Bound and Broken

_Serena's POV_

The night was quiet except for the sound of my footsteps crunching softly against the forest floor. Each step felt like another thread being severed from my old life. The further I walked, the more the heaviness in my chest seemed to lift but the emptiness remained.

I didn't know where I was going, only that I couldn't stay in the pack any longer. The trees stretched tall around me, their shadows dark and comforting under the moonlight. I kept my bag close to me, gripping the strap tightly, as if it were the only thing tethering me to reality.

The night air was crisp, and a chill seeped into my bones. My fingers felt stiff from the cold, but I kept moving. I didn't want to stop. If I stopped, the doubts might catch up with me.

I thought about Amara's words. She had been so sure I could do this, so sure I deserved more. But now, alone in the woods, I wasn't so sure myself.

"Why does it hurt so much?" I whispered to no one. My voice sounded small, fragile.

The rejection bond still lingered like a dull ache in my chest. It wasn't as sharp as it had been before, but it hadn't gone away either. It felt like a constant reminder of everything I had lost, of the love I had given and the way it had been tossed aside.

I stopped by a small stream and set my bag down. The sound of the water rushing over the rocks was soothing, and I knelt by the edge, cupping my hands to take a drink. The water was icy, shocking against my skin, but it cleared my head a little.

As I sat back, the silence closed in again. I wrapped my arms around my knees and stared at the water.

"Where do I even go?" I murmured. I didn't expect an answer, but the question hung in the air, heavy and unanswered.

---

By dawn, my legs ached, and my feet were sore from walking. I hadn't seen another soul all night. The forest felt endless, a never-ending sea of trees and shadows. Part of me wondered if I had made a mistake.

But I couldn't go back.

I found a small clearing and dropped my bag to the ground. The morning sunlight filtered through the trees, warming my face. I leaned against a tree trunk and closed my eyes, letting the warmth chase away the chill from the night.

The quiet was comforting, but it didn't last.

A twig snapped somewhere nearby, and my eyes shot open. My heart pounded as I scanned the trees. "Who's there?" I called, my voice steady despite the fear crawling up my spine.

For a moment, there was silence. Then a figure stepped out from behind a tree. It was a man, tall and lean, with dark hair and piercing green eyes. His clothes were simple, a little worn, and he held his hands up to show he meant no harm.

"Easy," he said, his voice calm. "I didn't mean to scare you."

I stayed where I was, my back pressed against the tree. "Who are you?"

"My name is Elias," he said. "I was passing through and saw you. You looked... lost."

"I am not lost," I said quickly. My voice was sharper than I intended, but I didn't trust him.

Elias nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Fair enough. But you are far from any pack territory. It's not often I see someone out here alone."

I didn't answer. I didn't owe him an explanation.

He took a step closer, but stopped when he saw me tense. "You don't have to tell me your story," he said gently. "But if you're heading somewhere, you'll need to be careful. There are rogues in these parts."

"I can take care of myself," I said, though my voice wavered.

Elias studied me for a moment, then nodded. "Alright. Just thought I would warn you."

He turned to leave, and I watched him carefully. Part of me wanted him to go, to leave me alone. But another part of me felt a pang of loneliness at the thought of being by myself again.

"Wait," I said before I could stop myself.

He paused and looked back at me, one eyebrow raised.

"I'm Serena," I said quietly.

Elias gave a small smile. "Nice to meet you, Serena."

I hesitated, then asked, "Where are you going?"

"Nowhere in particular," he said with a shrug. "I'm just passing through, like I said."

Something about his calm demeanor made me feel a little less on edge. "Do you... know a safe place nearby?"

"There is a village a few miles west," he said. "It's small, but the people there are friendly. They don't ask too many questions."

A village. It wasn't much, but it was a start.

"Could you show me the way?" I asked before I could second-guess myself.

Elias tilted his head, considering me for a moment. "Alright," he said finally. "But only if you're sure."

"I'm sure," I said, though my voice lacked conviction.

He nodded and motioned for me to follow. I grabbed my bag and hurried after him, keeping a few steps behind.

---

The walk to the village was quiet, but not uncomfortable. Elias didn't ask me any questions, and I was grateful for that. I didn't want to explain myself.

As we walked, I found myself studying him. There was something calm about him, something steady. It was a sharp contrast to the storm that raged inside me.

"Why are you out here alone?" I asked suddenly, surprising even myself.

Elias glanced back at me, his expression unreadable. "Same reason most people are," he said. "Looking for something."

"What are you looking for?"

He smiled faintly. "That is a question I haven't figured out yet."

His answer didn't satisfy me, but I didn't press further.

---

By the time we reached the village, the sun was high in the sky. It was a small place, with only a handful of houses and a market square. The people glanced at us as we walked in, but no one approached.

"This is it," Elias said, stopping at the edge of the village.

I looked around, my chest tightening. It wasn't home, but it was something.

"Thank you," I said softly.

Elias nodded. "Take care of yourself, Serena."

I hesitated, then asked, "Will I see you again?"

He looked at me for a moment, then gave a small smile. "Maybe."

With that, he turned and walked away, disappearing into the trees.

I stood there for a long moment, staring after him. Then I turned and walked into the village, my bag slung over my shoulder.

This wasn't the life I had planned, but it was a new beginning. And for now, that was enough.