Chapter 47 – The Way Back to South
The sun had already risen by the time Zach and Amber returned to the Artesian Mansion. The golden light of morning spilled across the forest, washing over the traces of battle that still scarred the earth. Though the clash with the rogues had ended hours ago, the tension lingered in the air. The silence inside the mansion was the silence of warriors too tired to speak, of hearts still weighed down by what they had witnessed.
Amber sat quietly by the tall window of her room, her gaze fixed on the gardens outside. They had once been her refuge, a place of calm, yet now they seemed like strangers—silent witnesses to the blood that had been spilled. Her hands rested in her lap, trembling faintly, and she pressed them together as though trying to steady herself.
The door opened, and Zach stepped inside. His commanding aura filled the room, but when his eyes landed on her, the Alpha softened. He could feel her turmoil as if it were his own.
"Amber," he said gently.
She turned to him, a small, fragile smile tugging at her lips. "Zach... can we visit Luna Café?"
The question caught him off guard. His brow furrowed. "Why? Is something wrong?"
She shook her head quickly. "No... I just want to see them. My staff. My people. After everything that happened this morning... maybe it will help me breathe. Even just a little." Her voice carried quiet desperation, the kind that pierced straight through his chest.
Zach studied her in silence, reading the plea in her eyes, the cracks in her spirit. Finally, he nodded. "Alright. If that's what you need, we'll go. It might even help you to relax. Stay there for a week if you want."
Relief lit up her face, her smile finally breaking through the shadows. "Thank you, Zach."
He closed the space between them, resting his hand on her shoulder. His eyes, however, were heavy with worry. "But Amber... going back to the Southern Region won't be simple. The rogues aren't gone. And..." His grip on her shoulder tightened. "I can't lose you. Not again."
She placed her hand over his, grounding him. "I know. But Luna Café isn't just a business—it's a part of me. The people there, they're my family too. If I don't go to them now, after everything, I'll never forgive myself."
His jaw clenched, but admiration flickered in his eyes. He leaned forward, pressing his forehead gently against hers. "Then we'll go. Together. Wherever you need to breathe, I'll be there."
Her heart swelled, and for the first time since the battle, the shadows eased. "Together," she whispered.
_____
By midday, the mansion stirred to life again. In the dining hall, Mamita had laid out a hearty meal, her hands moving with practiced care. She glanced at the two of them and smiled knowingly.
"Lunch is ready," she said warmly. "Eat well, then prepare what you need. You'll be staying in the Southern Region, right?"
Amber nodded. "Just for a while, Mamita. I need to check on the café."
Mamita's eyes softened, though concern lingered. "Then I'll have the car prepared. I'll pack food for your journey, too. It's a long drive, and you'll need your strength."
held Amber's hands and smiled.
"Thank you," Amber replied, touched by her kindness.
Zach stayed quiet through most of the meal, watching Amber closely. She spoke with Mamita about what to bring, what to pack, but he could feel the unease underneath her calm.
When the car was finally loaded and the time came to leave, Zach opened the door for her. As they drove down the winding road, silence settled between them, broken only by the hum of the engine.
Zach's hands tightened on the steering wheel. He glanced at Amber, who leaned her head lightly against the glass, staring at the blur of trees. Her expression was calm, but her heartbeat told him otherwise.
He exhaled slowly. "Amber... I know you said this trip is to help you breathe. But if anything happens—if there's danger—promise me you'll stay close. Promise me you won't face it alone."
Amber turned her head toward him, her lips curving in a gentle smile. "Zach, I've never been alone since the day you found me. I promise."
The words soothed him, but the worry in his chest remained like a storm cloud that refused to break. He reached over briefly, his hand brushing hers. She squeezed his fingers lightly, and for now, that was enough.
The road stretched ahead, leading them South—toward Luna Café, toward the waiting storm.
______
By mid-afternoon, the town lay bathed in a golden light, quiet except for the distant hum of life.
The drive to the Southern Region stretched on, the road winding through valleys and woods until the familiar streets of the small town finally came into view. By the time Zach parked the car near Luna Café, Amber's heart was already racing. She hadn't realized how much she missed this place—the wooden sign etched with the silver moon, the warm glow of lanterns hanging above the doorway, and the smell of roasted coffee beans mixed with pine.
As soon as she stepped out, a chorus of voices called her name.
"Amber!"
The young wolves—orphans who had grown under her care—ran to her one by one, their faces alight with joy. Margoux hugged her first, her arms clinging tightly around Amber's waist. Jonas and Leo followed, their grins wide despite the shadows of hardship in their eyes. Elmer, Jessie, Cherry, and Jester all surrounded her, each one greeting her with relief and laughter. For a moment, Amber felt whole again.
But her joy faltered when she noticed one face missing.
"Wait... where's Jamaica?" Amber asked, her tone shifting as she looked around the group.
The young wolves exchanged uneasy glances, their cheerful smiles fading into silence.
Finally, Margoux lowered her head and whispered, "She's been gone since after the attack here at Luna Café. She didn't say where she was going... she just disappeared."
Jonas added quietly, "It was as if she vanished into thin air."
A cold heaviness settled in Amber's chest. Worry painted her face as her thoughts spun in restless circles. Where could she have gone? Why didn't she tell me? The questions burned on her tongue, though she only whispered them to herself.
Zach, standing beside her, caught the echo of her thoughts. He placed a steadying hand on her back and spoke gently, "Don't worry. I don't think Jam is in danger. She must have had her reasons for leaving. You know her spirit—she wouldn't vanish without purpose."
Amber's heart ached, but she forced herself to nod. She had too many wounds still bleeding inside her—the dawn attack in the North, the chaos that refused to fade from her memory. There was no space left for more fear. She pushed the weight aside, straightening her shoulders.
"Alright," she said softly but firmly. "Then we'll just wait for Jam to return. For now, I'll stay here with all of you—for a few weeks, at least. I want to be by your side."
The children's faces lit up with joy, their worries replaced with excitement. Laughter returned to their voices, and for a moment, Luna Café felt alive again.
Yet outside the café, shadows lingered—
watching.
waiting.
_____