Chapter 6

The forest wrapped around them like a thick cloak, the towering trees casting long shadows under the pale light of the moon. Camille kept close behind Adrian, her breaths ragged as she struggled to keep up with his long strides. She felt the weight of her decision settling in her chest, a mix of fear and exhilaration. She had really done it-she had left. There was no turning back now.

"Stay close," Adrian said without looking back. His voice was low, almost a growl, but not unkind. "The forest is different at night. It's easy to get lost if you don't know the way."

Camille nodded, though she doubted he could see her in the darkness. Her pulse raced, and she glanced over her shoulder, half-expecting to see the pack's warriors charging after them, Joffrey at the lead. But there was nothing behind them except the whisper of leaves in the wind and the occasional call of a night bird.

"How far do we have to go?" she asked, her voice hushed.

"Not much farther," Adrian replied. "There's a safe house on the other side of the ridge. We'll rest there until morning."

Camille swallowed hard. "And then what?"

Adrian finally turned to look at her, his green eyes catching the moonlight and shining with an intensity that made her shiver. "Then we decide our next move. You're not just running away, Camille. You're stepping into a new life, a dangerous one. Are you ready for that?"

She squared her shoulders, feeling a surge of defiance. "I'd rather face the danger out here than go back to a life where I'm nothing."

A faint smile tugged at the corner of Adrian's lips. "Good. You'll need that fire."

They continued in silence, the terrain growing rougher as they climbed the ridge. Camille stumbled a few times, her body protesting the sudden exertion, but she pressed on, determined not to show weakness in front of Adrian. He moved like a shadow, silent and sure-footed, as if the forest were an extension of himself.

It wasn't long before they reached a small clearing. Nestled between the trees was a modest cabin, half-hidden by the underbrush. It looked old but sturdy, a remnant of a time long past. Adrian pushed open the door, and Camille followed him inside, grateful for the shelter.

The interior was simple-a single room with a cot against the wall, a small stove, and a table cluttered with old maps. A lantern hung from the ceiling, casting a warm, flickering glow.

"Sit," Adrian instructed, nodding toward the cot. He busied himself with the lantern, adjusting the wick until the flame steadied. "I'll get us something to eat."

Camille sat down, dropping her backpack at her feet. Her muscles ached, and she realized just how exhausted she was. The adrenaline that had propelled her through the forest was starting to wear off, leaving her drained.

Adrian rummaged through a small cupboard, pulling out a couple of tins and a loaf of bread. He glanced at her, his expression softer now, almost curious. "You made a bold choice tonight," he said as he handed her a piece of bread. "Not many omegas would have the guts to walk away from their pack like that."

She took the bread, nibbling on it as she met his gaze. "I'm not just an omega," she said quietly. "I'm... I'm the rejected Luna."

Adrian's eyes widened slightly, and for a moment, he looked genuinely surprised. "The Luna?" He let out a low whistle. "I heard rumors about Joffrey's rejection, but I didn't think it was you. That changes things."

"How?" Camille asked, her voice sharper than she intended.

Adrian leaned back against the table, folding his arms across his chest. "It means you're more valuable than you realize. A rejected Luna is a powerful symbol. You were chosen by fate, and Joffrey's decision to reject you goes against that. There are packs that would see you as a threat, but there are also those who might rally behind you."

Camille shook her head, feeling the familiar sting of shame. "I don't feel powerful," she admitted. "I feel broken."

Adrian's expression softened, and he crouched down in front of her, his eyes searching hers. "You might feel broken now," he said gently, "but you're stronger than you think. The fact that you're here, that you chose to leave instead of letting them destroy you-that's strength, Camille."

His words wrapped around her like a balm, easing some of the raw ache inside her. She looked away, blinking back tears. "I don't know what I'm doing," she whispered. "I don't know where to go from here."

Adrian reached out and took her hand, his grip firm and reassuring. "You don't have to know everything right now," he said. "Just focus on one step at a time. Tonight, you're safe. We'll figure out the rest together."

Camille nodded, squeezing his hand before pulling away. It felt strange to be comforted by a rogue, someone she had been taught to fear and distrust her entire life. But Adrian wasn't like the stories she'd heard. He was calm, patient, and there was a kindness in his eyes that she hadn't expected.

"Get some rest," he said, standing up and moving back to the table. "We'll leave early in the morning. The farther we get from the pack's territory, the safer you'll be."

Camille lay down on the cot, the rough blanket scratchy against her skin, but she didn't care. Exhaustion swept over her, and she let her eyes close, her body finally relaxing.

Just as she was about to drift off, a thought struck her, and she forced her eyes open. "Adrian?" she called softly.

He turned, his silhouette dark against the lantern's light. "Yes?"

"Why are you helping me?" she asked. "You don't know me. You don't owe me anything."

Adrian was silent for a moment, as if he were weighing his answer. Then he stepped closer, kneeling beside the cot so he was at eye level with her. "Because I was you once," he said quietly. "Lost, rejected, looking for a place to belong. Someone helped me when I needed it most, and I promised I'd do the same for others if I could."

Camille searched his face, seeing the truth in his eyes. For the first time in what felt like forever, she felt a spark of something she thought she'd lost: hope.

"Thank you," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.

Adrian gave her a small, lopsided smile. "Get some sleep, Camille. Tomorrow is a new day."

She nodded, closing her eyes again. This time, she let herself fall into the darkness, her mind finally at ease.

Outside, the wind picked up, rustling the leaves and carrying the distant howl of a wolf. But Camille didn't hear it. She was already asleep, her dreams filled with possibilities she'd never dared imagine before.