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“That is only to protect them,” I forced out.
“I know dear,” he said with a sigh. “But if there is a way that they can be safe without being shielded from life, it would be better for them.”
I hummed a response because I couldn't open my mouth now without saying too much.
Even my om-father agreed with the changes. It was so frustrating.
I bit my lip and looked out the window again.
Nassa were carrying decorations and supplies to the city center.
Soon, I would take an omega and show them that being under an alpha’s care was better for them. Soon, all of Diwan would understand.
I could not shake my mood after that. I had been feeling low for months now with only anger to bring me up.
Despite my om-father and al-mother's best efforts to cheer me up, I was unable to bring myself around. My thoughts were too occupied, my nerves too high.
As we went to the festival, I looked on in disinterest.It was the same as all the other New Moon Festivals I could remember. Everyone in the city seemed to have congregated here. There were bouncing games for the children, and other games for the adults. Some to check strength, some to check aim and the winners received cheap trinkets. As was tradition, a tail strength contest was going all evening and the winner was going to light the first firework. A stage had been erected next to the fountain where a band played and artists sat around them, providing portraits for those who wanted one.
The atmosphere was high and I saw it all, but didn't see anything at the same time. For as long as I could, I walked with them, said hello to those that stopped us to talk. Eventually though, I saw with a sigh of relief that the last sun was lowering toward the horizon.
“I'm going to go find my friends,” I said, turning to go, but Al-mother caught me by the wrist, stopping me.
“Stay with us,” she said.
I paused, meeting her orange gaze, so like my own.
There was a challenge in her eyes that caught me off guard.
“Why?” I asked slowly.
“Because I don't care for your new friends,” she told me.
I felt my shoulders stiffening. When Al-mother saw the spikes rising on my shoulders, her eyes widened.
“Do you feel threatened?” she asked, concern clear on her face. “Just from the suggestion that you should not see them?”
“Addy,” Om-father said at his side and I glanced at him, unable to take the worry in his eyes as well. “You have been different since you befriended them. What kind of hold do they have over you?”
Heart pounding, I yanked my arm free from Al-mother.
“You'll see,” I said, even though I knew I shouldn't.
I turned away, ready to run to meet the gang, then I hesitated. I could be on the run after tonight. I didn't know when or if I would be back. This could be our farewell.
But if I said goodbye, they would know something serious was about to happen, and they would stop me.
So, I pushed my feet, forcing myself to walk away from them despite the poisonous feeling that sank into my gut.
The others were waiting where they said they would be, out in the open, on the steps of the library. There was nothing suspicious about that, nothing to draw anyone's attention.
No one said anything when I joined them, but Kazm nodded to me, his expression pleased.
Everyone was ready.
“What shall we do for now?” I asked.
“We wait,” Fari said.
