Elena's POV
The cabin was small and dimly lit, the air thick with the scent of herbs and something earthy she couldn't quite place. Shelves lined the walls, cluttered with jars of dried plants, animal bones, and mysterious vials. A large table sat in the center of the room, covered in an assortment of books, maps, and papers.
The elder gestured for them to sit but remained standing himself, his sharp eyes fixed on Elena.
"You're stronger than I thought," he said, his tone a mix of curiosity and approval.
Elena glanced at Caleb, unsure of how to respond. "I… don't know what you mean."
The elder chuckled softly, a dry, rasping sound. "You will. In time." He turned his gaze to Caleb. "And you, boy. I warned you this path would be dangerous."
Caleb's jaw tightened. "I didn't have a choice."
"You always have a choice," the elder said, his voice hard. "But you've made it now, and the girl is here. So, let us proceed."
---
A Shrouded Past
The elder pulled a chair closer to the table and sat down, folding his hands in front of him. "You've come for answers, haven't you?"
"Yes," Elena said quickly. "I need to know what's happening to me. Why I'm seeing things, hearing voices. Why I feel like I don't belong anywhere."
The elder studied her for a long moment before nodding. "You're not like the others in this town, Elena. You never were. The blood in your veins carries a power that most would fear, a legacy that ties you to this place in ways you cannot yet comprehend."
"What legacy?" she asked, her voice trembling.
He leaned forward slightly. "Your family is not entirely human."
Elena's breath caught. She had suspected something was different about her, but hearing it spoken aloud was both validating and terrifying.
"What are you saying?" she whispered.
"I'm saying that the visions you've seen, the strange sensations you've felt—they are the awakening of your true nature. You are part of an ancient lineage, tied to the wolves of this land."
---
Caleb's Silence
Elena turned to Caleb, searching his face for confirmation, but he avoided her gaze. "Did you know about this?" she asked, her voice rising.
"I suspected," he admitted, his tone low. "But I didn't know for sure."
"And you didn't think to tell me?"
"I didn't want to overwhelm you," he said, finally meeting her eyes. "There's already so much you're dealing with."
Elena shook her head, frustration bubbling inside her. "I had a right to know, Caleb."
"She's right," the elder interjected. "The girl deserves the truth. No more half-answers."
Caleb sighed but said nothing more.
---
The Mark of the Obelisk
The elder rose from his chair and walked to one of the shelves, pulling down an old, leather-bound book. He placed it on the table and opened it to a page filled with strange symbols and drawings.
"This," he said, pointing to a sketch of an obelisk, "is what you saw in your vision, yes?"
Elena nodded.
"It's a sacred marker," he explained. "One of several scattered across this land, each tied to a powerful wolf pack. The obelisk you saw belongs to the Blackwood pack, the most ancient and secretive of them all."
"What does it have to do with me?"
"The obelisk responds only to those with Blackwood blood," he said. "It's a beacon, calling you to fulfill your destiny."
"My destiny?" Elena repeated, her voice shaking.
"To unite the packs and restore balance to the wolves' world," the elder said gravely. "But such a task is not without risk. Many will see you as a threat. Others will seek to use you for their own gain."
---
A Dangerous Proposition
Elena felt like the room was spinning. She had come here for answers, but each one only seemed to raise more questions. "I don't understand," she said. "Why me? I didn't ask for any of this."
"Destiny rarely waits for consent," the elder said. "But whether you embrace it or not is up to you."
Elena looked at Caleb, her eyes pleading. "What do I do?"
He reached for her hand, his touch grounding her. "We'll figure it out together," he said firmly.
The elder cleared his throat. "If you're serious about this, there's someone you need to meet."
"Who?" Caleb asked warily.
"The Oracle," the elder said.
Caleb stiffened. "No. That's too dangerous."
"It's the only way," the elder insisted. "The Oracle can provide the guidance she needs, but it won't be an easy journey."
"What kind of guidance?" Elena asked.
"Clarity," the elder said. "And a glimpse of what lies ahead."
---
An Uneasy Alliance
The conversation lasted late into the night, the elder detailing the perils they would face if they sought the Oracle. By the time he was finished, Elena felt both terrified and determined.
As they prepared to leave the next morning, the elder pulled Caleb aside. "Keep her close," he said. "There are forces at work here that neither of you fully understand."
"I know," Caleb said grimly.
"And Caleb," the elder added, his voice softer, "don't let your feelings cloud your judgment. Protecting her is more important than anything else."
Caleb nodded but said nothing.
---
Back on the Road
As they left the cabin and ventured back into the forest, Elena felt a renewed sense of purpose. The elder's words echoed in her mind, both a warning and a call to action.
"Are you okay?" Caleb asked as they walked.
"No," she admitted. "But I'll manage."
He smiled faintly. "That's the spirit."
For the first time in days, she felt a flicker of hope. Whatever lay ahead, she was determined to face it head-on—with Caleb by her side.