Chapter 207
In the tranquil garden, as the sun cast a warm glow, Ella, Rya, and I sat together. The atmosphere felt surprisingly calm, a stark contrast to the chaos that had become a routine in my life. Peeling oranges, an activity I never envisioned myself doing, now seemed strangely therapeutic.
My stomache turned as I thought about how badly I wanted to leave this place ,now that I thought about it I felt like it was just ridiculous. I didn't feel like I did ever want to go back to my old life.
People there hated me and to be honest I did not like any of them. Alexander's pack was full of rules,conflict and there was always something going on over there. While Roman's pack although it was in the deadlands it felt peaceful, far from drama and I just loved feeling like I was wanted here. I have never felt this way before, the feeling of being wanted and appreciated was amazing. I smiled.
"You look like a princess with the red hair and white dress in a garden" Rya said smiling at me.
I smiled back at her "so do you"
Rya blushed as she threw an orange peel at "you are just being nice"
"Nope I'm being for real.So, why are these areas called the Deadlands?" I asked, intrigued by the ominous name that hung over certain territories. The question was random but I was genuinely curious.
Ella glanced at Rya, a knowing look exchanged between them before Ella began to unravel the story. "There are many theories and stories behind that but we will tell you about one we believe is true.The Deadlands earned their name due to a series of cataclysmic events. Long ago, there was a powerful coven of witches that inhabited these lands. They sought to harness unimaginable power, delving into dark magic that disrupted the natural order of things."
Rya picked up the tale with a thoughtful expression. "Their insatiable greed for power led them to perform a forbidden ritual. The consequences were disastrous, unleashing a destructive force that not only eradicated the witches but also tainted the very essence of the land itself."
Ella chimed in, her eyes reflecting the gravity of the narrative. "The magic was so potent that it drained the life force from the soil, rendering it incapable of sustaining life. Plants withered, water sources dried up, and the once-thriving landscape transformed into a desolate wasteland. Hence, the name 'Deadlands.'"
As they spoke, I envisioned the land's transformation from a vibrant habitat to a barren expanse. The tale carried an air of tragedy and warned of the consequences of tampering with forces beyond comprehension.
Rya added a somber note. "Many who attempted to settle or traverse these lands faced grim fates. The magic that lingered took a toll on both the living and the supernatural."
Peeling the orange took on a new significance as I absorbed the history. It seemed ironic that now, in the midst of a seemingly peaceful moment, I could appreciate the beauty of life while sitting in the shadow of a past wrought with destruction.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the garden, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the calm amidst the storm. The Deadlands, with its tragic history, served as a poignant reminder that some scars ran deep, etched into the very fabric of the earth.
I didn't know whether to believe this tale or not but it had me thinking. This place was special and even the people her were special. Rya's voice broke the peaceful silence. "Iris, can I talk to you about something?"
I nodded, inviting her to share whatever weighed on her mind. Rya's gaze held a mix of concern and hope as she began, "It's about my brother, Roman."
Her words piqued my interest, and I listened attentively as she continued. "Roman has always been the happiest, most carefree person I know. He's got this sweet soul, always trying to be strong for the pack as the Alpha, but deep down, he's like a soft angel."
The mention of Roman's change in demeanor caught my attention, as I had noticed the subtle shift in his mood recently. Rya's eyes reflected a deep worry for her brother, and she confided, "Lately, he's not himself. He's down, Iris, and it's breaking my heart to see him like this. I've tried talking to him, but he won't open up."
A pang of guilt resonated within me. Here I was, grappling with my own internal struggles, yet the realization that Roman, the charismatic Alpha, faced his own battles struck a chord. Rya's words echoed my own sentiments, emphasizing the vulnerability that hid behind the facade of strength.
"Iris, I know there's something special about you. Roman cares about you, and maybe, just maybe, you could be the one to bring back his smile," Rya said, her eyes pleading.
Her sincerity touched me, and a heaviness settled in my chest. How could I have been so blind to Roman's pain? The connection between us deepened as Rya continued, "I believe in you, Iris. Please, give my brother a chance. He deserves happiness too."
The weight of Rya's words hung in the air, and I felt the gravity of the situation. With a heavy sigh, I confessed, "Rya, I appreciate your trust in me, but I've been closed off for so long. I don't know if I can be what he needs."
Rya's gaze held a mix of compassion and understanding. "You don't have to be perfect, Iris. Just be there for him, like he's always been there for others."
The sincerity in her plea resonated within me, and a wave of empathy washed over. "I'll try, Rya. For him and for you."
With a grateful smile, Rya hugged me. I let out a sigh because I was a little disappointed in myself . Of all the people I knew what if felt like to love someone and not have that love returned yet I was doing it to someone else. The worst part was I didn't know how to let anyone else in. I had only ever loved and obsessed over one person. This was going to be a big problem.