Chapter 52
The next morning arrived far too soon.
We all woke up early, still half-asleep but knowing what had to be done. Louis was the first to finish getting ready, and he excused himself to give Hannah and me some space. He understood that we needed to talk privately one last time.
As I sat on the bed, my thoughts were all over the place. I had everything, yet soon, I would have nothing. The idea of going to the Nightwalker pack as a slave made my chest tighten with anxiety. I had no clue what awaited me there, but I knew it wasn’t good. My future looked bleak, and I felt like the ground was slipping from under me.
"Kimberly, are you okay?" Hannah’s voice pulled me out of my spiraling thoughts. She was standing in front of me, her eyes full of worry.
"What?" I blinked, surprised. I hadn’t even noticed her move closer. I forced a small smile. "I’m fine, Hannah."
She didn’t seem convinced. "You may be saying you’re fine, but your face tells a different story. Listen, everything’s going to be okay, alright?"
I nodded, but deep down, I wasn’t sure. "Thanks, Hannah. I appreciate the kind words, really. But don’t worry too much about me."
Hannah gave me a tight smile, clearly still concerned but trying to respect my need to handle things on my own. "All right, if you say so. I have to head downstairs now; I’m sure Louis is waiting for me."
I nodded again, trying to keep my expression neutral, but the reality of our goodbye hung heavy in the air. We both knew we wouldn’t see each other again, not for a long time.
"Okay, Hannah. I won’t come down with you just yet. I have a few things to finish up here," I said quietly.
"That’s okay, girl, I get it." She gave me one last look before turning and leaving the room.