Freya's POV
I was caught between two strong forces Kade on one side and Finnick on the other and the tension in the air seemed like a blade. My heart was racing, and I was aware that my decision tonight would have a profound impact.
Kade's eyes were intense and icy. "You know where you belong, Freya. When no one else would give you a chance, I did. He spoke steadily and assuredly. "You'll discover the power you were destined to possess with my help."
Finnick, across from him, observed me silently, his posture rigid but his gaze softened. "I won't make you stay, Freya," he whispered softly. But know that I'm available if you need my assistance, no matter what you decide. If... if you'll let me be by your side.
I glanced between them, sensing a surge of inner strength that seemed to be telling me to decide for myself. To take responsibility for my future.
"Why do you say that so much, Kade?" I raised my voice and demanded. "Why do you act like I owe you everything all the time?"
His lips curled into a smile as he took a step forward. "Because I am aware of your true potential, Freya. You have more power than you could have ever dreamed. However, I must unlock it for you. You could defeat any foe and subdue any wolf with my help. You would be invincible.
His comments caused my chest to constrict. "Kade, what's the cost? You believe that just because you say so, I should follow you mindlessly?
Kade's face grew serious. "I've supported you and provided you with a place. Don't pretend that you owe me nothing.
I felt a wave of rage rise within me. "No, Kade. I am not your property. I owe you nothing. The words were a tiny taste of liberation, a release.
There was no humour in his laughter. "Don't be stupid, Freya. You witnessed the harm that Finnick and his pack inflicted upon you. You were never wanted by them. They expelled you. However, I gave you a family and a purpose.
I looked to Finnick, who was still observing, regret shining in his eyes. Is Finnick correct? Do I even belong with you here?
Finnick looked at me with confidence and steadiness. You belong anywhere you want to be, Freya. I am powerless to undo the mistakes I made. But I want to put things right if you're willing. I never realized how strong you are. And you have the option to stay. No one else or myself is to blame.
Kade's voice pierced the atmosphere. Freya, Finnick is unable to provide you with what I can. He is unaware of your needs.
I scowled, my emotions torn. "What does that mean to you?"
Kade had a piercing smile. "Don't you feel like your powers are increasing? And that's only the start. You underestimate your strength, but it's insufficient. You need someone who can teach you how to use these skills and who is knowledgeable about them. Freya, only I can do that. Finnick would be unsure of where to begin.
I was irritated by the glimmer of truth in his statement. I felt my powers growing and stirring beneath my skin after he helped me access them. However, I felt ill at the idea of him controlling me with that.
"Kade," I said, clenching my fists, "you don't know everything about me." "And I'm sick of living my life as if I have to choose between one man and one pack."
With a steely voice, Kade stated unequivocally, "You need me." "You will never realize your full potential without me. You would be forgotten and lost like any other wolf.
With rage in my chest, I shot back, "Maybe that's what you want, Kade." "Perhaps you want me to be under your authority. However, I aspire to be more than that.
Kade's voice hardened as his eyes flared. "Freya, think carefully. You're exposed without me. You won't be around for long.
Finnick stepped forward and spoke in a soft yet firm tone. Freya, you don't require him. You can find your strength on your own. You're not alone anymore."
I glanced at him, a spark of hope blazing inside me. "You say that, Finnick, but what does it mean? If I stay, if I'm part of this pack, do you consider me as your equal? Or am I still simply the girl you cast out?"
Finnick's features relaxed, his eyes steady. "I see you, Freya. Not simply as part of this group, but as someone who stands on her own. I was previously mistaken and oblivious to your potential. But now that I see it, I want to help you rather than hinder you.
I wasn't prepared for how hard his remarks affected me. For so long, I had longed for someone to see me and embrace me for who I am. However, there was still another aspect of me that seemed incomplete, something perhaps more profound.
Kade grinned and crossed his arms. "So, Freya, what will it be? Will you discard everything that I have given you? All the authority, the direction?
Before I ever spoke anything, the response had already been created in my heart. "No, Kade. I'm not going to pick one of you. I'm making my own decision.
Kade's expression changed from surprise to rage. "What is meant by that?"
It signifies that I'm done playing the role of someone else. I'm done letting other people choose my course. My voice became louder, and each phrase gave me more resolve. "I'll defend this pack, but not for Finnick or even for you. I'll defend it because I want to. On my terms, I will regain the authority that is rightfully mine.
Kade's voice was icy and his eyes narrowed. "Freya, do you believe you can live without me? You're doing something wrong.
"Perhaps," I said, refusing to back down. However, it will be my error at least. And I'll accept it.
There was silence for a minute. With a gleam of respect in his eyes, Finnick then took a step forward. "I agree with your decision, Freya. I'm there for everything you need.
Kade wasn't finished, though. There was a frightening intensity to his gaze. "You're against me, Freya if you're not with me."
I felt cold, but I didn't flinch as he stared at me. "Then whatever."
Kade turned and walked away without saying another word, his face icy and harsh. I was aware that this was far from done and that he would return with greater Vigor and rage. However, I was prepared. I felt unrestricted by anyone's expectations for the first time.
A feeling of calm descended upon me as I stood there and watched him leave. I had made my decision for myself, not for Kade or Finnick.
However, as soon as that emotion began to take hold, Finnick's face became grave. "Freya, you should be aware of something."
The tightness in his voice made my heart sink. "What is it?"
He replied, looking aside as though in pain, "Luna Margot." She isn't finished with you. She is assembling others, her supporters.
My heartbeat accelerated, a feeling of fear tugging at me. "What do you mean?"
Luna Margot thinks you pose a danger to the order of the pack. Even if it means inciting the pack against you, she is committed to defeating you.
I was struck deeply by the weight of his words. I believed that I had at last discovered my freedom and my position. However, Luna Margot remained a persistent danger, a towering shadow.
"Then let her come," I answered steadily. "I'll be prepared."
Finnick nodded, admiration and concern in his eyes. "Remember that you are not alone no matter what happens."
I forced a tiny grin, but the fear within me was genuine. I'm grateful, Finnick. However, I must confront this battle head-on. I refuse to flee from her or anybody else.
I felt the weight of my decision drag on me as the night became darker and I gazed out over the forest beyond Whiteclaw's boundaries. This was just the start. Kade's rage bubbled beneath the surface as Luna Margot's threat loomed. I had embarked on a journey that would require all of my strength.
However, I was no longer the terrified young woman I once was. I was resolved to take back my life and my power, and I would tackle any challenges head-on, one step at a time. And I realized I had made the only decision that was really mine when the stars above me sparkled.
However, the slight stirring in the trees behind me suggested that danger might be closer than I had initially believed. I turned, aware that I was being observed, my senses alert.
I felt the hairs on my neck stand up. This wasn't just any animal. Someone was waiting outside.
Knowing that the battle was far from done, I took a deep breath and prepared myself.