the eclipse [sequel] ☾ l.s.

twenty six - two steps far from you

Harry woke up in a cold sweat. He felt trapped, and his vision was blurry -- he could see figures moving around him, but he couldn't make out their faces. He writhed fearfully on the mattress, trying to untangle himself from the mess of blankets holding him hostage.

"Harry, it's alright. You're alright." Niall's voice pierced through his haze, and Harry stilled.

"Wh-Where . . ? Lou. I need Lou," the omega whimpered. He curled in on himself, suddenly aware of the throbbing pain hammering on his stomach. "Need . . . alpha."

"He'll, um . . . he'll be back soon."

Harry forced his eyes open, squinting against the warm light of the sunset seeping in through the mouth of the cave. Every inch of him ached, from his head to his toes to his heart. He frowned, a crease splitting his brow, his lips pursed as he slowly put the pieces together.

"He's . . ? Still?" he tried to say. "Gone? Still?"

Niall gave him a tight smile, wiping at Harry's face with a warm cloth. "I'm sure he'll be back soon."

"Where?"

No one answered.

It took all of Harry's strength to struggle into a sitting position. Taking in his surroundings for the first time, he realized that his friends had brought him back to the cave, not back into town. Even the familiarity of his own mattress did nothing to comfort him.

Shooing away Niall's attempt to steady him, Harry stood on shaky legs. His friends all hovered around him, hands held out to catch him whichever way he fell.

But Harry was determined.

With one hand holding his flat, aching stomach and the other on the cave wall, he announced, "I'm going to Louis."

"Going to . . ? Harry, you can't go anywhere right now," Niall insisted. "You need to rest."

Harry stuck out his chin, stubborn as ever. "I'm going."

"For fuck's sake, Harry, you just had a miscarriage and then dropped not even five minutes after! Your body is still recovering and --"

"I need to be with Louis," Harry repeated again, slowly making his way toward the door.

"You don't even know where he is!"

"I'll find him."

"Liam, tell him . . ." Niall's voice cracked, and he blinked back frustrated tears. "Make him stop. Tell him he can't go."

The alpha was silent for a long moment. Then Liam shook his head. He crossed his arms over his chest -- a clear symbol of his surrender. "He knows what he needs to do."

"Liam! Harry, wait, you're not thinking clearly. Liam, you're letting him put himself in danger for no reason! This isn't your decision to make --"

"It's not your decision, either!"

They were still bickering when Harry made his way out of the cave. Alone.

Spring was in full bloom, blossoms lighting Harry's path. He hated how much the sounds of life comforted him. Birds consoled him as he passed, an apologetic breeze brushing lightly over his skin with the gentlest touch. Even the wind couldn't comfort him now. He needed his alpha; he needed Louis.

Following the path away the cave felt automatic. Harry moved slowly, the ache in his stomach throbbing. When he reached a fork in the road, he stepped into the thick of the forest, weaving his way in between briars and over fallen trees until he reached the base of the cliff.

Then, carefully, he started to climb.

Harry nearly slipped and fell as he clambered up onto the rocks, but he pressed on -- because he knew Louis was here. He felt it. He just knew.