Chapter 7

I was really anxious when I left my room because I wanted to make sure my plan worked out smoothly. But when I unintentionally ran into Audrey, the same girl who had caused me so much pain in such a short period of time, things only became worse. Tyler choosing her rather than me still shocked me. The pain and rage I felt intensified as a result of how misled and played I felt. "Oh, how are you doing, Lily?" Audrey asked, her voice filled with disdain. "I noticed you weren't looking too well during our lunch so I decided to check up on you." I breathed in and out. "Such a shame. Don't tell me you're still heartbroken?" I attempted to ignore the hurt of her words and push past her. I needed to concentrate on finding Adrian and assuring his safety. Tyler's decision and Audrey's presence were unnecessary distractions. I walked past her and wandered the corridors, lost in my thoughts. My head was still reeling from the recent incident - I actually found a vampire in my room and I saved him. Audrey's unexpected appearance in front of me puzzled me. What exactly was she doing here? Why is she bothering me right now? To rub salt into my fresh wounds? Audrey's sarcastic voice cut through my thoughts once more, "Have you become deaf because of heartbreak? I asked how you are doing. Are you still upset about Tyler's betrayal?" As anger rushed within me, I clinched my teeth and clenched my hands. It took everything I had to keep my cool and not give Audrey the joy of seeing me crumble. "Fortunately, Audrey, I don't base my worth on Tyler's choices," I said, my voice sounding stronger than before. "And I certainly don't need your approval or validation." Audrey's arrogant smile and contemptuous tone simply strengthened my confidence. I had more important things to do than engage in a meaningless conversation with her. "Audrey, I have more important things to do than waste my time with you," I said firmly. "Please excuse me, but I have obligations." Audrey looked at me with curiosity and annoyance. She was trying to make me react by questioning what I wanted and not believing my reasons. "And what will those obligations be on such a dark night?" But I didn't allow her remarks get to me. I was aware of my worth and purpose, and I really needed to get to Adrian quickly. "That's none of your concern, Audrey," I rebutted. "It's about time you learned how to mind your own business." Audrey's sarcastic chuckle echoed across the corridor. "Oh, Lily, how noble of you. Running off to play the saviour, are we?" What did she mean by that? Did she know I was trying to help a vampire? Did she also know about Adrian? But how did she find out? I started panicking in my head and my discomfort showed as my facial expression changed. "Remember, you're nothing more than a cheap wannabe Luna thirsty for attention." She enunciated each word in her statement and smirked wickedly. I resisted the impulse to lash out, to give in to the anger that was building within me. Adrian's safety was my top priority, and I couldn't afford to be distracted by Audrey. I took a deep breath and controlled my emotions. "Goodbye, Audrey," I murmured, with finality in my voice. I looked away and refocused my attention on the task at hand. Audrey's words lingered in my thoughts as I hurried down the stairs, sparking a fire within me. I refused to be belittled or undermined by her or anybody else. My attention was fixed on protecting Adrian and finding a way to hide him from the approaching danger lying within our pack. Despite Audrey's comments, my determination was stronger than ever. I had a task to complete, and nothing or no one was going to get in my way. My heart hammered in my chest as I approached the compound, and my gaze was drawn to the ground under my window. My mouth dropped open in surprise when I realized Adrian was nowhere to be seen. I got really scared and my mind raced through limitless possibilities. Adrian falling into my father's hands, facing his judgment and the punishments that awaited him, sent shivers down my spine. I couldn't handle the thought of him being harmed by them. I scanned the area frantically, hoping to catch a glimpse of Adrian coming out from the shadows. But there was no trace of him, no indication that he had ever been there. The bare earth beneath my window just added to my growing anxiety. Time seemed to drag on, each passing second increasing my uneasiness. I clinched my fists, my nails cutting into my palms as I struggled to keep my cool. Questions whirled around in my head like a mad dash ready to consume me. What had happened to him? Was he injured or worse? Where did he disappear to? Is he missing? Was he in any kind of trouble? Is he in any danger? Did he come into contact with someone or anything that harmed him? What if he gets hurt and is unable to get help? Should I retrace his steps? I looked around, desperately looking for any trace of him. That's when I noticed a guard stationed nearby, his eyes vigilantly searching the area. Hopeful, I approached him. "Excuse me," I muttered, hardly able to stabilise my trembling voice. "Have you noticed anyone around here? Perhaps a man?" The guard fixed his gaze on me, his demeanor solemn. He looked around for a bit before shaking his head. "No," he said flatly. "I haven't seen anyone." I couldn't keep the disappointment from washing over me. "Are you sure?" I pressed on desperately, "He's tall, with red hair, and had like black clothing on." The guard's displeasure was visible in his expression. "I've been keeping a close eye on this area, miss," he said firmly. "No one matching that description has passed by." I felt frustrated but I refused to let it discourage me. "Please," I begged. "It's urgent. I have to find him." The guard sighed, his resolve fraying a little. "Look, miss," he began quietly this time. "I'm afraid I can't assist you. I have some work to take care of. If you would excuse me." Disappointed, I watched as the guard turned aside and went rapidly away, disappearing into the maze of blackness enveloping around me. My heart fell as I realized my search had come to an end yet again. But I couldn't just quit now. I had to keep looking and asking questions. The stakes were far too great to give in to despair. I didn't want to think of the drama that would happen if he was caught. "No…no…no." I muttered to myself as I looked around frantically for him. A noise from the second parlour of the mansion drew my attention just as anxiety began to clutch my heart. My instincts kicked in, and I quickly dashed towards the source of the commotion. I burst into the room and was shocked at the scene in front of me. Tyler grabbed Adrian by the collar and yanked him to his knees. My parents and the pack surrounded them. My mouth opened, but nothing came out. "What's going on?" In the midst of the tension, I managed to yell out, making everyone turn to face me. FORBIDDEN MATE