Chapter 41: A Bittersweet Farewell
**Thelma Zane’s POV**
Life at my new school was nothing short of a dream. The environment here was so welcoming, a stark contrast to the torment I endured in the Dark Shadow Pack. No one here ridiculed me for my unique identity or left gruesome “gifts” in my locker, as was common back home.
One afternoon, I was greeted by two of my closest friends, Mara and Avril, both beaming with excitement. Mara grabbed my hand and chirped, “Hey, Thelma! The opera club is holding a rehearsal today, and we’re helping out. Want to come along?”
“The Butterfly Lady, right?” I asked with a smile “I saw the poster on the noticeboard. Sounds fun, but unfortunately, I can’t make it. I have training after school”
Mara pouted and began tugging at my arm like a child throwing a tantrum. “Come on, Thelma! You train three times a week, right? Take tonight off. Please? The props team created these gorgeous costumes and jewelry, and they’re just begging for someone as stunning as you to try them on. Pretty please?”
Her enthusiasm was infectious, and for a moment, I was tempted. But my resolve returned when I spotted Aldrich’s car parked at the school gates. I shook my head apologetically. Sorry, I really can’t skip tonight.”
Mara and Avril sighed dramatically as I waved goodbye. I dashed to the car, grinning mischievously as I opened the door and covered Aldrich’s eyes with my hands. “You’ve been kidnapped! Drive to a secluded place, wolf boy, and prepare to face my wrath!”
Aldrich chuckled and raised his hands in mock surrender. “I’ll comply, but I need at least one eye to drive. Your humble servant is at your mercy.”
Laughter bubbled up between us as he gently shifted me into the passenger seat, treating me as though I were a fragile doll. He leaned over, playfully tapping the tip of my nose. “What’s with the surprise kidnapping, my lady?”
“But seriously,” I asked, adjusting myself in the seat, “what brings you here today? This isn’t one of our usual training days, and I know how strict army schedules are.”
Aldrich started the car, his expression softening. “It’s the last Friday of the month, which means a half–day break. So, I decided to play chauffeur and spoil you a bit. How does a caramelized biscuit ice cream with pistachios and cranberry sound?”
My excitement bubbled over, and I cheered. “You’re the best! Finally, someone who appreciates my love for sugar. My parents would never let me near something so indulgent.”
As we drove, I savored the long–awaited treat, taking big, satisfying bites. Between mouthfuls,
I glanced at Aldrich and asked, “Are we still training in the open field tonight? I feel like switching things up might help me make a breakthrough.”
His eyes gleamed with admiration, but he shook his head. “I love that you’re taking the initiative with your training, Thelma But, unfortunately, I can’t join you tonight.”
“Why not?” I frowned, setting my spoon down.
“My father’s summoned me home for a meeting. Afterward, we’re likely leaving for another pack. I don’t know all the details yet, but it’ll be a quick trip.”
The sweetness of the ice cream turned sour in my mouth. “How long will you be gone?” I asked, trying to mask my disappointment.
“No more than three days, I promise,” he said, his voice filled with reassurance. At a red light, he leaned over to kiss my forehead. “Being away from you for even three days feels unbearable. If I could, I’d shrink you down and carry you in my pocket.”
I couldn’t help but smile, though a blush crept up my cheeks. “Don’t be ridiculous,” I said, giving him a playful glare.
But Aldrich was relentless, stealing a kiss flavored with pistachios and cranberry. As our foreheads rested together, he whispered, “You’re too adorable for your own good. Maybe I should find a way to keep you by my side all the time.”
“You’re insufferable!” I said, punching his shoulder lightly. “And you stole my last bite of the caramelized biscuit!”
He grinned, holding the stolen piece between his teeth triumphantly. Despite his teasing, a nagging feeling settled in my chest. Something about this trip with Duke Frank, Aldrich’s father, didn’t sit right with me.
“What exactly does Duke Frank want with you?” I asked cautiously. “Three days away sounds like more than just a routine visit.”
Aldrich shrugged, his nonchalance doing little to ease my worry. “Your guess is as good as mine. My father has always been the secretive type. If he doesn’t want you to know something, you won’t find out until it’s too late.”
His attempt at humor didn’t lighten my mood. Duke Frank had always struck me as cunning, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that this trip was about more than Aldrich was letting on. But as much as I wanted to press him for answers, I knew better. Duke Frank’s affairs were his own, and not even my parents could pry into them. My status as a “relative of the Queen” gave me even less authority to question him.
A heavy silence settled between us as we drove. Sensing my unease, Aldrich pulled the car to the side of the road and enveloped me in his arms. “What’s wrong, my love?” he asked softly.
I buried my face in his chest, my voice muffled. “I don’t want you to go.”
“Oh, Thelma,” he said with a gentle laugh, stroking my hair. “Then I won’t go.”
“Really?” I looked up, searching his silver eyes for any trace of insincerity. To my surprise, his
gaze was unwavering, filled with nothing but love and devotion.
He was serious.
“You’d defy your father for me?” I asked, my voice trembling with a mix of hope and disbelief.
“For you, I’d do anything,” he replied, sealing his promise with a kiss.
I wanted to believe him, to hold on to this moment of bliss. But a small part of me knew that Aldrich’s responsibilities, his loyalty to his family, and his role in the army couldn’t be cast. aside so easily. Still, for now, I let myself be wrapped in the warmth of his embrace, cherishing every second of this fleeting moment together.
