A familiar face

Lilian's POV


I had promised myself that I would give Kaiden the space he needed. After everything that had transpired between us, I realized that pushing any further would only drive him away.



But I couldn’t just stay cooped up in my chambers forever and let my thoughts gnaw at me.

So, I decided to take a walk around the pack. It had been a while since I last did that.


The morning air was fresh, the fresh fragrance of the scent of pine and wildflowers filled my lungs as I stepped out.


The pack was alive with activity, warriors trained, I could see, mothers watched their pups, and elders chatted in the sun.


But my mind was somewhere else entirely. I wandered aimlessly around the pack, my feet took me through familiar paths until I found myself near the same garden where I had first met that girl, what was her name again?


Just then, I saw a figure ahead. My heart skipped a beat. It was her. The same girl from that day, you know, the one who had warned me about Isabel and stuff.


I recognized her golden curls and lively demeanor immediately. She was crouched by a flowerbed, her hands gently tending to the plants as she hummed a soft tune.


I tried to recall her name.
"Yuria?" I called out, my voice tinged with surprise and relief.


She looked up at me and I breathed out in relief. I had gotten her name correctly. I saw the way her eyes lit up when she saw me.


"Lilian!" she exclaimed, standing up and dusting off her hands. "What a pleasant surprise! I didn’t expect to see you around here again so soon." She said almost exclaiming.


"I wasn’t planning on it, but I needed to get out of my head for a while," I admitted as I walked over to her.


It felt good to see a friendly face, someone who didn’t look at me with judgment or suspicion. Or who didn't ignore me all the time.


Yuria smiled warmly.
"Well, I’m glad you did. It’s nice to have some company. Shall we walk?" she suggested, gesturing down the path that led deeper into the pack’s gardens.



"Sure," I agreed and I fell into step beside her. It was a good thing she asked.


"So," Yuria began, her voice was curious, "how have you been holding up? I know things can’t be easy for you right now." She said and I looked at her.



I let out a small sigh, appreciating her concern.


"It’s been... challenging, to say the least. But I’m managing, you know? But it’s hard, especially when I don’t really have anyone else to talk to." I said to her, I knew I wasn't supposed to be fessing up my thoughts to her when I was only just meeting her.



And to think that she was still somewhat of a stranger to me. A kind stranger but a stranger nonetheless.


Yuria nodded her head in understanding.
"I can only imagine. But, hey, you’ve got me now." She then flashed me a bright smile. "So, how’s the lovely Isabel treating you?


I hope she’s still being the absolute angel she always is." Her tone was filled with enough sarcasm, enough to fill a river.


I chuckled at that and shook my head, a small grin tugged at my lips.


"Isabel? She left the pack a while ago." I informed her.


Yuria stopped in her tracks, her eyes were as wide as saucers with surprise.


"Really? You’re telling me the pack’s favorite diva is gone? Well, that’s news worth celebrating!" she said with a dramatic flair, raising her arms as if to declare a holiday.



I laughed at her antics, I could feel the burdens on my chest getting lighter.


"I know, right? It’s been quieter since she left. Less drama, fewer snide remarks. But in a strange way, it also feels... emptier."I admitted. Lord knew we missed the diva of the blue moon pack, Isabel. I inwardly rolled my eyes.



Yuria’s smile softened as she looked at me.


"I get it. Even the worst people can leave a void when they’re gone. But honestly, you’re better off without her hovering over you like some self-proclaimed queen bee." She said to me and I smiled at that.



We continued our walk, as we went on talking about everything and nothing. Yuria had a way of making me feel at ease, her bubbly personality lifted up my spirits.


She asked about my time here, how I’d been coping with the changes, and what I thought of the pack. I found myself opening up to her in a way I hadn’t done with anyone else.



"You know," I said after a while, "I’m really glad I ran into you today. It’s been a while since I felt like I could just talk to someone without feeling either judged or misunderstood." I told her.



Yuria linked her arm with mine and she gently squeezed.



"I’m glad too, Lilian. You’re a breath of fresh air in this pack, even if you don’t see it. I’m here, and I’m not going anywhere, let's be besties." She said and I chuckled again. I liked her already.



"Yes. Let's be" I agreed.
Her words brought some sort of warmness to my chest that I hadn’t felt in a long time.



The only people who had ever made me feel this welcome were Kaiden’s parents, Alpha Authur and Luna Caroline, especially the Luna, oh how I missed her.


Sadly now they are gone. But Yuria now seemed to be their replacement. Maybe I will finally find a place here.



"Thank you, Yuria," I said softly, my voice carried emotion as I spoke. "I didn’t realize how much I needed a friend until now." I admitted to her.



Yuria smiled at me, her eyes looked so bright.


"That’s what friends are for, Lilian. And don’t worry, I’ve got your back. We're besties already, remember?" She said.



Well, what could I say to that? I was only glad that I finally had someone to talk to once again.


Someone I could confide in that wasn't Kaiden. Someone who would not be rude to me or send me away right after taking advantage of me..... if you would call it that anyway.