TEARS

CHAPTER 107

By the next day, the rumors had begun to spread like wildfire. Whispers filled the halls, and soon they reached the kingdom that their queen was missing.

Throughout the night I couldn’t sleep. I was bothered that Freda would be hurt or in trouble, but something kept on telling me she would be okay but I was still worried. I know Freda didn’t want to be queen but finally everything was falling into place.

The vampire elders arrived by midday. They all entered the castle just as I was ordering some of the warriors to check in with Freda’s pack and other packs if she’s there. I continued talking even as the elders stood in front of me but dismissed the warriors and turned to face them as one of the elders spoke up.

"King Damon," Elder Silas called out. I’m certain he was getting angry because I ignored their presence, I knew why they were here. They must be very happy she’s gone.
"We heard the troubling news. The queen is missing?"
I adjusted my rope as I spoke up "Yes, and I intend to find her."
Elder Silas exchanged a glance with the others, and from their eyes I could tell what they were thinking. They don’t want me to find Freda. "Are you sure that's wise, Your Majesty? Perhaps this is an opportunity... to reconsider your choice, get another queen befitting for the throne."

My eyes narrowed. "What are you suggesting?"

"Just that," Elder Valeria chimed in. "The kingdom needs a strong queen. One who is... more fitting for our kind. This could be the perfect moment to find a new queen, one who aligns with our vision."

Just that suggestion made me angry. Because of their stupid idea that Freda is gone "The only queen I will ever have is Freda," I hissed through gritted teeth. "I don’t care what your vision is. I love her, and I will not rest until she is back at my side."

"You’re letting your emotions cloud your judgment," Elder Silas pressed. "We need strength now more than ever. A human queen is a liability…"

"Enough!" I roared, my voice echoing through the courtyard. The servants and guards around us froze, their eyes wide with fear. "She is not just a human; she is my mate. My queen. And I will not abandon her."

Without another word, I turned away from them and barked orders to the guards. "Prepare the other guards! We ride at sunset. We will search every inch of this land if we have to."

FREDA POV
"Freda!"
Kara, my best friend shouted. Before I even had a chance to fully process it, I saw her rushing toward me. Her arms were wide open, and instinctively, I walked into her embrace.
We collided, and I crumbled into her arms. The second she held me, I felt a flood of emotions hit me all at once. The warmth of her body, the softness of her familiar sweater, and the way she squeezed me tightly like she never wanted to let go, it all became too much.
I started crying before I even realized it. Silent, painful tears that I had been holding back for weeks spilled down my cheeks. Kara held me tighter, and I knew she was crying too. I could feel her tears dampening my shoulder.

We stayed like that for what felt like forever. Ten minutes, maybe more, just holding each other as if letting go would mean losing each other all over again. We didn’t speak, and we didn’t need to. The silence between us said more than words ever could.
When she finally pulled back slightly, I could see the redness in her eyes. She wiped a tear from my cheek with her thumb, her lip trembling as she tried to find her voice.

“I came as soon as I heard you were back,” she said, her voice soft and shaky. “Freda, I missed you so much. I didn’t know what happened to you. I didn’t even know if..” She stopped, her voice breaking. “I didn’t know if you were still alive.”

Hearing those words made me feel so sad. I had been gone for so long, and honestly I missed Kara too, they were days I wish I could just spend time with her and forget about every other thing. She didn’t know half of what I had been through, and part of me wished I could keep it that way. But Kara was my best friend. I owed her the truth.

“I’m sorry,” I whispered, my voice barely holding together. “I wanted to reach out, but… everything was so chaotic, Kara. I don’t even know how to explain any of it.”

Kara squeezed my hand, urging me to continue, but I hesitated.

“I wasn’t even sure I’d make it back,” I admitted, my throat tightening, I felt like crying once again. “A lot was happening Kara, I don’t even know how to begin .”

Kara’s grip on my hand tightened. “Tell me,” she said softly. “Please.”

I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself, but the words tumbled out in a rush. “It started the moment I arrived there. I thought It would be just a normal meeting and I'll be back to the pack. But i was mated to the vampire king son who need not agree to let me go even if the elders and the vampires didn’t want me to be Queen”

Kara’s eyes widened, as she started talking. “Why didn’t you leave sooner?” she asked, her voice breaking.

“I couldn’t,” I said, shaking my head. “I didn’t have a choice. I couldn’t fight it, I had to be queen, I could only run back during the festival as I overhead the elders and Damien planning on how to make me a vampire” I continued explaining all that happened in the vampire kingdom and with Damien.

“Wow, you went through a lot all alone, can’t even imagine.” Kara said as she held my hand before she continued. “So You’re leaving the pack?” she asked quietly.

I nodded. “I’m going to stay with my mom for a while, hopefully i find her but i believe i will”
Her face fell, and for a moment, I thought she might start crying again. “But this is your home. You belong here,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “With me.”

I wanted to tell her she was right, that this place was home, but the truth was, it didn’t feel like it, it never did honestly. I need a place to be myself and definitely won’t happen in a pack where I'm bullied and looked down on. Also i had a feeling that very soon Damien would come to take me back so yes i need to leave.

“I don’t belong here,” I whispered, the words stinging as they left my lips. “Not anymore. The elders and the pack made that clear. They don’t want me, and honestly… I don’t want to be here either..”

Kara looked down, her hands trembling as she let go of mine. “What do you mean? You can’t leave again, Freda. I need you, i’ll miss you”
“I have to Kara, I’m really sorry but this time I promise to keep in touch” I whispered and immediately Kara hugged me.