room.

With a heavy sigh, I continue packing, my hands moving methodically as try to ignore the uncomfortable tension hanging in the air. Breaking the silence, Sammy’s hesitant and uncertain voice speaks up first.

“It’s not going to be easy, you know,” She spoke softly, and her words seemed to float in the air, creating a palpable tension. “Going someplace new.”

I stop what I’m doing, my heart pounding as a rush of emotions overwhelms me. Lam overwhelmed by a mixture of anger, frustration, and sadness, causing a muddled confusion that impedes my ability to find the appropriate words to reply. But before I can say anything. Sammy continues, her voice filled with a gentler tone.

“But it’s brave,” Her words were accompanied by a genuine look in her eyes, taking me by surprise. “And I’m happy for you.”

The words crashed into me like a tidal wave, flooding me with an unexpected surge of warmth and comprehension. I fight back the lump in my throat, struggling to control the flood of emotions threatening to consume me

“Thanks.”

Struggling to speak, I manage to choke out the words, my voice barely audible.

Sammy nods, a small smile tugging at the corners of their lips.

“Just promise me one thing,” With a soft but earnest voice, she tells me her thoughts. “Promise me you’t take care of yourself out there. Promise me you won’t forget who you are, no matter where life takes you.”

Our

eyes lock, and I can’t help but feel a pang of sadness deep within my chest.

“I promise.”

overwhelmed with gratitude

rely audible, seemed to disappear into the silence. And as the weight of our shared history lingers in eted moment of connection, a temporary escape from the storm of emotions brewing within ma

With a single nod, Sammy gracefully pushes off the doorframe, gliding towards me with purpose

Take care, Maya,” A sad smile played on her lips as she took, her voice carrying a hint of sedness “miss you.”

Delicately, she picks up the last set of folded cloth and meticulously arranges in her bag. With a bittersweet smile, she turns to leave her footsteps fading away As Iwatch her leave, a wave of sadness washes over me, and tears threaten to spill from my eyes.

‘ll miss you too, Sammy”

I

I whisper to the empty air, my words dissipating into the silence

My mind is overwhelmed with turmoil as I traverse the familiar pathways of Thorholde Park’s teritory. With each step, the heavy bag on my shoulder reminds me of the uncertainty and anticipation that lingers in the air. With every step, I feel a rush of excitement and fear, as if I’m venturing into a future that holds both promise and uncertainty

I find myself constantly replaying the events of the past few days in my mind, trying to piece together the missing puzzle. Thornholde has been a rollercoaster ride, filled with both euphoric moments and heart-wrenching ones. But lately, it feels as though I’ve been walking on a treadmill, unable to make any progress towards finding true happiness.

My heart begins to race with nervous anticipation as get closer to Uncle Gavyn’s office, the anticipation almost overwhelming. I know that what I’m about to do will after the trajectory of my life forever, and a feeling of unease washes over me. Despite the fear that lingers, there is a flicker of hope that illuminates the possibility of a new beginning, accompanied by a glimmer of excitement.

Taking a deep breath, I feel the rush of emotions settle as I try to regain my composure. Stepping inside Uncle Gavyn’s office, the door creaks open and am instantly greeted by the soothing aroma of cedarwood and sage, which wraps around me like a warm embrace.

Looking up from his desk, Uncle Gavyn’s eyes widen with surprise and his brow furrows with concern.

“Maya,” he says, his voice gentle yet guarded. “What brings you here?”

Swallowing hard, I could feel the weight of my decision bearing down on me, as heavy as a ton of bricks

“I need to talk to you,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper. “It’s important

Nodding, Uncle Gavyn motions for me to settle into the seat across from him. As I sink into the chair, an unsettling feeling washes over me, making me shift uncomfortably. This conversation could change everything, and I’m not sure if I’m ready for what comes next.

