Alethea

I know that if I stay in Asher's arms any longer, I won't be able to leave the Redwood Pack. The memory of our passionate night burned into my soul. But I have to go. I gather what little strength I have left, along with the last shred of my dignity, and quietly slip out of his room, tiptoeing like a thief in the night.

Xena growls in my head, her voice desperate and pained. "Don't leave. Please don't leave him." But I ignore her. I have to. No matter how much it hurts, staying will only make it worse.

As I walk toward the exit of the pack...