The Alpha Can’t Sense His Mate

ITHRA

We woke up to a freezing atmosphere.

Zadok and I journeyed through the Valley of Thorns. In our journey so far, this has got to be the longest walk yet.

Thankfully, we were close to leaving the Cold Valley, and we could tell by the coldness that increased as we went further.

“Finally.” Zadok said, stopping in his tracks, “We are here.” He faced me with a smile. “Welcome to the cold valley.”

I searched for signs that told me we were in the cold valley but saw none.

“Where does it say so?” I voiced my concerns, and he smiled.

“Surely, you don’t expect a signpost in the dark forest, Ithra,” he said sarcastically.

I rolled my eyes, “No shit, Sherlock.” I gestured to our surroundings, “Forgive me for looking for something that suggests we are out of the Valley of Thorns.” I opined, “Other than the increased coldness, there’s nothing out of the ordinary.”

“That’s because we are yet to cross its thresholds,” Zadok said, studying the map. “From my analysis, it should be right here.”

Zadok walked a few feet to the right and stopped in a tree. I watched him with keen eyes. “That’s weird.” He says, scratching his head. “The map says there is a route that marks the entrance to the Cold Valley.” He stated, looking around. “There’s nothing for miles.” He added and buried his head back into the book with a scrunched face.

“Maybe you missed something?” I suggested, for lack of better words.

“I couldn’t have. We are where it says we should be.” He snapped, eyes fixed on the map.

I refused to be upset by his tone, “Maybe we should keep walking down. Who knows? Perhaps we will stumble into the Cold Valley.” I suggested in a calm tone, looking around.

“Ithra, please.” Zadok’s eyes met mine. “I don’t have time for this, okay? Just give me some time to figure this out.” His eyes closed, and I could tell he was getting frustrated, “Is that okay?” He finished, expecting a response.

I didn’t like the way he spoke to me. I felt Zadok didn’t accord me respect enough to take my suggestions, and it didn’t go well with me. Nevertheless, I swallowed my reservations and gave an affirmative nod.

“Thank you.” He whispered and continued with his analysis of the map.

Giving him space, I walked up to the said tree and touched its bark. It was so cold – I wondered how many degrees it was out here. “The Cold Valley,” I muttered, tapping the tree as I waited for Zadok.

Suddenly, the tree moved, and I nearly fell on my butt.

“What in the world-” I cussed, alarmed at the sight happening before me.

I watched with a slightly opened jaw as the tree reset itself, turning into a door made of the tree with odd scribblings.

“Zadok..” I called, mind blown by the things happening in front of me.

“Give me a minute.” Zadok’s tone was curt, his eyes never leaving his book.

Just before I could call his attention to it, the door disappeared, and a white fog replaced it. The white fog started small, and within seconds, it grew so big I could barely see in front of me.

“Zadok?” I called again, this time, my voice wavering.

“Ithra, I said – what the hell is going on?” The next second, Zadok was standing in a protective stance in front of me.

“How did that happen?” He asked, watching the mystery in front of us.

I couldn’t speak. I watched in shock as the fog dissipated and a path opened in front of us.

“The Cold Valley.” That was Zadok. “It was here all along.” He added and instinctively took a step forward.

“Hey!” I called out to him, and he stopped in his tracks. “Be careful,” I warned, wary of the path before us.

He nodded, eyes keen and stance agile. “Follow closely behind me.” He instructed.

I didn’t need to hear twice. I followed behind Zadok, and together, we walked through the path that got colder as we entered. Soon enough, I felt something drop on my nose, and I jumped, holding Zadok tightly.

“Calm down,” he said, holding back a smile ” It’s just snow.” He added, and I looked forward to seeing droplets of snowballs falling from the sky.

“Wow,” I said, finally relaxing and walking off.

“Careful. The snow might bite you.” Zadok called behind me in a teasing tone.

I rolled my eyes at his words and continued on my journey while he hastened his steps and got on par with me.Content bel0ngs to Nôvel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

While we walked, the snow increased, as well as the coldness of the Valley. Trees around us were covered with snow, giving the area a frozen vibe. Everything looked too beautiful and scenic. I wondered if we were still in the dark forest.

As we got deeper, I couldn’t appreciate the beauty of nature before my eyes. My feet were so cold – I couldn’t feel them anymore. My teeth shattered, and I struggled to breathe through the cold.

Zadok noticed my struggle, pulled off his coat and draped it over me. It didn’t change a thing. The more we walked in, the colder the wind and harsher the snow.

“Come here.” Zadok hugged me in an attempt to keep me warm. “It won’t be long now. We are almost out of here.” His teeth shattered as he spoke.

I couldn’t speak. My body seemed like it would freeze any moment from now. Zadok must have sensed that because he took me in his arms bridal style.

“What.. are.. you.. doing?” I managed to speak, feeling coldness to my bones.

“Shush,” He said and quickened his pace. “Just hang in there.”

We continued like that, and though I felt terrible for Zadok – who was going through a lot carrying me and enduring the harsh conditions, I felt slightly better.

I could move my feet, and my arms regained their mobility. Although I was still cold, death wasn’t knocking at my door. The shaking of Zadok’s arm told me he was taking on more than he could, and with one peek at his face, my heart sank.

Zadok’s teeth clenched, and his jaws were tight. His face was white, and his veins pulsated. His mouth slightly opened, and his breaths were harsh. I couldn’t bear it anymore.

“Drop me,” I said, readying to use my feet.

“What’s wrong?” He breathed, eyes laced with concern.

“I can walk on my own, Zadok. Just drop me.” I said, this time – struggling to get off his hands.

Just like I suspected, his arms were weak, and he immediately gave in to my struggles.

“You are in no condition to walk on your own, Ithra. Come here.” Zadok ordered, trying and failing to sound firm.

“So are you.” I replied, “You can’t survive at this rate. We’re going to die if we keep this up.”

A frustrated sound escaped his throat, “So what do you suggest we do? Because we are running short of options. Spending more time arguing decreases our chances of making it out alive.”