The Luna Queen - Chapter 19: Chapter 19

_Leah's POV_
Tariq and I rushed back through the woods, our feet barely touching the ground as we moved swiftly. The trees blurred around us, and the only sound was the pounding of our footsteps against the earth. Tariq led the way, his familiarity with the forest evident as he guided us through a shortcut. The urgency in his voice earlier still echoed in my mind.
"We have to move quickly," Tariq had said.
"Kayden's guards might still be out here looking for you, and if they catch us, it will be a big problem."
I didn’t need to be told twice. The thought of being captured made my blood run cold. My wolf stirred restlessly within me, but it was calmer now, though the fear still lingered. I pushed myself to keep up with Tariq. My body ached from the earlier transformation, but I was determined to stay strong.
Within minutes, the familiar sight of the cottage came into view. Relief washed over me as we approached the door. Susan was already outside, her worried expression softening the moment she saw us. She rushed forward, her concern evident in her every movement.
"Leah, are you alright?" Susan asked, her voice filled with worry. Her eyes darted between Tariq and me, searching for any signs of injury.
I nodded, my heart still racing from the run. "I'm fine," I managed to say, my voice steady despite the exhaustion weighing me down. "Tariq helped me."
Susan let out a breath of relief and reached for my hand. "Thank goodness. Your powers are growing too quickly, Leah. That is why your wolf is feeling so overwhelmed."
My brow furrowed in confusion. "Too quickly?"
Susan nodded. "Yes. It is unusual for a wolf’s powers to evolve this rapidly. You’re feeling everything more intensely; your emotions, your senses, your strength. It’s too much for your wolf to handle right now."
I swallowed hard, the fear creeping back in. "Is there anything I can do to control it?"
Susan smiled gently and reached into the pocket of her apron. She pulled out a small glass vial filled with a dark green liquid. "I’ve been preparing something for you," she said, holding it out to me. "This will help calm your wolf for a few days. It will also give you more control over your powers."
I eyed the vial warily but trusted Susan’s judgment. Taking the glass from her, I hesitated only a moment before gulping down the liquid. The taste was bitter, and I grimaced as it slid down my throat, but almost immediately, I felt a wave of calm wash over me.
"How do you feel?" Susan asked.
I blinked, surprised at how relaxed I suddenly was. The anxiety and tension I had been carrying all day seemed to melt away. "I feel...better," I admitted, my voice soft. I hadn’t realized how tightly wound I had been until now.
Susan smiled, but her expression turned serious again. "The drink has a side effect, Leah. It will make you very sleepy. You should rest."
As if on cue, my body swayed, my legs suddenly feeling like jelly. I stumbled, but before I could fall, Tariq was there, his arms wrapping around my waist to steady me.
"Easy," he said softly. "I’ve got you."
I leaned into him, too tired to protest. My eyelids were already growing heavy, the exhaustion from the day and the effects of the potion taking their toll. "I...I didn’t realize I was this tired," I murmured.
Tariq gently lifted me into his arms, cradling me as though I weighed nothing. "I’ll help you to your room," he said.
I didn’t argue. I rested my head against his chest, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat soothing me. I felt safe in his arms, despite the turmoil of the day. As he carried me up the stairs and into my room, my thoughts wandered to the future. What would happen now? My powers were growing out of control, and I wasn’t sure if I could handle them.
Tariq gently laid me down on the bed and pulled the covers up to my chin. He knelt beside me, his gaze soft as he brushed a strand of hair away from my face. "You are scared about the future, aren’t you?" he asked, reading the worry in my eyes.
I nodded, my throat tight. "I don’t know what’s happening to me. What if I can’t control it? What if I hurt someone again?"
Tariq’s lips quirked into a small, teasing smile. "You’re too stubborn to let that happen."
I blinked, caught off guard by his words. "Stubborn?"
Tariq chuckled, the sound low and warm. "Yeah. You’re not the type to give up easily. I’ve seen you face worse, Leah. You’ll get through this, just like you always do."
A small smile tugged at my lips despite my exhaustion. "You really think so?"
"I know so," Tariq said, his voice softening. He leaned closer, his eyes locking with mine. "And besides, I am not letting you go through this alone. You are stuck with me, whether you like it or not."
My heart fluttered at the intensity in his gaze, and for a moment, the fear went away, replaced by something warmer, something more hopeful. "Thank you, Tariq," I whispered.
Tariq grinned. "Don’t thank me yet. I am planning on being an even bigger pain in your ass."
I let out a soft laugh, my eyelids growing heavier by the second. Tariq leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to my forehead. His lips felt warm against my skin. "Sleep well," he whispered.
Before I could respond, he pulled the sheets up around me and tucked me in. His presence was reassuring, and I allowed myself to relax fully, my body sinking into the mattress as sleep began to claim me.
As I drifted off, my last thought was of Tariq’s teasing smile and the comforting sound of his voice.