At Dawn, in the Forest

Chapter 21

It was weird for Dawn, to have this friendship with Sarah. She didn't even know she was capable of being friends with someone. Dawn couldn't remember any close friends before her capture. There was a girl and boy from her class she was close with, but their faces were blurry in her memories and so were their names.

Sarah was thrilled about the friendship she had with Dawn. She felt special which she didn't feel often as she was part of a big family having four older brothers and one older sister. There was always someone who outshone her. As the youngest, she was often not seen or heard.

She was also fascinated by Dawn. It was hard to think when seeing Dawn she had undergone a horrifying experience. Dawn always seemed so neutral, so indifferent, until of course she was triggered. The most fascinating thing according to Sarah was how vocal Dawn became when they did their daily walks in the woods. She would tell her all the names of the trees and plants surrounding them. She knew their laymen's names and their scientific names.

During their walks, it was Sarah who was silent. She gave Dawn the space to speak, to move freely, to breathe. Sarah noticed once in the woods Dawn was less careful of her movements, of her words. She didn't hold her shoulder hunched up, she didn't observe everybody, she didn't scan the room for threats, she wasn't fidgeting, and she didn't try to make herself small and unseen. No, Dawn wanted to be seen by the nature surrounding her. Her arms stretched wide, her eyes focused on flowers, insects, and mostly on threes, her hands touched the different textures of every bark and leave, she had a bounce in her steps, her tone was more melodic, she shone. On an especially good day, Sarah would hear her hum old songs. She wondered if Dawn even noticed she hummed, and also if she noticed how beautiful her voice was.

It was late in the afternoon, the sun had passed its highest point and the shadows grew longer when Sarah and Dawn made themselves comfortable in the big yard between the packhouse and the treeline. Sarah sat down at the table outside on the patio, reading a fashion magazine while Dawn sat with her legs crossed a few feet away in the grass observing a beetle she found. She did so while humming an old song again. Sarah tried to look up what the titles were of the songs, but she had no luck, yet.

Aiden silently joined Sarah. "She is doing great, isn't she?" He asked in a low tone.

Sarah put down her magazine and smiled. "Yeah, she is."

"Thank you."

Sarah looked at her cousin and quirked up a brow. "Why are you thanking me?"

"For looking out for her."

She turned back to Dawn. "I am not, we are friends. We hang out. I enjoy our time just as much."

"Still, you are keeping an eye on her without giving her that feeling of being watched and for that I thank you."

Sarah shook her head and sighed. "Aiden, she isn't a frail thing that needs to be watched all the damn time. All she needed was some space and a listening ear." She gave her cousin a sharp look. 

Sarah had picked up on the dynamics between Dawn's family and the family of her Alphas. She didn't understand why they were more understanding. She was glad Aiden did back her up, but still, she was disappointed that these people who are supposed to be leaders weren't as empathetic as she was.

"I know, but," Aiden started. He sighed. He didn't finish.

Sarah lay her hand on his. "I know."

Aiden looked bewildered, his eyes widened. "What do you possibly know? Did Dawn tell you something?"

"No, no, I meant, I know that you two are mates."

He couldn't help but blush. "How-how do you know?"

Sarah laughed. "You are the only one who sees Dawn. None of those people do," She waved her hand around in the air.

"Careful now, Sarah. Some of those 'people' are still your Alphas."

"I know, I know. No need to get all Beta on me. Still... You know what she needs."

"You do too."

"Yes, but I am an outsider. I wasn't personally involved in this matter. It's different."

"And this is why you are my favorite cousin."

Sarah gave him a playful side-eye.

"What?" Aiden asked dumbfounded.

"I am pretty sure you say that to all my siblings who help you."

Aiden playfully acted offended. "How dare you utter the words? You have been always my favorite cousin."

There was a silence and then they laughed. Once it died down they both cast their eyes on Dawn, who was still admiring the beetle in her hand. "She is really deep into her own world, isn't she?"

"Yep," Sarah answered.

They then heard footsteps slowly nearing them and turned around, it was Boaz. He didn't acknowledge Aiden and Sarah, he looked in surprise at his daughter. His eyes held a storm of emotions. "I can't believe it," He muttered. The Alpha let himself fall down in a chair next to Aiden. Tears were brimming in his eyes.

The Beta and Sarah both looked at him but were distracted when Dawn didn't just hum anymore but actually sang. It was magical. Boaz let his tears fall down on his cheeks. It had been ages since he heard his daughter sing again.

When Dawn was small she wasn't interested in new Disney movies, she liked the old tales. Especially the old music. Boaz was always busy finding music that matched the songs of his daughter's beloved old movies and together they would sing them.

It always brought so much joy to Boaz and after his daughter was taken away from him he never thought he would hear her sing again.