Oracle Days

Chapter Three

I'm jolted awake by a sudden weight on my chest. Groaning, I open my eyes to find Aurora sitting on top of me, her face glowing with excitement.

"Merri, I have good news! I found my mate!" she giggles, practically vibrating with joy.

"Ugh, yeah, I figured as much," I mumble, pushing her off so we're both sitting upright on my bed. As I sit up, I realise my body feels completely healed from yesterday's ordeal. This werewolf's strength and rapid healing sure come in handy.

"His name is Atlas. He's not from our pack, but he's so dreamy... He wants me to leave with him today and start packing my things," she says, her voice growing softer and slower with the last part, tinged with disappointment. I get it—if she has to leave to join his pack, I'll lose my only friend here.

I stare at her, the reality of her words hitting me hard. "Wait, who is Atlas? Are you sure about this? Leaving today sounds sudden. What about everything and everyone here?" I manage to say, this guy wastes no time.

She rolls off my bed with a heavy sigh, landing on the floor and staring up at the ceiling, lost in her thoughts. After a moment, she huffs out a deep breath and reaches under her bed to pull out her suitcase. With a determined expression, she gazes into it once more, as if searching for answers hidden among her belongings.

"I know it sounds crazy," she finally says, her voice shaky but resolute. "But Atlas is an Alpha from another pack. I think this is my chance for something new, something better. I just have to go."

Meredith takes a deep breath, trying to process the situation. "An Alpha? Wow, Aurora, that's a big deal. But are you sure about this? What if things don't turn out the way you hope? What about your life here, your friends, your family? You're making a huge decision so quickly."

Aurora sits up and looks me in the eyes, her expression a mix of determination and longing. "I love it here, Meredith. I love being with you and everyone in the pack. But I want more. I want to be someone greater, to have power and make a difference. You understand that, don't you?"

I nod slowly, my eyes softening with understanding. "I do understand, Aurora. I want that too. Just promise me you'll be careful and think this through. You're my best friend, and I want you to be happy, but I also want you to be safe."

Aurora smiles, a tear slipping down her cheek. "I promise, Meredith. I'll be careful. And thank you for understanding."
Pushing the bed sheets aside, I slide off the bed and kneel on the floor beside her. "Alright then, let's get you packed," I say, trying to sound as determined as I feel.

We start gathering her things together, folding clothes, packing toiletries, and carefully placing her cherished items into the suitcase. We work in silence, the weight of the moment hanging between us, our bond growing stronger with each glance and unspoken word.

As we finish packing, I notice Aurora seems a bit off, like there's something she's not telling me. I stop and look at her, a frown forming on my face. "Aurora, is there something else you're not saying? Which pack is Atlas the Alpha of?"

She looks up at me, her eyes brimming with tears. I wrap my arms around her, rubbing soothing circles on her back.

She hesitates for a moment before answering, her voice tinged with unease. "He's the Alpha of the Timber Pack." I pull back slightly to see her face, shocked. The Timber Pack is far away, not even close to being our neighbouring pack. No wonder she's so upset about it.

I feel a chill run down my spine. "The Timber Pack? That's... far away. Are you sure about this?" I ask softly, my heart sinking at the thought of her leaving.

"I know it's far, but this would be good for me. Atlas and I have talked about it, and he's supportive. Plus, it's a great opportunity for me to grow and learn. I know it's far, but we'll still be friends, Merri. Distance won't change that," she says, wiping away her tears.