Anxiety is probably my worst enemy since forever and now it's taking a toll on me. All this new added information is doing nothing to ease it or make it go away.

I wish Sven was with me there instead of Bayo, but I now understand why it has to be us two and no one else. I don't even know if I could have avoided this situation all together if I hadn't said that I'd do anything in exchange for Sven's life.

I guess this would be moulded into a surprise part-3 of the initiation anyway. So much for "you did this to yourself".

Regardless, I'd resigned myself to the sofa in Sven's room to try and control my frustration. He said we'd be going to my place to get the things I'd need.

That's great news because although I had texted Brooks about not being able to make it to work, I felt guilty about just up and leaving, so I'd wanna go to Milano's and try to explain the situation as best as I can.

Sven was in the kitchen making some coffee by the electric kettle.

"We'll leave in a few hours, so you need to be ready by then," he said, pouring out the hot water.

"Want some?" he asked me holding a steaming cup in front of him.

"Yeah thanks," I said. "So, how are we getting there? Is it going to be just Bayo and me?" I asked.

He handed me a cup of coffee and sat opposite me.

"No. It'll be too dangerous to let you two go out on your own. Not everyone takes kindly to the Liet. Even we move in packs. You, Bayo, Jasper, May, Uriah, and I are going to be traveling together most of the way, just a little far from the borders of Gealach Fala pack, Fala for short. From there you'll be on your own. You need to understand that you can't trust anyone there. Not even Bayo, because he is still part of this Liet band. Give little information and try to get as much as possible," he said.

"Easier said than done," I said in a small voice.

"If you ever feel unsafe, or in trouble, reach out to me. I don't mean the call-me-up kind, but through the bond. You know you can," he said, and that very second a sense of dread seeped through me and the source of it sat on the sofa across from me.

"Why're you so tense?" I asked him.

"It still is risky," he said, sighing. I guess it was my turn to comfort him.

I did as he told me to, and reached out to him through the pack bond. But instead of fear, I tried to push my feelings of strength through to him.

As I did, he looked up to me sensing that I'm not afraid, not anymore.

"I was one of the best warriors at Fathilagt, I have no reason to fear. And neither do you," I told him, my anxiety pushed back into a tiny crevice in my mind.

Although these words were to comfort him, they comforted me too. I knew I shouldn't feel over-confident though. My skills aren't as sharp as they used to be, I didn't have Ima by my side, and me against an entire pack with a name as ambiguous as Benadryl Cucumberpatch, I still won't stand a chance.

But it's good to feel strong, and know that I won't go down without a fight.

...

It was late in the afternoon when we had assembled in the arena to leave.

A small group had stood next to a black car. The group Sven had mentioned earlier along with Jedrek, Bryony, Agatha, Nove and Alessio were huddled and talking. There were a few more people whose names I didn't know.

"I have explained everything to May, she'll help you understand exactly what you need to do at every point of the way. Jasper will be there in case of any medical emergencies, and I am sure the rest of you can fight if need be," I heard Nove say, her gaze turning to me at the end.

I started to realize that this journey was more of a mission, and the stakes were high.

Nove was still talking about what we should do, really living up to her position as a 'strategist'. But since everyone else took her seriously, I guess I should too.

It wasn't long before the six of us were in the car and on our way, leaving the Dwelling behind.

I sat with Jasper and May on either side of the middle seat, Sven was driving, Uriah shotgun, and Bayo took the entire seat at the back to stretch his legs.

It was a quiet ride to my home. Even though it had been only a few days, I was relieved at the sight of familiarity.

Sven and I got out of the car when Bayo got out from the back. I raised my eyebrow at him.

"What? I want to make sure you pack something fancy enough," he said.

The three of us started walking towards my building and were soon climbing up the stairs.

"It's a meeting Bayo, not a party," said Sven rolling his eyes.

"Well it can be!" he said. "We don't want to be underdressed for a party you know."

I heard Sven sigh at the same time I did.

I quickly packed some things I'd need and was grateful for Sven letting me come here, even though it was a slight detour.

It was decided that we'd have dinner at Milano's as everyone was starving and I needed to go there anyway.

It was a short ride to the humble restaurant and we entered to find a smiling Katryn.

Bless her. She's always smiling.

I showed everyone a table to sit on and made my way to Katryn. She was behind the counter and seemed a little anxious.

"Hey. I'm sorry I couldn't make it to work. I was just really caught up with some things from university," I said to her.

So much for trying to explain the situation the "best I can".

"Don't worry honey. I was worried about you for sure, but Brooks told me you'd texted him so I knew you were okay. But are you?" she asked.

I looked at her, confused.

"Are you okay Rayne?" she asked again, clarifying.

Oh.

I have absolutely no idea how I feel at the moment. Mostly exactly how she looks, anxious.

"Who have you brought with you?" she asked, seeing as I was buffering too long.

I looked back at the table to see Rhett taking everyone's order for drinks now.

"Just some friends from university," I said.

"So should I assume you'll be back at work from tomorrow?" she asked.

Shit.

"Katryn, that really won't be possible at the moment and I know I should have given you a heads up but-"

"It's really okay. I understand. Blakely is already done with her exams so she is free for a little more than a month. She can take over for the time being," she said, her eyes kind. "I just need to know you're okay Rayne. You know we're here if you need anything, right?"

"I do."

I really do.

"Good. Don't you worry about us regular people. You do what you need to do but come back soon okay? And be careful," she said.

I smiled at her. "Thanks Katryn."

"Let me help you with that," I said as Rhett came out with the two trays of drinks from the back.

We carried the trays and gave everyone their respective glasses. I pulled up an empty chair from a neighboring table and sat between Uriah and Bayo.

Katryn had made her way to our table to take everyone's orders.

"I'm glad to see you've brought back customers Rayne," said Katryn looking at Uriah and Bayo. "What will everyone have?" she said while starting to note down everyone's order.

When she came to me, I just nodded at her "the usual?" and watched her go into the kitchen.

Soon enough there was a lot of food on the two tables that had been put together to accommodate the six of us and not much conversation was made as everyone ate.

I was so happy to have my lasagna before diving head-first into the black abyss of whatever was going on.

I would've asked for nothing else for my "last meal".

Sure does feel like it anyway. There was so much I didn't understand, but pushing myself away seemed too big of a risk, and Sven assured me we were going ahead with the best possible plan.

Knowing he was from the same pack I was, and feeling that connection with him allowed me to trust him enough to be sitting here, with all my necessities in the back of a stranger's car, surrounded by other strangers, and heading into a strange land.

I guess taking a risk is easier when you don't have much to lose to begin with.