Marisol shrugs, not entirely sure how to reply to that, "Well, there's not much to tell," she replies modestly. "I'm just a girl trying to find her way in this crazy world."
The group laughs at that, and Marisol feels relaxed a little more. For the next few minutes, they chatted amicably about trivial things, their conversation light, and easy. They didn't discuss what was happening in the pack, instead opting to talk about other things as they walked towards the training grounds. Marisol couldn't help but feel grateful for their company, even though she was still weighed down by worry for Cedric.
When they reached the training grounds, Marisol watched as Maya and Jake began their training session, their movements fluid and graceful. Ryan, on the other hand, leans against a nearby tree, his eyes focused on their swift, perfected by practice actions.
Marisol stands awkwardly in another corner, worrying her lip between her teeth. She contemplates joining them in training but is unsure of how they would take that. She feels out of place, the thoughts of Cedric and Sophia still making rounds in her head. The snide remarks and snares of the pack members would no doubt only grow too, and the thought of that only worked to fuel her hopelessness.
As she stands there, feeling increasingly anxious, Ryan approaches her with a sympathetic smile.
"You look like you could use a break," his tone was gentle as he regarded Marisol, who looked at him with wide eyes, "Why don't we take a walk? I know a quiet spot where we can talk, or not, if you'd rather just think. It's whatever you want."
Marisol nodded, relieved to have some time away from the prying eyes of the other pack members. Together, they venture into the forest, the sounds of nature growing louder, surrounding them like a comforting embrace.
Ryan leads her to a secluded part of the forest that Marisol hadn't explored before. The air was filled with the soothing sounds of nature, and Marisol found herself relaxing in the tranquility it presented.
Ryan glanced at her, his tone soft and soothing, "I noticed you'd been a little fidgety. What's been troubling you, Marisol?"
Marisol hesitated, unsure if she could reveal her plight and, if so, how much she could reveal. Coupled with the relaxed ambiance, there was something about Ryan's quiet empathy that pushed her to want to open up.
He looked like he would listen and not judge. Marisol was aching for just that right about now, tired of being fixed with only accusatory glares and judgmental looks from people who didn't know half of what she'd been put through.
"I don't understand what's happening with Sophia," she finally admits, her voice tinged with frustration. "And I'm worried about Cedric."
Ryan nodded, thoughtfully. "I can imagine that it's been tough for you," he said, his tone sympathetic. "I'm sorry about everything."
Marisol sighs, her shoulders feeling a little less heavy. He was the first person to offer an apology, sounding truly sincere.
"Thank you so much for that. I didn't know how much I needed to hear that."
He gives a crooked grin, and they resume walking, a comfortable silence falling over them. "Are you still mad at us for tricking you? By us, I mean Caleb and Redwood," Ryan says, breaking the silence with a topic Marisol would've never expected. "And how much do you miss home?"
Marisol blinks, taken aback by the unexpected question. She hadn't given much thought to her home in a long time, her focus consumed by the challenges of life in Redwood and Cedric. "I... I don't know," she finds herself stuttering in answer, "I guess I've been too caught up with trying to find a way out of here to think about home." she confesses quietly, not missing as Ryan nods, encouraging.
"It's been a whirlwind since I arrived at Redwood," she continues, "But I'm slowly starting to let go of my anger towards Caleb and focus on finding a way out of this mess."
Ryan nods in agreement, his gaze steady and reassuring. "I'm sure it hasn't been easy, but you're strong, Marisol," he says, his voice filled with conviction. "And you're not alone. You're unofficially part of our friendship group now. "
Marisol giggles, "Thank you. But how do you know so much about me?"
"We have our ways," he shrugs playfully.
Marisol feels gratitude towards Lily, Ryan, and the others. Somehow, knowing that she had their support gave her a little boost, one she hadn't known she needed. She finds herself opening up to Ryan in a way she hadn't with anyone else, their conversation flowing effortlessly as they delve into more, less serious topics.
Ryan suddenly freezes, his eyes flashing gold as he receives a message from someone. Marisol watched him curiously. Seeing him like that strikes something in her, making her miss home. It was the first time she'd been so far away from home and left so completely alone.
She misses being a part of something and not some outcast to be pointed at and sneered at. She misses the dull thrum of the pack bond and the way they were all interconnected. Now, more than ever, she regrets ever shutting her family out and keeping secrets.
When Ryan was done, he looked at her with a grave expression, and Marisol's heart sank. Whatever news he had just gotten could not be good.
"We need to return to the training ground immediately," Ryan says, and without waiting for an answer, he grabs Marisol's hand and pulls her along with him, their steps quickening until they were fully sprinting.
As they ran through the forest, Marisol's mind races with possibilities. What could be so urgent that they needed to return to the training ground so urgently? Had something happened to Lily? Did Caleb get her? Was Sophia making a fuss?
"What's the problem?" Marisol asks, her voice tight with anxiety as it is carried by the wind.
"Cedric." came the short, stiff reply that had Marisol's heart skipping a beat.