CHAPTER EIGHT.

(MELIORA'S POV)

The next few days in the hospital found me in bed, rotating between restless sleeping, uncontrolled sobbing and crying, then taking whatever medications the nurses brought to me. Even if I was hospital-sick and wanted to leave the hospital, I had nowhere to go.

Arthur had officially stripped me of my role as Luna of the pack. By fleeing, he must have assumed I was obeying his order to relinquish the throne. I couldn't go back there now.

For all I knew, Arthur himself could have been the one behind the attempt on my life. If I returned, he would likely just finish the job.

My childhood home, my previous pack, wasn't an option either. My father was the only one there who truly loved me. With him gone, murdered by unknown forces, I had no comforting sanctuary to return to.

Especially not with my friend Owen exiled as well. I wouldn't be welcomed back. In fact, I suspected my father's killer may have come from within that very pack - the same person tasked with trying to assassinate me too. As far as the outside world was concerned, I was presumed dead.

So for now, I would keep a low profile and blend in among the dead while I regained my strength to ultimately take my revenge. I vowed to myself that I would avenge my beloved father's death, no matter what.

Part of me anticipated, even hoped, that the legendary Lycan King Alpha Gabriel would return to visit me during my recovery so I could get to see what he looked like. But why would he?

He had already done me an immense kindness by helping me. It would be awkward for him to continue visiting someone he had no further obligation to. He saved my life and ensured my safety, which was extraordinarily kind.

"But if only he knew my life wasn't worth saving, Kaira," I thought out loud to my wolf. "I was better off dead without my dad and mom in this world now." I cried out.

Kaira let out a sad, mournful whimper in the back of my mind.

"No, not yet dear. Your death won't come until you avenge your loved ones." She reassured me.

I sighed heavily. "I wish I could at least see him one more time to properly thank him for his kindness. But I suppose I'll just have to leave a message of gratitude with the nurses before I depart."

Over the days as I slowly recovered my strength, I pondered where I could go and what I should do next. Changing my name and appearance seemed prudent to protect myself from the cruel world and those who still sought to end my life.

Countless scenarios and contingencies played out in my mind's eye as I thought of my plan.

Ultimately, I decided traveling through the remote, ancient forests far away would be wisest. Perhaps I could seek refuge in some isolated, unknown pack if they would have me.

"Well, I'll beg them to take us in, Kaira," I said out loud with a sigh. "And in exchange for sanctuary, we'll be helpful to the pack however we can - joining as healers or training to become hunters someday. No more wallowing or feeling sorry for ourselves. We have to stay strong."


Finally, the day came when the hospital staff - particularly the matronly elder nurse who'd doted over me so compassionately - deemed me recovered enough to depart their able care...if I so chose to venture out on my own recognizance.

"You look simply radiant, dear - all bright-eyed and rosy-cheeked once more," the gray-haired woman smiled warmly, laying out a set of fresh attire and sturdy new boots for me to dress in rather than the standard-issue paper gown. "The picture of health and vitality now, thank the Goddess."

"Thank you, you've all been most kind," I replied graciously, slipping into the simple linen trousers and tunic provided. "I...I fear I never even gave you my name while under your care."

I hesitated, debating whether to share my true identity before deciding against it - better to let that wound fester and be forgotten by all for now. "It's Liora," I said instead, using the cherished childhood nickname my father had called me by when we were alone together.

"Well Liora, we shall miss your lovely presence around here, I can assure you," the matronly nurse declared as she wrapped me in a tender embrace.

"But have faith, child - I'm certain your path will lead you to the home and peace you deserve before long if you stay true to your convictions. This world may have dealt you ill fortunes thus far, but with age comes the wisdom that all darkness must eventually give way to a new dawn if you persevere faithfully toward it."

Her poetic reassurances warmed me despite the hollow ache pervading my core. Stepping back, I gifted the kind elderly woman with as genuine a smile as I could manage before pulling on the boots and turning toward the door, steeling my resolve for whatever journeys yet lay ahead.

My father's passing was a void I could never quite fill. My vengeance may never be fully sated by any amount of recompense exacted upon his murderers.

But I would survive, adapt, and one day reforge myself into someone unrecognizable - a true force to be reckoned with rather than a cowering, hapless victim perpetually on the defensive.

This was my rebirth, the first steps toward shedding the husk of lonely, miserable Meliora and emerging as someone unbowed and, soon enough, genuinely formidable.

Someone the ancestors themselves would be proud to call one of their own.

The spring breeze caressed my face as I took my first steps into the great unknown. While the path ahead was obscured and scary, I felt a steadfast determination within me. I would not be deterred, no matter what monsters or demons awaited. My sacred vow would be fulfilled.