Alisha‘s POV
I looked at my hands, and tears began to well up in my eyes. Not long ago, I used these hands to touch and embrace Magaly, feeling her warmth, but now as I clenched my fists, there was nothing left...
The wind brushed against my face, carrying away the tears threatening to fall.
I left the Golden Crest, left Archie, and finally, I put an end to this wrong and miserable marriage with my own hands. I should be smiling, celebrating my new life, but my heart was filled with bitterness. I had invested so much love and emotion into a marriage that ended in tragedy.
I knew Louie and Gray were willing to take care of me, and I was grateful, but I also knew I couldn't continue being this weak.
Back when I was with the Black Furies, I relied on Magaly's protection and care. Later, facing Joey and Evita, I wasn't strong enough, allowing them to think I was easy to bully, ultimately leading to Magaly's involvement and trouble.
After marrying Archie, I comfortably became his wife, just wanting to rely on him, seeking his shelter and protection. I never thought about how to grow or become strong myself, resulting in becoming a pitiful abandoned woman.
So, I couldn't depend on others anymore. I had to grow myself, become strong enough to make those who harmed me pay! I needed to avenge Magaly with my own strength!
I said to Louie and Gray, "I'm very grateful to have met you. Without you, I might not even have the chance to stand here and speak. But I can't keep relying on you; I need to learn to grow on my own."
Louie looked at me, his eyes filled with compassion and love. "Alisha, don't reject us. It's too tough for you to be alone. Let me accompany you. Don't worry; there's no burden, just as your friend. I agree with what you said just now, thanks to Moon Goodness for letting us meet; I cherish the connection between us, just like you do."
Looking at Louie, my heart was filled with complex emotions. I knew he had always been good to me, even guarding by my side. He was gentle, considerate, and strong, the perfect partner in every girl's mind. But I had just emerged from a failed marriage, and I wasn't ready to enter into a new relationship immediately.
So, I couldn't delay Louie anymore. I didn't want to waste his time. He deserved a better girl.
I shook my head and looked at Louie. "I have accepted enough of your help; I can't keep being so greedy. I can live on my own, trust me."
Louie seemed like he wanted to say more, but I shook my head to stop him. Then I informed Louie and Gray about my plans. "I'll first go to my friend Nova's place. I'll handle things from there. Thank you both for everything."
Louie sighed but didn't say anything more. Gray, on the other hand, kept staring at me, then reached out, patting my head gently, and softly said, "You may not want to accept help from others, but don't refuse care from your family, okay?"
I blinked, seeming incredulous at what I just heard. "Family?"
"Yes, Alisha, I'm very confident, no, I'm certain, that you are my family."
"Me?" I could hardly believe what I was hearing. Was Gray joking?
"Yes, I didn't plan to tell you so soon, especially not at this time. But now it seems, only the identity of family can allow you to let me get close. I can't lose you again. Please understand my feelings," Gray replied, earnest and solemn, devoid of any hint of jest.
I took a deep breath and asked with a trembling voice, "I don't understand what you mean. You are the Alpha of Blood Dawn, and I come from the Black Furies. We just met recently, how could I... be related to you?"
Gray grabbed my shoulders, looking into my eyes, and said, "Believe me, I wouldn't joke about this matter. I have a very lovely younger sister; she's an angel, but... I accidentally lost her... I owe her an apology. So, for these years, I have been searching for her."
"But how can you be sure that I am your..." I couldn't even finish; I feared this might all be a dream.
"The Alpha of Blood Dawn can recognize their blood relatives by the scent of blood. Your scent is very much like my sister's, almost identical."
"But..." I still couldn't believe it. Gray and I seemed like people from two different worlds. How could I be his sister?
At that moment, Louie also spoke up, "Alisha, perhaps what Gray says is true. I remember a time when I sensed a different scent on you. At that time, I thought you encountered a rogue. Now, thinking about it, it might have been because of Gray. He has a blood connection with you, so when you both met, your scents could influence each other."
"Yes, it's true. Members of Blood Dawn's royal family can sense each other through bloodlines. Although different people have varying levels of sensing ability, as the Alpha, I am certain you are the person I have been seeking," Gray added.
I looked at Gray's face, finding it hard to fathom that this person was somehow related to me by blood. "But my grandmother never mentioned anything about me having a... a brother." When the word 'brother' came out, I felt an inexplicable surge of emotion in my heart. Gray's gaze seemed to soften, filled with joy and excitement.
"Alisha, could you say it again?" Gray softly requested.
For some reason, I felt a bit shy. As I was about to speak again, I remembered what he had just said, so I bit my lip. "Gray, you mentioned that my blood scent is very similar to your sister's, but not entirely the same. Therefore, there is a possibility that I might not be the relative you are searching for, right?" Otherwise, Gray might have recognized me much earlier, rather than waiting until now. Perhaps he was also doubtful.
Gray remained silent for a moment before replying, "I don't want to deceive you; it's indeed not 100% identical. However! For some reason, your blood scent keeps changing, becoming more and more like my sister's. I feel that if this trend continues, your scent will eventually become exactly like hers."
"Changing?" I felt incredibly puzzled by this.
"To be honest, this situation is also new to me. So, Alisha, you need to come with me to Blood Dawn; that is where we can confirm your identity."
Hearing Gray's words made me hesitate. I feared it might be a misunderstanding that would disappoint both of us.
Gray gently stroked my hair and then revealed a tender smile, "So, don't feel any pressure. Just consider it as visiting a friend's house. However, since the moment I laid eyes on you, I have had this special fondness for you. Therefore, I really hope that you could stay with me in Blood Dawn forever."