Elena's POV
The weight of Ivanna's words lingered long after she disappeared into the shadows, leaving a chill in the air that the crackling fire inside couldn't dispel.
Elena's legs felt like they might give out, but she refused to collapse. Instead, she clenched her fists, forcing herself to take a shaky breath. "She's not going to stop, is she?"
Caleb's jaw tightened. He shut the door with enough force to rattle the hinges, bolting it and checking the windows for the third time that night. "No," he admitted. "She won't stop. Not until she gets what she wants—or we stop her first."
Elena stared at him, her heart pounding in her chest. "How? How are we supposed to stop someone like her? She's… She's not human."
Neither are you, the unspoken truth seemed to hang in the air. But Caleb didn't say it. Instead, he turned back to her, his expression unreadable.
"We have options," he said, his voice low. "But we can't face her alone. We'll need help."
"From who?" Elena asked, the frustration clear in her tone. "Everyone else in this town seems to either be terrified of her or working for her."
"Not everyone," Caleb said. "There are those who resist her, quietly. They've been waiting for something—or someone—to rally around. You might be that someone."
Elena sank onto the worn couch, her head spinning. "I didn't ask for this," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.
"I know," Caleb said softly. He crouched in front of her, his golden eyes meeting hers. "But whether you asked for it or not, you're in it now. And if you want to survive, you'll have to fight."
Elena met his gaze, a flicker of determination sparking to life despite the fear gnawing at her. "Then teach me," she said. "Whatever I need to know, teach me."
Caleb's lips curved into a small smile, and for a moment, the weight of the situation seemed to lift. "You're stronger than you think," he said. "We'll start tomorrow."
---
The Next Morning
The first rays of sunlight filtered through the trees as Caleb led Elena deeper into the forest. The cool morning air was filled with the chirping of birds and the rustle of leaves, but Elena couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched.
"Are you sure about this?" she asked, glancing over her shoulder.
Caleb nodded, his expression serious. "If you're going to survive in this world, you need to know how to defend yourself. And you need to start trusting your instincts."
He stopped in a small clearing, the ground soft with moss and scattered leaves. "All right," he said, turning to face her. "Show me what you've got."
Elena blinked. "What I've got? I don't have anything."
"Everyone has something," Caleb said. "Whether it's strength, speed, or strategy. Let's find out what yours is."
He lunged at her without warning, his movements quick but controlled. Elena yelped and stumbled backward, barely managing to dodge him.
"What the hell, Caleb?" she shouted, her heart racing.
"Lesson one," he said, straightening. "Always be ready."
Elena glared at him, but the spark of irritation gave her the energy to stand her ground. "Fine," she said. "Come at me again."
Caleb's lips twitched in amusement, but he didn't hold back. This time, when he moved, Elena saw it—just the slightest shift in his stance before he lunged. She sidestepped, her hand instinctively reaching for the nearest weapon: a fallen branch.
She swung it at him, but he caught it easily, his grip like iron. "Better," he said. "But you're still relying on your eyes. Try to feel the movement before it happens."
They spent hours in the clearing, Caleb pushing her to the edge of her endurance. By the time they stopped, Elena was covered in sweat, her muscles aching, but a strange sense of accomplishment warmed her chest.
"You're a quick learner," Caleb said as they made their way back to the cabin.
"Thanks," Elena muttered, too exhausted to say more.
---
Meanwhile, in the Shadows
A pair of piercing green eyes watched from the darkness, unblinking and calculating. Ivanna stood just beyond the edge of the clearing, her lips curling into a smile as she observed Elena's clumsy but determined movements.
"She's stronger than she looks," a voice said behind her.
Ivanna turned slightly, her gaze flicking to Victor as he leaned casually against a tree. "Strength isn't enough," she said. "What matters is control. And she doesn't have it yet."
"Yet," Victor repeated, his tone amused. "You sound worried, Ivanna. Afraid the little human might surprise you?"
Ivanna's smile didn't falter. "Not afraid. Intrigued. She has potential, but potential means nothing without the right guidance."
Victor raised an eyebrow. "And you think you're the one to guide her?"
"Of course," Ivanna said, her tone dripping with confidence. "She'll come to me eventually. They always do."
Victor chuckled, pushing off the tree and stepping closer. "Don't underestimate her," he said. "Or Caleb. He's more resourceful than you give him credit for."
Ivanna's eyes narrowed. "Caleb is a fool, clinging to a past that no longer exists. He won't be able to protect her forever."
Victor smirked. "We'll see."
---
Back at the Cabin
After a quick meal, Elena collapsed onto the couch, her body protesting every movement. Caleb sat across from her, his expression thoughtful.
"You did well today," he said after a long silence.
"Thanks," Elena said, though she wasn't sure she believed him. "I still feel like I'm a million miles away from being able to fight someone like Ivanna."
"You're closer than you think," Caleb said. "It's not just about strength or skill. It's about resolve. And you've got plenty of that."
Elena met his gaze, surprised by the warmth in his eyes. "Do you really think we can beat her?"
Caleb hesitated, his confidence faltering for the first time. "I think we have to try," he said finally. "Because the alternative is unthinkable."
Elena nodded, the weight of his words settling heavily on her shoulders. She didn't know what the future held, but one thing was certain: she couldn't afford to give up now.
As the fire crackled softly in the hearth, she allowed herself a moment of hope. Perhaps, together, they could find a way to fight back.