Chapter 8: Far from others
Two weeks on the road felt excessive. Her husband purchased four horses from the villagers, and contrary to what he had claimed, wolves did ride horses. The two-week journey shrank to just one week. He might have been toying with her. The very idea of him mocking her pricked at her nerves.
His companions treated her far better, their words softer and their demeanor more considerate. They camped near the borderlands, lighting a small fire to grill their fresh hunt. Ren sat close to the flames, the rich, smoky aroma of roasting meat stirring her appetite.
During their journey, she grew familiar with Coran, the blue-eyed gray wolf who had escorted her to the Altar on her wedding night. He seemed to be the one closest to Kai, often addressed as Beta Coran. Fiercely loyal and protective of his Alpha prince, he exuded an aura of quiet strength. Yet, his aloofness made him difficult to read, or approach, and his words, when he spoke, were scarce, blaming and warning the pack members.
Siamon, on the other hand, was gentle and attentive, a truly kind soul. As an Omega butler, he held a surprising level of respect from her husband. He returned three nights ago after warning King Benkin about those goblins and the evil creature with them. She was still stunned at how he tracked them easily.
Two other notable companions were Axe and Rail. Axe, a massive brown Gamma wolf, stood out immediately with his fiery red hair and the claw-like scar etched down the left side of his face. Nearly twice Kai's size, he was an imposing figure who often kept to himself. However, he repeatedly insisted that, as the Alpha's wife, Ren needed to learn how to fight. Still, he never failed to praise her horse-riding skills, though she could tell it unsettled him. For wolves, riding horses seemed less like a skill and more like an insult. Additionally, they had duties based on their nature and the rank they were given to.
The last was Rail, the youngest of the group, a white Gamma wolf with a cheerful and energetic demeanor. He affectionately called her 'Sister Ren' and quickly forged a bond with her, leaving her with a sense of ease and security in his presence. Yet, she couldn't ignore how her husband seemed to disapprove of leaving them alone. No matter who Ren tried to get close to, Kai always appeared, seemingly out of nowhere.
It was clear he felt uneasy having her around his pack. She was a witch, after all. This sort of treatment toward her kind was inevitable, and there was little she could do but embrace the loneliness it brought.
"What's on your mind, Sister?"
Rail's voice broke through her thoughts as he caught her staring into the fire as if seeing something invisible to everyone else.
"Nothing," she replied softly. "I was just wondering if I could continue my studies as a healer in Thegara."
"Of course, you can," Rail said with a reassuring smile. "You'll learn a lot from our healers."