Glimmer Of Hope

Daniel’s P.O.V

I couldn't bear to look back. The pain of leaving Linda behind seared through my chest like a hot iron, but I knew I had to do it. My duty to the pack and my responsibility to protect my sister outweighed my desires. It tore me apart to see Linda's tear-stained face, her pleas echoing in my mind as I walked away.

I couldn't shake the image of Linda standing there, her hand pressed to her heart. I had always been captivated by her spirit, her fierce determination, but now our love seemed destined to remain a forbidden dream.

Since childhood, I had adored her, hoping she would be my destined mate. She was everything I wanted, and the absolute love of my life, my love for her knew no bounds. When I vowed to be with her forever, I meant every word.

But reality demanded that I fulfill my role. As an orphan, I had sworn to protect my sister, and now that vow echoed through my mind. The path I had chosen meant sacrificing my own happiness for the sake of my loved ones.

Just as I thought i was alone with my thoughts, a familiar voice broke through the stillness. "Daniel! Daniel, wait up!" called out a familiar voice. I turned to see my younger sister, Emily, running towards me, with concern evident on her face.

Breathing heavily, Emily caught up to me, her eyes wide with worry. "Daniel, what are you doing? I heard about Linda. Are you okay? Are you in trouble?"

I sighed, my gaze filled with both affection and sadness. "Emily, I'm fine. But things have changed. Linda and I... we can't be together."

Tears welled up in Emily's eyes as she looked at her brother, her voice trembling. "But why, Daniel? I've seen how much you love her. Is it because of the Alpha? Is he forcing you to give her up?"

I gently placed a hand on Emily's shoulder, my voice was filled with a mix of sadness and determination. "It's complicated, Em. The Alpha's claim on Linda is strong, and going against it would put our entire pack at risk. I can't let that happen. I have to protect you."

Emily's eyes filled with both understanding and defiance. "But what about your own happiness, Daniel? Don't you deserve love too? Is sacrificing your own feelings the only way?, you are always sacrifice your happiness for mine. When will you be truly happy?.

A pained expression crossed my face as i met my sister's gaze. "Sometimes, Em, we have to make difficult choices for the greater good. Love can be a powerful force, but so is duty and responsibility. I can't put our pack or you in danger just to pursue my own happiness. Linda and I have to accept our separate paths."

Emily's shoulders slumped, tears streaming down her cheeks. "I hate this, Daniel. I hate that you have to bear this burden. It's not fair, the pack doesn’t care about you neither does the alpha. Ever since mom and dad died, it has been all been work, work, work. Linda was the only one who helped ease the pain. The pack only mourned for few days and forgot about us. Why can’t you fight for her or come up with a plan that could make the alpha reject her. I’m sure the alpha wouldn’t want a troublesome Luna.”

I looked into my sister's tear-filled eyes, my heart aching with both love for her and the weight of his responsibility. Emily's words cut through me like a knife, stirring a mix of frustration and longing within me. I understood her pain and her desire for me to fight for my own happiness.

“Emily, I wish it were that simple," I said, his voice filled with a heavy sigh. "But the Alpha's claim on Linda is strong, and defying it would have severe consequences for our pack. I can't jeopardize everyone's safety for my own desires."

Emily reached out and clasped my hand, her grip warm and supportive. “No matter what choice you make, Daniel, I'll be there for you. Take your time to reflect and reach a final decision. I understand your fear of the alpha, but don't let it rob you of your happiness."

“Thank you Em, I love you”, I replied, hugging her briefly.

While walking away, my mind raced with conflicting emotions as i contemplated my sister Emily's words. Could there be another way? A plan that would allow me to protect Linda and my love without jeopardizing my sister’s life? The idea began to take hold, and i felt a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness.

“I must speak with Linda immediately,” I thought.

My heart weighed heavy as I approached Linda's house. The memories of our shared love and the promise of a future together lingered in my mind, but a sense of foreboding crept over me. I had to see Linda, to tell her about Emily's idea and also to find solace in her embrace while praying she isn’t mad about what I said in the forest during our last meeting.

However, fate had other plans in store for me. As i reached Linda's doorstep, I lightly knocked on the door. The maid, Sarah answered the door.

"Daniel," she said softly, her voice tinged with curiosity. "What brings you here by this time of the day? Is something wrong?”

“Hello Sarah, is Linda in?,” I asked hurriedly.

I'm sorry, but Linda isn't here. She's gone for the day." She answered.

My heart sank as disappointment washed over me. “Gone? Where did she go to?"

Sarah paused for a moment, her brow furrowing in thought. "I'm not exactly sure, Daniel. She and her parents left the house not long ago. I'm not exactly sure where they went. You can check back later or leave a message, and I'll make sure she gets it, if you don't mind."

A mix of concern and curiosity surged through me. “Not to worry Sarah, I’ll come back later. Thank you.” I turned to take my leave, pondering on where they all went to in the middle of the day as I headed back to the palace to carry out my duties.