A New Life In The Beast World-Chapter 121: Unwanted Thoughts (3)

Was she okay?

Serena wanted to say yes. Pretend she was fine. That she wasn’t broken into a million different pieces inside, trying to put herself back together. If that was even possible anymore.

Perhaps she was just another broken toy, meant to be discarded...

However, when she tried to say those words, hide what was truly going on, she found the words stuck in her throat. Unable to lie like she always did. It was like a lump stuck in her throat.

Serena swallowed hard, trying to push it down. She just needed to say she was fine and be done with it. Getting Theo involved would do nothing good...

"I... I just have a lot on my mind." Serena finally answered, refusing to look at Theo. Instead she kept gazing at the stars as she added, "I’m not sure if I’m fine or not."

Her fingers dug into the log she was sitting on as she spoke, partly annoyed with herself for not acting like everything was fine. Still, she did feel a little good saying those words.

Even if she didn’t want to admit it. Because even if they were vague, they were the truth.

"Do you want... to talk about it?" Theo questioned, turning his gaze away from Serena and back to the fire.

He watched it dance under the night sky, bright and crackling as it moved. As it burnt the wood and kindling to ashes, sometimes breaking the shape. Smoke curled up and disappeared into the air.

"No." Serena responded immediately. "Sitting like this is enough."

She already had enough chatting to Liz about all this crap and didn’t need a round two. Her eyes were sore and if she cried anymore she’d probably become dehydrated.

Sitting here in silence was enough for her.

"Alright then..." Theo murmured, straightening up to walk over to the fire. He checked the water, soon removing the pot and bringing it over. "Here. It’s hot so be careful."

"Thanks." Serena said, finally turning her gaze away from the stars.

She watched as the steam curled above the water, a few bubbles appearing in it. Theo moved to take a seat next to her, sitting much closer this time. She glanced over at him, their knees almost touching.

"It’s cold outside, so we should stay close." Theo stated. "And maybe head inside soon."

Serena raised an eyebrow at his words, almost letting out a laugh. "This is nothing for a snow leopard. We’re built for the snowy mountains after all."

"Even so, you shouldn’t test your limits." Theo retorted playfully. He was quiet for a moment before he asked, "Do you miss your former tribe?"

"I don’t... It wasn’t a good place despite some of the clan members." Serena sighed. "Things have been better since we left."

Especially for Kiro. She was surprised by how quickly he changed since coming to the Rabbit Village. He’d gone from a shy cub who was easily scared to an ordinary cub. He had friends and was more outgoing.

No longer worried about others hurting him or his sister. Getting him away from the tribe had been the right decision. Because even if that salt deal hadn’t happened, it would’ve probably ended tragic for Kiro and the original owner.

They might’ve been bullied to death.

"What about you?" Serena asked. "Do you regret moving to the Rabbit Village?"

It was partly out of curiosity and partly because she feared Theo was beginning to hate this place. Miss his home back in the Forest City.

Of course, if that was the case then it was probably for the best if they parted ways. They had a good thing going here, but Serena wasn’t going to move to the Forest City nor was she going to force anyone to live in a place they disliked.

So parting ways was the only option.

Of course, she probably was going to have to find an excuse as to why her ’mate’ was suddenly abandoning her basically and moving to another place. That was going to be a nightmare...

"I don’t regret it." Theo answered. "Sure, it’s a harder life than in the city, but I still enjoy it. I like how peaceful it is and that I don’t have someone questioning my every move."

Serena raised an eyebrow. "Is your uncle really that troublesome?"

"Despite how my uncle acts sometimes, it’s not really him that’s the issue. If anything, he’s been trying to keep me away from trouble." Theo ran a hand through hair with a sigh. "For the most part anyway..."

Theo didn’t say anything more, so Serena didn’t ask any more questions about it. He didn’t push her for answers and she was going to do the same. Leave things be unless Theo wanted to tell her more about it.

"I see..." Serena mused, turning to the hot water.

It had cooled down a bit thanks to the cold air and Serena quickly splashed some of the water on her face, allowing it to sooth her. She then dipped the fur rag she had with her into the water before placing it over her eyes.

She almost let out a sigh of relief, her puffy red eyes beginning to feel a whole lot better thanks to the warm rag. Hopefully, it would also get the swelling down a little.

Otherwise, Kiro was going to go nuts over her crying and she wasn’t in the mood to deal with the cub. Theo watched her for a bit, slightly amused at the sight of her.

Silence filled the night air between them once more, but neither one felt the need to speak. Eventually though, Serena could see Theo was getting sleepy and decided to call it a night.

They needed to be up early in the morning and despite sleeping for some time, Serena was still exhausted and wanted to get some proper sleep. Without nightmares hopefully.

Once they put out the fire and settled back down, Serena closed her eyes and allowed herself to fall asleep again.