"Alpha Shadows: Forbidden Shackles"

At Chloe's House…

Adrian entered the house quietly, his footsteps light against the wooden floor. In the dim glow of the lanterns, he noticed his mother sitting in the corner, lost in thought, unaware of his presence.

A soft smile appeared on his lips as he approached her silently. Wrapping his arms around her shoulders from behind, he whispered in a warm voice,

"You were so deep in thought, you didn't even notice me."

At the sound of his voice, Chloe smiled. She raised her hands to grasp his, her thumbs gently stroking them.

"I was thinking about you, not ignoring you."

Behind them, Arkon chuckled, his tone playful.

"If my father hears about this, he'll be jealous. Looks like I'm stealing the attention of his beautiful mate!"

Chloe laughed, shaking her head.

"You'll always be childish, Arkon."

Adrian grinned at her.

"Only with you, my beautiful mother."

He sat down beside her, but his amusement faded when he noticed the redness in her eyes—the traces of unshed tears.

His voice softened, filled with concern.

"I'm the reason you're crying, aren't I?"

Chloe cupped his cheek with gentle fingers.

"No, my love. You are my joy. You are a gift from the heavens—how could such a gift ever bring me sorrow?"

Adrian met her gaze directly.

"Then why were you crying?"

She sighed, running her fingers over his forehead, just like she did when he was a child. Her voice was soft but firm.

"Because I learned of your father's decision. A decision I do not accept."

Her eyes locked with his, filled with both love and determination.

"But... I will support whatever choice you make."

A deep breath escaped Adrian's lips as he lay back on the couch, resting his head on her lap. Instinctively, Chloe's fingers moved to his scalp, massaging it gently—an old habit from his childhood, one that always soothed him.

His voice was quiet but resolute.

"I've thought it through. I don't want you to be sad... but I have to go."

For a moment, Chloe's hands stilled, but Adrian continued, his voice steady.

"I need to get away from the pack. Losing her... it's not something I can just move past. And I can't replace her. I need to see the world, to find something—maybe even what I've been searching for."

Chloe gently stroked Adrian's head, her fingers gliding through his dark hair with motherly warmth. Her voice was soft, yet filled with quiet strength.

"As long as this brings you happiness, I will support you... When are you leaving?"

Adrian exhaled, his voice calm but determined.

"In less than two days. I need to finish some tasks and hand the rest over to my brother—he'll make sure someone takes care of them."

Chloe hesitated for a moment before asking,

"You're going alone?"

A faint smile tugged at Adrian's lips.

"No, Arkon will be with me. My parents asked him to accompany me."

Chloe hummed, a nostalgic look crossing her face.

"Arkon is a good kid… but even if no one had asked, he would have gone with you anyway. That's just who he is. I hope he comes to see me before you leave—I haven't seen him since he came with you to the pack."

Adrian frowned slightly, thoughtful.

"I know... Arkon is the best friend I've ever had, but... it's like he doesn't want to come home. Almost as if he's afraid of it...?"

A silence fell between them, soft and peaceful. As exhaustion settled in, Adrian's eyes fluttered shut. Chloe waited patiently, letting him drift into sleep before carefully shifting his head from her lap. She placed a pillow beneath him, ensuring his comfort, then stood and walked to her room.

There, she paused before a hanging portrait—a painting of a two-year-old boy, his bright smile full of innocence.

Chloe's eyes filled with unshed tears as she traced the frame with trembling fingers. Her voice, barely a whisper, carried the weight of years of grief.

"I have never stopped mourning you... The pain lingers, and it will remain until I see you again in the next life, my love..."

Though her words fell into the silence of the room, her tears flowed freely—as if they had been waiting, buried deep for far too long.

---

The Next Morning…

Adrian stirred awake to the sound of his father's voice. Longin sat across from him, his sharp gaze a mix of sternness and unspoken concern.

His voice was steady, firm.

"Have you thought about what I told you yesterday?"

Adrian straightened up, rubbing a hand over his face to chase away the remnants of sleep. His answer was unwavering.

"Yes, I have... I'm leaving tomorrow."

Longin stood and stepped closer. He placed a heavy hand on Adrian's shoulder, his expression unreadable.

His voice dropped to a low, almost solemn tone, carrying a weight that sent a strange shiver through Adrian.

"Everything I do… is to make sure you're safe. One day, you'll understand."

Then, without another word, he turned and walked out of the house.

Adrian remained frozen for a moment, his father's words echoing in his mind.

"One day, you'll understand..."

He tried, but couldn't decipher the hidden meaning behind them.

1. Do you think Adrian's decision to leave is the right choice for him? Why?

2. How do you perceive the relationship between Adrian and his mother? Do you think this relationship will influence his future decisions?

If you're enjoying the events so far, don't forget to leave a comment with your thoughts on Adrian's future and what you think might happen on his journey! 🤔✨