Freya's POV
As I returned to Whiteclaw territory across the border, night had fallen. The air was heavy with old scars and memories. However, I was different this time. The girl who had been rejected wasn't me. I was more powerful and prepared to show Finnick who I was. I inhaled deeply and walked on, the silence surrounding me intensifying with each step.
The main house, where Finnick frequently spent his evenings, finally came into view. Somewhere inside, he was there, utterly oblivious to my return and my approach to retrieve him. I clenched my hands and took a step forward, my heart racing as I tried to picture his expression.
I was standing in front of the entryway before I realized it. He was sitting by the fire, by himself, gazing into the flames when I grabbed for the door and pushed it open. His expression of astonishment at seeing me when he looked up was just what I had envisioned.
As though I were a ghost haunting him, he murmured, "Freya."
"Finnick," I spoke in a steady, composed tone. I was finally able to control the rage I had been feeling for so long. "We must speak."
Finnick stood slowly, a look of surprise and bewilderment on his face. "Why are you in this place?"
With a hint of resentment in my voice, I continued, "I returned to show you what you threw away." Beneath my skin, I sensed my strength humming, a reminder of everything I had accomplished since he had abandoned me.
He took a cautious step forward and shook his head. "You don't understand, Freya"
I interrupted him and allowed the power to pass through me. "Oh, I understand perfectly," I said. A flash of light flickered in the air between us as I instantly conjured up a burst of energy. His expression was filled with disbelief as his eyes enlarged.
With a sneer on my lips, I remarked, "This is what you never saw in me." "All this strength, all this power." You also believed that I was weak.
His face became white as he stepped back. "What happened to you, Freya?"
"What took place? I said it again, feeling my rage building once more. "I came across someone who had faith in me. Someone who didn't ignore me like some unwelcome burden but instead recognized what I could become.
Finnick's eyes were intense, his fists clenched. "It wasn't like that, Freya."
Then, Finnick, tell me. What made you turn me down? Why was I never good enough for you?"
He averted his gaze, his jaw clenched. "It wasn't my decision." I must act in the pack's best interests.
"What's best for the pack? I shook my head and scoffed. Or is it better for your ego?"
"Freya, please." His voice was low, almost pleading. "You must understand. There were forces beyond my control."
I laughed, bitter and chilly. "Forces beyond your control? Do you think I'm stupid, Finnick? Do you think I don't know the actual reason you pushed me away?"
He gazed at me, confusion flaring in his eyes. "What are you talking about?"
"Luna Margot," I murmured, studying his expression intently. "She made you reject me. She was terrified of me, of what I could become. She intended to keep me weak, keep me out of your life."
Finnick's visage shifted, shock and shame flooding his features. "Freya… I didn't know."
Did you not? I questioned, my voice brimming with the rage I had suppressed for so long. Finnick, you had an option. You had the opportunity to defend me, but you chose not to. You gave in to their demands and allowed them to dominate you.
His words were no more than a whisper as he gazed down. "I believed that I was keeping you safe. I had no idea what they had planned.
"Are you defending me? I shook my head and repeated. "Don't tell yourself lies. You were defending your valuable Alpha rank and yourself. I was merely a byproduct.
Finnick parted his lips to say something, but nothing came out. He simply stood there staring at me with an expression in his eyes that I couldn't quite identify. Feeling sorry? Anguish? Whatever it was, it was insufficient to atone for all his transgressions.
I inhaled deeply, having made up my mind. "Finnick, I'm done with you. I don't need this pack or you. Now that I'm strong, I don't need anyone's approval.
With my heart racing, I turned to go, experiencing an odd wave of liberation. But before I could move another step, I heard heavy, purposeful footfall outside. When I realized we weren't alone, my instincts took over and I froze.
Finnick's face tensed as he looked up. "What's going on?"
I didn't answer, my senses on high alert as the door flew open, and Kade's warriors strode inside, their features frigid and expressionless.
"Kade sent us," one of them stated, his eyes tightening as he peered at Finnick. "Freya, he wanted to make sure you didn't forget your true identity."
As he moved between me and the fighters, Finnick's eyes glowed angrily. "She is not someone's property."
The fighter grinned. "We'll check on that."
The tension in the air made my pulse quicken. I had come here to confront Finnick and demonstrate my strength, but now I felt as though I had fallen into a trap.
The warrior's voice was low as he stared at me. "Freya, come with us. Kade's directives.
I stepped back and looked at Finnick. I knew we would lose this war, but he was tight and prepared to fight.
"Kade doesn't control me," I stated firmly. "I don't report to him."
The warrior grinned more broadly. "Then you are seriously misguided."
I felt the weight of the choice before me, torn between the anger I felt for Finnick and the realization that I'd never truly escape Kade's hold. But one thing was clear I wouldn't go down without a fight.