Inhaling deeply, I start speaking, my words rushing out in a wave of intense feeling

“Uncle Gavyn, I… I’ve made a decision, I don’t know if it’s a smart one, all I know is I want to do it,” I say, my voice trembling slightly. “I’m leaving

Thornholde.”

With a look of disbelief, Uncle Gavvyn’s eyebrows shoot up and his eyes widen in surprise. But then he lets out a heavy sigh, followed by a knowing smile that puts me at ease. His hand gently finds mine, offering a comforting and reassuring squeeze. His touch made me exhale a breath I didn’t realize had been holding, instantly relieving the tension in my body.

“I always knew the time would come,”

happened?”

“With a concerned tone, his voice echoed, and he flashed me a tight-lipped smile. “But Maya, why now? What’sThis content © Nôv/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

Taking a moment to collect myself, I try to gather my s c a t t e re d thoughts and express them in a coherent way,

With everything that happened,” I reply, my voice faltering slightly “it’s just… I need a change. I need to start over somewhere new.”

Uncle Gavyn’s expression softens, his eyes filled with understanding.

“I see,” he says, nodding slowly. “And where do you plan on going?”

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Thesitate for a moment, my mind racing as I search for the right words to say.

“L. I’m not entirely sure yet,” I admit, feeling a pang of uncertainty gnawing at my insides. “But there’s someone I need to talk to first”

“understand, Maya,” he says, reaching out to squeeze my hand reassuringly. “Whatever you decide, know that I’ll support you every step of the way… Yet, you comprehend that it is not my authorization that you require, do you not? I no longer hold the position of the Alpha”

“I know.” I manage a weak smile, grateful still for his words of encouragement. “But thank you, Uncle Gavyn. I appreciate it more than you know.”

Before leave, Uncle Gavyn imparts one last piece of advice.

“Remember, Maya,” he says, his voice gentle yet firm. “Follow your heart, and you’ll never go wrong”

Leaving Uncle Gavvyn’s office, I take a deep breath, feeling the cool air fill my lungs and soothe my jittery nerves. The gravity of my decision presses upon me, leaving me with no choice but to act now.

As I approach the pack house, my heart starts to race, and a sense of anticipation fills the air. In spite of my anger towards Zeke for his recent actions, am aware that obtaining his permission is still necessary for me to depart from the pack. Seeking approval from the person who has caused me so much pain is a tough pill to swallow, but understand that it’s the only way forward.

Pushing open the door to Zeke’s office, I step inside, the familiar scent of cedarwood and leather filling my nostrils, Seated behind his desk, Zeke’s face remains impassive and inscrutable.

“Maya,” he says, his voice devoid of emotion. “To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?”

Swallowing hard, I could feel a tight knot forming in my throat.

“I need to talk to you.”

I watch as Zeke raises an eyebrow, his gaze flickering with a mysterious emotion that escapes my understanding. He continues to flip through papers in his folder, seemingly unaware of the question at first. Seeing him in this state was bizarre; I had always known him as someone who never took things

seriously.

And then finally, his voice breaks the silence.

“No”

In an instant, my breath hitches in my throat and my jaw drops in astonishment. As Zeke closed the folder he was holding, the silence in the room became deafening, and he stared at me intently. He doesn’t utter another word, and in that moment, my frustration boils over

“What

hat do you

you mean by saying no? I don’t understand!” My footsteps echo loudly as I storm towards his table, snapping and shouting in fury. “I haven’t even opened my mouth!”

“No need to.” With a simple wave of his hand, Zeke points towards the bag on my shoulder and says plainly. “There’s a bag on your shoulder, and you have the look of a woman who’s going to leave. No, Maya, I’m not going to allow it

I shake my head in disbelief, my jaw dropping slightly

“Why not?!”

Zeke’s fist connects with the table, causing a loud crack as the wood gives way to his powerful blow. His gaze intensifies as his eyes transform into a dark, abyssal shade of black, fixated on me. When he speaks, his voice echoes with the fierce and primal growl of his inner woll

“Because I won’t let anything that belongs to me out of my sight.”